August Corporate Members Round Table Meeting:
On the 29th of August, 2024, AmCham Rwanda hosted its August Corporate Members Round Table Meeting at the BK Arena Lounge. This exclusive gathering brought together key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of U.S trade interests in Rwanda and the broader region.
We were honored to have Mr. Feleke Assefa, Head of the Commercial Section at the U.S Embassy in Nairobi, who also oversees all commercial activities in Rwanda, as our distinguished guest. Mr Assefa’s presence provided a unique opportunity forour members to gain valuable insights into U.S trade policies and explore potential business opportunities that align with Rwanda’s economic landscape.
Following the formal discussion, attendees had the opportunity to unwind and continue networking during a happy hour at the BK Lounge. For those interested, the event was followed by an optional visit to Zaria Courts.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor, Yellow Card, whose support made this event possible. Special thanks also go to BK Arena and the U.S Embassy for their continued partnership.
The August Corporate Member’s Round Table was a successful and insightful event, reaffirming AmCham Rwanda’s commitment to providing its members with valuable networking opportunities and actionable insights into evolving U.S.- Rwanda trade relationship.
Member Spotlight: Virunga Mountain Spirits – Welcome to the Spirit of Virunga
Virunga Mountain Spirits Ltd is a woman-led, first mover company based in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains whose mission is to create premium craft spirits and an unforgettable experience, from field to bottle. Launched in 2022, the company’s soft launch is set for October, in time for this year’s milestone Kwita Izina.
Handcrafted premium potato vodka is Virunga Mountain Spirits’ first product, made from “unloved” potatoes – those too small or misshapen to be attractive for the market – sourced from local farmer cooperatives and Holland Fairfoods/Winnaz, a sustainable addition to the potato value chain that does not impact the food supply. Kari Vodka is named for Rwanda’s tallest peak, Mt. Karisimbi, and Dian Fossey’s Karisoke “Kari” Research Center, where Fossey did most of her fieldwork with mountain gorillas.
Field to bottle means the ingredients we use to make our alcohol all come from Musanze – the potatoes, born in mineral-rich lava soil; the gravity water from nearby volcanoes. At an elevation of just over six thousand feet, Musanze’s abundant rainfall and temperate climate, its terroir, combined with other factors, make it an ideal location.
Vodka is the backbone of the global spirits industry – the world’s top selling spirit. The majority of premium vodkas on the market are either corn or wheat-based. Just three percent are made from potatoes. And yet a well made potato vodka – due to its character and complexity – is considered superior by experts. Fermented potatoes retain the nutty, earthy flavor of its base material, perfect to sip and savor or enjoy in a favorite cocktail.
The business, a first in Rwanda in terms of combining craft distilling and agro-tourism, is important for Musanze and Rwanda more broadly. It aligns with the country’s Agro-Tourism Strategy and Vision 2050 and with Musanze’s own development strategy by contributing to the potato value chain, increasing employment and sustainable incomes for farmers. It’s important
for other reasons as well.
● Most of the lodges, hotels and restaurants in the country serve imported spirits. When you taste and buy local premium products, you contribute to the local economy and job creation. Visit Rwanda and Made in Rwanda go hand-in-hand.
● The business elevates Rwanda as the place to go for agro-tourism. Tours and tastings, a farm-to-fork grill and artisan gift shop allow for exceptional product diversification.
● Craft is craft: Rwanda is already a destination for art, jewelry, fashion and food. Craft spirits are the next frontier.
● Like the country itself, Virunga Mountain Spirits is female-forward, intent on honoring the history and legacy of female alcohol makers in Rwanda and around the world, from the potato growers to the producers to the sellers.
● Our goal is zero-waste sustainable production:
○ No waste: potato slurry and water can be reused for compost or animal feed;
○ No noise: distilling is almost silent, generating as much sound as a boiling pot of
water; and,
○ No fumes or pollution: distilleries do not generate fumes or pollution. All
processes are driven by water and steam only.
We expect Kari Vodka to be sold at the distillery/agro-tourism site and at the top lodges, hotels, restaurants, stores and event venues. Exports to East Africa, Europe and the United States, as well as new premium craft spirits will follow. Made in Rwanda, for the world. #SpiritofVirunga.
Join AmCham Rwanda Community
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) provides a platform where businesses can thrive through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation. Joining AmCham offers numerous benefits that can propel your business to new heights.
If you do business in Rwanda and have a relationship to the US—such as a U.S. citizen holding a significant position in your organization, your business is registered or headquartered in the U.S., you export to the U.S. or you do substantive business with U.S. citizens—we welcome your participation in the Chamber.
The Chamber, known as “AmCham” is a community of doers in Rwanda. Our membership ranges from some of the largest and most established businesses in the country, to the fastest growing startups, to individuals who are looking to be connected into a wider business community.
Why Become a Member?
- Business Intelligence
We are a resource for information and insights on doing business in Rwanda.
This includes gathering and sharing gazetted information, business directories, leadership changes, regulatory changes, and the general “goings on” in the business community in Rwanda.
- Events & Connections
We bring together the business community with related American interests.
We connect the American business community to other relevant groups that support a growing business agenda.
- Policy Advocacy
We advance a policy agenda that increases our members ease of doing business.
We additionally aggregate our challenges and present them to government to further create an enabling business environment in Rwanda.
How to become a Member:
Step 1: Visit AmChamRwanda.com and submit your membership or sponsorship application.
- We may follow up with additional questions if required. For example, to clarify or further articulate your relationship to the U.S. if you are not a citizen.
Step 2: Upon board review and approval, you will receive a welcome pack with all the information
you need to be a member.
- The welcome pack will include a full calendar of events designed specifically for your level of membership.
Step 3: Pay your membership fee. Along with your welcome pack, you will also receive an invoice
for membership fee payment.*
- Include your TIN number in your application to reclaim your VAT.
- Payment can be made by bank transfer to I&M or through cheque.
- If your first-year application will be prorated, you will be billed from the time of your application approval. We cannot pro-rate annual member renewals.
Step 4: Enjoy your full year of membership access for AmCham Rwanda!