Emerging opportunities in the mining industry

By Derrick Silimina

Braving the sweltering afternoon heat, Joseph Mbomena skillfully engages the gears of the giant dump truck atop the FQM Trident’s Enterprise Nickel Mine in Kalumbila District of North-Western Province.

Mbomena, aged 35, is a trained local dump truck operator working at Mineral Link, a Zambian-owned company renowned for its expertise in bulk road-based logistics. He operates at FQM Trident’s Enterprise Nickel Mine, which is a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM). 

“I am super excited to be among the few young local people trained by Mineral Link to operate their heavy-duty trucks here at the mine site. This opportunity has really transformed my livelihood,” he said.

Mbomena, a local resident of Kisasa area, stressed that his remarkable personal growth and ambition initially started while working as a cook at Allterrain Services (ATS) Group, a key contractor providing catering services at FQM Trident mine. 

Aspired to one day work for the mine, he later transitioned to become a qualified dump truck operator at Mineral Link, illustrating his progression within the mining industry and inspiring other youth to pursue diverse career opportunities in this sector.

Mbomena is among other young people's stories that exemplifies the emerging opportunities within the mining industry as their experiences serve as an inspiration to their community, encouraging peers to explore careers beyond traditional roles and highlighting the potential for youth to engage in dynamic, modern sectors. 

“I am very grateful to FQM Trident for having engaged my employers - Mineral Link, a viable mine initiative that has benefited us local people through skills development and job creation.”

The Zambian government recently enacted the Local Content Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 68, targeting the mining sector to boost the participation of local SMEs. Signed into law in October 2025, this SI requires mining companies to allocate a designated percentage of their procurement activities to Zambian-owned businesses, thereby fostering local enterprise growth and broader involvement of local SMEs within the mining industry.

Mineral Link Limited, a prominent Zambian-owned company, is considered a major success story in local business empowerment. This success is attributed to its strategic partnership with FQM Trident, which encompasses the Sentinel and Enterprise mines in Kalumbila, ultimately strengthening its position within the industry.

“We first got introduced at FQM Trident in 2022 as a service provider with one bulldozer. Through-out the years, the mining firm has groomed us into being one of their support contractors here at their mine pit,” said Mineral Link Operations Director Melvin Karabassis. 

Established in 2001, Karabassis hinted that his firm has built a reputation for its expertise in bulk road-based logistics, primarily involving the transportation of large volumes of ore, copper concentrates, and heavy materials. 

He added that over the past four years, the company has transitioned from being solely a service provider to being considered for major projects, including the Kansanshi S3 project and ore haulage at the Enterprise mine site in Kalumbila district.

Mineral Link Limited specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for the mining and infrastructure sectors with its core services encompass maintaining and hiring out a fleet of major capital equipment, such as Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs), Front-end Loaders, Bulldozers, and Excavators, to mines and contractors. Additionally, the company acts as a mining supplier of various goods and backup services necessary for uninterrupted mine operations. It also offers essential services including civil engineering, road construction, de-silting, and comprehensive mining support.

“We’ve got an agreement with Trident Foundation to ensure that a lot of our locals get equal opportunities as well to participate in some of the mining activities. We have an apprentice programme especially on our ADTs side of business where we take seven students every three months from the Mbole Training Institute and those that excel get full-time employment,” Karabassis said.

Karabassis is optimistic that FQM Trident continues to reaffirm its commitment to promoting local business empowerment. As a result, Mineral Link has grown to become a key player in the Zambian mining supply chain, contributing to local employment and capacity building - a significant milestone in the ongoing drive to build sustainable local capacity within the mining logistics sector.

Mineral Link Site Manager Samuel Mpempulwa has praised FQM Trident for their purposeful efforts to develop local mine contractors and suppliers adding that the approach has a multiplier effect, benefiting not only the involved companies but also the surrounding communities.

“Our operational plan is both efficient and ambitious. We mobilise around 25 tipper trucks to handle 100 percent of ore movement volumes to reach full operational capacity. This fleet will operate at an optimal utilisation rate of 85 percent, supported by a highly trained local workforce,” Mpempulwa said.

He disclosed that since its inception with only 25 employees, Mineral Link has now employed over 70 local drivers, including tipper drivers, loader operators, dozer operators, excavator operators, as well as maintenance and supervisory staff.

