Kigali Hosts Major Women-in-Business Forum Linking Rwanda and Mauritius

Kigali has once again become the center of African business innovation as it hosts a major forum bringing together women leaders in business and investment from across the continent.

Eighteen women entrepreneurs from Mauritius are currently in Rwanda for a three-day trade and investment mission under the SheTrades Mission 2026 program,   The initiative aims to create new partnerships between Mauritian and Rwandan private sector players while strengthening women-led businesses across Africa.

The forum brings together women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), healthcare, tourism, agro-processing, and other industries that play a key role in Africa’s economic growth. At the heart of the discussions is the goal of boosting cross-border trade and taking advantage of opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Thérèse Sekamana emphasized that collaboration between women entrepreneurs from Rwanda and Mauritius marks an important step toward building sustainable businesses and increasing women’s participation in Africa’s economy.

When women come together to share ideas and opportunities, Africa becomes stronger economically and more innovative,” she said.

Over the course of the three-day mission, participants are expected to engage in business-to-business (B2B) meetings, attend capacity-building workshops focused on women’s entrepreneurship, visit local Rwandan businesses, and explore long-term partnerships between the two nations.

Participants praised Kigali as an ideal destination for launching new business collaborations, citing Rwanda’s security, business-friendly environment, and strong support for women’s economic empowerment.

The SheTrades Mission 2026 initiative is seen as a powerful sign that African women entrepreneurs can work together to unlock new markets, increase investment, and promote products made within Africa rather than relying heavily on external markets.

The program continues to attract attention from private sector leaders, development partners, and investors who envision an Africa driven by collaboration, inclusive growth, and sustainable economic empowerment for women.