Leading regional retail chain, Nakumatt Holdings, is set to open 25 outlets across the East African region in the next three years, including one in Rwanda as a way of reaching its growing clientele base and meeting increasing demand for greater access, a top Nakumatt official disclosed. Nakumatt’s Regional Director for strategy and operations, Thiagarajan Ramamurthy said the new local outlet which will open its doors in less than a year will cost US$2 million (Rwf1.2 billion). The investment will bring to three the number of the retailer’s outlets across Kigali that are worth over US$8 million (Rwf4.7 billion). However, Ramamurthy said the investment does not include stocked items. "The group has already identified locations in Juba and Bujumbura and work to set them up is due to start very soon,” Ramamurthy said.  He however declined to disclose the actual dates when the new branches are set to open saying the final decision on the size and design of the new outlets and opening dates lies with the retailer’s Group Managing Director, Atul Shah. Ramamurthy noted that Nakumatt’s stores in Uganda and Rwanda (the first store) are doing extremely well in terms of returns but new branches would need some time to recoup.  Nakumatt runs 36 branches across the East African Region with 30 in Kenya, three in Uganda, two in Rwanda and one in Tanzania. Ramamurthy further revealed the firm plans to open an upcountry outlet in the near future. "We are happy with the investments in Rwanda. Government has been very supportive, systems are clean and clear. The Group feels comfortable doing business here,” Ramamurthy noted. He further pointed out that as a regional player, Nakumatt is committed to the East African region by providing and participating in social activities. Regarding regional trade empowerment through stocking of Rwandan made products in other regional countries, Ramamurthy said the movement of products from one place to another depends on the quality, type and capacity as well as the country supplying them.    "Both Kenya and Tanzania are managing very well. However, Rwanda and Uganda have to scale-up the production and supply in cross border trading,” Ramamurthy explained.  The Nakumatt management was in the country to participate in the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.