Mpempulwa further allayed the notion that Zambian contractors lack the capacity to execute quality services and meet the demand expected in the mining supply chain.

“We have a belief and motto that Zambians can do it too and as much as we keep challenging the status quo. We are here to change the narrative on Zambian contractors and their capabilities. We urge other corporate organizations to emulate what FQM Trident is doing to harness local talent just like the way they have done to Mineral Link.”

In this context, FQM Trident Superintendent of Commercial Contracts Thomas Lungu emphasized that the partnership between the mining company and Minerallink is centered on skills transfer, workforce development, and job creation. This collaboration aims to source locally produced goods and services, improve community engagement, and upskill local workers through initiatives such as the Mbole Trades School.

“For FQM Trident and Mineral Link or any other vendor, there is a knowledge transfer, there's a skills transfer that obviously FQM benefits from at a group level, but is able to bring to contractors as well at a local level. And we also have active community based employment initiatives through the Trident Foundation limited and all that feeds into this partnership at a wider level,” Lungu stated.

He demonstrated that Mineral Link, through its unique subcontractors, is also benefiting from the partnership, an approach that enables them to reach a broader audience than FQM Trident could achieve alone, resulting in a multiplier effect that extends significantly to local vendors and the community at large.

Lungu emphasized that, given Zambia's status as a predominantly mining-driven economy, the unique partnership between FQM Trident and Mineral Link will play a significant role in facilitating skills transfer, workforce development, and job creation, a collaboration expected to have a positive impact on local employment and capacity building within the industry.

“We are basically moving a service that we've previously done ourselves and giving that to a local contractor without any change in scope, basically moving our own people and our own feet to do something that is closer to our business.”

Wheels of opportunity

By Derrick Silimina

In the busy streets of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, Joel Kangwa fired up his red Haojue. It is not just a motorbike. It is the reason he wakes up each morning with purpose. He kicked the starter and the engine responded with a low growl. 

“Working as a courier on my motorbike is a dream come true. I now earn more than double what I used to make as a salesman in the industrial area,” he said. 

As Kangwa begins his first trip, the breeze rushing past his helmet creates a smooth rhythm that evokes a sense of purpose and vitality. It highlights how essential his motorbike is to completing his daily deliveries. 

Kangwa, 30, took a job as a delivery rider two years ago. Thanks to this work, he was able to buy a fuel-efficient Chinese motorbike that is easy to maintain. This shows how gig work helped him to climb economically and build assets. 

“My flexible working hours and lack of direct supervision give me a sense of independence. The steady income improves my economic stability and brings a sense of purpose and well-being,” he said. 

  

Positive results 

The use of Chinese-made motorbikes in the Southern African country provides young people with vital livelihood opportunities amid high unemployment. By registering on courier platforms, riders earn income delivering various goods such as food, flowers, household appliances and parcels, receiving payment for each delivery. 

This delivery business not only boosts economic activity nationwide, but also provides flexible jobs for young people with few opportunities. It helps to reduce poverty and build economic resilience. 

“I do not have to look for work anymore. I am glad to use my bike to earn a living because this job lets me pay rent, feed my family and save some money,” said Kangwa. 

Joshua Mwanza, with only a month in the transport business, is already seeing positive results using his Jialing motorbike at Kapata Bus Station in Chipata District, east Zambia. This quick progress shows how fast new entrants in the transport sector can benefit and establish themselves, especially with reliable Chinese motorbikes that enable efficient passenger transport. 

“After finishing tertiary education, I tried to find a job but had no luck. I saw the transport business growing and gave it a shot after buying a second-hand Jialing motorbike,” Mwanza explained. 

For George Chirwa, a young aspiring motorcycle mechanic, the widespread availability of spare parts especially from Chinese manufacturers has made maintenance and customization easier. 

This sparked his idea to open a garage on Lusaka’s Lumumba Road where he hopes to tap into the rising demand for repairs and customization. 

At Chirwa’s workshop, the clatter of tools, the sharp ping of a dropped bolt, and the soft hiss of a tire being re-inflated form the daily soundtrack of his work. Surrounded by colorful motorcycles, his careful inspection of worn brake pads, a kinked throttle cable and a loose chain reflects his experienced approach and deep understanding of motorcycle mechanics. 

“Nowadays, I don’t worry about bills or the high cost of living in Lusaka. With the strong demand for bike repairs, I earn a stable daily income,” said Chirwa who specializes in repairing Chinese motorbikes such as Lifan, Haojue, Xianfeng, and Jialing among other brands. 

