Terms of Reference (ToR) for The Development of a Brand for a New Product (Handbag)

Introduction and Sector Context

"Made in Rwanda" Momentum and the Fashion Sector Transition

Rwanda's manufacturing sector has undergone a significant transformation under the "Made in Rwanda" (MiR) policy, aimed at reducing trade deficits, promoting value addition, and fostering national industrial pride. Within this transformation, the fashion and textile industry has emerged as a strategic sector combining manufacturing, creativity, employment, and cultural representation.

What initially started as import substitution has evolved into a demand for locally owned brands that can compete on quality, storytelling, and ethical production standards. Fashion products are increasingly expected to communicate identity, craftsmanship, and sustainability — not only price competitiveness.

About Abahizi CBC

Abahizi CBC has a distinctive position in Rwanda's fashion industry. For over ten years, the company has operated as a Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) manufacturer of handbags for leading international brands, complying with stringent global quality, delivery, and compliance standards.

The company is now expanding its strategy to develop and produce high-quality handbags for the local and regional markets. The CMT setup will remain a core and ongoing business strategy for Abahizi. However, the company intends to leverage its established production experience, including skilled employees and credibility in international manufacturing standards, to produce products available in Rwanda and across the African continent.

Through this initiative, Abahizi CBC aims to complement its global manufacturing positioning with local brand ownership by developing handbags and accessories that are locally designed, ethically produced, and positioned for distribution within Rwanda, the region, and the African continent, contributing to the broader "Made in Africa" agenda.

Project Objective