On 20 may 2026 A delegation of women entrepreneurs and investors from Mauritius has completed a three-day business mission in Rwanda with growing interest in the country’s fast-rising digital economy, innovation sector, and investment opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The visit, which ran from May 18 to 20, 2026, was organized under the SheTrades Rwanda-Mauritius Hub-to-Hub Mission 2026. It aimed to strengthen trade relations between Rwanda and Mauritius while promoting partnerships between women entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses from both countries.
During the mission, the Mauritian delegation visited several innovation and business centres in Kigali, including the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) One Stop Centre, the ICT Chamber, and an ICT training center where young Rwandans are trained for international technology jobs and digital careers.
The investors explored Rwanda’s growing digital economy and learned about technological solutions developed by local innovators, including digital business platforms and technology-based services that simplify access to products and public services.
One of the innovations presented was Vuba Vuba, a digital platform that allows people to quickly access different services and products. The visitors praised Rwanda’s use of technology to improve business operations and make daily life easier for citizens.
The mission highlighted Rwanda’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading technology and innovation hubs.
Nirmala Jeetah the head of the SheTrades Mauritius Hub, who led the Mauritian delegation, said the visit gave investors a new understanding of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem and the opportunities available for partnerships across Africa.
“What we have seen in Rwanda is very inspiring, there is strong investment in young people, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. Rwanda is not only building businesses for its local market but preparing its youth and companies to compete internationally. That creates opportunities for African partnerships and investment.” Jeetah said.
She said the mission was designed to help women entrepreneurs expand beyond traditional markets and take advantage of the opportunities created by AfCFTA.
“Africa has a huge market, and women entrepreneurs should not remain limited to their own countries, this mission is about building partnerships that can help women-owned businesses grow across borders. Rwanda has shown that innovation and technology can become powerful tools for economic growth.” she explained.
The delegation was also impressed by Rwanda’s efforts to promote women in leadership and decision-making positions. Delegates were informed that the National Bank of Rwanda is led by a woman, which they described as a strong example of the country’s commitment to gender equality.
The visit to ICT training centres particularly attracted attention because of Rwanda’s focus on preparing young people for global digital jobs and international markets.
Rwandan entrepreneur Olive Ingabire said the exchange gave local women entrepreneurs fresh ideas about how technology can help businesses grow faster and reach international customers.
“We learned that business today is no longer only about selling in your local market, technology allows even small businesses to reach customers in other countries. Seeing how Rwanda is investing in innovation and digital skills gives us confidence that African businesses can compete globally.” Ingabire said.
Officials from the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) said the mission also opened doors for future investment partnerships between Mauritian and Rwandan companies.
Thérèse Sekamana explained that the cooperation would focus mainly on partnerships between existing businesses instead of creating entirely new companies.
“Mauritian companies will work with women-led companies already active in Rwanda, the objective is not to create new companies, but to build lasting and beneficial cooperation for both sides. Partnership agreements will also be signed to ensure sustainable collaboration.” Sekamana said
The delegation also included entrepreneurs from Mauritius’ traditional food industry, known for products such as Dal Puri, Farata, sauces, and spices. Some investors expressed interest in introducing these products to the Rwandan market through partnerships with local women entrepreneurs.
As the Mauritian delegation concluded its visit, the mission message was that Africa’s future economic growth could increasingly be driven by women entrepreneurs, digital innovation, youth empowerment, and partnerships built within the continent itself.