Role of Chinese manufacturing 

The use of Chinese-made motorcycles by individuals like Kangwa and Mwanza, along with Chirwa’s expertise in repairing these brands, highlights the tangible impact of Chinese manufacturing on mobility and economic participation in Zambia. 

The ease of movement and the availability of repair services for these bikes support local economic activity and employment, showing how Chinese products contribute to the welfare of local communities. 

As Chinese investment in motorbike assembly plants and production increases across Africa including Zambia, some of these efforts, such as agreements signed during the recent Western China International Fair, are expected to support more localized production and create additional employment opportunities in the region. 

Many of these vehicles are produced in Chongqing, a global centre for motorcycle manufacturing, showing China’s key role in offering low-cost and accessible transport across Africa. 

“Africa is one of our most important overseas markets. In the first quarter of this year alone, we exported more than 130,000 motorcycles worth nearly $90 million,” said Zhou Chun, manager of the International Department at Zonsen Motorcycle. 

Chongqing’s export of over 5 million motorcycles shows strong growth and points to a trade relationship that could reshape local markets and increase motorcycle use in Zambia and beyond. 

Deals worth 1.65 billion yuan ($232 million) signed between Chongqing enterprises and African countries like Rwanda and Kenya during the Western China International Fair show the deepening economic relationship between China and Africa. The agreements focus on motorcycle and car assembly and spare parts production, reflecting China’s strategic push into Africa’s automotive industry. 

Such collaborations exemplify how China’s involvement is shaping vehicle production and distribution across Africa while reflecting broader trends of growing Chinese industrial presence on the continent. 

For this reason, a high-level delegation from a Chinese company showed interest in setting up a motorcycle assembly plant in Zambia’s Kapiri Mposhi District, a strategic step aimed at boosting local manufacturing and improving supply chain integration nationwide. 

The interest in Kapiri Mposhi is largely driven by its strategic location. The district serves as a critical transportation and logistics hub situated at the crossroads of two major railway lines, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and Zambia Railways.  

Munyeke highlighted the multifaceted benefits of establishing the motorcycle plant including direct employment in manufacturing and indirect roles in supporting sectors like logistics, maintenance and retail, adding that the plant is expected to improve transportation affordability in the district. 

“We anticipate the motorcycle plant will elevate the district’s status as an industrial and innovative hub and boost our socio-economic emancipation.”  

Building better bonds

By Derrick Silimina

In the heart of Ndola's industrial area, a convoy of trucks enters a factory while workers operate forklifts, moving back and forth to load boxes of raw materials onto trucks.

Joel Kabwe recalls how the stress he experienced due to his failing marriage to Anna Kabwe affected his focus while supervising loading operations here, 319 km north of Lusaka, Zambia's capital.

"I opted for binge drinking beer as a way to seek solace and manage frustrations that often lead to domestic conflicts, but that exacerbated our relationship problems," Kabwe told Global Sisters Report.

Kabwe, a resident of Twapia township in Ndola, emphasized that his ability to concentrate on his responsibilities was impacted, which negatively affected his work output and contributions to his family's welfare.

Kabwe's story exemplifies a common challenge faced by many young couples in Zambia, where issues of mistrust often complicate marriage realities. His experience highlights the broader societal and relational difficulties that can hinder marital harmony among youth in this mining town. 

Despite concerted efforts to curb gender-based violence in Zambia, the latest government report shows more than 10,000 incidents recorded in just the second quarter of 2025. This reflects the deep-rooted influence of harmful gender stereotypes, patriarchal norms, economic inequalities and inadequate legal protections in the country. 

Gender activists say these factors contribute to a culture where violence against women is normalized and often goes unchallenged, hence the need for comprehensive interventions that challenge these social norms and strengthen legal and community responses to gender-based violence.

Similarly, the experience of Aaron and Roiness Chimfwembe from Ndola's Kavu area illustrates that even long-lasting marriages, like their 10-year union built on mutual affection, face challenges.

"The major issue in our relationship was Aaron's secrecy regarding his phone, which was always password protected and I had no access to it. This secrecy contributed to our growing insecurities over time," Roiness told GSR.

