Rwanda Launches 28th International Exhibition with Innovation and Big Discounts
The 28th edition of the International Exhibition, commonly known as Kigali Expo, was officially launched on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Gikondo Expo Grounds in Kigali. Organized by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), this year’s event has bring together number of 475 exhibitors from 19 countries, showcasing many different productss and services across multiple sectors,Innovation and Big Discounts.
PSF Chairperson Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi In her opening remarks described this year’s exhibition stands out because more exhibitors took part than before,compared to last year’s 466 exhibitors from 17 countries.
“We have 378 exhibitors from Rwanda and 97 international participants. The number of countries has increased to 19, with newcomers such as Cameroon and Saudi Arabia joining for the first time,this expo is a valuable platform that enables Rwandan businesses to showcase their innovations to both local and global markets. It helps identify available products, discover new ideas, and create impactful business solutions that address community needs. ” She said
Mubiligi emphasized that trade Fair like Expo 2025 do more than attract visitors they connect suppliers with customers and open new markets for entrepreneurs.
“Exhibitions make it easier for potential clients to find the services they need, while giving businesses opportunities to expand their customer base, grow revenue, and contribute to national development,” she added.
The State Minister in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, highlighted that Rwanda’s industrial sector has the largest representation at the exhibition.
“To promote local industries, the Government of Rwanda supports manufacturers to produce what was previously imported,when we see Rwandan companies in textile, agriculture, construction materials, and agro-processing presenting their products here, it shows how far we have come as a country in building self-reliance.”
Kajangwe added that such initiatives are key to achieving Rwanda’s Vision 2050 targets of industrialization and job creation.
“Producing locally creates jobs, generates taxes, and builds capacity, especially for youth and small enterprises. This expo clearly illustrates the path we are taking toward our development goals,” he concluded.
Among the exhibitors, Jean Bosco Mungwarareba, CEO of Aqualia, a construction materials manufacturer operating for only one year, praised the fair as a critical platform for visibility:
“This expo was a great opportunity for us to show Rwandans what we produce locally. We used to import most construction materials, but we made a decision to manufacture them ourselves. By doing so, we ensure high quality, reduce prices, and create more jobs for Rwandans, especially youth.”
He encouraged young people to attend Expo stressing the learning opportunities they provide.
“Youth should be encouraged to engage with investors from various industries and sharpen their minds while gaining innovative ideas. Creativity leads to broader thinking, which is essential for development.”
Mungwarareba’s company displayed durable wall panels and planks designed to replace cement and sand.
“These boards are installed on walls after construction and don’t require paint or constant maintenance. People ask, ‘Are these really made in Rwanda?’and they are surprised to see such solutions produced locally,” he explained.
In the automobile section, Masabo, a car dealer challenging assumptions about the cost of brand-new vehicles, announced significant price reductions at the expo:
“Another good thing about our cars is that they are affordable for every Rwandan who wants to own a brand-new 0KM vehicle. A car that used to cost Rwf 46.8 million is now Rwf 38.8 million, including taxes. Unlike others who add charges later, our prices are final and discounted.”
The 2025 Expo features a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, IT, public institutions, construction, agriculture, electronics, petroleum, machinery, textiles, tourism, handicrafts, furniture, mining, banking, and food and beverages.
According to PSF, this year’s event is expected to attract between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors, showing the growing importance of the trade Exhibition as a hub for business networking and international cooperation.
Mubiligi Also noted that:“We have welcomed both established companies and new businesses that are participating for the first time. This year even features electric car exhibitors who are showcasing cutting-edge technology.”
Expo which runs from July 29 to August 17, 2025, opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is seen as an essential driver of Rwanda’s private sector growth.
Kajangwe emphasized again that the government’s commitment:“Expo is not just an annual event; it is a key driver of our industrialization journey. It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to accelerate Rwanda’s transformation.”
As Rwanda continues to promote Made-in-Rwanda products and attract foreign investors, Expo 2025 stands as a testament to how innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship can collectively shape the country’s economic future.
By Hadjara NSHIMIYIMANA
