Rwanda's expenditure on sunflower-seed and safflower oil imports surged to nearly $16 million in 2025, up from $8.41 million in 2024, according to World Bank trade data. The significant increase reflects efforts to boost domestic sunflower production. In 2025, Rwanda imported approximately 9,759 tonnes of these oils, valued at $15.96 million, compared to about 6,100 tonnes the previous year.
The import bill for sunflower-seed and safflower oil rose by nearly 90%, representing an additional $7.54 million in expenditure compared to 2024. Of the total amount spent in 2025, $13.96 million was allocated to non-crude sunflower-seed and safflower oil, while crude oil imports accounted for approximately $2 million. Egypt was the largest supplier of non-crude oil, exporting products worth $12.76 million to Rwanda, equivalent to about 7,669 tonnes.
Other suppliers of sunflower-seed and safflower oil to Rwanda included Uganda, Kenya, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In the crude oil category, Ukraine dominated, supplying approximately 1,320 tonnes valued at $1.94 million, while Uganda accounted for a smaller share. These figures cover both sunflower-seed and safflower oils under international trade classifications and do not separately identify the value of sunflower oil alone.
The substantial import bill comes as Rwanda works to strengthen domestic sunflower farming and processing. This initiative aims to create opportunities for farmers to supply raw materials to local oil producers. The European Cooperative for Rural Development (EUCORD), supported by the Achmea Foundation, is implementing the second phase of its Ibihwagari Project, which runs from 2026 to 2028.
The €278,000 initiative, which began on July 1, is expanding activities into Ngoma, Gisagara, and Nyanza districts. It plans to train 8,000 farmers in improved agricultural practices and targets sunflower cultivation across 3,000 hectares, with an expected yield of 2.5 tonnes per hectare. If achieved, the project would generate approximately 7,500 tonnes of sunflower seeds for processing.
EUCORD projects that this output could support the production of 2,250 tonnes of sunflower oil and 3,375 tonnes of animal feed, while generating more than €1.5 million in net income. The initiative builds on earlier work to connect sunflower farmers with processing companies, improve agricultural practices, and strengthen cooperatives' access to reliable markets.
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) also supports sunflower production through its Pulses and Oil Crops Programme. This programme focuses on improved crop varieties, productivity, and stronger links between farmers and processors. For Rwanda's sunflower farmers and oil processors, the nearly $16 million import bill highlights the size of the domestic market and the opportunities available to local producers.
Key points
- Rwanda spent nearly $16 million importing sunflower-seed and safflower oil in 2025.
- The European Cooperative for Rural Development is implementing a project to boost domestic sunflower production.
- The initiative aims to generate approximately 7,500 tonnes of sunflower seeds for processing.
