President Kagame was speaking at the Rwanda-Japan Business Forum organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), on the second day of his official visit in Japan.
“Africa’s middle class is increasing year in, year out; there is increasing urbanization in Africa moving faster than probably other continents. Africa has different kinds of resources starting with our own people and the natural resources that we have,” President Kagame said.
He noted that between the natural resources and the people, the innovation and technology, there was no problem that was not going to be addressed to provide the continent with the solutions it wants. “Africa and Rwanda have simply no other choice but to keep adding value to what we are doing.”
President Kagame also welcomed and encouraged Japans to do more business in and with Rwanda.
“We are trying to catch up, and we are being helped to by these developed countries and people with whom we work. Doing business, the kind of different investments that we have to make together are very critical,” Kagame noted
Last Year, Rwanda Development Board chief executive Clare Akamanzi said the number of Japanese investments in Rwanda has gone up from three to 19 in the last five years, with the portfolio expected to grow further.
“However this doesn’t mean that everything is where we want it to be. We have to do more every time and that’s why when people kept saying that we have to listen, to pay attention to businesses from Japan, I completely agree with them,” he added.
President Kagame said Rwanda cannot be complacent that has done enough despite the glowing results from studies, experience and data show that tremendous progress is being made.
“That’s a good story but it always tells us that we have to do more.”
“I want to assure you that the Government of Rwanda will continue to do our best, to provide a conducive and supportive environment for successful ventures.” President Kagame guaranteed.
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