Rwanda and Senegal have expressed their commitment to strengthening their political ties and boosting investment and trade between the two countries. The two countries have a low level of trade, with bilateral trade valued at 131 million CFA francs in 2025, equivalent to 327 million Rwandan francs. To address this, a business forum was held in Kigali, bringing together entrepreneurs from both countries to explore opportunities for investment and trade.
The business forum, which took place on October 6, 2026, was organized by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Senegalese Investment Promotion Agency (APIX). The forum aimed to turn the good political relations between the two countries into concrete investments and sustainable partnerships. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between RDB and APIX to enhance cooperation between the two countries, share information on investment opportunities, and monitor projects aimed at promoting investment.
Rwanda's economy has been growing well, with a 9.4% growth rate in 2025 and continued growth in the second quarter of 2026. In 2025, Rwanda attracted investments worth $2.62 billion, with 800 projects expected to create 40,000 jobs. RDB's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Juliana Muganza, highlighted the country's potential as a hub for investors to access the regional market. She emphasized that RDB's role goes beyond just attracting investors, but also provides various services to help them navigate the business environment.
On the Senegalese side, APIX's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Moustapha Cissé, praised Rwanda's welcoming environment for investors and tourists. However, he noted that trade between the two countries remains low. Cissé identified the gap between good political relations and limited business and investment as a challenge that both countries need to address. He highlighted Senegal's efforts to improve its investment climate through a new investment law and the use of technology to provide better services.
Rwandan entrepreneurs who have done business in Senegal highlighted the challenges they faced, including high transportation costs and limited air connectivity. Gloria Kamanzi Uwera, a Rwandan entrepreneur, noted that the new partnership between RDB and APIX could help address some of these challenges. She emphasized that Senegal offers many opportunities, particularly as a member of the Francophonie.
Other Rwandan entrepreneurs, including Nzamwita Pacique and Kamayirese Jean d'Amour, also highlighted the potential for growth in trade and investment between the two countries. Pacique noted that the high cost of flights between Kigali and Dakar is a significant challenge, while d'Amour saw opportunities for Rwandan leather products in the Senegalese market.
The new partnership between RDB and APIX is expected to boost trade and investment between Rwanda and Senegal. The two countries aim to increase cooperation in various sectors, including transportation, construction, and agriculture. By addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and investors, Rwanda and Senegal hope to unlock the full potential of their economic relationship.
Key points
- Rwanda and Senegal have agreed to strengthen their political ties and boost investment and trade between the two countries.
- The two countries have a low level of trade, with bilateral trade valued at 131 million CFA francs in 2025.
- The new partnership between RDB and APIX aims to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and investors, and unlock the full potential of the economic relationship between Rwanda and Senegal.
