TRAIDE Rwanda 1.0
Strengthening Sustainable Business relations between Rwanda and the Netherlands
Problem
The status of the relationship between the Netherlands and Rwanda has been classified as a transition relationship. The Netherlands Embassy has set a clear target to transform the bilateral relationship moving from aid towards trade. This decision resonates the national development strategy of the Rwandan government aiming to halt inflows of development aid. Now local and international private sector actors need to take over: development processes will be led by the private sector. Building on established ties, there is scope to further strengthen Rwandan-Dutch relations through a program that fuels economic cooperation between the two countries. The key objective of this program is to support Dutch companies in Rwanda and contribute to sustainable private sector development through the management of a transition fund. TRAIDE seeks to find the right balance between trade and aid matching the right companies with the right opportunities.
Solution
TRAIDE is characterized by a dynamic and agile way of working. Whenever an issue is raised by the private sector, we work with all stakeholders involved to find a solution. Products and services are offered on demand basis, continuously adjusting to the needs of the private sector as well as to the requests of government agencies or non-governmental organizations. Examples of TRAIDE activities are the writing of business opportunity reports to fill information gaps, the arrangement of business-to-business facilitation to establish mutual beneficial links and the organization of trade missions for selected sectors to attract and inform new investors.
Impact
The expected program impact is an increased number of Dutch companies and especially, SMEs investing or trading in Rwanda in an inclusive and sustainable manner. Moreover, the program aims to further strengthen the Rwandan business climate for current and future entrepreneurs or investors working closely with public and private stakeholders. The positive impact of TRAIDE should be improved access to information and improved policy environment.
After completing the first phase of the project a the follow-up of this project is currently been implemented by TRAIDE Foundation .
