• Rwanda is targeting China and India to diversify horticulture export markets
• Airspace restrictions have disrupted shipments to the Middle East, a key outlet
• The shock highlights risks tied to heavy geographic concentration of exports

Airspace restrictions in the Middle East have disrupted Rwanda’s horticulture exports, cutting off a key route for perishable goods.

The disruption follows escalating military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran since late February 2026. Several countries in the region have closed or restricted their airspace, affecting cargo flights to a destination that absorbs a large share of Rwanda’s produce.

#Rwandan exporters are counting losses following disruptions in the Middle East, the main destination for the country’s avocado exports.https://t.co/kvY7vTAvQ6

— The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) March 18, 2026

The Middle East, particularly Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, has been the main outlet for Rwandan horticulture exports. The Rwanda Horticultural Exporters Association (HEAR) estimates that more than 90% of the country’s avocado shipments are sent there.

The impact has been immediate. “The abrupt suspension of flights disrupted our planned harvests, and avocados cannot be stored for long because they are highly perishable,” said Annie Justine Uwamahoro, secretary general of HEAR. “The Middle East is no longer reliable. We need support to access alternative markets and explore financial safeguards, such as insurance, to mitigate risks beyond our control.”

Faced with these disruptions, the government is now seeking to redirect exports. According to The New Times, Trade and Industry Minister Prudence Sebahizi said Rwanda is exploring new markets, including China and India, and will support exporters looking to enter them.

The episode underscores the risks tied to the sector’s heavy geographic concentration. For Kigali, diversifying export markets has become critical to protect exporters’ revenues and sustain growth in a segment that is gaining importance in agricultural income.

Data from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) show that horticulture export revenues rose 15% year over year to $86.06 million in 2024/2025. Vegetables generated nearly 63% of earnings, followed by fruits—mainly avocados—while the remainder came from cut flowers.

Overall, horticulture accounted for about 9.6% of Rwanda’s agricultural export revenues, which totaled $891.13 million in 2024/2025, according to NAEB.

Stéphanas Assocle