Strengthening Rwanda-Belgium Trade and Industry: A Day of Insight and Partnership
On 2nd December 2024, The Flanders Investment and Trade and the European Business Chamber of Rwanda hosted more than 100 companies, government officials, and experts from Rwanda and Belgium, at the Four Points in Kigali as part of the Belgium Business Delegation from Flanders. The focus of the forum was, “Strengthening Industrial and Trade Partnerships in Rwanda.” and aimed to spotlight opportunities for industrial growth and showcase the expertise of Belgian companies followed by B2B meetings to strengthen the connections and collaboration opportunities. .
The event was opened with remarks from H.E. Mr. Laurent Preud’homme, Belgian Chargé d’Affaires, and Mr. Johan Malin, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between Belgium and Rwanda. Keynote speeches from Denis Gatera, CIO at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and Mattias Piani, Intervention Manager for Urbanization at the Belgium Development Agency, painted a picture of Rwanda’s industrial opportunities and how Belgium’s technical expertise can contribute to these sectors. Mr. Gatera address, focusing on investment incentives and the country’s industrial growth sectors, was particularly enlightening, setting the tone for collaborative efforts.
Panel discussions were a major highlight of the day, with industry experts addressing pivotal topics such as industrial innovation and sustainable urban development. The first panel, moderated by Johanna Sandberg, Executive Director of EBCR, featured Christian Abijuru of I&M Bank, who elaborated on financing solutions for international projects, and Francine Munyaneza, CEO of Munyax, who shared insights into renewable energy’s potential in the agricultural and environmental sectors. Thijs Boer, CEO of Winnaz, discussed growth in Rwanda’s manufacturing landscape, emphasizing the integration of advanced Belgian technologies.
The second panel focused on urban development and sustainable transport, with panelists including Craig Clulow, CEO of Kigali Innovation City (KIC), Junior Kanamugire head of Cooperation Strategy and Development of Fortico Group, and Mattias Piani. The discussions explored Kigali’s expansion, the pivotal role of architecture in urban planning, and innovative transportation solutions. Clulow’s presentation highlighted the tech and startup ecosystem at KIC, showcasing how these sectors could transform Rwanda’s urban and economic fabric.
The day concluded with closing remarks by Kigali City Mayor Dusengiyumva, who reiterated Kigali’s readiness to forge ahead with its strategic urban and industrial plans. Emphasising the city’s commitment to innovation and business-friendly policies, he invited investors to play an active role in the city’s transformation as it enters its next phase of development.
This event marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between Rwanda and Belgium private sector, with tangible outcomes anticipated in trade and sectoral collaborations.
