More than 300 participants including over 65 international participants from over 20 nationalities will be participating in a three-day trade mission organized by Equity Group. The mission aims to unlock business opportunities, strengthen economic ties, and connect investors with key partners across the region.
Among the delegates are 15 participants from Kenya, showcasing the strong local interest in exploring opportunities in Rwanda. The trade mission has also attracted 65 delegates from international markets, including India, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, South Africa, and the United States, reflecting the growing global confidence in East Africa as a prime destination for investment and trade. This reinforces the mission’s role in advancing both intra-African collaboration and global partnerships, with Rwanda serving as a strategic gateway for regional expansion.
“The presence of investors, business leaders, and partners at the trade mission reaffirms Rwanda’s position as one of the most stable and attractive investment destinations in Africa,” said Antoine Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda. “The Government remains fully committed to supporting investors and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. Financial institutions such as Equity play a critical role in promoting trade and investment by bringing together government, investors, and the private sector to collaborate and unlock Rwanda’s growth potential.”
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, reiterated the mission’s significance in fostering regional integration and economic growth. He said, “This trade mission to Rwanda reflects Equity Group’s commitment to driving regional integration and economic transformation. Rwanda has positioned itself as a hub of innovation and economic growth in East Africa, serving as a gateway for regional and global trade. By connecting businesses across borders, we are forging partnerships that unlock potential, drive shared prosperity, and enable enterprises to thrive with the tools, networks, and financial solutions they need to succeed. Through our Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), we are championing investments that promote sustainable growth, build resilience, and accelerate economic recovery across the continent.”
The participants represent 17 sectors, including banking and financial services, retail and e-commerce, agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, ICT, and tourism. This broad representation reflects the mission’s appeal to businesses seeking diversification and expansion in Rwanda’s evolving economy.
Welcoming the delegates, Equity Group Director of Trade Relations, AQ Hamza, spoke on the importance of trade missions in driving economic growth, building impactful business relationships, and facilitating transnational trade. He noted that the Group has successfully conducted more than 25 inbound and outbound missions over the past four years, demonstrating Equity’s dedication to connecting businesses and unlocking opportunities across the region. Hamza also emphasized Equity’s focus on empowering SMEs, recognizing their pivotal role in driving economic transformation.
“These trade missions showcase the immense potential within East Africa, with Rwanda emerging as a key hub for trade and investment. Equity is proud to support cross-border trade by equipping businesses with the resources, networks, and financial solutions they need to succeed. Through these missions, we are not only opening doors for large enterprises but also enabling SMEs to access new markets, scale their operations, and contribute to the region’s economic progress,” said Hamza.
The trade mission features a variety of activities designed to maximize engagement and collaboration among participants. Delegates will participate in networking sessions, site visits to key business hubs, and panel discussions with industry leaders, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore Rwanda’s business landscape firsthand.
Equity Bank Rwanda Managing Director, Hannington Namara, said Equity is committed to empowering businesses and driving regional growth. He noted that Equity Bank Rwanda provides tailored financial solutions and expertise to help businesses thrive in East Africa’s competitive markets. “Equity is proud to play a pivotal role in facilitating trade and investment across the region. Rwanda’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and focus on innovation make it an ideal destination for investors looking to expand in East Africa. We are excited to welcome delegates to explore the wealth of opportunities our country has to offer, supported by Equity’s unmatched financial services and networks,” said Namara.
Equity Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering businesses and fostering partnerships that unlock the potential of East Africa’s economies. By connecting investors with opportunities in Rwanda, the mission is expected to drive meaningful collaborations and long-term economic impact. The Rwanda trade mission follows the success of previous missions conducted by Equity Group, including the Uganda-Tanzania-Zanzibar trade missions held in 2025 as well as the Kenya-DRC, US-Tanzania, and US-Tanzania-Kenya trade missions held in 2021 and 2022.