The European Business Council for Africa

Rwanda Nordic-Baltic Forum 2026

9-11 March 2026

Kigali, Rwanda

Organized by Hills Connect Oy and Remode Oy, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries and Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Baltic Countries with support of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), this high-level forum builds on longstanding partnerships in education, innovation, and sustainable development.

Each partner brings unique strengths to drive meaningful collaboration between Rwanda and the Nordic–Baltic region.

Who will attend:

The business forum will bring together:

  • Private Sector: Baltic-Nordic and Rwandan business in Rwanda, private sector business support organisations (e.g. chambers of commerce, internationalisation support organisations, start-ups, entrepreneurship and SMEs incubator organisations, etc.)
  • Government Ministries and Agencies, Development Partners: both political and administrative decision makers e.g. Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of International Trade, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB), Private Sector Federation (PSF), Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), etc.
  • Financial Institutions: Baltic-Nordic Development Financial Institutions promoting exports, i.e., through export credits; Rwanda financial institutions
  • Educational Institutions: Early childhood & Foundational learning, TVET, Higher Education Institutions
  • Cultural & artistic organisations: i.e. Performing arts, writing, sports
  • Non-governmental organisations advocating for the themes of the forum

Purpose:

The forum strengthens bilateral and multilateral ties, drives sustainable investments, and fosters innovation-led growth. It positions Rwanda as a gateway to East Africa by:Promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports:

  • Expanding trade opportunities
  • Enhancing the business environment through public-private dialogue
  • Building educational and research partnerships
  • Encouraging cultural exchange for deeper mutual understanding
  • Promoting Baltic-Nordic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Rwanda across key identified sectors and promote Rwandan exports to the Baltic-Nordic region within the framework of the ramped up bilateral relations. The region offers a multi-sector range of financial guarantees to de-risk investments, thus supporting private investors to explore opportunities in challenging markets in Africa and particularly in Rwanda.
  • Diversifying and boosting trade between Rwanda and the Baltic-Nordic region, and maximise the benefits of the existing warm relationship between Rwanda and the countries
  • Providing a platform for private-public dialogue to further improve the business environment (e.g. regulatory framework)
  • Establishing educational collaborative partnerships for Knowledge and Innovation Sharing which in turn will support the sustainability of the trade relations in the long run
  • Cultural exchanges to promote mutual understanding, which in the long run facilitate communications and common understanding
  • Showcase progress of implementation of signed Agreements from previous fora

Key Sectors:

  • Cross-cutting topics include sustainability, and smart systems through digitalisation & data analytics (AI, Cybersecurity, IoT, etc.), Fintech, E-commerce, transport & logistics and technical & vocational training.
  • Women owned business (Hospitality industry, wellness & through evidence-based nutrition and dietetic practices, cosmetics, beekeeping & hone processing, sportswear, industrial & institutional cleaning products)
  • Agribusiness & agro-processing (coffee, tea, packaging, FMCGs)
  • Real estate, construction & affordable housing
  • Manufacturing & mining value chains
  • Environment & renewable energy
  • Health & medical innovation (pharma, healthtech, clinical trials)
  • Digital governance, smart systems, fintech & e-commerce
  • Education & vocational training
  • Tourism, arts & culture

Expected Outcomes:

  • Increased investments through:
    • Foreign Direct Investments -FDIs
    • Joint Ventures -JVs,
    • Equities/shares in existing businesses,
    • Franchising/Licensing,
    • Agencies,
    • Technology supply and capacity building products and supply deals
  • Stronger academia-business collaboration
  • Strengthened business-educational-community and Innovative ecosystems (Linkage between Academia and Private companies initiated and strengthened)
  • Double degree programs and new institutional partnerships
  • Cultural and creative industry exchanges
  • Enhanced trade and digital cooperation

Why Rwanda?

As a regional hub with pro-business policies, generous investment incentives, and a strong innovation ecosystem, Rwanda offers an ideal entry point to East Africa.

Expected Participants:

  • 200 companies from the Nordics & Baltics
  • 30 universities and higher education institutions

More information about the event here.