Rwanda and Senegal deepen economic ties, with agriculture and standards in focus

KIGALI, Oct. 8, 2026 – Rwanda and Senegal have signed 11 agreements and cooperation instruments covering agriculture, standardization, tourism, technology, scientific research, culture, sports and investment, as the two countries move to deepen economic and bilateral ties.

The agreements were signed in Kigali on Oct. 7 at the conclusion of the first session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation between Rwanda and Senegal, which brought together senior officials from both countries.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and Senegal’s Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad Cheikh Niang led their respective delegations.

The package includes memoranda of understanding on political consultations, information and communication technology and innovation, tourism, youth, culture and the arts, sports, and standardization.

The two countries also concluded agreements covering higher education and scientific research, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition and the transfer of sentenced persons.

The agreements expand cooperation into sectors with implications for trade, investment, education, innovation and economic development.

Agriculture and standards among areas of cooperation

Agriculture is among the sectors the two countries have identified for expanded cooperation, alongside education, health, infrastructure, the digital economy, tourism, culture, defence and security, and investment.

The agricultural cooperation comes as both countries continue to place importance on food production, agro-processing and the development of value chains that can create opportunities for producers and businesses.

Tourism is also part of the new cooperation framework, connecting the two countries through a sector that brings together investment, cultural heritage and the sustainable use of natural and cultural resources.

Another key area is standardization.

The agreement on cooperation in standardization provides a framework for the two countries to work together in an area that supports product quality, conformity assessment and trade.

Closer cooperation on standards can be particularly relevant as businesses seek to access new markets and develop partnerships across Africa.

RDB and APIX strengthen investment cooperation

The diplomatic discussions were accompanied by a Rwanda-Senegal Business Forum, where public and private-sector representatives explored opportunities for trade, investment and business partnerships.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Senegal’s investment promotion agency, APIX, also signed a memorandum of understanding witnessed by the two foreign ministers.

The agreement is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two investment promotion institutions and supporting greater connections between businesses in Rwanda and Senegal.

The two countries encouraged their private sectors to increase exchanges and undertake investment missions to explore opportunities in each other’s markets.

Agriculture and agro-processing, construction, real estate, fashion and trade are among the areas identified for potential business cooperation.

For Rwanda, stronger commercial links with Senegal could also provide opportunities for locally produced goods and services to reach the West African market, while Senegalese businesses could gain greater access to opportunities in Rwanda and the wider East African region.

Cooperation extends beyond trade

The agreements form part of a broader effort to strengthen relations between Rwanda and Senegal.

During their meeting, the two ministers discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation for the benefit of the Rwandan and Senegalese peoples and identified several areas for further collaboration, including defence and security, education, sport, the economy, culture, infrastructure, digital technology, agriculture, health, tourism and investment.

The two sides also agreed to establish a joint committee to follow up on decisions and recommendations from the Joint Permanent Commission.

The committee is expected to support regular and coordinated monitoring of commitments made by the two countries and help advance the implementation of agreements reached during the first session.

The two governments called for the effective and timely implementation of the decisions and recommendations adopted during the meeting.

The second session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation will be held in Senegal, with the date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.

The latest agreements add to the growing framework of cooperation between Rwanda and Senegal, bringing economic, scientific, agricultural, technological and cultural interests into a broader bilateral partnership.