Rwanda is set to host Rwanda Agrofood 2024, an international trade exhibition for agriculture and food, catering to the country and its neighbouring regions. TNT reports
The event, which will include an exhibition and a conference, will take place at Kigali Convention Center from August 20 to 22.
Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) in collaboration with International Fairs and Promotions (IFP), a global exhibition and event organiser, and Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), the event brings together government decision-makers, international stakeholders as well as Rwandan and regional buyers, traders, and technology providers in the agrifood sector.
The collaborative efforts of the gathering aim to catalyse transformative changes in Rwanda’s agriculture sector, aligning with the country’s vision, said Jean Claude Ndorimana, the Director General for Animal Resources Development at MINAGRI, during a press conference on Wednesday, March 20.
He said that with IFP, it will bring together over 100 prominent companies to Rwanda to exhibit various equipment and technologies used in promoting agriculture and animal resources.
“The exhibition presents a chance for local farmers and livestock breeders to connect and establish networks,” he added. “Instead of travelling abroad to import equipment, you’ll have a contact person there who can provide what you need, saving you the hassle of flights and unnecessary expenses.
“Rwandan farmers and agribusiness professionals will also showcase their products, which might attract interest from international markets,” Ndorimana continued. “Our coffee, tea, and other crops could find new avenues across borders.”
Ndorimana further highlighted the potential for international exhibitors to establish local shops to cater to the regional market, thereby minimising the necessity for individuals to seek agricultural equipment overseas – an approach he said aims to enhance local accessibility and stimulate growth within the agriculture sector.
For a successful Rwanda Agrofood 2024, IFP seeks to leverage its expertise and network to attract major companies to Rwanda.
According to Margrete Jibril, Managing Director of IFP Rwanda, the benefits of meeting exhibitors during the event and the opportunity for mutual learning are invaluable.
She said attendees could gain expertise from exhibitors, which, coupled with the convenience of food availability at the event, enhances the overall experience.
Jibril suggested that instead of companies going abroad for packaging solutions, they could find them locally, adding that there are opportunities for learning from Rwandans in food refrigeration techniques, among other areas.
“At each company, there are strengths and weaknesses,” she said. “For example, packaging is very important for farmers…and we need to tackle it. They [international exhibitors] will come here, and I know there are also different ways they can learn from Rwandans about refrigerating foods.”
Frank Murangwa, Director of Destination Marketing at RCB, highlighted the significance of the event in promoting tourism focused on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), which he said plays a role in generating revenue for the country.
He explained that revenue comes from venue fees for conferences and exhibitions, as well as expenditures on hotels and transportation, all of which contribute to the country’s economy.
“By hosting an exhibition like this, which draws participants from around the world, there’s always an element of innovation that contributes to enhancing the value of our products. Additionally, the knowledge we acquire serves to benefit farmers and businesspeople throughout the value chain,” he added.
