East Africa’s Premier Building and Construction Exhibition, Buildexpo Africa, is set to open on Wednesday in Kigali. The event has annually been hosted in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia for the last 21 years. To be held from tomorrow to Friday, the event will have several objectives, said Asif Mavany, the media manager of Expogroup, the Dubai-based organisers. “Our first motive is to present Rwanda in the international market. There is much to be known about Rwanda outside the country to attract foreign investment,” Mavany said in a statement. “Secondly, the event will bring in the latest and a variety of products, machinery and technology to the country from over 20 countries. Importers in Rwanda will be able to meet companies from Germany, China, India, Turkey, Italy, Spain, South Africa, UAE, Oman and several others face to face.” Rwanda Development Board chief executive Clare Akamanzi welcomed the organisation of Buildexpo in Rwanda. “The Government of Rwanda is privileged to partner with Expogroup to host Buildexpo Africa 2017 in Rwanda,” she said. “This event will serve a vital part of our mission to showcase Rwanda as a key destination for suppliers and investors.” Mavany said local businesses in the construction industry will be able to connect with each other at one place and time. “For example, developers will be able to source local suppliers and vice versa. Consumers too will be able to source products for building their homes,” he said. The event will arrive with big brands spread over 15 product categories, including building material, mining, lighting, glass, steel and aluminum, hardware and tools, machinery and equipment, among others. According to the organisers, participants from Rwanda will include Tedmer International, Fati Limited, Akagera Group, Munyax Solar, Hippo Roofings, Safintra and EAHK Rwanda. Top international exhibitors include Bauer Germany, Oman Cables, Prime Drilling Gmbh, Wood-Mizer South Africa, RTS Power India, Heavyfab Kenya, among others. Running concurrently will be a Power and Energy Expo that is showcasing products and equipment in another important sector for the country. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
