CNBC Africa to relocate regional studios to Kigali

Business news television channel, CNBC Africa, is set to move its regional studios in Kigali, from Nairobi, according to officials at the network.

Monday, January 25, 2016
Regional CNBC Anchors; L-R Bonny Tunya (Nairobi), Tumisho Grater (South Africa) and George Ndirangu (Kigali). The network is set to move its regional studios to Kigali next month. (Courtesy)

Business news television channel, CNBC Africa, is set to move its regional studios in Kigali, from Nairobi, according to officials at the network.

The regional headquarters and studios will be opened in Kigali next month.

Speaking to The New Times, Patrick Ojil, the Business Development Manager at CNBC Africa, said their decision was inspired by the goodwill and support from the Rwandan government.

"Rwanda is a very receptive country. We have received support from the Government through Rwanda Development Board (RDB),” he said.

He also highlighted security as another important factor behind the decision.

"Every company wants to do business where there is security. Rwanda is a very safe place. The government has done a great job to ensure security, which is a very paramount component,” he added.

CNBC opened their country bureau in Rwanda in September 2012, making Rwanda the ninth country in which they had launched their operations.

According to Ojil, they will continue to broaden their footprint on the continent.

He expressed optimism that the media house will continue to report about the Rwandan economic outlook, hence sending positive signals to international investors to come and invest in the country.

"We shall have full coverage about business in Rwanda every single day. And, through this, we shall be sending positive signals that will inspire confidence among investors to come to Rwanda,” Ojil added.

He also said they will provide employment opportunities for the people.

The broadcasting equipment for the studios will arrive in the country over the weekend, which will be followed by installation next week after which recruitment for employees will take place.

The TV operates in a number of African countries with bureaus in Zambia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Kenya, Gabon, Namibia, among others. It has its African headquarters in South Africa.

Innocent Bajiji, the acting head of investment promotion and facilitation at RDB, said that hosting CNBC’s regional studios will tremendously improve the country’s visibility and exposure to business globally.

"Being a continental TV that is also connected to the global CNBC with an audience in 100 countries, will tremendously improve the publicity of the country to the business community and help in promoting investment opportunities,” Bajiji said.

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