Renewed momentum for Made-in-Rwanda initiative

Rwanda has been making strides in the 'Made in Rwanda' initiative, a policy that aims to promote local production and consumption of goods. The initiative has received renewed momentum with a clear roadmap outlined for its success. Theoneste Ntagengerwa, spokesperson for 'Made in Rwanda' at the private sector federation, expressed optimism about the performance of the initiative in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Ntagengerwa highlighted the quality of goods produced in Rwanda, emphasizing that local manufacturers are capable of producing high-quality products that are affordable and competitive in the market. However, a key challenge lies in marketing these products effectively to reach a wider audience. The perception of quality is subjective, and Ntagengerwa acknowledged that some Rwandan products have faced criticism for not meeting international standards, particularly in packaging and durability. To address these concerns, the 'Made in Rwanda' initiative is focused on encouraging businesses to obtain certifications for quality standards. Many industries in Rwanda are undergoing certification processes to ensure that their products meet international standards. Ntagengerwa emphasized the importance of effectively showcasing the quality of Rwandan products to attract consumers and build trust in the local market. One of the key strategies employed by the initiative is to create opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and interact with consumers. By participating in exhibitions and trade shows, local manufacturers can demonstrate the quality, specifications, and standards of their products, ultimately enhancing their visibility and reputation in the market. While Rwanda has demonstrated its capacity to produce high-quality goods, there is a need to address the issue of quantity production. Ntagengerwa acknowledged that some businesses struggle to scale up production due to challenges in financing and capacity. The 'Made in Rwanda' initiative is working to provide support to manufacturers through training programs, symposiums, and partnerships with financial institutions to help businesses overcome barriers to growth. In a bid to promote local consumption, the Ministry of Trade in Rwanda has announced plans to encourage civil servants to wear 'Made in Rwanda' clothing on the last Friday of every month. This initiative aims to instill a sense of pride and ownership in locally produced goods, fostering a culture of support for domestic industries. While there have been mixed reactions to this directive, Ntagengerwa emphasized the importance of mindset change and voluntary participation in promoting 'Made in Rwanda' products. The private sector in Rwanda has shown a growing interest in producing 'Made in Rwanda' goods, with an increasing number of businesses transitioning from small-scale production to commercial ventures. Foreign investments have also contributed to the growth of local industries, indicating a positive trend towards economic development and job creation. Ntagengerwa encouraged local manufacturers to seize the opportunities presented by the government's support and consumer demand for 'Made in Rwanda' products. Overall, the 'Made in Rwanda' initiative is poised to drive economic growth, job creation, and the promotion of local industries. With a focus on quality, quantity, and marketing strategies, Rwanda aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global market while fostering a sense of pride and patriotism among its citizens.