Rwanda: New African dawns
Aired April 2006
Rwanda; a landlocked republic in Equatorial Africa is a country of great diversity and beauty. Popularly known as the nation of a thousand hills; Rwanda has six volcanoes, 23 lakes and numerous rivers… some of these forming the source of the great River Nile. The landscapes in this green country are truly breathtaking.
Historically Rwanda was a country beset by Ethnic tension. The documented events of 1994 eroded the country’s ability to attract private and international investment.
Today, Rwanda is a country in renewal having made significant progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Investment into Rwanda will not only tap the increasing domestic market, but also the expanding regional market. In line with this are the improving transport facilities both within the country and in connecting with its neighbors.
Rwanda has embarked on a campaign of rehabilitating and improving the road network. Currently only 10% of Rwanda’s road network is tarmac.
Government is firmly committed to help transform the country into an information-rich, knowledge-based society. The aim is to build and strengthen the digital readiness of the nation. Rwanda needs drastic action in order to address its domestic energy deficit. Imported petroleum products consume more than 40% of foreign exchange.
The Government plans to increase energy production and diversify into alternative energy sources. One of the possibilities to improve the energy situation is to exploit the available Methane gas in lake Kivu.
AGRICULTURE
Rwanda’s main aim of the Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2020 is to enable Rwandans to emerge from under-development and poverty and achieve a variety of economic growth objectives, taking into account the environmental requirements.
A major emphasis is being put on Agriculture. The sector is the main productive activity for the majority of Rwandan households. More than 80% of the population work in this sector.
One of the best investment opportunities is in the coffee sector. This is now fully liberalized and the government of Rwanda is currently liquidating its share in Rwandex; the largest coffee exporter in Rwanda.
Rwanda is not only renowned for its coffee, it also has a high quality tea production. The sector is open for investment, both at a factory and farm level.
FINANCE
Within the framework of the financial services development program, the government of Rwanda has created a mass of investment opportunities. Reforms have enabled more companies to join the market and promote diversification of delivered products. The number of banks and insurance companies has remarkably increased. Others have quickly joined the race to enter the market. The National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) has restored all of its basic functions, and has upgraded its capacity to supervise commercial banks and specialized financial institutions.
The test that Rwanda faces in developing its trade and industry sectors provides the platform for extensive opportunities to invest in the country. Rwanda offers a very attractive strategic location to serve remote regions of the neighboring countries.
The Government formulates and implements appropriate policies and strategies to enhance sustainable development of the trade and industry sector. The commitment to create a favorable investment climate is deeply enshrined in the Government’s Vision 2020. The Rwanda Investment Promotion Agency is established in order to increase investments both domestic and foreign in Rwanda.
TOURISM
The beauty of Rwanda is obvious, its many national parks add to the marvel. It is no surprise that the country attracts a lot of tourists. The blossoming tourism industry is one of the best indicators of how fast Rwanda is developing.
You have discovered Rwanda/ a new African dawn, a new adventure, new friends and amazing beauty. It just might surprise you … Be among the first to explore how much the country offers.
