A 15-member delegation of companies from the Flemish region in Belgium will visit Kigali from 2 to 4 December 2024 to strengthen economic ties and explore business opportunities. This marks the second Belgian trade mission to Rwanda since the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the country’s reputation as a regional business hub.
The highlight of the visit is the Flanders Investment Business Forum, set to take place on Monday, 2 December, at the Four Points Hotel in Kigali’s business district. Organized in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the European Business Chamber of Rwanda, the event will bring together key stakeholders, including the Mayor of Kigali, industry leaders, government officials, and Flemish companies.
Kicking off at 8:30 a.m., the forum aims to provide an overview of Rwanda’s business environment and industrial growth prospects. The visiting Flemish companies will showcase their expertise and innovative solutions in sectors such as metalworking, public transport, architecture, energy, and agriculture.
Following the plenary session, over 100 Rwandan companies and institutions will participate in tailored business-to-business (B2B) meetings, fostering connections and exploring potential collaborations. These meetings will continue throughout the delegation’s visit.
On 3 December, the delegation will engage with key international institutions in Kigali to gain insights into their role in funding and supporting private sector development in Rwanda and the broader East African region. Later in the day, they will hold discussions with Rwanda’s ministries of Agriculture, Infrastructure, Health, and the Food and Drugs Administration.
The final day, 4 December, includes a visit to the Kigali Special Economic Zone, a hub for industrial and business operations, offering the Flemish delegation a firsthand look at Rwanda’s vibrant economic landscape.
Laurent Preud’homme, Head of Mission at the Belgian Embassy in Kigali, explained the importance of the visit, stating:
“This mission demonstrates our commitment to the bilateral relationship. It unites two partners with a shared entrepreneurial spirit and the potential to forge enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships.”
The trade mission symbolizes the growing interest of Belgian businesses in Rwanda’s thriving economy, presenting opportunities to enhance trade and investment between the two regions.