Rwanda’s ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) provides a critical case study for understanding the complexities of continental economic integration. Despite a robust political commitment, significant impediments persist. These include pervasive non-tariff barriers, inadequate regional infrastructure, and limited productive capacity. Further challenges arise from complex rules of origin, restricted access to trade finance and market intelligence, as well as institutional and human capital limitations. Drawing from Rwanda’s proactive engagement and historical regional integration efforts, several key lessons emerge. These highlight the imperative of proactive policy harmonisation, the demonstrable efficacy of trade facilitation reforms, and the transformative potential of digitalisation. Additionally, the necessity of robust private sector engagement and the fundamental importance of regional value chain development are evident. Based on these insights, strategies to optimise Rwanda’s AfCFTA engagement include intensified efforts to dismantle non-tariff barriers, strategic infrastructure investments, and enhanced productive capacity with export diversification. Improved access to trade finance and market information, coupled with strengthened institutional frameworks, are also crucial for enhancing trade. These measures, underpinned by sustained regional cooperation and digitalisation, are essential for Rwanda to fully realise the AfCFTA’s transformative economic potential.