Rwanda being the first African country to host WEDF is a further testimony of the visionary, competent and innovative leadership of President Paul Kagame. Rwanda’s performance in leading its economic development in very innovative ways has been exceptional and subsequently enabled the country in large measure to make remarkable progress during the last two decades.

The strong partnership between ITC and the Government of Rwanda through RDB as well as the Rwanda UN Country Team, under the framework of Delivering as One ensured a highly successful organization of the forum.

ITC together with other UN agencies play an important place in the UN’s commendable support to inclusive industrialization and growth, development of SMSEs and their more active participation in the export market as well as economic empowerment of women.