Why the World Economic Forum on Africa was momentous for Rwanda

The World Economic Forum on Africa is today concluding in Kigali. The auspicious annual meeting is one of the most important economic and socio-political events. Through it, countless influential politicians, top business leaders, international political leaders, selected intellectuals, scientists and journalists from many countries around the world come together to discuss the most pressing economic issues, challenges, and agree on strategic actions that can deliver shared prosperity. This year as well, the event saw more than 1500 patrons from different parts of the world descend on Rwanda’s capital Kigali to forge a common front for Africa. They convened under the theme, Connecting Africa’s Resources through Digital Transformation. Discussants explored key themes expected to impact the continent’s economic landscape and positive talks about the digital transformation of Africa’s education, bringing more people on the digital world and supporting startups aligned to digitalization, among others. The discussions were geared towards enabling African countries to strengthen their digital economy and drive radical structural transformation, for instance public-private collaboration on related issues. As usual, the World Economic Forum presents a good opportunity to build stronger and more prosperous ties among states, regions and continents. Undoubtedly, a lot was shared and, of course, the gains of the deliberations were enormous. These gains can now be actualized by initiating strategic actions that can deliver shared prosperity across the African continent. As it was observed, this can be achieved through strong institutions, greater regional integration, like for the case of East African community, and investment in key areas such as infrastructure, among others. In all these, Rwanda’s success in hosting the event and availing all the necessary facilities was outstanding. During the few days the World Economic Forum was hosted in Kigali, the country obviously gained considerable attention of global business moguls. Both print and electronic media across the world have been airing the good services and hospitality that Rwanda accords its guests. Just like at the beginning of the year, when we delivered the same hospitality, comfort and enjoyment to a mass of football lovers from all over Africa and beyond. The World Economic Forum is a big thing in all measures and it is another test that Rwanda, and the City of Kigali, in particular, is a cordial destination. This remains forever exciting, stimulating, memorable and historic for the people of Rwanda. The events provide us with invaluable experience and a chance to meet and learn from world renowned personalities. This occurs from the exchange of ideas on the sidelines of every event.Besides Rwanda being a renowned champion in many areas like gender-quality, ICT or access to healthcare, and other great achievements that the world knows us about, hosting a global event is a prestigious honour, and another moment for all of us to bask in the glory of global spotlight. The forum also represented a golden opportunity for businesses to flourish, as our capital welcomed high-profile visitors who were hosted in various remarkable facilities around the city. Even the small-scale businessmen and women have had a coin to take home from various sales and services. Our tourism sector too gets a boost because a good number of the attendants end up visiting our beautiful sceneries around the country. So far Rwanda has demonstrated beyond doubt its ability in hosting enormous conferences like the AfDB Annual Meetings in 2014, Transform Africa Summits in 2013 and 2015, and the 84th Interpol General Assembly in 2015. There has always been meticulous preparations and fondness to bring unforgettable impression on our visitors. The guests have great stories to tell about the land of a thousand hills at the end of every event. Indeed, hosting such a global forum is not a mean feat. Its success is proof of us standing tall in terms of all the requisites a country needs to capture more of such opportunities. It is no longer just a mere say, but a confirmation that Rwanda is headed for greater and better tidings. Successfully hosting these events is testimony that Rwanda is enjoying continued robust growth in all aspects. Let us carry this remarkable legacy forward as we await to host more global events like African Union Summit, and the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, which are all due before the end of the year. All these are accomplished by the same sheer hard work and dedication from both leaders and the people of Rwanda. oscar_kim2000@yahoo.co.uk

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Why the World Economic Forum on Africa was momentous for Rwanda