In October 2023, Roiness persuaded her husband to enroll in the SMART Couples Methodology program, facilitated by the Dominican Sisters of the Sacred Heart under the Ndola Diocese. The initiative, which has successfully served more than 20 couples in Ndola, is part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. church's Catholic Relief Services to strengthen family life and enhance communication within households by overcoming mistrust and fostering openness, honesty and mutual respect between partners.

Roiness told GSR that the couple's understanding of the importance of transparency and openness was strengthened through the program as was their renewed trust. Aaron, after an impactful session, decided to remove the password from his phone and directly handed it to her, saying, "I trust you completely, and I want you to know that there's nothing I'm hiding."

Aaron and Roiness Chimfwembe at a SMART Couple Methodology counseling session (GSR photo/Derrick Silimina)

For Roiness, Aaron's gesture was a significant turning point in their relationship, symbolizing a deepening of trust and honesty, as it was not merely about accessing Aaron's phone, but his commitment to fidelity and transparency. 

Geoffrey Chibamba and Mwansa Musonda's marriage was recently at the verge of collapse, but was revived thanks to the SMART Couples Methodology.

"Had it not been the sisters' timely initiative, I would have divorced my husband. But after our participation in the programme, our love life has now blossomed," Musonda said. 

Musonda was so moved by the sisters' initiative, that she became one of the "lead mothers" of the project in her community. 

"Our quarrels used to affect our children's upbringing and I became hostile to my husband's relatives. Thanks to the sisters' timely project for saving our marriage."

The high rates of divorce cases in the country have led to concern among government officials and religious leaders. The latest reports indicate a rise from 20,818 divorces in 2019 to 36,000 in 2023. Infidelity and drunkenness are frequently cited as major reasons for these separations.

The SMART Couples Methodology project coordinator, Sr. Christine Tembo, emphasized that the initiative involves offering formation sessions, couples counseling, home visits, and organizing community sensitization activities that encourage mutual love, respect, and Christian family values. These are essential components in preventing gender-based violence and divorce cases, Tembo noted.

Dominican Sr. Christine Tembo speaks to one of her clients ahead of a SMART Couple Methodology counseling session. (GSR photo/Derrick Silimina)

Tembo, a member of the Dominican Sisters of the Sacred Heart, told GSR that since the program was introduced in 2023, more than 20 couples have directly benefited from the sessions and follow-up support. These include both churchgoing and non-church couples who have expressed a genuine desire to grow in their relationships.

"Our main focus is strengthening young couples that are still giving birth, because we are also targeting the children in those homes, so that they can be brought up in a good home," she added.

Tembo measured the impact of the project through post-session evaluations, testimonies, follow-up visits, and feedback from the couples themselves and community members in general.

She expressed optimism that despite some challenges, including limited resources, resistance to change, and cultural barriers that silence victims of abuse, more than seven documented success stories of couples have since chosen to remain together and rebuild their marriages after facing serious domestic conflicts. 

Tembo underscored that by engaging community leaders, offering continuous formation, and networking with local nongovernmental organizations and churches for support through prayer and patience are also key in helping hearts open to transformation.

"So far, we have seen improved communication, renewed commitment among couples, and decreased reports of domestic conflicts in households that have undergone the training. We are on track with our goals of building strong, faith-filled and resilient families," Tembo said.

She stressed that the program has contributed to the couples' well-being by helping them to rediscover each other as partners, and not as opponents, preventing gender-based violence by addressing its root causes of poor communication, unresolved conflict and gender stereotypes. 

"As a Dominican, I am called to preach the truth and promote the dignity of all people. The SMART Couples Methodology is a concrete expression of this charism - bringing healing, reconciliation and hope to families, while empowering them to live in truth and love."

A New Dawn for Zambian SMEs

 

By Derrick Silimina

In the sprawling townships of Zambia’s capital Lusaka, the hum of metalwork and the clatter of car repairs can be heard from some of the country’s many small businesses. 

Artisans like George Tembo, a metalworker in Kalingalinga compound and Michael Kapiji, a mechanic in the city’s bustling Panganani Road, are part of the backbone of the economy. 

They train apprentices, serve local customers and sustain entire households. Yet both men share the same frustration: access to affordable finance remains out of reach.

“Our formal banking system, with its rigid requirements and high interest rates, feels like an impenetrable fortress,” Tembo says. “I dream of expanding, but without capital, those dreams remain stuck in my workshop.”

