Rwanda: Agric Minister Explains Plan to Fast-Track Food Innovation Drive

What the report says

Rwanda’s government plans to set up a new food innovation partnership to turn agricultural ideas and technologies into market-ready products, according to The New Times, which reported remarks from Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources Solange Uwituze. The Rwanda Food Innovation Partnership, or RFIP, will implement the newly approved Rwanda Food Innovation Ecosystem Strategy for 2026-2035 and is intended to bring together innovators, researchers, investors, regulators and public institutions.

The article said Cabinet approved the strategy on July 24, clearing the way for the partnership. Uwituze said the goal is to speed the path from research and prototypes to testing, financing and commercial use. The government argues Rwanda needs a more coordinated system because agriculture remains a major employer and economic sector, while facing challenges such as post-harvest losses, limited mechanization, low value addition, child stunting and weak private investment in innovation. The strategy was developed with support from AGRA and the World Economic Forum.

The planned partnership will begin as a small secretariat housed in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, then is expected to become an independent entity from 2028. Its functions will include linking innovators with investors, supporting technology transfer, and improving coordination among agencies such as the Rwanda Standards Board, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Rwanda Agriculture Board and Rwanda Development Board.

The strategy is aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and other national plans, and aims by 2035 to support export growth, job creation and improved nutrition. The government says the initiative could help farmers, businesses and consumers through better productivity, lower losses and stronger food-sector innovation.