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Global Market · East Africa
Vietnam – Rwanda Logistics
Rwanda market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Kigali
- Region
- East Africa
- Population
- 15 million
- Area
- 26,338 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$14 billion
- GDP per capita
- 968 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 136 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- 7.9%/year
- Currency
- RWF (RWF)
- Languages
- English, French, Kinyarwanda
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 8,599 km
Economic size
In 2023, Rwanda’s nominal GDP reached US$14 billion, ranking No. 136 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$968. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 7.9% per year.
Growth potential
- Fast growth: GDP has grown by an average of 7.9% per year over 5 years.
- Landlocked, requiring multimodal solutions via neighboring countries.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Rwanda do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.
Shipping from Vietnam to Rwanda
Ocean
18–28 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
2–5 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
8,599 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
Rwanda is landlocked. Ocean cargo typically arrives at a port in a neighboring country and continues by road or rail.
Neighboring countries that can serve as gateways:
International airports
Rwanda has 2 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali International Airport | KGL | Kigali |
| Kamembe Airport | KME | Kamembe |
Services for the Vietnam – Rwanda lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Rwanda?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Rwanda take?
Rwanda is landlocked, so ocean cargo arrives at a neighboring country’s port and then moves inland. Total transit is usually around 18–28 days plus the road or rail leg.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Rwanda?
International air cargo to Rwanda mainly arrives via Kigali International Airport (KGL), Kamembe Airport (KME).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Rwanda have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Rwanda.
Neighboring countries
Other markets in East Africa
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.