How Rwanda won investors’ hearts

Phones at Rwanda Investment and Export Promotions Agency (RIEPA) are reportedly ‘still ringing off the hook’.Emails of staff are jammed with congratulatory messages for successfully organising the 1st East African Investment Conference (EAIC). The conference which took place from 26th to 28th last month at Kigali Serena Hotel attracted a record 1090 participants including world business executives and five East African Community Heads of State. Rwanda, a country of a thousand hills because of its hilly landscape and of a thousand smiles hosted this conference on behalf of East African member states. Records at Riepa show that several investors have promised to invest in East Africa. They confess that the hospitality of Rwandans has left a lasting positive impression on them and have come to appreciate that the East African Community, as an investment destination. Clarence Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, FirstRand Banking Group Mumbai, India in an email to Riepa says, “We at the Firstrand Banking Group would be delighted to work closely with you…in the coming months, so as to get optimum results out of this wonderful conference. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you receive any good investment proposal from any of our Indian delegates who were present or even those who could not make it, but have been in touch with you regarding any investment project.” The investor appreciates that the security arrangements never inconvenienced the participants despite the presence of five Heads of State. Another email written by Mark Preston, Chief executive Officer Altech Stream—Rwanda and South Africa describes conference as successful. “Our executive team from the Altech Head office in South Africa who visited the conference, have gone home knowing how serious Rwanda is about it’s aspirations for the region and are very excited about the future prospects for our broadband business.” Adding, “I am sure it has left the same impression on the other delegates too.” Ends