In the recent past, Rwanda has attracted foreign investments that have correctly had a positive impact on economic growth.
Most recently however, Turkish investors have displayed strong interest in Rwanda something that interested Hope Magazine (HM) to seek out one Construction Company, DABCO construction. Below are excerpts of a chat with the company’s two partner founders Yusuf CICEK and Emre CICEK
HM: What is DABCO and which areas are you interested investing into?
DABCO is mainly a design and building company. It is a construction company based so far only in Rwanda. Despite our Turkish origin, the company traces its roots in Rwanda. We are a local company which targets to make a contribution to the development of the construction sector in Rwanda and equally seek opportunities in other countries but having the base in Rwanda.
HM: As foreign investors who have decided to direct your resources to Rwanda, are there specific features that may have attracted your attentions to the country? If yes, what are they?
Before coming here, some Turkish businessmen urged us to evaluate opportunities in Rwanda. Yes, before deciding run a construction company in Rwanda, we researched for six months, and we were stunned by the country’s safe and stable economic and cultural environment. The livability of the country is quite high, the climate is very convenient, which factors prompted us to establish the company in Rwanda. Actually, we think that we should promote and endorse this quite proper business environment to the world.
HM: Why did you choose the construction sector? Do you have plans to diverge into other areas?
Emre CICEK is a professional architect and has enjoyed quite stunning experience in this field where he has executed jobs in Turkey and other places now including Rwanda. His expertise, which represents some of our strength, was an overriding factor in our decision to invest in the construction industry.
As a local company in Rwanda, we are also interested in seeking out for other opportunities especially in the tourism sector so that we continue to invest in the growth of the market in which we operate. However to remain focused, we intend to keep strong in construction compared to any other thing we may do in the future.
HM: For a new player in the market, people are eager to know what experience you bring from Turkey into Rwanda especially in terms of quality and prompt delivery?
Popularly, Turkey is known for having an effective and qualified construction industry globally and this expertise is strongly embedded in Turkish history as if it were some sort of culture. In recent decades, Turkish construction companies have executed contracts building cities in different countries world-wide. It is this chunk of knowledge and expertise that we intend to bring into the Rwandan market for we strongly believe that this country is a big opportunity for us as we are for it.
HM: Construction as an industry calls for high investments and dexterity (expertise). What potential does DABCO exhibit that can enable it to make meaningful contribution to supplying the right quality of particularly affordable housing that can supply existing demand?
We come from a strong construction background and are experienced in the area. That is one of our attracting features, and we want to share, show, and bring our previous experiences into the Rwandan construction sector.
We have all it takes to deliver.
HM: Prior to coming to Rwanda, which other undertakings has DABCO or its founders engaged in? Have these all been in the construction industry?
If not, which sectors were they?
In the recent past, Mr. Emre was involved in a wide range of construction works including huge housing, tourism and industrial constructions.
On the other hand, Yusuf CICEK, with his international partners, has been engaged in excellent works in green energy businesses with keen interest in solar and wind energy projects.
Coming soon
Hope Kids Academy,
Hope Kids Academy, is an international Turkish school located in Kigali’s prime suburb of Nyarutarama, was on Friday
evening officially opened. The school that admits children of four and five years of age offers Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP) and Cambridge ICT starters’ programme. The academy features both nursery and primary sections.
With the intention to increase capacity of its premises from the current 100 potential that the school can take, Hope Kids Academy contracted DABCO construction to build new premises that will have a capacity of holding 1000-1500 children. Currently construction is in early stages and the school is scheduled to be complete by end August according to Emre CICEK who is the architect for the project.
Boutique Hotel
DABCO is currently working undercover on the boutique which will soon be coming on the tourism and accommodation scene in Rwanda. The hotel will feature 10 beautiful bedrooms in addition to dining and conferencing facility.
Not to spill all hidden beauties, the hotel is something every Kigalian should look forward for it is slated to open soon.
