09/04/2008 - Countrywide Customer Care campaign in offing

Rwanda, commonly referred to as the land of a million smiles—referring to hospitality of its people, is facing serious challenges in terms of competitiveness, both in private and public sector, a thing that poses equally serious concerns on her competitiveness in regional and international markets. The underlying problem is that Rwandans do not extend this hospitality well enough to their businesses and offices. Pundits say this is a cultural problem, arguing that Rwandans are not enterprising people. Whereas others relate it to the French colonial system that did not expose Rwandans to trade.

In her socioeconomic agenda; Vision 2020, Rwanda envisages creating a private sector led economy of largely middle income class. But this is not going to be so easy save when Rwandans change their mindsets on how to do business and then become more competitive. To make matters worse, Rwanda has opened its doors to EAC and COMESA member states…meaning that clients will now have more alternatives on the market. And, by the time Rwandan entrepreneurs wake up, the market will all be taken by more competitive counterparts in the economic blocs.

To ensure that Rwanda’s private sector is not taken by surprise, the Private Sector Federation, in a bid to make local businesses more competitive, is taking a lead in organising a countrywide customer care campaign. On Thursday April 3, the federation held a meeting, at Prime Holdings, Kimihurura, with stakeholders from both public and private institutions, including business operators from across economic sectors, media practitioners, development partners, and government bodies. In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka, the PSF Secretary General said poor customer care is in both private and public institution, “so, it is a national issue—a reason why this campaign will ensure that all institutions are brought on board”.

The campaign, according to the SG, will run for two year to ensure that Rwandans’ mindsets on doing business are changed. PSF has hired a local consultancy called Creative Communications (CC) to craft a comprehensive publicity campaign. At the meeting, the consultancy made a presentation on how the public conceptualize customer care in Rwanda, and proposed two-year media campaign.

In the presentation, Jean Paul from CC remarked that most Rwandans are indeed displeased about poor customer service, talk ill about it, but nothing is being done about it. He noted that poor customer care is attributed lack of professionalism in business and exposure to good business practices. Jean Paul illustrated, among other poor customer care deeds; how most business people here weigh, despise and turn away clients by virtue of their appearance, how they’re not courteous to their clients, and how they never smile to their clients.

He however advised that the change is possible because Rwandans are naturally hospitable, eager to learn and are largely young and dynamic. On the media campaign, he said it will be easy to communicate messages across the country through radios, TV, newspapers and outdoors like billboards because there’s a common dialect—Kinyarwanda.

The SG however cautioned that the 2-year campaign will certainly be too costly, and called upon stakeholders to embrace the campaign and also contribute (financially) to the campaign whenever they’re approached.

The floor was then open to the floor to give their reservations about customer care in Rwanda. All comments were indicative of an initiative that has been long over due, with most of them acknowledging that poor customer care and service delivery cut across all managerial levels in both public and private institutions.

From the banking sector, BCR was hailed for the improvements it has brought to the market, and challenge it has created to other banks at the same time. IFC/World Bank and ADB pledged to support the campaign. From the electronic media, Albert of Contact FM pledged airtime to create awareness of the campaign. From the press, Mr. Ignatius Kabagambe of The New Times, Rwanda’s only daily English newspaper, too pledged to dedicate journalists and editors to file articles that encourage good customer care among private institutions and quality service delivery in government institutions. Mr. Kabagambe stirred up the audience when he proposed introduction of tips in service sector of Rwanda. Some said “No” to it, arguing that it will seem like clients are paying for their rights to services. Others Okayed it, saying that if works elsewhere why not in Rwanda. Adding that tips should be given to institutions not individual staff.

On the way forward, the PSF SG said a national steering committee would soon be formed. That, PSF would soon hire an expert in customer care to craft a campaign proposal that will be used to mobilize campaign funds from partner institutions, after approval by the steering committee.

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09/04/2008 - Enterprise Uganda extends to Rwanda

Enterprise Uganda, an organisation that provides support to small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to improve their productivity, growth and competitiveness in Uganda on Thursday April 3 signed an MOU with PSF to roll out their entrepreneurship development program (EDP) in the Business Development Services (BDS) Centers across the country.

Heads of both institutions; Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka and Mr. Charles Ochichi signed the MOU on both institutions’ behalf at PSF headquarter in Gikondo. This was preceded by a briefing to the BDS centers managers and PSF secretariat staff by Mr. Ochichi and Mr. Eria Kiiza, the Enterprise Uganda Training Officer on what the program entails and how it is conducted in Uganda.

