From 21st to 25th February 2023, a delegation of 100 business leaders was in the United Arab Emirates for a week of UAE-Rwanda Business Forums and investment roadshows in four emirates: Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Dubai.

The Rwanda delegation was led by Hon. Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, together with Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka and Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation Ag. Chairperson Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi and CEO Stephen Ruzibiza.

The delegation also had an opportunity to participate in two sideline events; the Gulfood exhibition from 20th to 24th February and the inaugural Visit Rwanda Golf Tournament on 25th February 2023.Taking place from 21 – 25 February, the events are being organised in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Dubai, respectively and will conclude with a Visit Rwanda Golf Tournament.

The roadshows provided a match-making platform for fostering partnerships between Rwandan and UAE business executives in sectors such as agro-processing, fintech & financial services, manufacturing, real estate, ICT, logistics, trade, hospitality, healthcare, and education.

The Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE, H.E Emmanuel Hategeka noted:

“Rwanda and UAE enjoy excellent relations and bilateral trade and investment flows have been on an upward trajectory for the last four years. The UAE and Rwanda Business Forum and investment roadshows further brought together the two business communities closer. Indeed, this is the right time to reactivate economic exchanges in order to sustain the post-pandemic economic recovery.”

The Chief Executive Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi said:

“Building on this existing partnership, it is important to continue creating platforms such as this forum to collectively share insights and opportunities that will enhance trade and investments between our two countries.”

She added: “The created enabling investment environment in Rwanda offers business friendly regulation, an efficient supported process, commitment to foreign ownership and multiple incentives for exporters and priority sectors. UAE investors are encouraged to consider investing in   Rwanda in the sectors of their choice.”

The acting Chairperson of the Rwandan Private Sector Federation, Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi said:

“These roadshows were a great opportunity for our local investors to engage with their counterparts in the UAE for potential trade and investment opportunities. Rwandans are already trading with the UAE and it is another great occasion to further our partnership.”

PSF signed 5 MoUs with their counterparts in the Emirates that hosted the Business Forum including one between the Rwandan Private Sector and the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry establishing the UAE-Rwanda Joint Business Council.This is meant to open a platform for a continuous partnership.

The UAE is one of Rwanda’s leading trade partners. Over the last 10 years, trade has grown tenfold to US$ 1.09 billion in 2022.  On investments, there are 11 UAE companies registered in Rwanda with investment commitments valued at over US$ 248 Million USD.