The Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Riepa) which was recently merged with other agencies to form the Rwanda Development Agency (RDA), is set to reward 14 local importers and exporters today at Kigali Serena hotel.

This is intended to recognise the private sector’s role towards Rwanda’s economic development. Private sector development is identified as a strategic pillar that can alleviate poverty and turn Rwanda into a middle income economy by 2020.

Francis Gatera, RDB’s Principal Deputy Chief Executive Officer,, said that President Paul Kagame is expected to preside over the ceremony dubbed ‘The Investor Award Gala Dinner’.

The 14 finalists were part of the 170 companies that received questionnaires from Riepa before pre-selections. There were 130 firms that participated.

The pre-selections were done by auditing firm, Deloitte and Touche. After the shortlist, the judging panel was joined by persons from the regional private and public sectors with international business experience.

Without giving details, Gatera said, "Judges have come up with 14 firms after a stiff competition during assessment.”

"These will be awarded trophies and a token of appreciation, but above all, they will act as representatives of other investors and exporters in Rwanda,” he added.

According to the programme, two overall winners (investor and exporter) shall be associated with Riepa’s promotional activities as goodwill ambassadors.

Rosemary Mbabazi, the Riepa Director of Investment Promotion said that apart from the general prizes, winners will be prioritised to access the export fund with special assistance, in terms of facilitation and advisory services.

Ends