Strengthening trade between Rwanda and Poland

The second edition of the Rwanda-Poland Business Forum recently took place, bringing together eighty domestic companies and 18 Polish companies to explore potential partnerships in various sectors. CNBC Africa's Flora Limukii had the opportunity to speak with Lukasz Sloniowski, the East Africa trade director, on the sidelines of the event. The primary focus of the forum was to enhance economic relations between Rwanda and Poland, with the visit of Polish President Andrzej Duda to Rwanda playing a pivotal role. The presence of President Duda and Rwandan President Paul Kagame provided a platform for business discussions and collaborations between the two nations. Sloniowski highlighted that the key sectors for partnership between Rwanda and Poland include agriculture, machinery agriculture, precise agriculture, and knowledge exchange. With a particular emphasis on the education sector, Polish universities are keen on forming collaborations with Rwandan institutions. Additionally, companies from Poland are interested in contributing to infrastructure development, digitalization, and innovation in Rwanda. In terms of technology and innovation, Sloniowski pointed out that Poland has expertise in areas such as drones, which can be valuable in enhancing security measures in Rwanda. While cybersecurity collaborations are not currently at the forefront, there is potential for future cooperation in this domain. Furthermore, partnerships in infrastructure and capacity building are underway, with companies like Pietrucha Group already operational in Rwanda, supplying equipment for infrastructure projects. The trade relationship between Rwanda and Poland is not one-sided, as Rwanda exports food products, mainly coffee and tea, to Poland. Rwanda holds a special status that allows its exports to the European Union to be tax-free, presenting a significant advantage for trade between the two countries. When asked about the attractiveness of Rwanda as an investment destination, Sloniowski emphasized Rwanda's safety, cleanliness, growing infrastructure, and the alignment of needs with Polish solutions. One of the key drivers for Polish businesses to invest in Rwanda is the absence of historical baggage, as Poland was never a colonizing nation. This cultural similarity fosters a positive environment for collaboration. Agriculture emerges as a strong industry for cooperation, with Poland offering expertise that can benefit Rwandan agricultural practices. Noteworthy projects include initiatives like milk cooling infrastructure aimed at improving market access for small farms. Overall, the Rwanda-Poland Business Forum served as a platform to strengthen trade ties, foster economic collaboration, and explore mutually beneficial partnerships between the two nations. The event underscored the shared interests and opportunities for growth in sectors such as agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and education, laying the foundation for sustained economic progress and development.