Kapiji echoes the sentiment. He imagines turning his crowded garage into a skills hub for unemployed youth, offering training in traditional mechanics and new technologies such as auto-electrics and electric vehicle repair. 

“The potential is here,” he says, “but we need investment to unlock it.”

Zambia’s small and medium enterprises are the backbone of local economies, powering communities despite limited access to affordable finance. A new investment platform aims to give them the much-needed boost.

That investment might just have arrived. The Government of Zambia has launched Growth Investment Partners Zambia (GIP), a platform designed to revolutionise financing small and medium enterprises (SME). 

Backed by an initial $ 70 million, the programme aims to bridge the financing gap that has long constrained SMEs.

“SMEs are very important to our country, to any economy,” President Hakainde Hichilema said when the platform was launched in Lusaka in July. “Some of the world’s best-known brands, like Toyota, began as family businesses. We are working to grow our economy, and we cannot ignore this sector.” 

In 2021, Zambia’s government had created a ministry to promote the development and growth of cooperatives and SMEs, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development. 

International funding

GIP Zambia is geared towards a long-term partnership. Alongside the Zambian government, key partners include the development finance institutions of UK and Sweden, British International Investment (BII) and Swedfund, as well as Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). Together, they plan to deploy more than $ 300 million in investments over the next 15 years.

The UK has pledged to mobilise £ 150 million ($ 200 million) of private investment into Zambian SMEs as part of a broader compact to attract £ 2.5 billion ($ 3.35 billion) into mining, minerals and renewable energy. 

“We see Zambia’s economic future with confidence and believe that inclusive growth can be built by investing in SMEs,” said British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon.

For policymakers, the stakes are clear. SMEs already contribute more than 70 % of Zambia’s GDP and account for nearly 90 % of employment. 

Yet many operate in the informal sector and struggle with barriers to credit, modern technology and reliable markets. By addressing these constraints, GIP Zambia is intended to stimulate growth and reduce poverty and inequality.

Analysts note, however, that financing alone will not be enough. To succeed, the platform must be paired with policies that strengthen value chains, improve training and support digitalisation. 

For entrepreneurs like Tembo and Kapiji, the initiative offers a glimpse of new possibilities. 

Tembo hopes to modernise his workshop and create more jobs in his community. Kapiji envisions apprentices gaining not just mechanical skills but also confidence and purpose. 

“With the right tools and training,” he says, “we can transform lives. Success is not just fixing cars or welding gates – it’s building futures.”

Spicing up continental trade

Customs officers inspect a shipment of dried Rwandan chilli peppers at a warehouse in Qingdao, Shandong Province, on 11 June (XINHUA) 

By Derrick Silimina

As the morning sun casts its glow over the lush rolling hills of Nyagatare District, chilli farming is spicing up cross-continental trade and bringing tangible benefits to local farmers in Rwanda. 

“I can now afford to pay school fees for my children, and meet other financial needs at home, a tangible benefit of chilli farming compared to other commercial crops,” Noel Nzabamwita told ChinAfrica.  

Nzabamwita, a 46-year-old member of the Ejo Heza cooperative who transitioned from tea to chilli cultivation, demonstrates how integrating traditional agricultural resilience with modern agribusiness practices can transform one’s socio-economic status.  

This shift aligns with Rwanda’s export strategy of enhancing agricultural productivity. The strategy has significantly contributed to an agricultural revolution driven by strategic partnerships and the dedication of local chilli farmers such as Nzabamwita. This approach underpins the country’s broader economic growth, highlighting the importance of strengthening agricultural sectors and fostering collaborations to boost exports in the east African country. 

Strategic shift 

“Chilli farming has been a game-changer for me. I have even managed to build a house thanks to the lucrative chilli market - something I couldn’t afford with my previous crop production,” Nzabamwita said.  

Gashora Farm PLC, a prominent Rwandan agribusiness, plays a key role in supporting smallholder farmers like Nzabamwita with essential services, including technical assistance, inputs, access to finance, and guaranteed markets. These measures help to integrate small-scale farmers into the export value chain while reducing their risks. 

“My entrepreneurial journey began after completing school, when I managed ventures such as organising events and selling music devices. Later, I transitioned to establishing a small chilli farm,” Gashora Farm Managing Director Dieudonne Twahirwa said recently. 

