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Rwanda is a growing economy with a young population and expanding retail sector that offers opportunities for U.S. agricultural and food exports. The country’s increasing demand for safe, high-quality products coupled with the growth of modern retail and e-commerce platforms creates favorable entry points.

While Cameroon has experienced steady economic growth over the past 20 years, and is the largest economy in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the country is challenged by low consumer purchasing power, high food inflation, and a difficult business enabling environment.

This is a regional report on West Africa that primarily covers Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali, but also provides brief overviews in certain sections for Niger, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania.

On February 21, 2024, The Government of Rwanda (GoR) published a new biosafety law providing requirements for the transit and utilization of living modified organisms (LMOs) produced through modern biotechnology techniques. This law enters effect immediately.

On May 5, 2022, trade and finance ministers from East African Community (EAC) member countries agreed to raise minimum common external tariffs from 25 to 35 percent on several agricultural products.

The Government of Senegal is reviewing and revising its new biosafety law which may include language for an expedited approval process for certain genetically engineered (GE) products.