The government’s programme to inspire buying of locally made products dubbed Made-in-Rwanda Hafi Yawe, has got a boost after one of the biggest hotel brands in the country, Kigali Marriott Hotel, opened its doors for product vendors to showcase to the public at the upcoming three-day trade fair.

The trade fair which will take place from 2nd to 4th August 2019 at the hotel’s parking lot is expected to feature 50 exhibitors – consisting producers of Made in Rwanda and traders who deal in locally produced products.

Speaking to The New Times by telephone, John Migambi, the coordinator of the Expo, said that the trade fair is part of the nationwide campaign to create awareness and promote locally made products.

The campaign aims at exhibiting a portfolio of these items and making it more convenient for buyers to access them.

"The event is part of the bigger project Made –In-Rwanda Hafi Yawe, and we invite everyone to come in and experience,” he said.

Migambi also said that he was happy that Kigali Marriott Hotel, was one of the first companies to embrace and take up the idea, expressing hope that this will play a big role in the promotion of these products, not only in Rwanda but also for export in the near future.

"We are grateful for the positive response from Kigali Marriott Hotel  that opened its doors giving access to our producers and we are looking forward to attract the hotel’s clientele,” he said.

Migambi added that the products on display will range from foodstuffs to textile products, crafts like baskets, bracelets, necklaces, rings among others.

Robert Gituma, the Marketing Representative, at Kigali Marriott, said that partnering with Made-In-Rwanda is part of the hotel’s boost to the programme that will give exhibitors a platform to showcase locally made products to a diverse community comprising of residents and visitors.

"We are doing this because we support and promote local businesses which in-turn builds our country’s economy. We also believe that the event will give a chance to visitors who may not have the opportunity to explore the countryside due to time constraint, a one-stop shop to experience what local producers have to offer in terms of quality and authentic Rwandan products,” he said.

He explained that Kigali Marriott Hotel which is a flagship of Marriott International takes pride in partnering with local innovators as it spurs creativity and helps in empowering businesses. Gituma, added that they estimate the trade fair will attract between 500 and 1,000 visitors in the three days’ time.

To benefit the majority, Migambi said that the traders and producers will be selected from all provinces in the country.