In a strategic move to simplify and fast-track trade processes in Rwanda, the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), in collaboration with the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has launched a targeted training program for importers, exporters, clearing agents and other key players in trade logistics.
The initiative focuses on equipping stakeholders with practical skills to effectively use the newly integrated Single Transaction Portal (STP), a user-friendly, one-stop digital platform introduced following recent Cabinet directives aimed at streamlining all customs-related services under one online Portal
In his opening remarks, Patrick Hagumimana the Acting Head of Department/Registration, Licensing & Enforcement at RICA emphasizes that the transition to this fully digital platform is designed not only to reduce paperwork and administrative delays but also to enhance transparency, traceability and efficiency in Rwanda’s import-export ecosystem.
“This training is part of our broader mission to make trade in Rwanda smarter, faster and more responsive to the needs of businesses,” He said, encouraging all stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity to stay ahead and fully integrate into the digital trade environment.”
The STP is expected to be a game-changer for businesses navigating cross-border trade, especially those dealing with time-sensitive agricultural and animal products.
Participants are being trained to efficiently use the platform and access key RICA services now available online.
As Rwanda positions itself as a regional trade hub, the STP initiative reflects the country’s continued investment in technology-driven governance and its commitment to easing the cost of doing business.
Rwanda tightens aflatoxin handling rules in agriculture
Warehouse operators, wholesalers as well as factories dealing in legumes, cereals, cassava, livestock feed have been instructed to secure aflatoxin testing facilities by end May this year.
The directive was issued by Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) on April 12, 2021.
It requires dealers in agriculture products to effectively use the facilities to test for aflatoxin — naturally occurring toxic substances—prior to accepting, storing or even processing these agriculture supplies.
According to the statement signed by Beatrice Uwumukiza, the Acting Director-General of RICA, the decision is based on the prevalence of these harmful toxins in some traded agricultural commodities.
It is aimed to prevent their spread.
“RICA informs all warehouse operators, wholesalers, producers, processors, and importers of legumes, cereals, cassava, livestock products, animal feed, that it is prohibited to receive, store, process or import the mentioned commodities for sale/trade if the owner does not have aflatoxin testing facilities,” reads part of the statement.
Warehouses have also been ordered to comply with storage regulatory requirement.
Any person or company which tests the commodity and finds the presence of aflatoxins is required to record and report all the details about the consignments in question to RICA through email info@rica.gov.rw.
RICA said process owners operating without meeting the requirements will be punished according to the legal provisions.
Why firm aflatoxin regulation is needed
So far, only major firms in the country such as Africa Improved Foods (AIF) and MINIMEX which process maize, test aflatoxin levels in commodities.
Generally, food items such as maize that are traded in local commodity markets are not tested for aflatoxins, and dealers do not have the technology to do so.
This situation has created a gap in food safety regulation, which can lead to consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods.
While some locally produced maize meets tolerable levels of aflatoxins, some maize is rejected by major agro-processing firms because it is highly contaminated with aflatoxins.
It is to note that aflatoxins have been a major public food safety concern both in the region and globally.
The prevalence of aflatoxins is increasingly becoming a major concern within the East African Community.
For instance, in February 2021, Kenya suspended maize imports from Uganda and Tanzania over what it described as high levels of aflatoxins that are beyond safety limits, saying that they were not fit for human consumption.
Source : Newtimes