RWANDA BECKONS
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nowledge of potential export markets for South African stainless steel is key for business growth in 2021. This month one of our country profiles is Rwanda, the second fastest growing economy in Africa which has averaged robust annual GDP growth of 7.5% for the past decade. The population of Rwanda is approximately 12.6-million and education is a key focus of the country, and particularly tertiary education, with a literacy level of 75% and an unemployment figure of 15%. In terms of language use, most of the population speak English and French and in terms of age profile, 70% of the 9
population is under the age of 30. The split in terms of the economic business sector is: Services (49%), Agriculture and Agro-Processing (24%), Industrial (18%), and Other (7%)
EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES Currently, the largest exporters into the country are Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, with China and India also present but not dominant. South African exports to Rwanda have grown steadily over the past decade from R181-million in 2010 to R450million in 2019. The major export sectors are: • Chemicals;
• Vehicles, aircraft and vessels (including parts thereof); Note VW has a manufacturing operation in Rwanda and many of the parts come from SA. • Machinery Most exports currently enter the country via the ports of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Mombasa (Kenya) ports, and proposed upgrades to the harbour in Mpulungu (Zambia) should be finished by next year, greatly improving logistics within the country.
PROJECTS WITH POTENTIAL There are currently 85 active MAY
