A total of 130 companies have confirmed their participation in the investor and exporter awards that have been scheduled for December 11th. Initially, 170 companies had received questionnaires from the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Riepa) for the awards. However by the time of the deadline , on the 25th of last month, 40 had not responded. Rosemary Mbabazi, Riepa’s Director of Investment Promotion, said that the 130 companies are now the only ones eligible for examination, by auditing firm Deloitte and Touche. Mbabazi said, “After this stage, a list of companies suitable for the next examination will face a panel of judges that will select 14 finalists.” Seven companies will be awarded.Mbabazi said that overall, exporter will be prioritised to access the export fund with special assistance, in terms of facilitation and advisory services. Two overall winners will also be associated with Riepa’s promotional activities as goodwill ambassadors. The investor award is open to all investors registered with Riepa with at least one year in operation. The exporter award is open to all exporters operating in Rwanda with at least three years in operation. The judging panel is made up of persons from the regional private and public sectors with international business experience. These will team up with Deloitte and Touche. Ends
