Well Done Maryse Mbonyumutwa!!!By Sudi Am mba
17/10/2022
By Sudi Am mba
17/10/2022
Africa imports almost everything: food, clothes, medicines, vehicles, computers, IT products, electronics, pharmaceutical products, …
According to Africa trade data, African countries purchased goods worth US$492 billion in 2018 (Exportgenius).
The largest imports partners include: China, Germany, United States, India, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Turkey, France, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore, Belgium, Netherlands, …
To solve this excessive dependency on imported goods and services, on 21 March 2018 at the 10th Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU), the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) was signed. It’s officially came into force in on 30 May 2019.
With 55 countries, the AfCFTA trade potential is 1.4 billion consumers and a combined GDP of about $3.4 trillion expected to double by 2050. The AfDB pointed the middle class to grow from 355 million to 1.1 billion in 2050.
African leaders, policy makers are working hard to implement this agreement by addressing legal issues, immigration issues, security issues, infrastructure needs, supply chain issues…They want to improve business climate within the largest trade block in the world.
On 23.09.2022, Kenya exported first shipment of batteries for pilot trading under the AfCFTA to Tema, Ghana.
On 30.09.2022, Rwanda exported its first shipment of coffee from Igire coffee limited flown to Accra with Rwandair.
PAPSS (Pan-African Payment and Settlement System) was created to enable payment transactions across Africa.
While many still believe AfCFTA is a dream,its create big opportunities for private sector. A good illustration on how to achieve SDGs goals on the continent.
The story of Maryse Mbonyumutwa is a perfect inspiration on how African companies can support this vision to compete globally.
Maryse Mbonyumutwa is a Rwandan-Belgium business leader. She founded Asanti, a high end African clothing brand that sands out on the international arena.
She is also the co-founder of Pink Mango, a multinational group with 23 years of experience in garment manufacturing and the production of promotional items.
Pink Mango has export factories in Rwanda with over 4500 workers. The establishment of local processing industries help to combat unemployment, increase trade and contribute to regional economic growth.
Guba Manufacturing and Sustainability Award 2022 was given to Maryse Mbonyumutwa for her hard work, excellence.
In her own words:” As a diaspora member who returned home to contribute to build our country and our beloved continent, this means a lot to me and it’s priceless to receive it in Kigali my home town.”
Key lessons for our readers today
Don’t limit yourself by challenges, see the big picture, be committed to the process to succeed.
BECOME A PROBLEM SOLVER