On October 25th 2018, The Ministry of Trade and Industry officially launched the Made in Rwanda Policy, which is aimed at increasing competitiveness by enhancing Rwanda’s domestic market through value chain development. The policy was launched at the Kigali Cultural Village by Hon. Soraya HAKUZIYAREMYE, the minister of Trade and Industry, who noted that the MIR policy has had a positive impact on the economy: the Made in Rwanda campaign was launched in 2015 and, since that time, Rwanda’s trade deficit has decreased by 36% and Rwanda’s total exports have increased by 69%.
The event included a panel discussion that featured NIRDA, RDB, the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA), the Rwanda Standards Bureau (RSB), MINECOFIN, and PSF. During the discussion, NIRDA’s DG, Kampeta Sayinzoga highlighted the importance of access to modern and sophisticated means of production, focusing on manufacturing high-quality products, developing soft skills to ensure production, and innovation.
The implementation of the policy will largely be the responsibility of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, MINICOM, MINECOFIN, and NIRDA, as well as the RSB, RDB, RPPA, and the PSF. Through it’s primary programs, NIRDA will provide technology support that engages private enterprises and industries across the country, while also promoting the development and research of key technologies that will drive future growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector.
