A Singapore firm that provides government products and services online has opened an office in the Rwandan capital Kigali that will support its operations in the region and across Africa.
CrimsonLogic chairman Eugene Wong said yesterday: "This marks a major milestone in our relationship with Rwanda and the greater Africa continent."
While the new outlet is CrimsonLogic's only office in Africa, it has been active in the continent for over a decade, implementing e-government and trade-related projects in 11 countries. Its involvement in East Africa began in 2010 when it created an integrated e-judiciary platform for the Mauritius government and a single electronic trade window for Mozambique.
The firm has been working with the government of Rwanda since 2014. In 2015, it partnered RwandaOnline and the Rwanda Development Board ICT Department to develop an e-citizen portal.
Mr Wong noted Rwanda's investment-friendly environment for Singapore firms, saying: "The country welcomes Singapore companies as they trust us to bring both innovation and quality in partnerships towards building their digital economy."
CrimsonLogic chief executive Saw Ken Wye said the firm looks forward to replicating its success in Rwanda in other African nations. The firm also works with local agencies to expand the homegrown IT talent pool by helping about 10 local graduates each year via its Rwanda Technology Associate Programme.
Yesterday's opening of the office was attended by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Koh Poh Koon.
Representatives from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the Rwanda government and partner firm RwandaOnline Platform were also at the event.
A business mission led by Enterprise Singapore and the SBF that involved 20 Singapore firms was held alongside the state visit.
RwandaOnline chief executive Clement Uwajeneza said: "We are happy that CrimsonLogic has chosen Rwanda as its base for its East African operations, and see it as a testament of the strong working relationship we managed to cultivate over the years."
Correction note: The earlier story had said that Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was also present, but he did not attend the opening. We are sorry for the error.