Twahirwa’s agribusiness began with small-scale production of tomatoes and watermelons aimed at earning quick cash. However, he faced challenges in achieving stable income from these ventures. After attending an agricultural show in Kigali in 2015, he shifted his focus to the international market, recognising opportunities for better contracts and greater stability for chilli farmers. 

This strategic move marked a significant turning point in Gashora Farm’s development, underscoring the importance of export markets for sustainable rural development. Since the first China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in 2019, enterprises in China’s Hunan Province have reached preliminary agreements with their Rwandan counterparts to purchase dried chillies, following Rwanda’s export application of dried chillies to China. 

In 2021, Twahirwa successfully entered the Chinese market, following entry to Europe and India. Recognising the immense potential of China’s market, Rwanda, through Gashora Farm, achieved a historic milestone by exporting dried chillies to Hunan. This landmark achievement made Rwanda the first African country to send dried chillies to China, highlighting the strategic significance of diversifying export markets. 

A customer selects chilli sauce made from Rwandan chilli peppers at a convenience store in Changsha, Hunan Province, on 6 June (XINHUA) 

Chinese buyers favour Rwandan chilli for its competitive prices, organic quality, and high standards. In 2024, this advantage prompted Gashora Farm to partner with Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co., a subsidiary of Hunan Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Import and Export Group Corp. Ltd., to launch the Rwanda-Hunan Chili Pepper Industry Demonstration Project.

The project’s success was supported by Rwanda’s favorable climate, low labor costs and efficient government services, which together facilitated its growth and strengthened bilateral agricultural cooperation. 

The transformation into agriculture, specifically through the chilli farming venture, is supported by Gashora Farm and the Rwanda-Hunan Chilli Pepper Industry Demonstration Project, an initiative that works closely with thousands of out-grower farmers, including upcoming agro-entrepreneurs like Albert Hagirimana, by utilising a comprehensive contract farming model over an area of 100 hectares. 

“The initiative has empowered me with easy access to inputs and a ready market, which helps to ensure the sustainability of my chilli production with greater ease,” Hagirimana explained.  

Exemplified by the first season, during which 200 tonnes of dried chilli were exported to China, this milestone has generated optimism among local farmers about Rwanda’s potential to expand and strengthen its agricultural industry. 

“I currently employ 10 full-time workers and over 50 part-time workers during the harvesting season, demonstrating the initiative’s positive impact on job creation both directly and indirectly,” said Hagirimana. 

For Gladys Habineza, working in the chilli farmlands has brought financial stability to her household, highlighting the socio-economic benefits of participating in the chilli out-grower value chain. Habineza, a mother of two who works as a pepper sifter at Hagirimana’s farm, affirmed, “My job has significantly improved my financial situation, enabling me to pay for groceries, clothing, and my children’s school fees.” 

China market demand  

Arguably, the sector’s growth is underpinned by strong market demand, particularly from China, as well as robust support from both the Rwandan government and private stakeholders. This vibrant and expanding industry showcases the potential of chilli farmers and serves as a model for rural empowerment, driven by strategic international cooperation and innovation. 

Trade experts contend that initiatives like this demonstrate how strengthening international ties can foster collaboration that benefits local farmers, enhances trade, and promotes cultural exchange across continents. 

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, agriculture is Rwanda’s primary economic activity, engaging 70 percent of the population and employing around 72 percent of the workforce. The sector contributes approximately 33 percent of the national GDP. 

James Kimonyo, Rwanda’s ambassador to China, recently noted that Chinese investments in the country have been steadily increasing, alongside significant growth in exports to China. 

“We appreciate the continued support of the Chinese government, which has contributed to the rise in investments and the growth of our exports, particularly through initiatives such as the zero-tariff policy that opens the market to Rwandan and other African products,” Kimonyo said at the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo held in June in Changsha, Hunan Province. 

In 2023, Rwanda exported over 3,400 tonnes of chilli - fresh, dried, and processed - generating $4.2 million in revenue, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda. 

Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Ildephonse Musafiri recently stated that, based on this performance, the country aims to increase its chilli exports to more than 38,700 tonnes annually within the next six years, representing a more than ten-fold increase by 2030. 

Trade analysts note that while China is a major producer of chilli peppers, it is also the world’s largest consumer, with a significant portion of the population enjoying spicy food - over 500 million people consume chilli-based dishes daily. 

“We have a Chinese market that we can’t even satisfy as of today. So there is potential here to ramp up production,” Musafiri told delegates at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali.