Rwanda has joined the network. We warmly welcome our new international partner and look forward to working together with the European Business Chamber of Rwanda (EBCR).

To get to know our new partner better, we asked Johanna Sandberg, EBCR Executive Director, a few questions. Find out more in the interview.

Could you briefly introduce the European Business Chamber of Rwanda and the main services you provide to businesses?

The EBCR is a private sector organization that supports European businesses in Rwanda while promoting trade and investment between Europe and Rwanda. 

Our membership brings together European companies active locally, Rwandan businesses with links to Europe, development organizations, trade agencies, and EU Member States as honorary members. This diversity allows us to act as a strong bridge between both markets.

We focus on advocacy, business connections, and practical support. This includes organizing targeted networking events and sector roundtables, facilitating partnerships, and providing market insights. We also engage with public institutions on policy matters affecting the private sector.

In addition, our service desk offers hands-on assistance for companies entering or expanding in Rwanda—covering areas such as company setup, regulatory guidance, tax incentives, and market entry strategies. A co-working space is also available to support companies during their initial establishment phase.

What motivated the European Business Chamber of Rwanda to become part of the Enterprise Europe Network?

Becoming part of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) was a strategic decision aligned with EBCR’s role in connecting businesses internationally. 

EEN gives us access to a wide network of business support organizations, enabling more structured and efficient matchmaking between European and Rwandan companies. This strengthens our ability to facilitate partnerships, whether by linking European SMEs with local distributors or connecting Rwandan producers with European technology providers.

It also enhances our support in areas such as innovation and internationalization, allowing us to better respond to the evolving needs of our members.

What market opportunities/challenges are there for European companies in Rwanda?

Rwanda offers a stable and business-friendly environment, supported by strong government reforms and its strategic location in East Africa. Opportunities are particularly visible in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital services, where demand for solutions such as off-grid energy, agri-tech, and smart systems continues to grow. 

At the same time, companies may encounter challenges related to market size, financing, and regulatory navigation.

EBCR helps address these through tailored, on-the-ground support. We assist companies with setup processes, regulatory understanding, and identifying local partners, while also providing a practical entry point through our co-working facilities. With the right preparation and support, companies can successfully position themselves in the market.

In which areas do you see the greatest potential for European companies to do business with Rwanda?

Key opportunities lie in green energy, sustainable agriculture, agro-processing, infrastructure development, ICT, and tourism. 

There is also strong momentum in emerging areas such as climate-smart solutions, circular economy models, and digital transformation. European expertise in these fields can complement Rwanda’s development priorities; for example in renewable energy systems, waste management, or precision farming.

Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional health hub further opens opportunities in healthcare services and medical technologies. Combined with forward-looking urban planning and the country’s Vision 2050 strategy, there is growing potential for involvement in large-scale infrastructure, smart city, and sustainability-focused projects.

What are you most excited about as you begin working with the Enterprise Europe Network? / What do you hope to gain from working in the network?

We are particularly looking forward to strengthening international cooperation and creating more concrete opportunities for businesses to collaborate.  Through EEN, we aim to broaden our network, improve the quality of partnerships we facilitate, and support initiatives such as joint ventures, technology exchange, and innovation-driven projects.

More broadly, we see this as an opportunity to further position Rwanda as a gateway for European companies interested in the African market, while also helping local businesses access opportunities in Europe.

Thank you very much for taking the time for this interview. We look forward to continuing our collaboration