Senegalese business people working in Rwanda have reacted to the visit of their president to Rwanda, and the opportunities presented by the increasingly friendly relations between the two countries. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye arrived in Kigali on Friday, October 17, for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and Senegal. ALSO READ: Senegal’s President Faye arrives in Kigali on three-day visit The visit includes the signing of several bilateral agreements in various sectors. What Senegalese businesspeople say: For Alex Diaw, General Retail Manager at Maraz Origins, a Senegalese luxury leather goods company operating in Kigali, President Faye’s visit symbolises opportunity for both countries. Maraz opened its Kigali store at Kigali Business Centre two years ago. It brings high-end leather craftsmanship rooted in Senegalese heritage. For him, Rwanda was a natural choice for his company because he saw it as a gateway to eastern and southern Africa. He commended Rwanda’s business environment, describing it as “the easiest market we have opened in Africa.” Diaw believes that more trade cooperation, for example formalised through a specific deal between Rwanda and Senegal, could further open doors for mutual investment. “Such an agreement would make it easier for Senegalese companies to establish operations in Rwanda and for Rwandan businesses to explore opportunities in west Africa,” he said. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Senegal sign bilateral air services agreement For Aminata Mbaye, Managing Director of Africa Tourism Solutions, a Senegalese travel and transportation management company with a branch in Rwanda, described President Faye’s visit as a reflection of “the strong and natural ties” between the two nations. “We share a lot, even in our appearance and culture,” Mbaye said. “People often think I am Rwandan, which shows how close our two countries are.” Her company entered the Rwandan market in 2024 after being invited by Visit Rwanda initiatives promoting collaboration with African businesses. “When we looked at expanding, Rwanda stood out as one of Africa’s leading destinations for the MICE sector,” she said, referring to the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry. Mbaye described Rwanda as “a second home,” citing safety, cleanliness, and a welcoming environment as major factors that influenced her decision to invest. “It’s not just about profit; it’s about belonging,” she said. “When you invest somewhere, you connect with the people and the place.” While she praised Rwanda’s business environment, she noted challenges in building credibility as a new company. “Sometimes people want to see what you’ve already done in Rwanda before trusting you with big projects,” she said. “It takes time to build that confidence, even when your work in other countries speaks for itself.” Despite such hurdles, Mbaye said her experience in Rwanda has been overwhelmingly positive. “After two years, Rwanda feels like home,” she said. “I even represent Rwanda abroad as my host country, encouraging other Senegalese and Africans in the diaspora to explore the opportunities here.” “Many people in Rwanda don’t know the beauty and potential of Senegal, and vice versa,” she said. “Through travel and cultural exchange, we can inspire more Africans to invest within the continent.” Strengthening trade and skills exchange Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, CEO and Founder of Glo Creations Ltd, welcomed the visit as an important step toward expanding trade and cultural exchange. Having first launched her creative business in Senegal in 2004 before moving operations to Rwanda in 2005, Uwizera said the two countries have much to learn from each other. ALSO READ: Senegalese president expected in Rwanda “This visit means a lot because we need each other,” she said. “Senegal has a lot to offer in terms of skills, especially in leather craftsmanship and entertainment, while Rwanda has advanced in agriculture and conference tourism. Both countries can complement each other perfectly.” Uwizera highlighted logistics and transportation costs as the main challenge hindering trade between the two countries. ALSO READ: Kagame, Senegal president discuss bilateral ties, security “The cost of moving goods between Rwanda and Senegal remains very high,” she noted, suggesting that both governments should explore initiatives to facilitate easier movement of goods and services. She also called for the creation of a joint business platform to strengthen ties between entrepreneurs from both nations. “We need a community that brings together businesspeople from Rwanda and Senegal to share experiences and best practices,” she added. “This would help us implement what our governments have agreed to work on.”
