A team from the London School of Economics (LSE) has been commissioned to research about Rwandan products that could be supplied in the United Kingdom market.

The team commissioned by Rwandan Diaspora Investment (RDI) Company is to highlight barriers that hinder Rwanda from accessing the UK market and how they can overcome them. The team will also provide a roadmap on how Rwanda can expand her market for the UK.

During the first ever Rwanda Expo in Europe’07 held at the Royal Institute of British Architects in Central London, UK last October, it was discovered that consumers were interested in Rwanda crafts, food stuffs, such as flours, dry cassava leaves (Isombe) and many varieties of vegetables and fruits from Rwanda.

At the expo, show goers also were interested in venturing into housing and construction, financial products such as mortgage, capital markets and the tourism sector.

Ignatius Mugabo, Secretary RDI said that the outcome of this LSE team study will hopefully lead to the establishment of Rwanda Trading House (RTH), if they recommend that it is a viable venture. 

RTH will be where Rwandan products and services will be marketed and sold under one roof.

RDI is a limited company that promotes Rwanda as a business, investment and tourist destination and to promote Rwandan products in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Currently, RDI alongside Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Reipa) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF) are organising the second Rwanda Business Expo’08. It is scheduled for August 22- 24 at the London Irish Centre, in the United Kingdom. 

Mugabo said that RDI will use its knowledge and understanding of UK market conditions to advise Rwandan exhibitors accordingly.

"We and our partners RIEPA and PSF will only select Rwandan exhibitors based on the demand for and interest in their products or services rather than just affordability or desire to exhibit.”

Ends