Rwanda’s International Expo 2025 Sets New Records, Reinforces Commitment to Vision 2050

The 28th edition of the Rwanda International Trade Fair (EXPO 2025) officially opened on August 5, 2025, in Kigali, with a strong emphasis on advancing the country’s long-term development agenda under Vision 2050.

The annual trade fair, organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) in collaboration with the Private Sector Federation (PSF), began on July 29 and will run to August 17. Organizers say the event is expected to drive national growth by stimulating trade, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Held consistently for nearly three decades, the fair has evolved into a vital platform for showcasing local innovation and boosting the Made-in-Rwanda brand. Many longtime exhibitors credit the event for expanding their market reach and contributing to business growth.

This year’s edition has set a new record with 475 exhibitors, including 378 from Rwanda and 97 international participants from 19 countries. Notably, Cameroon and Saudi Arabia are taking part for the first time.

Zain, CEO of Inecpo Dubai, shared what keeps bringing him back to Rwanda year after year.

“Rwanda is the cleanest and safest city in all of Africa. It’s an honor for me to visit this country for the third time in a row. I come every year,” he said.

He added that his company has partnered with PSF to promote Rwanda internationally.

“It’s the third time. And in 2023, the Rwandan government also joined us in promotion efforts. One of the exhibitors opened a jeans factory here. This year, we brought companies from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai—two food companies, three soap manufacturers, and two in perfumes.”

For newcomers like Hinda Ruton, Founder and CEO of Africa Quantitative Sciences, the expo offers immediate business potential.

“It’s our first time at this Expo, and we are so excited. Some deals will be closed very soon. Every day brings new opportunities,” Ruton said.

“It’s amazing to see such a huge number of businesses in one place. You interact, exchange ideas, and learn. It’s our first time but definitely not the last.”

Lu Dingyue Holly, a Chinese entrepreneur displaying electric and hybrid vehicles, echoed the excitement.

“It’s amazing for me because it’s also my first time in Africa. I’ve never been in an environment like this,” she said. “And Rwanda feels like the safest country in Africa.”

Despite the fair’s success, its current venue at the Gikondo Expo Grounds is becoming increasingly insufficient to accommodate growing demand.

Jeanne Françoise MUBILIGI, CEO of the Private Sector Federation, revealed that expansion plans are underway.

“We are currently in talks with MINICOM to build a new facility in Gahanga, Kicukiro District,” she said. “We’re also engaging other partners, and in the coming days, we expect to present a detailed plan.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Antoine Marie KAJANGWE, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, underscored the fair’s role in Rwanda’s industrialization efforts.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the event and ensuring it aligns with the country’s Vision 2050 goals.

“I want to thank all the exhibitors and international partners who joined us. It reflects their trust in Rwanda’s business environment,” Kajangwe said.

“With 19 countries represented, two more than last year, it’s clear this partnership is growing. We welcome more products from abroad, whether from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, China, or Pakistan. They bring diversity and provide Rwandans access to goods that may not yet be produced locally.”

As the expo continues to attract global attention, it remains a key driver in Rwanda’s efforts to position itself as a competitive trade and investment hub in Africa.