Rwanda spent nearly $16 million importing sunflower-seed and safflower oil in 2025, up from $8.41 million the previous year, according to World Bank trade data, as efforts continue to increase domestic sunflower production.
Figures from the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) database show that the country imported approximately 9,759 tonnes of the oils, valued at $15.96 million, compared with about 6,100 tonnes in 2024.
The import bill increased by nearly 90%, representing an additional $7.54 million in expenditure compared with the previous year.
Of the total amount spent in 2025, $13.96 million went towards non-crude sunflower-seed and safflower oil, while crude oil imports accounted for approximately $2 million.
Egypt was the largest supplier of non-crude oil, exporting products worth $12.76 million to Rwanda, equivalent to about 7,669 tonnes. Uganda, Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia were among the other suppliers.
Ukraine dominated the crude oil category, supplying approximately 1,320 tonnes valued at $1.94 million, while Uganda accounted for a smaller share.
The figures cover both sunflower-seed and safflower oils under international trade classifications and do not separately identify the value of sunflower oil alone. They also represent import expenditure rather than retail prices paid by consumers.
The substantial import bill comes as Rwanda works to strengthen domestic sunflower farming and processing, creating opportunities for farmers to supply raw materials to local oil producers.
The European Cooperative for Rural Development (EUCORD), supported by the Achmea Foundation, is implementing the second phase of its Ibihwagari Project, which runs from 2026 to 2028.
The €278,000 initiative, which began on July 1, is expanding activities into Ngoma, Gisagara and Nyanza districts, with plans to train 8,000 farmers in improved agricultural practices.
It also targets sunflower cultivation across 3,000 hectares, with an expected yield of 2.5 tonnes per hectare.
If achieved, the project would generate approximately 7,500 tonnes of sunflower seeds for processing.
EUCORD projects that this output could support the production of 2,250 tonnes of sunflower oil and 3,375 tonnes of animal feed, while generating more than €1.5 million in net income.
The initiative builds on earlier work to connect sunflower farmers with processing companies, improve agricultural practices and strengthen cooperatives’ access to reliable markets.
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) also supports sunflower production through its Pulses and Oil Crops Programme, which focuses on improved crop varieties, productivity and stronger links between farmers and processors.
For Rwanda’s sunflower farmers and oil processors, the nearly $16 million import bill highlights the size of the domestic market and the opportunities available to local producers as investment in sunflower cultivation and processing continues.
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