More information about Rwanda is available on the Rwanda Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-RWANDA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1990 to 1994, the country experienced civil war and genocide. The United States seeks to help Rwanda meet the needs of its population, including increased social cohesion in a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Rwanda that provides good governance and an enabling environment for private sector-led growth. The United States supports Rwandan efforts to increase democratic participation, enhance respect for civil and political rights, build capacity of its peacekeeping forces, grow its economy, and improve the quality of health services and basic education. Rwanda has made progress in developing national and local government institutions, economic development, maintaining security, promoting reconciliation and achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.
U.S. Assistance to Rwanda
The United States assists Rwanda in improving the quality and sustainability of the health system; expanding economic opportunities in rural areas, particularly through a strengthened agricultural production and food security program; strengthening engagement between civil society and government; expanding access to electricity; and improving the foundational educational system and skills (literacy, numeracy, and workforce readiness) that prepare Rwandan youth for a modern service-based economy. These goals are carried out through various presidential initiatives such as Feed the Future; Power Africa; Prosper Africa; Trade Africa; the President’s Malaria Initiative and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). U.S. assistance also supports Rwanda’s refugee response and promotes regional economic integration to spur business development, entrepreneurship, and increased employment opportunities.
Bilateral Economic Relations
In November 2019 an American Chamber of Commerce was formed with 50 members. U.S. exports to Rwanda include aircraft, pharmaceutical and scientific products, machinery, optical and medical instruments, construction equipment, and agricultural products. U.S. imports from Rwanda include coffee and other agricultural products, tantalum and tungsten ores, basketwork, handbags, and apparel. Rwanda is eligible for limited preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The United States and Rwanda have a trade and investment framework agreement (signed in 2006) and a bilateral investment treaty (signed in 2011). The United States also has signed trade and investment framework agreements with the East African Community (EAC) and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Rwanda is a member of both regional organizations. U.S. business interests in Rwanda are expanding, with private U.S. investment in tea, coffee, energy, mining, water treatment, banking, franchising, services, and manufacturing. Rwanda’s Membership in International Organizations.
Rwanda and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and World Intellectual Property Organization. Rwanda is also a member of a number of regional organizations, including the African Union, COMESA, and EAC.
Bilateral Representation
Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
The Rwandan Ambassador to the United States is Mathilde Mukantabana. Rwanda maintains an embassy in the United States at 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202-232-2882).
More information about Rwanda is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
CIA World Factbook Rwanda Page
U.S. Embassy
USAID Rwanda Page
History of U.S. Relations With Rwanda
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation: Rwanda
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