Rwanda and Senegal have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The agreement was signed in Kigali on Wednesday, during a business and investment forum that brought together delegations from both countries. The deal is expected to facilitate investment, promote business, and enhance cooperation in economic matters between Rwanda and Senegal.
The agreement was signed between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Senegalese Agency for the Promotion of Investment (APIX). According to Juliana Kangeri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RDB, the partnership between Rwanda and Senegal has made significant strides in areas such as agriculture and livestock. The two countries have a long-standing relationship based on economic cooperation, diplomacy, and African continental development.
Rwanda and Senegal have a history of cooperation dating back to 1975, with agreements in areas such as culture, education, and communication. In 2011, Rwanda opened its embassy in Dakar, further solidifying its relationship with Senegal. The two countries have also signed agreements on air transport, a permanent commission, and cooperation in the field of information and communication.
The agreement is expected to boost economic ties between the two countries, which have been strengthened by high-level visits in recent months. In May 2025, President Paul Kagame made a state visit to Senegal, while in October 2025, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited Rwanda, where he and Kagame signed several cooperation agreements in areas such as agriculture, health, and sports.
The relationship between Rwanda and Senegal is also characterized by strong ties between political parties. The ruling party in Rwanda, the Front Patriotique Rwandais (FPR) Inkotanyi, has a strong relationship with the ruling party in Senegal, the Parti Africain pour la Solidarité et la Justice (PASTEF). This cooperation is expected to further enhance the already strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement signed in Kigali is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both countries. By promoting investment and business, the two countries aim to increase trade and economic cooperation, which will have a positive impact on the lives of their citizens. The agreement is a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Rwanda and Senegal.
The cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Senegal is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. With a long history of cooperation and a strong foundation of economic and diplomatic ties, Rwanda and Senegal are poised to take their relationship to the next level. The agreement is expected to have a lasting impact on the economies of both countries and will pave the way for future cooperation.
Key points
- The agreement aims to facilitate investment, promote business, and enhance cooperation in economic matters between Rwanda and Senegal.
- The two countries have a long-standing relationship based on economic cooperation, diplomacy, and African continental development.
- The agreement was signed between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Senegalese Agency for the Promotion of Investment (APIX).
