RICA has demonstrated and initiated the deployment of the Inspection and Certification Support System (ICSS), a digital solution designed to modernize seed inspection and certification processes, strengthen traceability, and improve oversight of seed production and distribution in Rwanda.

The initiative brings together RICA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), the National Seed Association of Rwanda (NSAR) with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Through digitalization, the system is intended to improve the management of seed certification processes, strengthen regulatory oversight and help ensure that seeds supplied to farmers meet established quality requirements.

Speaking during the engagement, RICA Acting Director General Jean Pierre Bajeneza emphasized the importance of proper seed labelling and sealing in protecting farmers and maintaining confidence in the seed market. “Proper labelling and sealing are essential safeguards for farmers. They help ensure that certified seeds placed on the market are identifiable, authentic and traceable, giving farmers greater confidence in the quality of the seeds they purchase,” Bajeneza said. 

He further added that strengthening seed certification processes is part of Rwanda’s efforts to align its regulatory systems with international requirements and create opportunities for the seed sector to access wider markets.

Dr. Patrick Karangwa,PhD the Director General of Agriculture Modernization at MINAGRI, highlighted the importance of quality seeds and coordinated action in advancing agricultural transformation. “Quality seeds are a foundation of agricultural productivity and competitiveness. By strengthening digital inspection, certification and traceability, we can improve confidence in the seed system, support farmers in accessing quality planting materials and reinforce Rwanda’s capacity to participate in regional and international seed markets,” he said.

A reliable and harmonized seed certification system is also important to Rwanda’s ambition to demonstrate readiness for accession to the OECD Seed Schemes, which establish internationally recognized frameworks for varietal certification and seed movement in participating countries. Progress towards meeting relevant requirements can help strengthen confidence in Rwanda’s seed certification arrangements and support opportunities for international seed trade, subject to the applicable accession and scheme requirements.

The deployment of ICSS marks a step towards more modern, transparent and accountable seed regulation. Through continued collaboration among RICA, MINAGRI, MINICOM and AGRA, Rwanda aims to strengthen seed quality assurance, protect farmers’ interests and build a more competitive agricultural sector supported by reliable regulatory services and greater confidence in the seed supply chain.