Edwin Musoni and Grace Mugoya
23 November 2009
Kigali — Rwanda will on November 27 join the rest of the world to celebrate Africa Industrialization Day.
On that day, various Rwandan industrialists are scheduled to meet for a workshop to promote industrial cluster development in Rwanda.
The workshop will also aim at stimulating and promoting small industries in Rwanda. It will jointly be organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda Development Board and Private Sector Federation with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
"One of the priorities for the UN in Rwanda is to promote sustainable growth to reduce poverty. This means for example support to agricultural productivity, but it is equally important to promote small agro processing enterprises, particularly among the poorest communities," Elisabeth Balepa, UN Resident Coordinator said.
"Industrialization is essential for Africa's effective integration into the global economy. It has been going slow but remains on a positive trajectory as evidenced by 6 per cent annual growth rates between 2003 and 2007," said Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, UNIDO Director General.
He said Africa's pursuit of industrialization continues to be hindered by many challenges that include limited industrial skills and technological capabilities, weak support from institutions, inadequate financing and underdeveloped internal and regional markets.
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