Makuza courts European investors

KIGALI - Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza, has told investors in Europe that Rwanda is an emerging economy with vast investment opportunities which remain open and ready to be exploited. The Premier, who was the guest speaker at MIPIM, the world’s largest International Property and Investment event in Cannes, France told an audience of international investors and real estate developers that the government is committed to support investors to accelerate rapid economic growth. The Prime Minister described Rwanda as an emerging and attractive economy with a vision. The Kigali Master Plan was highlighted as one of the visionary plans the government has for the country. Makuza told the investors that since the start of the implementation of the Master Plan, over a year ago, the Government established active partnerships with the private sector to fully play its role in expanding the city with new and modern development projects. “This is how in 2010 alone, our capital – Kigali – registered private projects worth US$ 630 million,” Makuza said “To support these investments, the public sector has invested about US$ 100 million over the same period....we expect substantial economic growth from these investments in 2011 and other years to come,” he added. The Premier said that it is through such efforts that Kigali City, like other parts of Rwanda, is seen today as one of the safest, cleanest and most organised cities in Africa. Kigali won the 2010 UN Habitat Award for urban cities. Makuza showcased investment opportunities in the Kigali Master Plan, including structures for offices, commercial and residential use, and the establishment of an international financial hub in the US$9bn Central Business District, which will act as a gateway to other markets in Africa. The Prime Minister was accompanied by other Rwandan delegates including, Fidèle Ndayisaba, Mayor of Kigali, Ambassador Claver Gatete, the Deputy Governor-National Bank of Rwanda, and James Gatera, the Managing Director - Bank of Kigali. He was also joined at the inauguration ceremony by Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London; Sir Simon Milton, Deputy Mayor of London; and Bernard Brochand, Mayor of Cannes. Makuza also met with a number of real estate developers and investors and briefed them about Rwanda’s significant economic growth, the conducive business environment and the available real estate opportunities. The Kigali stand at the Cannes event features a detailed model of the Central Business District, and a coffee stall, courtesy of Bourbon Coffee. Ends