Kigali-26^th of August 2021. The Africa-Singapore Business Forum is an initiative organized by the Government of Singapore to expand economic relations with African countries. Under its cooperation framework with Rwanda, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) established a link to cooperate on a digital trade platform tool, the Business Sans Business-Proxtera. This tool allows for ecommerce platforms and marketplaces to be linked to other marketplaces in East Asia to increase trade.

Permanent Secretary at Rwanda Ministry of Trade and Industry  Mr Yves Bernard Ningabire has joined  the today’s  event as a panelist.

Speaking at the event, the PS said that COVID 19 has really highlighted the significant dependence that Africa has on the larger global market. Instead of shying away from this interconnectedness and globalisation, there is an opportunity to lean into it, identifying new markets and products to produce and sell, integrating more closely into the global value chain. This will be a lasting impact of COVID 19.

“At the same time, leveraging on digital tools and opportunities to drive this absorption of opportunities will be key; whether that’s using digital platforms to more easily connect with technology producers or acquire technical expertise, or sell more directly to buyers in the global market, there’s a lot of potential in how trade will be conducted in the future.” He added.

The event is part of the wider Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) 2021, which is premier business event week for fostering investment, trade and thought leadership between Africa and Asia.