NAEB with Partners inaugurated Specialized Export Quality Infrastructure (SEQI) to enhance Rwanda’s agri-exports standards and market access
Kigali, June 16, 2025; The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) with Partners officially inaugurated the Specialized Export Quality Infrastructure (SEQI). This milestone marks a major step in Rwanda’s journey to strengthen its testing capacity that will enhance competitiveness of Rwandan agricultural products in global markets by ensuring that they meet international quality standards.
The SEQI is a purpose-built facility designed not only to offer laboratory testing services but also to provide certification and compliance services. Its overarching goal is to ensure that Rwandan export products meet both international quality standards and specific market requirements. SEQI operates on key pillars—standards, metrology, testing, certification, and accreditation; which support conformity assessment processes essential for global market entry.
Beyond laboratory services, the SEQI plays a critical role in issuing export quality certificates following thorough product testing and analysis. It is a hub that will benefit farmers, processors, and exporters across value chains by ensuring the integrity and quality of Rwanda’s agricultural products. The Guest of Honour, Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, noted: “This infrastructure came on time where Rwanda aims at enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products on the international market where SEQI is expected to play a key role in assuring quality for the exported products. Investing in quality infrastructure promotes sustainable development by ensuring food safety, protecting the environment, and supporting long-term economic growth.”
“As a country, we thank the European Union for both technical and financial support to upgrade this export quality infrastructure and as well as the acquisition of the testing equipment and technical assistance. Moving forward, NAEB has initiated the accreditation process for SEQI to demonstrate the laboratory's competence and adherence to international standards. The SEQI accreditation is expected to reduce barriers to trade, facilitates market access, and enhances consumer confidence.” Noted Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe.
With an investment of €3.4 million, SEQI is aligned with Rwanda’s long-term strategy to diversify exports, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and ensure sustainable agri-export growth. It is expected to significantly boost Rwanda’s ability to meet international buyer expectations, particularly in high-value markets. For photos of the Event, click here.
NAEB with Partners inaugurated Specialized Export Quality Infrastructure (SEQI) to enhance Rwanda’s agri-exports standards and market access
Kigali, June 16, 2025; The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) with Partners officially inaugurated the Specialized Export Quality Infrastructure (SEQI). This milestone marks a major step in Rwanda’s journey to strengthen its testing capacity that will enhance competitiveness of Rwandan agricultural products in global markets by ensuring that they meet international quality standards.
The SEQI is a purpose-built facility designed not only to offer laboratory testing services but also to provide certification and compliance services. Its overarching goal is to ensure that Rwandan export products meet both international quality standards and specific market requirements. SEQI operates on key pillars—standards, metrology, testing, certification, and accreditation; which support conformity assessment processes essential for global market entry.
Beyond laboratory services, the SEQI plays a critical role in issuing export quality certificates following thorough product testing and analysis. It is a hub that will benefit farmers, processors, and exporters across value chains by ensuring the integrity and quality of Rwanda’s agricultural products. The Guest of Honour, Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, noted: “This infrastructure came on time where Rwanda aims at enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products on the international market where SEQI is expected to play a key role in assuring quality for the exported products. Investing in quality infrastructure promotes sustainable development by ensuring food safety, protecting the environment, and supporting long-term economic growth.”
“As a country, we thank the European Union for both technical and financial support to upgrade this export quality infrastructure and as well as the acquisition of the testing equipment and technical assistance. Moving forward, NAEB has initiated the accreditation process for SEQI to demonstrate the laboratory's competence and adherence to international standards. The SEQI accreditation is expected to reduce barriers to trade, facilitates market access, and enhances consumer confidence.” Noted Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe.
With an investment of €3.4 million, SEQI is aligned with Rwanda’s long-term strategy to diversify exports, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and ensure sustainable agri-export growth. It is expected to significantly boost Rwanda’s ability to meet international buyer expectations, particularly in high-value markets. For photos of the Event, click here.
