DP World has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rwanda Development Board, for Rwanda to be the first country in which it will launch its new global B2B and B2C e-commerce platform, DuBuy.com, early next year.
Rwanda will become DP World’s initial hub for expanding e-commerce across the East Africa Community and beyond.
The vision of this MoU is to make it easier for Rwandan businesses to engage in international trade, which includes strengthened commercial trading links between the UAE and Rwanda.
Businesses using DuBuy.com will also benefit from broader DP World services and investment that will help to facilitate and develop trade. In Rwanda this includes the promotion of exports of coffee, tea, and horticulture on DuBuy.com, improvements to Rwanda’s supply chain logistics including in rural areas, and access to digital tools to help businesses become more efficient and expand their reach to local, regional, and global markets.
DP World has already invested in world class port and logistics facilities in Kigali, demonstrating its strong belief in Rwanda’s future.
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The decision to launch DuBuy.com in Rwanda follows the country’s consistent superior annual rating in the World Bank’s global “Ease of Doing Business” rankings and its commitment to international trade and investment.
Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Clare Akamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Development Board, said: “The government of Rwanda has made substantial investment in creating a suitable environment to derive eCommerce. The signing of the MoU with DP World today is a significant boost to our efforts to support the development of a digital economy working closely with the private sector. There is no doubt that this partnership will make it easier for Rwandan businesses to participate in global trade.”
Mike Bhaskaran, COO Logistics & Technology, DP World, commented: “We couldn’t be more excited to be launching DuBuy.com as a major e-commerce site in East Africa. The platform will initially enable Rwandan products to reach global markets and help enterprises from around the world to invest in Rwanda, before later expansion to further African markets”.
Suhail Al Banna, CEO and Managing Director – Middle East and Africa at DP World said: “DP World is a committed partner and investor in Rwanda. The country’s favourable investment climate, commitment to training and education, and determination to lead Africa in job creation and industrial advancement through technology, makes it a strong and obvious location to launch our new global e-commerce site. Collaborating with the Rwanda Development Board, I am confident that we can open international trade further to Rwandan businesses – within Africa and beyond”.
Mike Bhaskaran, COO Logistics & Technology at DP World, said “The platform will initially enable Rwandan products to reach global markets and help enterprises from around the world to invest in Rwanda, before later expansion to further African markets”.
About DP World
We are the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain & logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions.
We deliver these services through an interconnected global network of 128 business units in 60 countries across six continents, with a significant presence both in high-growth and mature markets. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work.
Our dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 53,220 employees from 131 countries is committed to delivering unrivalled value to our customers and partners. We do this by focussing on mutually beneficial relationships – with governments, shippers, traders, and other stakeholders along the global supply chain – relationships built on a foundation of mutual trust and enduring partnership.
We think ahead, anticipate change and deploy industry-leading technology to further broaden our digital vision to disrupt world trade and create the smartest, most efficient and innovative solutions, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies and our planet.