In a significant development, bilateral trade between Rwanda and Zimbabwe has seen a growth of over 50% in the past four years. This was announced during the opening of the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum, a two-day event held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The forum saw participation from over 100 companies, showcasing their products and services.
The forum’s activities included showcasing investment opportunities, bilateral meetings, and business-to-business networking. Francis Gatare, the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), highlighted that Zimbabwean companies have invested more than 38 million U.S. dollars in Rwanda. Additionally, eight Rwandan companies have commenced operations in Zimbabwe in the energy, information technology, and agro-processing sectors.
This forum, the third since 2021, is co-organized by the RDB and the National Trade Development and Promotion Organization of Zimbabwe. The aim is to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, emphasized the importance of identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends and market dynamics. He stated, “Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with their unique strengths and capabilities, have much to offer the world. Leveraging our respective comparative advantages, we can create a cycle of growth and prosperity that benefits both nations”.
Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheillah Chikomo, echoed these sentiments. She stated that the forum presents an opportunity to share up-to-date and useful information on trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. She added, “We are at your service and will be pleased to assist businesses from Zimbabwe and Rwanda with trade information to increase market coverage for goods and services”.
As we look forward to the future, this growth in trade between Rwanda and Zimbabwe serves as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates the potential for economic prosperity when nations collaborate and leverage their unique strengths.
Source: New Zimbabwe
