Editor,

RE: "Step up your game, RDB urges business community” (The New Times, Feb 25)

We appreciate the role of RDB in promoting Rwanda as MICE (Meeting Incentive conferences and events destination) through establishment of Kigali Convention Bureau, which will ensure such international engagements are well facilitated, once they come to Rwanda.

This year in May, Rwanda will host the World Economic Forum (WEF) Africa Summit, which is expected to bring together thousands of delegates which should be an opportune moment for players in the hospitality industry.

Therefore as far as investors are concerned, I wish to make some humble contributions;

1. Facilitate local private sectors with much needed training on negotiations, targeting and closing deals in the run up to such key summits. Yes, although this is the age of ICT and private companies could google and Youtube such sessions, given our own unique environment, having a common approach and the reality on the ground requires direct training and intervention.

2. RDB/PSF in the run up to WEF (a mere 2 months away) should have a dedicated desk/office for walk in private companies, for I am sure event above didn’t not cater for all private sector players. This should be done even during the conference to facilitate local companies meet with interested trade partners/investors.

3. RDB/PSF should create an online database and well updated company profile which should be linked to RDB website, negotiate with WEF organisers to provide such a link for easy connectivity. Both PSF and RDB websites need updated information to prepare for the inevitable hits as the world turns to Africa and Rwanda in May.

4. Both institutions to create a strong follow up mechanism to ensure local businesses can be supported through such indentified partnerships.

5. Involve local districts/mayors/leadership in WEF so that they too can open up and involve the rest of the country in such needed strategic partnerships. We certainly need a developed Kigali but Rwanda has much more potential than Kigali. I am inspired by the recent example by Nyan za district mayor who sought to promote Nyanza as an investment destination.

6. Lessons learned from past events especially last year need to be studied in order to avoid same mistakes.

To organisers/private sector/participants, i wish everyone a fruitful WEF meeting.

Kigali Gal