Rwanda and Tunisia Commit to Strengthening Cooperation in Agriculture

As part of this partnership, Tunisia plans to invest in Rwanda in key areas such as olive tree farming for olive oil production, training of agricultural scientists, and water conservation and protection.

In return, Rwanda could export several agricultural products to Tunisia, including powdered milk, tea, and coffee, among others.

After visiting the Rwanda pavilion at the forum, Minister Ben Cheikh praised the quality and innovation of the products on display especially those developed by young agri-entrepreneurs.

“I was truly impressed by the agricultural products showcased by Rwanda, particularly those created by the youth. This is a clear sign of a vibrant and innovative sector,” said Minister Ben Cheikh. 

Rwandan and Tunisian ministers discuss strengthening ties in agriculture at the Africa Food Systems Forum

 He added: “Tunisia is eager to work closely with Rwanda to build resilient, modern agricultural systems that benefit both our people.”

For his part, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture welcomed the collaboration: “This partnership with Tunisia opens new doors for investment, skills exchange, and trade,” said Dr. Bagabe. 

He also added: “We are committed to creating strong bilateral ties that drive innovation in agriculture, boost productivity, and create market opportunities for Rwandan farmers.”

Rwanda’s agriculture sector contributed about 25–27% of GDP in 2024, grew by 5%, and employs roughly 40% of the workforce, while the country’s overall GDP expanded by 8.9% in 2024 and 7.8% in Q1 2025. In Tunisia, agriculture represents about 11.6% of GDP, with olive oil as a key export: between Nov 2024 and Jun 2025, Tunisia exported 224,600 tonnes of olive oil (up 35.9% from the previous year), but revenues dropped 31% to TND 3.03 billion due to falling prices; packaged oil remains limited at 13.6%, and organic exports mainly to Europe and North America accounted for 45,000 tonnes worth TND (Tunisian Dinar) 610.8 million

This meeting between Rwanda and Tunisia marks the beginning of a strategic agricultural partnership focused on investment, knowledge exchange, and trade. By combining Tunisia’s expertise in areas like olive cultivation and water management with Rwanda’s innovative agri-products and youthful entrepreneurship, both countries aim to build resilient, modern farming systems. The collaboration is expected to enhance productivity, create market opportunities, and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual growth and food security.

Tunisia to invest in Rwanda’s olive farming, training, and water management initiatives

Rwandan youth showcase innovative agricultural products at the forum pavilion