Rwanda: The next business hub of Africa

Rwanda is making significant strides in attracting global investors as the nation recently hosted the inaugural UK Rwanda Business Forum, aiming to showcase the country's investment prospects. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, the newly appointed CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Francis Gatare, shared insights into the outcomes and future investment prospects arising from the forum. The event saw a large turnout of over 130 business leaders from the UK and more than 1,600 registered attendees, illustrating the growing interest in Rwanda as a business destination. While immediate deals were modest, several companies signed Memorandum of Understanding agreements and expressed interest in establishing local businesses in Rwanda across various sectors. The forum highlighted Rwanda's potential in green finance, agriculture, critical minerals, technology, and innovation, positioning the country as a strategic hub for business growth. With a projected economic growth of 6.6% in 2024, Rwanda is poised to attract more investors in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and food processing, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement for trade expansion.