Annette Karenzi

Mrs Annette Karenzi

Mrs. Annette KARENZI is a Business Development Consulting partner with Aims Capital Associates Firm. Annette holds a Master's degree in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University, USA. Also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration (BA) from University of Pretoria, South Africa and a certificate in Business management the Institute of Economic Empowerment for Women (USA, Oklahoma).

Mrs Karenzi has a passion for private sector development. She run her own private businesses for over 10 years before joining the Government as a Director General in charge of Industry and SMEs in the Ministry Trade and Industry. She has experience in building public private partnerships aimed at developing workable polices for the private sector growth.During her tenure as Director General in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Annette spearheaded the “Made in Rwanda” policy and campaign.A strategic initiative to boost local industries, increase exports and improve the Country's Locally manufactured products competitiveness in the EAC region and beyond.The campaign involved holding major stakeholder consultations and consensus building.These included consultations with the legislative branch of government in setting up the required legal framework for the new policy initiatives.

Mrs. Karenzi worked with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as a Coordinator for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) pilot project in Rwanda. As a development practitioner, she has experience in coordinating income generating projects, resource mobilization, community mobilization, project development, planning/programming and management. Annette has skills in proposal writing, advocacy/marketing and networking for strategic partnerships.

Annette Karenzi served as one of Rwanda's diplomats to South African for 5 years, actively engaged in mobilizing investors for Rwanda as well as fundraising for orphans of 1994 genocide against Tutsi. She was among the core team tasked with setting up the Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. In her spare time, Annette loves to read, travel, hosting and entertaining guests.