Commonwealth Business Forum kicks off today in Kigali, Rwanda

Hundreds of businessmen and women are expected to gather in Kigali, Rwanda today to kick off the three days 2022 Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF 2022).

The Forum which is being organized by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), together with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), will run from today 21 to Thursday 23 June in Kigali under the theme “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’, with a focus on “A Global Reset”.

The forum will bring together government leaders, captains of industry and business executives, leaders of global and regional development institutions, young entrepreneurs and representatives of trade and investment organizations from across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Business Forum is the first and largest in-person gathering for governments and businesses across the Commonwealth since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing together over 1,500 delegates from Commonwealth member states.

The theme was selected to address dealing with the impact of the pandemic and the Commonwealth’s role in rebuilding and reinvigorating the global economy.

Throughout the 3-days of the forum, participants will explore topics such as financing future growth, trade and regional integration, sustainability, inclusive and resilient food systems and the future of work.

There will be several sessions with discussions that shape agendas, generate insights and share best practice knowledge on strategies businesses in the Commonwealth can apply as they build back post-pandemic.

Speaking about the Forum, Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, welcomed the delegates and noted that they will discuss big ideas.

“We welcome all our delegates to the Commonwealth Business Forum. The wait is over. Now is the time to discuss together the big ideas and tangible solutions that will drive the global reset after the pandemic but also shape a Commonwealth that is equitable, sustainable and resilient,” said Ms Akamanzi.

Meanwhile, Lord Marland, the Chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, said that Rwanda is a fantastic host for the Forum.

“Rwanda is a fantastic host for CBF 2022 – together, we have been able to convene experts and business leaders from every region of the Commonwealth and delegates representing a cross-section of critical Commonwealth sectors. CBF 2022 will showcase the immense opportunities across the Commonwealth to a global business audience and provide a valuable opportunity to connect,” he said.