Rwandans who graduated from in Chinese universities hosted a Business-to-Business (B2B) event that sought to foster experience-sharing and create linkages between Rwandan businesses and Chinese companies operating locally.

This event, organized by the Rwanda China Alumni Organization (RCAO) on November 16, in Kigali is a partnership with the Chinese embassy and it aims to address long-standing challenges faced by companies from both nations while promoting mutual growth and collaboration.

ALSO READ: Chinese alumni association in Rwanda helps plant over 2,000 trees

Why a B2B?

According to the organisers, Chinese companies in Rwanda often face challenges in sourcing reliable local suppliers, subcontractors, and manpower in sectors like construction, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Similarly, RCAO members, who are business owners, fresh graduates or entrepreneurs, struggle to access the opportunities in the Chinese business community in Rwanda and in China. The B2B event, the first to be organized, aims to bridge these gaps, laying the groundwork for increased trade and investment between the two countries.

ALSO READ: Rwanda-China Alumni to set up Rwf1.5 billion exchange center

"We are here to explore collaboration, share experiences, and establish valuable connections that will not only benefit our organisations or companies but also contribute positively to the growth of Rwanda&039;s economy,” said Theoneste Higaniro, the Chairperson of RCAO.

"The essence of this event goes beyond networking and it’s about creating sustainable partnerships that foster innovations and drive progress.”

Higaniro added: "China has been a vital partner for Rwanda, and together we can leverage our strengths to enhance trade and investment opportunities. For Chinese companies, I believe that the local companies that you met today are not only eager to learn from you but also ready to share their unique expertise and perspectives.”

Higaniro stressed that Sino-Rwanda relations are commendable, "and together we can pave the way for increased investment, technology transfer, and shared prosperity.”

He urged the participants at the event to "keep building bridges and unlocking the vast potential benefits that lie in collaborating well between local companies and Chinese companies.”

ALSO READ: 71 Rwandan students receive Chinese government scholarships

Objectives and benefits of the B2B

The B2B event focuses on promoting discussions, collaborations, and partnerships that extend beyond Rwanda’s borders. Companies from both sides are encouraged to explore joint ventures and associate partnerships by utilising their mutual cultural and professional understanding.

Key benefits highlighted include networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, sales opportunities, job creation, brand awareness, business contracts, among others.

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun, lauded the initiative, saying it as a positive step toward strengthening the already commendable relationship between the two countries.

"The partnership means business. We&039;re suppliers, capacity building partners, working with the government hand in hand. It's a win-win partnership. We realised that there are mutual benefits from the operator's side,” Wang said.

He added that Chinese businesspeople in Rwanda are actively involved in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and education. Notably, they are also expanding into the technology sector, providing Rwandans with valuable opportunities to learn more and increase their business endeavors.

Aimable Kimenyi, the Vice Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), said the B2B event was an innovative way to unlock business potential not only in Rwanda but also through regional cooperation.

"As PSF, we need to learn about how China built itself in a very short time. We need to draw from their expertise while leveraging our uniqueness as Rwandans to develop local solutions,” Kimenyi said.

"We have trust in Africa, and China cannot fully penetrate the continent alone. However, Rwanda can serve as a model of what is possible.”

Yvonna Mpinganzima, a member of the alumni organisation, who owns a business operating between Rwanda and China, described the benefits of cooperation between the two countries.

"There are several Chinese companies in Rwanda, and many of us engage in business connected to China in one way or another,” said Mpinganzima who graduated from China in 2014 after studying business in Guangzhou.

"This makes such moments vital for networking, learning, finding job opportunities, and strengthening partnerships. It will also help us streamline processes, making shipping more cost-effective and time-efficient,” she explained.

Founded in 2012, RCAO is a non-governmental organisation that unites individuals who have studied, worked, or lived in China. The organisation’s mission is to encourage collaboration between Rwandans and Chinese communities through technology transfer, cultural exchange, and professional development.