Rwanda ends eight-year ban on South African meat, agricultural imports
Kigali lifts restrictions on meat, dairy, and other farm products from South Africa.
RWANDA – Rwanda has removed the ban on animal products and agricultural products from South Africa that had been in place since December 2017, local media outlet The News Times reported, citing Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe.
The original restriction was introduced after a listeriosis outbreak in South Africa, prompting Kigali to suspend imports of meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and other animal-origin goods to protect public health.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for the outbreak, poses serious risks, especially to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Minister Bagabe stated that the decision to lift the ban followed comprehensive health inspections that confirmed South Africa is currently free of listeriosis.
The reopening of the Rwandan market offers South African exporters an opportunity to expand their reach across the East African region, where African countries remain key destinations for their farm products.
In 2024, South Africa’s agricultural exports to the continent reached approximately US$6 billion, representing 44 percent of the country’s total export earnings of US$13.7 billion, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz).
This amount reflects an increase of roughly US$1 billion compared with 2023, indicating continued growth in trade with African markets.
Rwanda, like many nations in the region, relies on imports to meet domestic food demand, with UNCTAD data showing that the country imported an average of US$655 million in food products annually between 2021 and 2023.
Officials are expected to prioritize meat imports initially, followed by dairy, fruits, and vegetables as trade channels resume normal operations.
Rwanda’s meat market outlook
Rwanda continues to rely on imports to meet domestic food demand, with UNCTAD data showing the country imported an average of US$655 million in food products annually between 2021 and 2023.
In 2022, Rwanda imported US$67,000 worth of cattle meat, up from US$21,000 the previous year, including frozen boneless beef from Kenya (US$49,110) and South Africa (US$15,400).
Poultry imports reached US$2.99 million in 2023, primarily sourced from the United States (US$2.44 million) and Kenya (US$510,000), highlighting the country’s reliance on foreign supply.
A few months ago, it was reported that local meat markets in Rwanda had seen sharp price increases this year due to rising fuel costs, feed shortages, and reduced supply, affecting both vendors and consumers.
At Nyarugenge Market in Kigali, bony beef now sells for US$4.90 per kilo, up from US$4.50, while boneless cuts are priced at US$6.50 per kilo, showing steady year-on-year growth.
Stomach meat has risen to US$2.45 per kilo from US$2.00, while exotic poultry averages US$2.85 per kilo and local chicken has increased from US$4.30 to US$5.30 per kilo.
Prices for goat and sheep meat have climbed to US$6.10 per kilo from US$4.90, and tilapia is now trading between US$4.50 and US$5.00 depending on availability, reflecting ongoing supply challenges.
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