High Commissioner Rosemary Mbabazi has called on the Rwandan community to carry the image of Rwanda wherever they live and work during the inaugural Unity and Resilience Forum in Abidjan.

The Forum, held under the theme “Unity and Resilience: Our Choice”, brought together the Rwandan diaspora from six countries, stakeholders from Rwanda and friends of Rwanda. After a day of panel discussions, an investment presentation by the Rwanda Development Board and an exhibition of Rwandan products, the High Commissioner urged participants to turn the discussions into action.

“Wherever you go, you become an ambassador of Rwanda,” she said, adding that with more than 200 participants, the impact of such a network could be significant. “Imagine what to achieve.”

A bridge between two countries

The High Commissioner described Rwanda and the six countries as friendly countries with strong bilateral relations, supported by several agreements. She noted the close engagement between the Heads of State of these countries. 

She challenged the Rwandan community in Côte d’Ivoire to help build on these ties, noting that they are well placed to do so.

“You have access to opportunities. Bring them back. We want more partners here. We want technology transfer, we want skills transfer,” she said.

She called on them to become the link between the two countries, helping to create stronger connections between Côte d’Ivoire and Rwanda.

She also highlighted the role of the private sector in the country’s development and encouraged participants to support Rwandan businesses by buying and promoting Rwandan products. “Buy Rwandan products and promote Rwanda,” she said.

She told participants that they are critical to the country’s development journey, and that planning with the next generation in mind is central to Rwanda’s Vision 2050.

She described the Forum as “the beginning, not the end,” and said further outcomes are expected from the discussions.