Dear esteemed readers,

I am thrilled to share with you the resounding success and promising outcomes of the inaugural UK-Rwanda Business Forum held from January 29 to 31, 2024, at the prestigious Kigali Convention Centre. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my counterpart and friend High Commissioner Omar Daair and his team for their visionary initiative, and to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the various Government of Rwanda institutions for their tireless efforts in ensuring the forum's success. Additionally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Rwanda, Lord Popat, for his invaluable support and dedication to strengthening investment and trade between our nations.

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As I reflect, at its core, the UK-Rwanda Business Forum represented the spirit of economic diplomacy where a strategic alignment of diplomatic and economic goals is implied to foster mutual benefit and sustainable growth. It is thrilling to see the UK and Rwanda leveraging economic tools, such as trade agreements, investment partnerships, and business forums, to advance mutual interests.

Today, economic diplomacy is taking centre stage in international relations, and the UK and Rwanda recognize the importance of economic cooperation and trade as catalysts for peace and prosperity. The UK-Rwanda Business Forum epitomized this by bringing together key stakeholders from both countries to explore avenues for collaboration and investment.

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Throughout the Forum, the spotlight shone brightly on six priority sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, financial and professional services, the green economy, infrastructure, and critical minerals. These sectors represent the bedrock of our economies, and the discussions and engagements within each domain served to deepen our understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

I am particularly encouraged by the excitement and involvement shown by UK companies like BBOXX. Their dedication to Rwanda's progress is truly impressive. BBOXX's decision to move its main office from London to Kigali demonstrates the transformative potential of economic diplomacy, as it fosters closer ties between nations and unlocks new avenues for investment and innovation. It is no secret that BBOXX's CEO mentioned that the move to Kigali not only brings them closer to the communities they serve but also cements their commitment to be an Africa-first, data-driven super platform, transforming lives and unlocking potential at an unprecedented scale. They chose Rwanda because of various reasons such as ease of doing business, transportation with RwandAir flying to the UK 6 times per week (and 7 times in the near future), and Rwanda's emergence as a global leader in affordable and reliable internet.

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Similarly, the emergence of homegrown success stories such as Asantii within the fashion industry serves as a testament to Rwanda's rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, wealth of talent and creativity that abounds within our borders. By nurturing local enterprises and empowering women in the workforce, Asantii exemplifies the transformative power of inclusive growth and economic empowerment.

As we reflect on the resounding success of the UK-Rwanda Business Forum, I am filled with a renewed sense of optimism and determination. I am confident that the momentum of this forum will continue to bear fruit in the days, months, and years ahead. To businesses in the UK seeking to explore the boundless opportunities that Rwanda has to offer, I extend a warm invitation to engage with the Rwanda High Commission in London and embark on a journey of discovery and partnership.

Together, let us seize the momentum generated by the Forum and other initiatives and chart a course towards shared prosperity, innovation, and inclusive growth. The future holds limitless possibilities, and it is through our collective efforts and unwavering commitment that we will realize the full potential of the UK-Rwanda partnership.

Stay tuned for more,

With warm regards,

The author is the High Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK and Malta.