The first VW assembled in Rwanda yesterday rolled off the assembly line ending a 16-month wait since the project was first announced.

With it comes the Mobility Solutions being pioneered in Kigali, which will see the introduction of a car-sharing and hailing service.

Rwanda was sending a strong message; it is never afraid to think big. It has immersed itself totally in technology which is paying dividends by the day.

The fact that the Volkswagen app that will run the Mobility Solutions was designed by a group of Rwandan youngsters speaks volume.

VW launched an international tender to design the app and chose to award it to a local startup, a vote of confidence that will no doubt stimulate the local tech industry.

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is slowly taking shape as more top-notch brands set camp in a country that has continually improved the doing-business environment.

Volkswagen and other companies that have implanted in the SEZ were attracted by the fact that the country has set its priorities right and investment atmosphere is conducive and attractive.

Most of the time, Rwanda has punched above its weight, and what a punch this is. The next step is for financial institutions to get on board and support the desire of Rwandans to drive and own new vehicles.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw