Fifteen Rwandan women entrepreneurs have traveled to the United Kingdom through the SheTrades initiative of the International Trade Centre (ITC) to gain exposure to international markets and strengthen their export capacity.
The study visit took place from March 25 to March 28, 2026, bringing together women involved in the production and trade of fruits, vegetables and coffee. The program aims to equip them with knowledge and connections that can help expand their businesses globally.
During the visit, the entrepreneurs toured markets in London and Birmingham, where they learned how international markets operate, what customers prefer, the requirements for exporting products, and opportunities to connect with potential buyers.
SheTrades program advisor Gisele Umuhoza said the initiative helps create market opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthens their businesses.
“We connect women exporters with buyers and distributors to create real opportunities for these entrepreneurs to grow,” she said.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, noted that the initiative aligns with the growing trade cooperation between Rwanda and the UK.
“The United Kingdom remains an important trade partner for Rwanda, and programs like SheTrades align with our economic cooperation agenda by creating meaningful opportunities to strengthen trade relations between our countries,” he said.
Meanwhile, through collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), 20 women entrepreneurs also participated in the International Food and Drink Event held in London from March 30 to April 1, 2026.
The event provided an international platform to showcase Rwanda’s coffee and other agricultural products, while promoting women-led businesses and strengthening partnerships with global buyers.
Officials say connecting Rwandan women entrepreneurs with international buyers through the SheTrades program not only increases export opportunities but also contributes to Rwanda’s broader economic growth.
