A vibrant display of Rwandan products has captivated delegates from across the continent at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Cairo, Egypt, organised by the African Export-Import Bank.
From exquisite handicrafts, packaged foods to innovative technologies, Rwanda’s diverse offerings have garnered widespread admiration, positioning the country as an emerging producer of high-quality goods in Africa.
“I am incredibly impressed by the quality and variety of Rwandan products on display. I have bought Rwandan high quality maize flour from one of the Rwandan stalls as it was recommended from a friend,” Ahmed Tarek, an Egyptian delegate at the trade fair told Taarifa.
Echoing these sentiments, a South African businesswoman, Jennifer Gugulethu highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to innovation.
“Rwandan businesses at this trade fair are not afraid to push the boundaries and come up with creative solutions,” she stated. “This is evident in the unique products they are showcasing at the IATF.”
Rwandan stylist and owner of Daco Mode, a fashion shop in Rwanda, told Taarifa that she had been able to get business contacts from across the continent who are requesting for deliveries.
“We are not just selling at the trade fair. We have been able to get customers from all over the continent who want us to ship products to them. This is quite exciting,” she said.
Annet Benegusenga, head of Special Clusters at PSF, said that: “This is one of the benefits that have come from the Continental Free Trade Area.”
“The traders have been able to get business customers from across the continent as well as potential funding from the Afreximbank.”
On Sunday, the President of the Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah, launched the African Collaborative Transit Guarantee Scheme, from which traders from Rwanda and across the continent can increase their competitiveness and market access in Africa.
“This groundbreaking project is a bold step towards improving the competitiveness of cross-border trade as we announce the historic issuance of the first-ever multi-border transit bond in the Continent and the signing of other facilities that will revolutionise transit of goods in Africa forever,” Oramah said.
“We are happy that this innovative collaboration between the Bank and COMESA has yielded the desired results of issuing a single transit bond that makes it possible for the movement of goods across the continent without hindrance.”
The multiple Rwandan pavilions at the IATF features a wide array of products, including coffee, tea, processed foods, textiles, handicrafts, and tech apps.
The Rwandan government has played a pivotal role in this transformation, creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The country has implemented a series of reforms to improve its investment climate, including streamlining regulatory procedures and reducing taxes.
As a result of these efforts, Rwanda has become an attractive destination for foreign investors.
In recent years, the country has attracted significant investments in various sectors, including manufacturing, ICT, and tourism.
The Rwandan government’s focus on export-led growth is paying dividends.
The country’s economy is expected to grow by 7.6% in 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
“I travel a lot and there’s one product that I always carry along with me. That is Akabanga chilli pepper from Rwanda. There is absolutely no food in the world that Akabanga does not make more delicious,” remarked the Guyana Minister of Finance, Ashni Singh.
