The United States established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship.

The United States assists Rwanda in the health sector, and the economic sector, particularly in rural areas. These partnerships are carried out through various presidential initiatives such as Feed the Future, Global Climate Change, and the Global Health Initiative, including the President’s Malaria Initiative and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

U.S. assistance in Rwanda also supports regional economic integration to spur business development, entrepreneurship, and increased employment opportunities.

Rwanda is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The United States and Rwanda have a trade and investment framework agreement and a bilateral investment treaty. The United States also has signed trade and investment framework agreements with the East African Community and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Rwanda is a member of both regional organizations.

U.S. business interests in Rwanda have been modest, with private U.S. investment in tea, coffee, energy, mining, franchising, and small holdings in service and manufacturing concerns. U.S. exports to Rwanda include aircraft, pharmaceutical products, machinery, optic and medical instruments, and agricultural products. U.S. imports from Rwanda include coffee, basketwork, tungsten ore, and apparel.

Rwanda and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.