Preparations for this year’s annual Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) are in high gear with many exhibitors already setting up their stands at Gikondo showground in Kicukiro. Organised by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and East African Community Affairs, the 20th edition of the event kicks off on August 22 to September 6.

Speaking to The New Times, on Monday, Faustin Karasira, the director of operations at PSF, said 633 local and international exhibitors have so far confirmed their participation.

The government uses the annual trade fair to encourage Rwandans to consume locally-made goods, as well as encourage and challenge industrialists to improve quality under the Made-in-Rwanda initiative.

Karasira urged local firms to use the event as an opportunity, not only to sell or market their products, but as a platform to network and form beneficial market linkages with their regional and international counterparts.

Affordable housing developers

"The uniqueness of this year’s expo is the participation of affordable housing developers, who will be showcasing their services and products for the first time,” he said.

Daniel Wyss, the managing director of Skat Consulting Rwanda, a Kigali-based Swiss firm supporting the Rwandan construction industry, said the firm will be exhibiting a range affordable houses to enable people own their own homes with as little as Rwf8 million.

"At only Rwf8 million, low-income earners will be able to acquire decent houses, which will help reduce the challenge of affordable housing in the country,” he said.

Skat Consulting Rwanda deals in architecture, urban design and production of sustainable building materials.