During the official launch of The Indian Business Chamber in Rwanda (IBCR) this weekend in Kigali, the Chairman of IBCR, Verma Mangesh Kumar, said that the IBCR is committed to serving as a bridge between Indian investors, Rwandan enterprises, international businesses, and public institutions, and the purpose is to facilitate dialogue, build confidence, identify opportunities, and encourage partnerships that deliver tangible results. Read his remarks below:
We are deeply grateful to Mr. Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO RDB and the Rwanda Development Board for gracing this occasion, and to Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary Telangana Government for travelling all the way from India to be with us.
With important Guests of honour
His Excellency the High Commissioner could not be with us today, and we sincerely thank Madam Kajiri Das for joining us on his behalf. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to the entire team of the High Commission of India, whose partnership and support have made this launch possible.
Good evening, and a very warm welcome to you all.
The relationship between India and Rwanda is built on friendship, mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared ambition for economic progress. Over the years, our two countries have continued to develop stronger ties in trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, education, and other important sectors.
India brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, industrial development, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Rwanda, on the other hand, offers a dynamic business environment, a strategic location in East Africa, and a clear ambition to become a regional hub for investment, innovation, and commerce.
Our responsibility as business leaders is to transform this goodwill into practical cooperation, meaningful investments, sustainable enterprises, and employment opportunities for our people.
The Indian Business Chamber in Rwanda (IBCR) is committed to serving as a bridge between Indian investors, Rwandan enterprises, international businesses, and public institutions. We want to facilitate dialogue, build confidence, identify opportunities, and encourage partnerships that deliver tangible results.
Rwanda has established itself as an important destination for businesses seeking opportunities in Africa. Its commitment to economic transformation, institutional development, innovation, and private-sector growth provides a strong foundation for investment.
We recognize the important role played by the Rwanda Development Board in promoting investment, facilitating business establishment, supporting investors, and connecting opportunities with potential partners.
There are promising opportunities for cooperation in several sectors, including: Manufacturing and industrial development; Agriculture and agro-processing; Healthcare and pharmaceuticals; Information and communication technology; Infrastructure and renewable energy; Tourism, hospitality, and services; Mining and Mineral Processing. These are not simply investment opportunities. They are opportunities to create jobs, develop skills, strengthen local industries, and contribute to Rwanda’s long-term economic ambitions.
As the Indian Business Chamber in Rwanda, we recognize that our responsibility extends beyond organizing meetings and facilitating introductions.
We must encourage Indian businesses to understand Rwanda’s market, respect its laws and regulations, partner with local enterprises, and invest with a long-term perspective. At the same time, we must encourage Rwandan businesses to explore partnerships with Indian companies, benefit from technological expertise, access new markets, and develop commercially sustainable ventures.
I would also encourage our members and prospective investors to approach the RDB and other relevant institutions early in their investment planning so that they can obtain accurate guidance on applicable requirements, incentives, and procedures.
Let us build a relationship based not only on opportunity, but also on trust, transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.
To our Indian business community, I encourage you to look at Rwanda not merely as a market for selling products, but as a partner in building enterprises, developing regional value chains, and creating long-term opportunities across Africa.
To our international investors, Rwanda offers an opportunity to participate in a growing economy while connecting with a broader regional market. We welcome your experience, expertise, and willingness to work alongside local and international partners.
Let us move beyond exchanging business cards. Let us exchange ideas, establish genuine partnerships, develop bankable projects, and follow through on the commitments we make.
The Indian Business Chamber stands ready to contribute to this effort with commitment, professionalism, and a spirit of partnership.
Our ambition should be clear: to make the Chamber a trusted platform for connecting Indian enterprise with Rwandan opportunity and international investment, in support of sustainable economic development.
Allow me, once again, to express my sincere gratitude to the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, our Hon diplomats, representatives of government institutions, and all the business leaders gathered here today. Your presence and support are deeply appreciated.
May today’s engagement mark the beginning of new partnerships, new opportunities, and concrete achievements in the business relationship between India and Rwanda.
Let us work together, invest together, grow together, and succeed together. Thank you very much. Murakoze cyane. I wish you all a productive, successful, and fruitful engagement. (End)