Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, met Friday with Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, to discuss areas of mutual interest including trade and investment.
The discussions took place during Minister Nduhungirehe’s visit to Australia, which began Thursday, August 14. During his trip, he is also expected to meet with various Australian leaders and attend the country’s Leaders’ Retreat.
Rwanda and Australia maintain strong diplomatic relations, with Rwanda represented in the region by an ambassador based in Singapore, while Australia’s ambassador to Rwanda is based in Kenya.
In 2023, the two countries established the Rwanda-Australia Trade and Investment Council (ARTIC) during a Leaders’ Retreat in Brisbane. The council is designed to deepen productive cooperation between the two nations, particularly in trade, education, and culture.
Rwanda offers incentives for investors in key sectors such as technology, infrastructure, tourism, and mining, including seven-year tax exemptions and a 50% reduction thereafter. The country has also been actively promoting investment opportunities to Australian businesses.
In 2023, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Rwanda’s embassy in Singapore organized roadshows in five major Australian cities—Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Perth—aimed at attracting investors and entrepreneurs from one of the world’s most developed economies. Rwandan representatives engaged with more than 100 potential investors during the week-long campaign.
Officials said both countries continue to develop initiatives to maximize trade and investment opportunities, reflecting their shared commitment to economic growth and cooperation.
