Rwanda Genocide Analysis

The genocide of 1994 caused a tremendous setback in Rwanda’s economy, which is predominantly based on its production of agriculture as it has few natural resources. Yet today Rwanda continues to make strides in getting its economy back on track through trade agreements, investment relationships, and the privatization of farmland. These farms are responsible for producing Rwanda’s top two export commodities - coffee and tea. Coffee and tea constitute 70-80% of its trade revenue from the international market. With an average coffee production of just under 15,000,000 ton and tea production of 15,000 Rwanda received revenues of $20 million (US). Although the steady growth is primarily due to the exporting of coffee and tea Rwanda’s other exports - coltan, casserite, iron ore, tin and animal hides have aided in its economic recovery. Within the last five years the total of Rwanda’s exports generated nearly $215 million (US). These revenues are based on the international market with most of Rwanda’s exports going to Brazil, Pakistan, China, Spain, Thailand, Belgium, Germany, and the United States. In contrast Rwanda import considerably more than it exports. Its main imported item include various foods, textiles, motor vehicles, steel, petroleum products, cement/construction materials, along with machinery and equipment. The cost of these imports average $790 million (US) being paid to France, Israel, China, Tanzania, Uganda, Belgium, Kenya, and Germany.

Not only does the Rwandan government continue its attempt of economic recovery, it also continues to struggle with urbanization. Rwanda has the lowest growth rate in Africa. In present day the majority of its population [approx. 90%] consist of rural farmers while the balance of Rwand...

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...pport Instrument (PSI).

In summary although landlocked Rwanda has made many positive economic strides in leveraging itself for not only global but regional trade, to align its budget, trade, and immigration policies. Rwanda is also a member of three regional trade organizations. In January 2012 the U.S. - Rwanda Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) was entered into force. The United States-Rwanda Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). USTR’s Africa Office is at the forefront in the U.S. efforts to establish in a new trade and investment partnership with the East African Community. On August 12, 2013 – USTR Froman announced New Efforts to Strengthen Ties with the East African Community under President Obama’s Trade Africa Initiative. These types of treaties, investment relationships, and trade agreements will further aid in the developing of Rwanda’s economy.