156 Rwandan entrepreneurs and public officials are set to benefit from a 3-week online training on e-commerce that kicked-off today.

The training, organized through the Rwanda Development Board’s Chief Skills Office in partnership with the Rwandan Embassy in China and the China International Electronic Commerce Center, aims to strengthen digital skills of Rwandans. It is being held under the framework of the existing bi-lateral agreement on human resource development Rwanda has with the People’s Republic of China.

Speaking at the commencement of the training, Elodie Rusera, the Chief Skills Officer, Rwanda Development Board, said:

“We are excited to launch this cooperation program on areas of skills development thanks to the agreement on human resource development that was signed by the Government of Rwanda and the People’s Republic of China. Today, 156 people are going to benefit from this important training that will equip them with e-commerce skills that will enable them to navigate through the challenges the world is facing today. I would like to thank the People’s Republic of China for the timely support for building e-commerce eco-systems in Rwanda and continued efforts towards implementing the bilateral agreement on human resource development that will help us bounce back from the impact of COVID-19. We strongly believe that this training will boost our private sector capabilities which will enable them to grow their businesses.”

On his part, Ambassador James Kimonyo, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China noted:

“Rwanda appreciates the progress of the implementation of the bilateral agreement signed between Rwanda and China when His Excellency President Xi Jinping visited Rwanda in 2018. We thank the Department of E-Commerce of the Ministry of Commerce of China and China International Electronic Commerce Center for organizing the Silk Road E-Commerce Program and Rwanda looks forward to continued cooperation in digital technologies.”

Mr. Zhu Lian, Inspector at the Department of E-Commerce and Informatization of the Ministry of E-Commerce of China said:

“Rwanda is a sincere friend and good partner of China. E-Commerce and digital technologies are important in promoting cross-border trade during COVID-19 which has affected the movement of people. We will continue to work with Rwanda to promote China-Rwanda e-commerce cooperation and create a better future for all.”

Under the bilateral agreement, over 200 Rwandans from the private and public sector have been trained in different domains in line with Rwanda’s priority sectors.