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Canada established relations with Rwanda in 1963. In Rwanda, Canada is represented by a High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya. Canada also has an Office of the High Commission in Kigali. In Canada, Rwanda is represented by a High Commission in Ottawa.
Canada and Rwanda collaborate on a wide range of issues, including environmental protection, peacekeeping, trade and investment promotion, and cooperation within multilateral organizations, such as La Francophonie and the Commonwealth.
Canada notes Rwanda’s national reconciliation process and the progress it has made with respect to development. Our ongoing interests in Rwanda relate to promoting the importance of a pluralist society, respect for human rights, and seeking concrete solutions to challenges in the region related to peace and security.
Canada supported the creation of the Rwanda National University in the city of Butare. Post-genocide, Canada supported efforts to re-establish Rwanda’s social institutions and infrastructure. In 2004, the Canadian Parliament declared April 7 as a Day of Remembrance of the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In 2019, the Canadian Parliament unanimously adopted a motion to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the genocide and to formally designate April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
In 2021, two-way merchandise trade amounted to $13.4 million, consisting of $11.6 million in exports from Canada, and $1.8 million in imports from Rwanda.
Canadian companies’ activities in Rwanda are concentrated in infrastructure, engineering services, mining, and energy sectors. Top Canadian merchandise exports to Rwanda include electrical machinery, aircraft and spacecraft parts, as well as motor vehicles. Top Canadian merchandise imports from Rwanda consist mainly of coffee, tea and spices.
In 2020-21, Canada provided $38.86M in international assistance to Rwanda, channeled mostly through long-term institutional support to multilateral organizations with activities in Rwanda, and Canadian civil society organisations working, in partnership with local organizations, to support Rwanda’s development priorities in areas such as education, health, sexual and reproductive health rights, gender equality, as well as growth that works for everyone.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Rwanda work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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