As part of the UK’s commitment to support economic growth in Africa, the UK High Commissioner to Rwanda H.E. Mr Omar Daair visited two companies that have benefitted from the Manufacturing Africa programme’s support.
The companies are the Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company (producers of Gorilla’s Coffee brand) and Pink Mango – a Kigali based apparel manufacturing company. Both companies received investment advisory support from MA and have registered interest from prospective investors willing to inject capital into their businesses to fund their expansion plans.
Beyond the obvious economic impact of the companies, the High Commissioner acknowledged the development footprint of the companies, noting that the Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company’s business model not only produces excellent coffee, but it also ensures that farmers are paid fairly for their output.
The High Commissioner also lauded Pink Mango Company for the child day care centre support services that it provides the children of its over 3,000 mostly female employees among other welfare benefits. This is an example of a gender and social inclusion initiative that MA encourages manufacturing companies to adopt.
MA prioritises support to companies that have development impact including potential for job creation and wider developmental impact, particularly sourcing from local supply chains or using circular economy models.