KIGALI - A Slovakian company, Way Invest, will establish a manufacturing plant for Mercedes Benz tractors.
Robert E. Doman, the marketing director of the project, told Sunday Times that agriculture in Rwanda has potential and that’s why it was chosen.

"We liked the agriculture atmosphere in Rwanda and its promising future development,” said Doman.

According to Doman, Way Invest is in the first phase of showcasing, next it will bring the spare parts and by early next year, the factory will be ready.

He added that Rwanda will be able to export the tractors to neighboring countries.

Doman said the project targets to serve over 11 African countries with Rwanda being the base.

Doman said that the project aims to have local management hence giving Rwandans jobs.

He further said, "We want to bring the knowhow to the people of Rwanda rather than just investment.”

According to Doman, the tractors will catalyze the development of the agriculture sector in Rwanda and improve the standards of living among the local farmers.

However, he noted that though the tractors will at first be a bit expensive to the local farmers, between Rwf 15 and amd million, but they will be equipped with irrigation machines. The project is in talks with the Ministry of Agriculture lobbying support for the farmers.

Doman added that with time as the factory grows, the tractors will be sold at a cheaper price.

The tractors are capable of working on hilly and sloppy areas.

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