COMESA, in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), held a Validation and Sensitization Workshop on 27–28 May 2025 focused on reviewing the draft report of a study assessing the impact of priority non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and trade restrictions in Rwanda, particularly their impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking during the opening of the workshop, Ms. Doreen Ntawebasa, Director General at the Ministtry of Trade and Industry, commended COMESA for its support in conducting the study and emphasized the importance of identifying NTBs and other trade-related challenges. She welcomed the study’s recommendations for addressing them.

Ms. Alice Twizeye, Senior Trade Officer, on behalf of COMESA Secretariat, said the study was the timely and importance, noting its relevance in advancing the COMESA Free Trade Area (FTA) for seamless trade.

She thanked the Government of Rwanda for its initiative and efforts to facilitate trade across the COMESA Region while undertaking such a study to assess and identify NTBs affecting trade and SMEs in particular with an objective to reducing them if not eliminating them.

Based on the findings of the study, clear recommendations and policy brief for possible reforms will be shared with Rwanda regulatory agencies and other stakeholders for possible policy and regulatory reforms for further implementation. She underscored the need for renewed efforts by Member States to eliminate non-tariff barriers to increase intra-COMESA trade.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including members of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, senior government officials, representatives from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and industry regulators.