Business leaders have expressed optimism about the investments and partnerships that could be forged from the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 16 and 17 in Kigali.

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The forum’s 11th edition will bring together 2,000 business executives, investors, and policymakers from Africa and beyond under the theme "At the Table or On the Menu? A Critical Moment to Shape a New Future for Africa.”

With the participation of five African Presidents, the focus of discussions will be on digital technology, integration and free trade, strengthening Africa’s finance and agribusiness sectors, investment climate, and supporting Africa’s women entrepreneurs, among others.

During an engagement meeting with members of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Golden Circle, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) showcased opportunities available for business leaders ahead of the forum.

Francis Gatare, CEO of RDB, said that they seek to maximize opportunities from the forum which comes at a time when the economy is recovering to pre-Covid19 levels and for the private sector to take the lead in attracting more investments across sectors in the country.

Rwanda last hosted the forum in 2019. Had Covid19 not hit, Gatare said, the country would have reaped more from the conference.

Stephen Ruzibiza, PSF Chief Executive Officer, said that the members have an appetite to attend the event to network and build long-lasting partnerships that yield economic benefits.

He said that while the attendance fee is relatively high because of the caliber of participating CEOs, there is an ongoing discussion to have affordable rates for young business leaders.

As of now, the attendance fee is €2,850 for internationals and Rwf2.3 million for local business people.

"Business is about networking and among the outcomes from previous editions is the growth of investments in the country, more market for access to capital, and collaboration of consultancy companies, among others,” Ruzibiza noted.

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James Oduor, CEO of CIMERWA, looks forward to the interactions and exploring partnerships with major business leaders to bring on board more investments in the country.

"One of the things we focus on as a cement manufacturer is carbon emissions, and we are looking at ways we can partner with green funds and other people affiliated with the business of reducing carbon emissions and participating in the green agenda,” he said of their expectation.

Emiliene Benurugo, CSR and Public Relations Manager at SKOL Brewery Ltd, finds the forum to be a good platform for private sector engagements, as opposed to other conventional meetings by the government.

She added that the business community should leverage this opportunity to advance their projects and secure financing where possible, as well as expand the markets through investments and partnerships.

"It is not the time to be shy, but to network and aggressively search out opportunities to expand our economic activities.”