The partnership between both sides was announced in Kigali yesterday during discussions that brought together 50 women entrepreneurs and representatives of Finnfund, a development finance company from Finland that supports investment projects.
These discussions were organized by the UN Women in Rwanda and Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Participants were taken through opportunities in working with Finland companies and expertize that can be shared on both sides.
It is for the first time Finnfund launches cooperation with Rwanda’s companies starting with women entrepreneurs in capacity building.
Participants who talked to IGIHE revealed that they expect to gain a lot from a partnership with Finland companies involved in activities related to technology, agriculture, and artisans among others.
Abamenyo Florence, the head of an Early Childhood Development center based in Gasabo district said acquired knowledge will help to grow operations.
“It will empower us to earmark much effort in programs offered to children, training women on preparing balance diet to tackle stunting among children. We shall also keep our objective to support those giving birth from unexpected pregnancies to learn new life skills and creating own jobs,” she said.
The CEO of Abacu Online Ltd, Kabeja Alice highlighted that they expect to get international expertize from the partnership. “ We expect improved knowledge, the popularity of our activities in Finland and exchange of best practices visa versa,” she said.
Statistics from Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation indicates that 42% of companies are led by women in the country.
Schadrack Dusabe, the UN Women National Program Coordinator said that they target to connect 20 companies with Finland ones.
“UN Women seeks to empower women. Obtaining information about investment opportunities is crucial. We expect cooperation between companies on both sides,” he said.
The head of Unit for Development Finance and Private Sector Cooperation in Finland Foreign Affairs Ministry, Miia Haavisto-Koskinen told IGIHE that they decided to work with Rwanda because of the country’s political will to empower women.
“Finland attaches great importance to the principle of gender equality. It is our goal to promote gender equality in investment through cooperation. The cooperation with Rwanda’s companies will have an impact in economic development beneficial to both sides,” he said.
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