Trade and Commerce Minister, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, yesterday officially opened a mini-expo at Rwanda Village in Remera, Gasabo district.

The expo organised by Kigali City in conjunction with the Commerce Ministry, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Private Sector Federation, is part of preparations to showcase Rwanda’s products in South Africa during World Cup that kicks off on June 11.

At the opening, Nsanzabaganwa stressed that it was a landmark achievement that the country is the only African nation invited to perform at the official opening of the World Cup despite having not qualified to play in the final round of the soccer tournament.

"This is a great opportunity to show to the outside world Rwanda’s true likeness,” Nsanzabaganwa said calling on Rwandans to be innovative and indulge in handcrafts, another way to development.

"We are not only going to South Africa to promote the government’s investment opportunities but also to sell our products. The selling of the products should therefore not end with the World Cup. Market those products to expand your market portfolio beyond the World Cup.”

Jeanne d’Arc Gakuba, the City vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, said that the expo was opened to give a chance to Rwandans to get an idea of what will be showcased in South Africa.

The village which has several sections; Rwandan manufactured products, Kigali city Master Plan, ICT, art and craft, cultural dance —as the backbone of the country’s tradition, —has so far attracted over 30 companies from Kigali Cit alone.

Among them are Inyange Industries, Sulfo, Bourbon Coffee and SORWATHE and handcrafts cooperative societies in the city.

Also participating in the expo is Isange Corporation, which aims at promoting Rwanda’s music industry by selling songs online.

"This will boost Rwanda’s music industry and avoid intellectual property violations,” Nsanzabaganwa said.
The mini expo which will be holding musical shows every weekend by both cultural and local musicians, will last for two months.

Rwanda will showcase in the World Cup host cities of Durban and Tswane.

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