March 28, 2024

TOP AFRICA NEWS

We Digest News to tell the Truth

Japanese Investors tipped on available Investment’s opportunities in Rwanda’s Agribusiness and ICT sectors

Rwanda's Minister of Agriculture G. Mukeshimana during a visit a Gabiro Agribusiness Hub

 

The Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) have presented to Japanese investors the opportunities for investment in agriculture and ICT.

These investments opportunities were presented on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 during a Webinar on Shared business opportunities between Japan and Rwanda specifically in Agribusiness and ICT.

The Webinar hosted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Kigali Embassy was attended by various officials from both countries and from Rwanda the Chief Executive Officer of RDB, Clare Akamanzi and Geraldine Mukeshimana, Ministry of Agriculture were present.

CEO of Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi/ Photo: Archive

Speaking at Webinar, Madam Clare Akamanzi said “”the Government of Rwanda works very closely with Japan on a range of opportunities that are mutually beneficial for both countries. These areas include trade and investment, technical assistance and capacity building.”

In addition, Madam Akamanzi said “Our countries corporate in a number of areas including energy; water and sanitation; agriculture; education and transportation to name but a few. I think it is accurate to say that the economic relationship between Rwanda and Japan is a very healthy one.” In fact, from a business angle, Rwanda has attracted a number of investments from Japan and “we believe that through organisations, such as the ones participating in this webinar, we can do more between our countries.”

“Today, if we look at the investments that have already been registered from Japan, they cover a number of very important sectors – from agro-processing and agriculture; mining to the services sector.” Madam Akamanzi revealed that the value of investments registered directly by Japanese companies is just under US$ 20 million from 30 different companies.

However, adds Akamanzi “”Many of these companies are driving innovation and bringing new ways of doing business in Rwanda.”

Rwanda’s vision is to have an economy that is dynamic, innovative, and private sector-led. As Akamanzi explained this approach enables an economy that is competitive in international markets and supports strong domestic linkages for job creation and sustained economic growth.

Notably, agriculture remains a very important sector for the livelihood in Rwanda and has massive investment opportunities. The sector contributes nearly 24% of GDP and employs over half of the active population.

“It is our goal that by 2024, Rwanda will have invested US$ 3 billion to support economic growth in agriculture. And this is in different areas such as irrigation, improving market linkages and enhancing resilience across the sector.” She noted.

Presenting the opportunities available in Rwanda, Madam Akamanzi revealed that “we have Gabiro Agribusiness Hub, a 15,600-hectare irrigation joint venture with Netafim and we hope will provide irrigated land ready for investments.”

She also added that there is another project called Gako Beef, a meat processing company also looking for more private investments. “In addition, we have opportunities in horticulture and agro-processing among others “she said

On ICT, Madam Clare Akamanzi said “When it comes to the ICT sector, like Japan, in Rwanda we understand the need to better utilize technology to enhance growth and improve the business investment climate.”


Andela launched tech hub in Rwanda

She explains that “”this is a very significant approach in achieving Rwanda’s development goals and the successful implementation of these projects is rationally futuristic.”

“With that in mind, the ICT sector in Rwanda remains one of the main targets for foreign direct investment, and there are several avenues for investment in the ICT sector.” She said, citing ““From e-commerce and e-services; mobile technologies; applications development and automation; to establishing regional centres for the training of top-quality ICT professionals and research.”

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Reply

TOPAFRICANEWS.COM © All rights reserved.