Rwanda SDG Initiative – Amplifying Digital Opportunities in Cross-Border Trade
Certa Foundation, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), launched the Rwanda SDG Project under the theme “Amplifying Digital Opportunities in Cross-Border Trade.” This initiative aimed to empower cross-border traders operating through the Gatuna border in Gicumbi District by strengthening their digital competencies, deepening their understanding of trade policies, and promoting inclusive economic growth. Over the course of a two-day capacity-building workshop, a team of ITC experts delivered comprehensive sessions on the evolving digital trade landscape and relevant policy frameworks. The program emphasized practical, hands-on learning tailored to the specific challenges faced by border communities. The workshop provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, engaging 45 participants including small cross-border traders, customs officials, and district representatives in meaningful dialogue and collaborative learning.
The workshop opened with Dr. Michael Geist, ITC’s e-commerce expert, who emphasized the growing importance of the digital sector in enabling cross-border trade, especially for small-scale traders. He outlined how digital tools can transform traditional trade practices, improve market access, and enhance efficiency.
Dr. Leonila Guglya, Digital Trade Officer at ITC, led a series of sessions that assessed key policy and regulatory challenges affecting cross-border trade. She walked participants through the complexities of compliance, digital governance, and trade facilitation, with a focus on how traders can navigate these issues in a digitized environment.
Dev Chamroo, ITC’s investment and advocacy expert, discussed the need for policy reforms and stronger public-private dialogue (PPD) to create a more enabling environment for digital trade. He also addressed investment opportunities in key sectors such as digital technology, packaging, and coffee, encouraging traders to explore value addition and innovation.
In a highly interactive simulation exercise titled “Digital Trade Navigator—Cross-Border Compliance Quest,” Dr. Michael Geist facilitated a hands-on session in which participants explored real-world scenarios in digital compliance, customs processes, and cross-border regulations. This exercise deepened their practical understanding of the challenges and solutions within digital trade ecosystems.
The workshop also addressed cross-border collaboration mechanisms, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation to harmonize trade policies and ensure smoother trade flows. Strategies for fostering partnerships across borders were discussed to strengthen regional economic integration.
The experts engaged in open Q&A discussions through every session, allowing participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and receive tailored guidance. These conversations created a dynamic learning environment where theory was directly tied to practice.
The initiative highlighted that digital tools and platforms play a crucial role in enhancing cross-border trade efficiency, transparency, and reach, enabling small-scale traders to access broader markets with greater ease. It also emphasized the importance of keeping traders informed about evolving trade policies and equipping them with the skills to navigate complex regulatory environments. Furthermore, the sessions underscored the potential of strategic investment in key sectors such as e-commerce, packaging, and agro-processing to boost local and regional economic development significantly. A strong case was made for enhanced regional cooperation and policy harmonization, essential for creating a more sustainable and inclusive cross-border trading system. Finally, the experts stressed that strengthening public-private dialogue (PPD) is critical in building a supportive and responsive trade ecosystem that reflects the needs of traders and fosters long-term growth.
This initiative represents a step forward in advancing Rwanda’s Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring that cross-border traders, especially women and youth, are not left behind in the digital economy. The Rwanda SDG project is paving the way for more inclusive, innovative, and resilient trade systems through expert-led sessions, hands-on simulations, and collaborative dialogue.