Maya East Africa opens new site in Rwanda
Compared to the company’s base in Kenya, Kigali is strategically located, and it will now act as a more accessible supply center.
RWANDA – Maya East Africa, one of the top producers and suppliers of raw food ingredients in the region, has formally opened its franchise in Rwanda, citing the nation’s secure economic climate, growing consumer purchasing power, and business-friendly atmosphere as key reasons for the investment.
Mr. Abdirahman Musa Noor, the company’s CEO, spoke at the launch ceremony on April 24 in Kigali, and he expressed great confidence in Rwanda’s business climate.
“We conducted extensive research and found that Rwanda offers one of the most conducive environments for business in the region. Every month, we have been importing 55 tonnes of food raw materials into Rwanda, valued at approximately half a million US dollars. We asked ourselves, what if we moved closer to our customers? The potential for growth is immense,” Mr Noor stated.
Mr. Noor also commended the Rwanda Development Board’s (RDB) assistance, pointing out that the regulatory environment in the nation is far superior to that of other markets in which the company operates.
In addition to serving the Rwandan market, the new franchise—which was founded in collaboration with local distributor Milimani Enterprise—will also provide services to Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and parts of Uganda.
Mr. Antoine Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, welcomed the investment on behalf of the Rwandan government, emphasizing its potential to support value addition and the creation of local jobs in the food processing industry.
Mr. Kajangwe went on to say that Maya East Africa’s presence in the nation will involve capacity-building programs for regional bakers, giving them the tools and information they need to independently produce food additives using contemporary methods.
Maya East Africa announced plans to train future bakers and finance high-achieving students who have a strong interest in the bakery sector as part of its CSR strategy.
These people will be given technical training and job opportunities with the goal of improving Rwanda’s value chain for agriculture and food production.
Maya East Africa was founded in 2009 to fill the shortage of premium, health-conscious baking ingredients, especially for the bread, pastry, and cake industries.
The company, which is currently valued at over US$8M, sources high-quality products from throughout the world and keeps a presence in Zambia, South Africa, and Uganda.
To provide end users with reasonably priced, superior products, the company collaborates with bakers and supermarkets throughout the area.
The move has been well received by local industry participants. Lamane Café & Bakery owner Ernestine Uwamahoro commended the opening of Maya’s Rwanda operation, pointing to enhancements in quality and knowledge accessibility.
The launch of Maya East Africa’s Rwandan franchise marks important turning point in the country’s journey towards becoming a regional hub for agro-processing and manufacturing.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
