Rwanda becomes first African nation to join Alibaba-led eWTP

Today, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Alibaba Executive Chairman JackMa signed three MoUs for establishing an eWTP (electronic world trade platform) hub in Rwanda to promote the African country's economy through increased cross-border trade, capacity building and tourism.

The agreements are intended to strengthen cooperation in support of Rwanda's economic development by promoting policy innovation, enabling cross-border trade of Rwandan products to Chinese consumers, facilitating tourism to Rwanda, and providing capacity building to empower the growth of Rwanda's digital economy.

"I am delighted that Rwanda is the first eWTP partner in Africa, and I look forward to the development of an innovative digital economy here," said Ma, Founder and Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group.

"People ask me, 'Why Rwanda? There are so many countries in Africa,'" Ma continued. "When I first came to Rwanda, I was shocked by its ability to embrace change. If every country was like Rwanda, think how powerful Africa could be. My answer is, 'Why not Rwanda?'"

"The Electronic World Trade Platform opens up new frontiers in e-commerce and tourism for Rwanda, and will also boost the capacity and competitiveness of our entrepreneurs and businesspeople", said President Paul Kagame