Rwandan entrepreneurs welcome resumption commercial flight operations on August 1

Rwanda's entrepreneurs are anticipating the reopening of the Kigali International Airport on the 1st of August after months of closure due to the global pandemic. This development brings hope to many business owners who heavily rely on commercial flights for the success of their ventures. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Gloria Uwizera Kamanzi, the Founder and CEO of Glo Creations, a textile company, to discuss how this new development fits into her recovery strategy. Kamanzi shared insights into the challenges her company faced during the lockdown, the impact on their value chain, and the opportunities that lie ahead with the resumption of commercial flights. "I think most of us were hit. Experience was quite difficult but it was an opportunity for us to review how we work", Kamanzi expressed. She highlighted the difficulties faced in receiving raw materials, affecting their production and work quality. Kamanzi also mentioned the anticipation of an increase in demand for their products, as they were unable to export during the lockdown. The reopening of the airport signifies a new chapter for Glo Creations, as they look forward to leveraging online platforms to showcase their products and resume exports. Kamanzi discussed the government's initiatives to support the private sector's recovery, including grants for small and medium companies. However, she emphasized the need for technical assistance to navigate the global market and explore opportunities on international platforms like Alibaba. As the Chairperson of the Rwanda chapter of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program, Kamanzi stressed the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. The lockdown period has prompted Kamanzi to make changes in her business operations and explore collaborations with other designers. With the imminent reopening of the airport, Rwandan entrepreneurs are poised to revitalize their businesses and contribute to the country's economic recovery. The resumption of commercial flight operations signals a step towards normalcy and offers a glimmer of hope for the entrepreneurial community in Rwanda.