VP launches innovation programme to boost ties with Africa

The Dollar Business Bureau

On February 20 2017, Vice President Hamid Ansari launched India-Rwanda innovation growth programme to enhance opportunities between the two countries. The programme focuses on areas such as science, technology and innovation.

The meeting was organised by the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda, Rwanda Development board, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). Prime Minister of Rwanda Anastase attended the meeting.

India’s Vice President discussed this initiative at a convention centre in Kigali with business leaders and, professionals from India and Africa. He said that India is ready to work with partners in Rwanda and other parts of Africa.

Vice President said that after a pilot study of this initiative, there are plans to initiate in seven Eastern African countries and will further be extended to other economic neighbourhoods of Africa.

Rwanda has approximately 3000 people from the Indian community. In-order to boost the tie ups and increase economic growth of both the regions, Ansari has launched this programme. Also, India-Rwanda innovation growth programme is the first Indian resident mission in Kigali.

Ansari also said that joint ventures formed with Rwandan associates will deliver many sustainable initiatives which would lead to economic growth of Rwanda.

"The programme aims at creating an ecosystem wherein Indian innovations and technology enterprises will thrive and encourage business ventures from both sides," he added.

Implementation of initiatives and innovations would depend upon three aspects: discovery, development and delivery. He also said that India has developed skills and certain expertise in fields such as low-capital intensive businesses.

The Vice President also highlighted the cleanliness of Kigali city. He appreciated Rwanda’s agreement to this joint venture and, the assent of Rwandan trade industries to join hands with India, which would result in the growth of economic development in both the regions.