South African companies eye Rwanda

Following a networking event in Johannesburg, South Africa to showcase Rwanda’s investment opportunities, several companies have expressed interest in opening up operations in the country. The event, that was attended by representatives of 55 South African companies, was hosted by Rwanda’s High Commission in South Africa. A statement from the High Commission says the event was directed by Paul Runge, the managing director of Africa Project Access (APA), a South African company, providing specialist consulting services and information regarding projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Following a networking event in Johannesburg, South Africa to showcase Rwanda’s investment opportunities, several companies have expressed interest in opening up operations in the country.

The event, that was attended by representatives of 55 South African companies, was hosted by Rwanda’s High Commission in South Africa.

A statement from the High Commission says the event was directed by Paul Runge, the managing director of Africa Project Access (APA), a South African company, providing specialist consulting services and information regarding projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Runge presented a brief on the potential investment projects in Rwanda.

"The business luncheon aimed at creating a platform where South African businesses deliberate over the realities of doing business in Rwanda, the type of projects and investment opportunities available,” reads part of the statement.

Representatives of South African companies doing business in Rwanda, including Prem Pather, the head of Samsung Group’s Africa operations shared their experiences.

Karega presented an overview of Rwanda’s economy–citing the tremendous progress and development Rwanda has made since the 1994 Genocide across different sectors including health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, Tourism, as well as peace and security.

Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Operating Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), highlighted the reasons for investing in Rwanda, including a sustained high growth in GDP, robust governance, investor friendly climate, access to markets and untapped investment opportunities.

"Participants are keen to follow up with prospective and exploratory visits to Rwanda and those that have visited on previous occasions who included the Australian and Singapore trade commissioners in South Africa gave positive testimonies of their recent trips to Rwanda,” adds the statement.

South African companies that presented a "formal interest” include the Rand Merchant Bank Corvest (RMB Corvest), McCormick (property development) and Hydraform International (construction).

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