By Rene Anthere Rwanyange
Rwanda and Oman have signed two agreements and six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, agriculture and other strategic sectors.
The agreements were signed on Tuesday, September 8, at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah during President Paul Kagame’s two-day working visit to Oman. The deals mark a further step in efforts by the two countries to strengthen their economic and diplomatic partnership.
The two agreements provide for mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, as well as cooperation to avoid double taxation.
The six MoUs cover areas including agriculture, logistics, inland and dry-port development, supply-chain services, investment promotion, labour, and strategic partnership and investment activation.
The signing took place as President Kagame continues his official engagements in Oman, where he held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Monday. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation and investment in areas including mining, renewable energy, food security, land ports, logistics and healthcare.
Expanding trade and logistics cooperation
Rwanda and Oman have in recent years stepped up efforts to expand economic ties, particularly in trade, transport, logistics and investment.
One notable development is Rwanda’s move to secure direct shipments of refined petroleum products from Oman through Tanzania’s Port of Tanga. The arrangement is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s fuel supply security and improve the efficiency of petroleum imports.
Logistics has become an increasingly important area of cooperation between the two countries, reflecting Rwanda’s interest in strengthening access to international markets and Oman’s position as a major trade and logistics hub.
In January 2026, Rwanda and Oman also signed four MoUs covering logistics services and inland port development, aviation, investment and infrastructure around the Bugesera Airport District, and ICT and innovation.
Direct air connectivity
Air transport has also emerged as an important element of the growing relationship. The launch of direct flights between Muscat and Kigali has opened a new channel for business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, while providing travellers with improved connectivity between Rwanda, Oman and destinations across the Gulf, Asia and beyond. The growing transport links complement the countries’ efforts to develop stronger trade and investment connections.
Long-standing diplomatic ties
Rwanda and Oman formally established diplomatic relations in 1982, laying the foundation for decades of bilateral engagement. The relationship has historical commercial dimensions as well.
Hamood bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Rwanda’s honorary consul to Oman, said earlier this year that Omani merchants were among the earliest foreign traders to establish commercial centres in Rwanda in the early 20th century.
Looking ahead
The latest agreements are expected to provide a framework for translating the growing political relationship between Rwanda and Oman into practical economic opportunities.
With cooperation expanding across logistics, agriculture, investment, transport and other strategic sectors, Kigali and Muscat are positioning their relationship around stronger trade links, investment partnerships and improved connectivity.
For Rwanda, the partnership offers opportunities to diversify economic and trade connections beyond traditional markets, while Oman gains a stronger platform for engagement with Rwanda and the wider East African region.
