Milk and meat value chain actors across Rwanda are set to improve compliance with food safety standards following the distribution of 850 rapid test kits aimed at supporting real-time testing for antibiotics and aflatoxin contaminants.

The initiative is being implemented under the Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Exports (VIBE) Program funded by the Mastercard Foundation and the International Trade Centre (ITC), with TradeMark Africa (TMA) partnering with the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA).

The exercise officially kicked off Monday, 25 May 2026, in Gicumbi District where 13 dairy and meat value chain actors received the first batch of kits, with the distribution expected to continue in other districts across the country targeting a total of 37 beneficiaries.

The rapid test kits are expected to help dairy and meat operators detect harmful contaminants in real time, improve product quality, comply with food safety requirements and enhance access to both local and international markets.

Speaking during the launch of the distribution exercise, RICA’s Veterinary hygiene and Quarantine Specialist, Gaspard Simbarikure, emphasized the importance of maintaining strict compliance with national standards in the dairy and meat sectors.

He noted that ensuring safe milk and meat products is critical not only for protecting consumer health but also for increasing the competitiveness of Rwandan products on regional and international markets.

“Compliance with meat and milk standards is not optional. It is essential for consumer protection, public health and market access. These rapid test kits will help operators strengthen quality assurance and consistently meet required standards,” Simbarikure said.

He further commended the partnership with TradeMark Africa, describing it as a significant contribution toward strengthening Rwanda’s food safety ecosystem and supporting value chain actors to become more competitive.

Doreca Musenga, Programme Manager,TradeMark Africa said the organization remains committed to supporting Rwanda in building resilient and competitive value chains that meet international trade requirements.

She urged beneficiaries to properly maintain and effectively use the kits so that they can achieve the intended impact.

“These tool kits are meant to support operators in meeting national and international market requirements through improved food safety compliance. Proper maintenance and consistent use of the kits will be key to ensuring they serve their intended purpose,” she said.

Doreca added that TradeMark Africa will continue supporting stakeholders across the horticulture, dairy and meat value chains through technical assistance aimed at improving compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards and export requirements.

Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, saying the rapid test kits will help reduce losses, improve trust among consumers and buyers and strengthen their ability to supply safer products to the market.

Uwimana, one of the beneficiaries from Gicumbi District, said the support comes at the right time for operators seeking to improve standards and expand business opportunities.

“These rapid test kits will help us ensure that the products we supply to consumers meet the required safety standards. They will also strengthen confidence among buyers and open more market opportunities for us,” Uwimana said.

The VIBE Program seeks to strengthen sustainable trade and market access opportunities for small and medium enterprises by addressing barriers related to standards compliance, certification and quality assurance.

The partnership between RICA and TradeMark Africa is expected to further accelerate Rwanda’s efforts to improve food safety systems, promote consumer confidence and expand opportunities for Rwandan agricultural products in regional and global markets.