Technology-enabled logistics is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for trade competitiveness, especially within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. This paper investigates the role of technology-driven logistics in facilitating Rwanda’s participation in regional and international trade, drawing on empirical findings from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Rwanda. Results indicate a strong reliance on basic technologies in warehouse management and tracking, with 100% of respondents using barcode scanners as the primary tool. By contrast advanced systems remain underutilized. As highlighted, 83.33% of respondents reported minimal use of RFID, 88.89% reported minimal use of GPS-enabled tracking, and 60.19% reported minimal use of cloud-based inventory management. In planning and forecasting, predictive analytics is the most widely adopted as indicated by 88.89%, but transformative solutions like blockchain, IoT, and big data analytics remain largely untapped. Fulfilment and distribution processes showed moderate use of Transport Management Systems (76.85%), real-time tracking with IoT (71.30%), and mobile technologies (77.78%), whereas robotics, automation, and drone deliveries were scarcely used. The analysis further identifies high investment and implementation costs with 86.11% ranking it as the top barrier. Budget constraints, and integration challenges were identified as critical obstacles to wider technology adoption, while regulatory constraints and data security concerns were not tapped as significant. By connecting these operational realities to Rwanda’s trade ambitions, the study underscores how limited adoption of advanced logistics technologies constrains trade efficiency and market integration under AfCFTA. The paper concludes that addressing cost barriers, enhancing digital infrastructure, and fostering interoperability across African markets are essential steps to enhance Rwanda’s trade competitiveness and fully realize the benefits of regional and international trade.
Digital trade, logistics, supply chain management, AfCFTA, Rwanda, technology adoption, trade efficiency.
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