Investors from across Africa and beyond have explored opportunities in Rwanda’s manufacturing, agro-processing, coffee, energy, technology, healthcare, mining and logistics sectors during Equity Group’s 2026 Trade and Investment Roadshow. More than 70 business leaders, investors, policymakers and private-sector representatives from 10 nationalities participated in the roadshow, which concluded its Rwanda programme with a business roundtable on September 18. The initiative connected investors with local businesses and provided first-hand insights into Rwanda’s investment environment and opportunities for capital, technology, skills and partnerships. ALSO READ: Capital, jobs and growth: How Equity is backing Rwanda’s businesses Manufacturing and value addition offer room for investment Jean Paul Bazihana, Trade Cluster representative at PSF, said Rwanda has room for investment in manufacturing, including garments and textiles, construction materials, furniture, electronics and automotive components. “There is still a lot to do,” he told participants, pointing to opportunities in production and value addition. He also cited agro-processing opportunities in tea, horticulture, dairy, meat, spices and honey, alongside coffee. Infrastructure, particularly warehouses and facilities serving industrial parks, special economic zones and growing urban centres, is another area with investment potential. Other opportunities include renewable energy, ICT, healthcare, agricultural technology, mining and logistics. In mining, Bazihana said, greater focus is needed on processing minerals locally. “Mineral value addition is really critical and needed to be tackled in our country,” he said. “Rwanda produces raw materials that can offer greater economic value if processed locally.” Regional markets add to Rwanda’s investment appeal Bazihana urged investors to view Rwanda not only as a domestic market but also as a base for accessing regional markets. “An investor should not look at Rwanda only as a market of approximately 14 million people, but as a strategic opportunity to establish in Rwanda and use the country as a platform for access to regional markets,” he said. Rwanda’s membership of the East African Community (EAC), participation in wider African trade arrangements, digital infrastructure, investment incentives and special economic zones support its potential as a regional business base, he said. Rwanda registered $2.62 billion worth of investments across 799 projects in 2025, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), illustrating the scale of capital already flowing into the economy. Investor support remains key Divine H. Nakanyange, Head of Special Economic Zones Authority of Rwanda (SEZAR) and Export Facilitation at RDB, said the institution helps investors navigate the process of establishing and expanding businesses. She said RDB connects investors with relevant institutions, provides information on regulations and incentives, helps identify suitable locations and offers support after establishment. “Company registration in Rwanda takes a maximum of six hours,” she said. “Aftercare teams continue to support investors as they implement, expand and explore new opportunities.” Equity commits to helping investors access business opportunities Eric Rutabana, Commercial Director at Equity Bank Rwanda, said the bank combines financial solutions with its regional presence to support businesses seeking to grow and expand across borders. “At Equity, our role is to help businesses and investors identify opportunities, access the right financial solutions and grow their operations,” he said. Mahvish Malik, Equity Group Associate Director for Trade Relations, said the roadshows are designed to give participants practical insights into doing business in the region. “Our trade and investment roadshows are structured to give delegates a clear understanding of what it is really like to conduct business in the region,” she said. On September 17, participants visited Landy Industries, DIKAM Fashion, Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company, known for its Gorilla’s Coffee brand, and electric mobility company Ampersand. Coffee draws investor interest The business visits strengthened interest in Rwanda’s coffee sector among some participants. Kelechi R. Anyanwu, Managing Director of Excel Plus Investment Limited, said the experience had increased his interest in investing in the sector. “I can say I’m really overwhelmed by what I saw here today,” he said. He said Rwanda needs to promote its coffee beyond the East African market and connect it with international buyers. “Personally, I’m interested now, with this kind of programme, in investing in the coffee business,” he said. Michaelle Kubwimana, Managing Director and co-owner of Kinunu Agro Processing, said the roadshow opened discussions on financing, partnerships and social-impact initiatives. “I was delighted to know that actually Equity has solutions for what I’m looking for in terms of partnering, working with women programmes, but also through the Equity Foundation,” she said. Kubwimana said Rwanda’s coffee sector needs to increase production, strengthen access to international markets and adopt newer technologies. “We’ve had a workshop session for the last 10 years, but do we have the latest technology? No. Can we do better? Definitely,” she said. She also highlighted the need for greater access to financial services outside Kigali. Kinunu Agro Processing, based in Rutsiro District, employs about 150 people but has no nearby Equity Bank branch. “I think that’s an opportunity for Equity,” she said. “The potential relationship could be win-win.”
