Supported by global partners, a new project is underway to bolster Rwandan small-scale cross-border traders, accelerating digital inclusion and regional integration.
© World Bank/Kelley Lynch | A training centre in Rwanda that helps women develop information and communications technology skills.
The initiative entitled “Amplifying digital opportunities in cross-border trade” kicked off on 11 October in Kigali, Rwanda to give a fresh boost to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A key component of the digital high-impact track under the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, the initiative seeks to harness digital innovation, data analytics and emerging technologies to drive sustainable development.
It aims to help Rwandan traders – particularly small business owners – better access digital platforms, financial services and new markets, which are crucial to improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“Small and medium businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy – but they should not remain small and medium,” says President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Wide-ranging global support
As a participating organization, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will contribute through its business facilitation support building on existing systems in the context of with the UN Cooperation Framework, aimed at providing entrepreneurs with high-quality information and transactional services.
The programme receives funding contributions from the European Union and the Government of Spain, under the United Nations SDG digital transformation funding round.
In terms of implementation, UN Trade and Development works alongside the International Trade Centre (lead agency), the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Capital Development Fund.
The UN Resident Coordinator system is also involved with an oversight and coordination role to ensure the delivery of a unified 'One UN' approach.
Empowering women, supporting national development priorities
With women representing over 70% of small-scale cross-border traders, the programme emphasizes gender equality and empowering female entrepreneurs as agents of social and economic transformation.
It focuses on dismantling barriers that hinder women’s participation in digital trade, by enhancing their access to digital tools, financial literacy training, and market opportunities.
By prioritizing gender-sensitive, digital policy reforms and digitally empowering cross-border traders, the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, SMART Rwanda Master Plan and Vision 2050.
The work will also contribute to development agendas related to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and landlocked developing countries, advancing Rwanda’s integration into regional markets.
Through enhanced digital infrastructure and policy harmonization, the initiative promotes smoother cross-border trade, improved logistics and greater economic cooperation between Rwanda and its neighbours.
The initiative builds on UN Trade and Development’s broader work, which has supported over 580 women informal traders across 11 border crossings in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through its capacity-building programme on trade rules, customs procedures and entrepreneurship, as well as policy dialogues with regional stakeholders, UN Trade and Development’s efforts continue in making cross-border commerce more beneficial for women, communities, the economy and society.