The first phase of the Horti-Export project contributed significantly to Rwanda’s horticultural export growth by expanding its market base, and its second phase will further increase such gains, sector actors indicated. They made the observations on Thursday, March 02, in Kigali, during the launch of this Horticulture Export Development project (Horti-Export) Phase 2 and the closure of its Phase 1 by IDH Rwanda.
This project phase runs for 19 months, from December 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024, and like the first one, it is funded, to a tune of €1 million (about Rwf1.1 billion), by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)’s Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition.” Its implementation is led by IDH.
The Horti–Export project aims to enhance the commercialization of Rwanda’s horticulture sector by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), leading to export growth and, through this, the creation of employment opportunities, improved working conditions of employees and farm workers, and increased smallholder farmer income.
According to information from IDH Rwanda, the second phase of the project is estimated to create 650 new jobs along the horticultural value chain, 50 percent of which are for women and 20 percent for youth. It is expected to increase horticulture export volume to 50 tonnes per week by beneficiary small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Read more at idhsustainabletrade.com