Over 100 business leaders from the European Union (EU) participated in the first ever EU-Rwanda Business Forum to engage the Rwandan private sector and explore trade and investment opportunities in the country.

Organized in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the two-day event featured plenary sessions on Rwanda’s business environment and investment opportunities with a focus on sectors with high growth potential including agribusiness, mining, health and pharmaceuticals, financial and digital services, and the green economy.

EU DELEGATION RWANDA

The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Édouard Ngirente officially opened the forum noting: “Over the years, we have seen investments, with the EU as the largest source, yield tangible results in Rwanda. Between 2018 and 2022, investments worth over US$ 870 million were registered in Rwanda. These investments are transforming the lives of our people through job creation and empowering the private sector, which is a key driver of economic growth.”

EU DELEGATION RWANDA

On his part, Koen Doens, EU Director General for International Partnerships noted that Africa plays a key role in addressing global challenges through private sector investments. “The global supply chain is reliant on a limited number of countries, which makes it very fragile when challenges happen. This is why we are looking at diversification and see Africa presenting huge opportunities to address these challenges. Rwanda has put in place the right regulatory environment and is attracting investments. The Government has positioned itself on a number of critical issues as a regional hub and do hope that this forum creates the right dynamic to move forward as soon as possible,” he explained.

EU DELEGATION RWANDA

“And a tip to the European Businesses here present: RDB is your entry point for investing in Rwanda, and we hope you will soon experience the same fruitful cooperation we maintain with them,” said EU Ambassador to Rwanda H.E Belen Calvo Uyarra. Ambassador Calvo Uyarra added; “We believe we can do more and we should do more together to attract European investment in Rwanda and increase trade and bridge the investment gap.”

EU DELEGATION RWANDA

Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board said: “This forum offers an important platform that allows policymakers, investors and partners to have meaningful and productive exchanges. We want to tell our story. A story of a country on the move. A country with a track record of beating the odds to create value for its people. A country that desires partnerships such as with the EU private sector for mutual benefit. A country that is truly open for business and means business.”

The event also offered opportunities to set up structured B2B and B2G networking meetings. 

EU DELEGATION RWANDA

In addition, development finance institutions showcased the opportunities linked to the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD+), a financing tool of the EU’s Global Gateway investment mobilization framework for partner countries.

On the first day of the forum, I&M Bank Rwanda, the European Commission, the European Union Delegation and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) signed a US$ 10 million NASIRA Risk Sharing Facility that will help to support the growth and development of micro, small and medium enterprises in Rwanda. Read the full press release here.

EU DELEGATION RWANDA

The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH also launched the 'Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector in Rwanda' project - underscoring their commitment to driving sustainable growth in the country's mining industry. Read the full press release here.

EU DELEGATION RWANDA

More information:

• Download presentation with investment opportunities in Rwanda here

About the EU: The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states in Europe, which have conferred certain policy-making powers to the Union, while retaining others. Through the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the EU has developed a role in external relations and defense. It maintains permanent diplomatic missions throughout the world and represents itself at the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the G7 and the G20. The EU’s foreign and security policy, as well as political dialogue between the EU and Rwanda are conducted by the High Representative and the Commission, represented in Rwanda by the EU Delegation. Regular political and sector dialogues covering the whole breadth and depth of the relationship provide platforms for discussing respective policy priorities and reforms and underpin EU development assistance in support of these. The European Union (EU) and Rwanda have a long-standing partnership focusing on promoting global governance and cooperation in international institutions, promoting sustainable and inclusive development of Rwanda, as well as increasing trade and investment between the parties. For more details, visit European Union in Rwanda

About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB): The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more about the Rwanda Development Board at www.rdb.rw