12. Export Performance of SMEs in the Rwandan Mining Sector: Challenges and Prospects

This study investigates the export performance of SMEs in the Rwandan mining sector. Specifically, it ascertains if Rwandan mining SMEs set annual export targets; investigates the strategies that they follow to achieve these targets; assesses the extent to which set export targets have been achieved; finds out the barriers that affect SMEs’ operations with regard to mineral exports; and examines how SME owners in the mining sector mitigate these barriers. It measures export barriers such as those related to problems of internal resources, procedural and distribution complications, foreign market factors, external-foreign barriers, knowledge and experience, and difficulties in legal, political, and managerial issues.  A 5-point Likert scale was used to measure respondents’ perceptions about the export barriers faced by SMEs in the mining sector. All eight registered SMEs were included in the study. The three major minerals exported are coltan, cassetterite, and wolfram. The study found that while the government sets an export target for the mining sector, 75% of the SMEs do not set export targets, and for those who do there are ups and downs in achieving them. This chapter also discusses export barriers and appropriate managerial implications.