Zero Tolerance for Corruption Drives Indian Investment in Rwanda

New Delhi/Kigali, January 13, 2026 - Rwanda’s strong stance against corruption and its business-friendly environment are key factors behind the surge in Indian investment, according to Rwanda’s Ambassador to India, Jacqueline Mukangira. Speaking to the Indian news agency IANS on January 11, 2026, during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, Ambassador Mukangira said Rwanda’s stable legal framework, ease of doing business, and strict anti-corruption policies continue to attract investors from India, particularly from the state of Gujarat. “Rwanda is a good place to invest because investors are facilitated in many ways, including tax incentives and other business-friendly measures,” she said. “Another important factor is that both local and foreign investors operate in an environment of zero tolerance for corruption.” She noted that Rwanda and India maintain strong diplomatic and economic relations, with Indian businesses playing a major role in Rwanda’s economy. “Rwanda and India have excellent relations, and many Indians are doing business in Rwanda, especially from Gujarat,” Mukangira said. “India is the second-largest investor in Rwanda and also ranks second in terms of trade.” Rwanda imports a wide range of goods from India, including medicines, technological equipment, clothing, rice, and sugar, much of which originates from Gujarat. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), India was Rwanda’s second-largest investor in 2024, after China. That year, China invested $460 million (14.1% of total investment), while India invested $445.1 million (13.6%). Diplomatic ties between the two countries have deepened in recent years. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first official visit to Rwanda in 2018, following visits by President Paul Kagame in 2017 and 2018. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, several agreements were signed, including a $200 million grant and support for Rwanda’s Girinka Munyarwanda program, through which he donated 200 cows.