Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of characterizing the existing meat value chain of Rwanda as well as examine its full potential. Materials and Methods: It was carried out in 192 households in six districts in Rwanda which engaged in all aspects of the cattle value chain. The districts were Nyagatare, Kirehe, Ngoma, Bugesera, Kayonza and Gatsibo. The occupants of the households were interviewed using structured questionnaires which aimed at eliciting a clear understanding of the production strategies, processing, marketing channels and attributes of the meat production and processing situation in the country. Results: The results showed that 90% of the respondents were producers, 1.2% butchers, 0.4% producers and fatteners, 0.8% fatteners while the rest (1.2%) wholly engaged in cattle production, fattening and trading. It was also realized that most of the youth engaged in grazing their cattle more than selling them. The results further highlighted that cattle production in Rwanda was a typically low input system with low initial capital investments. Average milk production was found to be 7-fold more than the live animal sales per household per year. However, the income realized from live sales were more than 100-fold the income generated from milk sales. It also came to light that four beef cattle value chains were operational in the cities and towns. Identified strategies to improve the existing value chains included the establishment of feedlots, buying of animals from smallholder farmers for fattening by commercial ranchers as well as exploiting domestic niches and regional markets. Conclusion: Since the size and weight of cattle were major determinants in pricing, cattle fattening based on crop residues could provide producers with more income. It was, therefore, envisaged that market-oriented beef value chain development would be an economically viable and socially acceptable investment option in Rwanda.