10 November 2026
15 Omani companies, operating in various economic sectors, are attending the Omani-Rwandan Business Forum organised by The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and taking place in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
The Forum aims to strengthen trade relations between the two countries, explore export and investment opportunities, and open new markets for Omani products and services in East Africa.
The Omani delegation is headed by Engineer Ghalib bin Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MCIIP). The delegation also includes Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport (MTCIT), along with officials and representatives of Omani companies. The participation forms part of efforts to expand economic cooperation and strengthen trade partnerships between private sector organisations in both countries.
The participating Omani companies operate in food industries, agricultural products, manufacturing, plastics, energy, technology, technical services and electrical equipment. This reflects the diversity of Oman’s production base and the opportunities available for Omani companies to expand into international markets.
The Forum will feature bilateral business meetings between Omani and Rwandan companies to explore export and distribution opportunities and establish commercial partnerships. Participants will also examine the needs of the Rwandan market and its regulatory and logistical requirements. They will explore opportunities to work with Rwanda as a commercial gateway to East African markets, including Kenya and Tanzania.
Eng. Al Maamari, said that the Forum reflects Oman’s efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations with African countries and diversify its trading partners and export markets. He noted that expanding into international markets is an important means of increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy.
He said the Rwandan market offers opportunities for Omani companies across various production and service sectors. The MCIIP is working to create favourable conditions for national businesses to enter these markets by facilitating direct engagement with trading partners, promoting Omani products and their competitive advantages, and identifying opportunities for sustainable trade and investment partnerships.
He added that developing national exports involves more than increasing export volumes. It also requires establishing a sustainable commercial presence for Omani products in international markets and making use of Oman’s logistical and industrial capabilities.
Muhannad bin Hamoud Al Riyami, Senior Foreign Trade Development Specialist at the MCIIP, explained that the Forum forms part of efforts to diversify export destinations for Omani non-oil products and capitalise on opportunities in African markets. He described Rwanda as a promising market for national companies seeking to expand their operations and reach new consumer groups.
He noted that the participation of 15 Omani companies from different economic sectors reflects growing interest among national businesses in international expansion.
Engineer Al Riyami added that the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is developing an integrated framework to promote exports and improve the non-oil trade balance. The framework focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of national products, expanding the exporter base, studying target markets and addressing challenges faced by companies in exporting their products.
Madin bin Mubarak Al Balushi, Head of Export Development at the MCIIP, said that Oman Exports continues to implement initiatives and programmes aimed at helping Omani companies access international markets. These include organising bilateral business meetings and trade promotion missions, participating in international exhibitions and forums, providing trade information and raising awareness of export opportunities for national products and services.
He explained that the Omani-Rwandan Business Forum builds on Oman Exports’ efforts to explore promising markets and strengthen direct engagement between Omani companies and international importers. Such meetings enable exporters to gain a better understanding of demand in target markets, importers’ requirements and distribution channels, helping them develop their export strategies and improve their competitiveness.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.
