President Paul Kagame said Monday that Rwanda is open to major investment opportunities in the region but will not allow economic interests to come at the expense of people’s lives.
Kagame made the remarks while discussing Rwanda’s potential investment in a planned oil refinery in Kenya and a government crackdown on manufacturers of substandard alcoholic drinks.
Rwanda is considering investing in a planned refinery to be built on Kenya’s Lamu coast by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote. Kagame said discussions were underway but that it was too early to provide details about Rwanda’s possible stake.
“Rwanda would be happy to be among those participating in that investment,” Kagame said during a news conference in Kigali.
Dangote Group has offered East African countries a combined 30% stake in the project, which is expected to cost between $16 billion and $20 billion. Kenya and Ethiopia have already expressed interest, while Kenya has said it plans to take a 10% stake worth about $500 million.
The refinery is expected to process crude oil for markets in East Africa and beyond. Kagame said Rwanda would welcome an opportunity to participate in an investment of such importance to the region’s economic development.
But he also stressed that economic activity must not be allowed to endanger people.
Kagame was responding to questions about the government’s crackdown on alcoholic drinks that authorities say do not meet required safety and quality standards.
“If a factory or the way people have organized these drinks kills people today, and then what you are doing kills others tomorrow, what kind of country is this?” he said.
He questioned whether Rwanda should prioritize industries and jobs if products made by those businesses are harming consumers.
“Are we looking for industries and workers who will be killed by the products made in those industries, or are we looking for people who will go to the industries to sell what is needed by those industries?” Kagame said.
The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority has closed dozens of alcohol manufacturing facilities in recent weeks over alleged violations of safety requirements. Police and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau have also arrested people suspected of producing, distributing and selling unsafe drinks, including public officials accused of involvement.
The Ministry of Health has said more than 500 people sought medical treatment between January and June after consuming substandard alcoholic drinks. About 50 people died and more than 100 reportedly lost their sight.
Kagame said regulators and businesses involved in producing unsafe products must be held accountable.
“Those involved should expect us to confront them. Things will be put in order,” he said.
He said Rwanda’s approach was to pursue investment and economic development while ensuring that businesses and public institutions protect the interests and safety of Rwandans.
