Three students at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre-South (IPRC- South) will next year head to Germany for a three-year training course under a partnership with a Germany-based company that aims at strengthening capacity to produce ‘Made in Rwanda’ products.

ReMa Fertigungstechnik GmbH is a Rhineland-Palatinate–based firm that manufactures and retails mechanical and other metal products in Germany.

The Principal of IPRC-South, Dr Barnabe Twabagira, said the partnership was sealed in June in Germany.

He was speaking on Tuesday as the Managing Director of ReMa Fertigungstechnik GmbH, Reiner Rudolphi visited the Huye-based institution.

"We are sensitised to make products locally and consume them. But, you realise that we go to Dubai and China to purchase the same products. All we need to achieve this goal is perfection, to make a fine product. We always talk about doing a job to perfection, but you realise there is something lacking,” he said.

"That’s why people shun home-made products in favour of products from elsewhere. This partnership will enhance the quality and quantity of products made in the country since Germany is advanced in TVET skills.”

Dr Twabagira said the partnership with the investor is key to TVET development in the country.

"He promised to take three students to study in Germany. That’s more in our interest as the students will return with skills and help teach other students here,” he said.

The beneficiaries of the technical skills could mainly benefit the production and manufacturing sectors.

Reiner Rudolphi expressed interest in setting up a factory that will manufacture locomotive metals and machinery in the Southern Province, but this will be gradual.

The investor said the three students will be given full scholarship. ReMa Fertigungstechnik GmbH has a turnover of 6 million Euros. .

"We hope to impart knowledge and skills in the students so that when they come back, they can use the technical know-how to work in the industry here,” he said.

He said he conceived the idea of Rwanda as a business destination last year when he visited the country for tourism purposes.

"I saw the land and I loved it. I observed the cleanliness and saw the hills. I saw the gorillas and I found very hospitable people, and, above all, security,” he said.

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