On 28/09/2021, Rwanda and Zimbabwe signed agreements with Zimbabwe for the following areas of cooperation:
- Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture and Livestock Development which was signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Vincent Biruta and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Frederick Shava.
- Memorandum of Understanding on Environment and Climate Change which was signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Hon. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. N. M. Ndlovu.
- Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism and Business Events which was signed by the Rwanda Development Board Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Zephanie Niyonkuru and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. N. M. Ndlovu.
- Memorandum of Understanding on ICT and e-Government services which was signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Vincent Biruta and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Frederick Shava.
- Memorandum of Understanding between Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) which was signed by the PSF Chairperson, Robert Bapfakurera and the CZI Vice-President, Mucha Mkanganwi.
Speaking while officially opening the conference, Hon. Biruta noted:
“Rwanda and Zimbabwe enjoy excellent relations that can be attested by the presence of embassies in the two countries. Indeed, as international trade contributes significantly to our economies, the organisation of such conferences is critical in ensuring business continuity and will facilitate the recovery of our economies from the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“It is a great honour for me to be invited to this important gathering. The signing of the MoUs is a major milestone for us to begin working together towards the prosperity of both our countries. We need to expeditiously come up with initiatives that propel the growth of our industries and trade. I strongly believe that through cooperation we can grow domestic industries and subsequently increase investments and trade in both countries,” said Hon. Frederick Shava, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
The Rwanda Development Board Deputy Chief Executive Officer Zephanie Niyonkuru added:
“The Government of Rwanda works very closely with Zimbabwe on a range of opportunities that are mutually beneficial for both our countries. These areas include trade and investments, infrastructure, energy, civil aviation among others. Rwanda and Zimbabwe share a deep commitment to excellence – and I believe these are the values that have served our working relationship in the past as they will in the future. Through our partnership and current engagements, bilateral trade could grow to desirable levels between the two countries.”
Speaking on behalf of Rwanda’s private sector, Robert Bapfakurera, the PSF Chairperson said:
“This conference is an opportunity for businesses to see how they can scale their activities in both countries and explore areas where we can share knowledge and skills for growth.”
Over the last two years (2019 – 2020) Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$ 15.9 million to Rwanda, while exports from Rwanda to Zimbabwe were estimated at US$ 113,607.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) is the apex organisation for Industry in Zimbabwe and has been in existence since 1923. It is an independent, self-financed, legally constituted organisation that represents and serves interests of members in a wide array of matters affecting their viability and competitiveness.
While,
Private Sector Federation – Rwanda’s professional government organization dedicated to promoting & representing the interests of the Private Sector in Rwanda.
This agreement comes a time when African countries are creating synergies for development and revamping the continent’s domestic economy. Rwanda, has over the years striving to expand its economic strength and such partnerships are expected to contribute greatly to its development.
In a recent publication, Rwanda has been ranked fourth in investment attractiveness in Africa according to a latest ranking by the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a leading African corporate and investment bank which is part of Firsthand Bank, one of the largest financial institutions on the continent.
In their 2021 release on top 10 investment attractive countries in Africa, RMB relied on indicators such as operating environments, fiscal score and development plan. Rwanda notably moved up the ranking to be the fourth from the ninth place last year.
As of the end of 2020, Rwanda had registered 172 investment projects, valued at $1.2 billion despite the Covid-19 pandemic, which slowed business activity, Rwanda Development Board statistics show.
Experts say that such continuous economic partnerships shall enhance the growth of Rwanda as a country and continent dominant at large and set self apart from dependence on western and eastern world countries like China, America and Europe