PSF, in its entrepreneurship and business growth agenda plans to establish an entrepreneurship development center. Enterprise Uganda acts the entrepreneurship development center in Uganda. It is a global initiative spreading in developing countries through UNCTAD. The first EDC was installed in Ghana and there are now ten centers in Africa. Enterprise Uganda was installed in 2001 and was the sixth to be installed in Africa. It is the current chair of Enterprise Africa.

To establish an EDC in Rwanda, PSF is all set to use the Ugandan experience. As a requirement, UNCTAD assists (technically) to a country to install an EDC through a private sector institution. In Rwanda, PSF is the only umbrella organisation that represents the private sector.

EDC comes in handy with ten modules, including among others; Entrepreneurship Training Workshops, Business Health Clinics, Business Opportunity Identification, Business Counseling, Preparation of Business Plans, Client Accounting and Book-keeping Services (CABS), marketing skills development solutions, installation of quality management systems and Intrapreneurship training for private sector.

While giving the Ugandan experience, Mr. Ochichi remarked that the center is normally challenged by low turn up of business people for training modules. In response, Mr. Hategeka said Rwandan business people are so willing to learn.

Mr Ochichi also said it is costly to start the center—requires a heavy capital investment and reliable training experts. He said these experts can be outsourced though. Enterprise Uganda has ten internal training experts and has a database of 64 that are outsourced. In the beginning, Mr. Kiiza said PSF can make use of Enterprise Uganda’s experts and database. About financial resources to start the costly center Charles said: “In Uganda we engaged the government and development partners because somewhere in their mandates there’s economic empowerment of the citizens. Who else could do it better than Enterprise Uganda?” However, UNCTAD recommends that the center should be self sustaining in the long-run.

Mr. Ochichi said UNCTAD requires a well-structured private sector institution, noting that with the current structure of the federation—with functional organs that go up to the grassroots, rolling out the center will be faster than in many African countries. PSF plans to use CAPMER; the center for Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda as its apex EDC that feeds subsidiary EDCs in the countryside, which are the BDS centers. There are currently nine operational BDS centers across country, with plans to open more nine (9) centers this year. By 2010, all districts will have BDS centers.

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02/04/2008 - Trade Point Rwanda project launched

26/09/2008 - Performance=Potential-Interference, Trevor Waldock tells young entrepreneurs

At a two-day workshop; on 22nd September and 23rd September 2008 organized by the chamber of young entrepreneurs in partnership with PSF department of employment and capacity building at Prime Holding conference hall, Kimihurura, Mr. Trevor Waldock, a renowned author on capacity building in leadership and entrepreneurial development told young entrepreneurs that Performance equals Potential minus Interference.

He said this while encouraging young entrepreneurs that they’re Rwanda’s future, and “have great potentials to perform better in their businesses”. He advised them that in order to maximize performance, interference must be minimal. He defined interference as “what gets in the way” while doing business, which can either be with the entrepreneur himself or the environment he/she operates. He said human beings are born with lots of potentials that are never exploited because of interferences. As individuals, he said they should struggle to be smarter entrepreneurs and as regards the business environment, he call upon the governments to improve. “Performance should be measured over time,” he advised. He however said when an interference happens, a good business leader should be proactive other than reactive. “This is the best muscle of leadership,” he remarked.

Mr. Waldock has conducted several seminars worldwide which are usually very costly to attend. Interestingly, participants at the workshop benefited free of charge, and he also gave out free copies of his book on 18 challenges of leadership. He noted that Rwanda is a country experiencing a new beginning, and “there are lots of opportunities and potentials to do new things. But this requires innovation”. He said in whatever an entrepreneur does, a business plan is critical because, “it gives a sense of direction, gives confidence and also attracts partners”.

The workshop attracted about 25 young entrepreneurs who were largely from chamber member associations. Mr. Emery Rubagenga, the director of the chamber said he also invited other young businessmen and women who are potential members to the chamber. The workshop was presided over by Mr. Benjamin Gasamagera, the president if the chamber. During the 2 days, Mr. Waldock covered, essentially: Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Business, how to increase potential and skills, Tips, Strategy and Techniques to succeed in the 21st century in the business world.

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Rwandan business people are now able to trade online with the rest of the world in real time at the one-stop centers premised at the network of Business Development Services (BDS) centers spread across the country. “Trade Point Rwanda” is a project that enables actual and potential traders access information and data about business and market opportunities, potential clients and suppliers as well as international regulations and requirements.

It can at least now be confirmed that the project is up and running. In Kigali, Trade Points; fully furnished offices with computers connected to the supersonic optic fiber internet connectivity, can be found in Nyarugenge, Gatsabo districts and Kigali city center (MVK). In the countryside, Trade Points are premised and operated under the PSF’s network of BDS centers.

Monday morning, March 31, saw RIEPA, in collaboration with PSF and other international partner organizations officially launch the project at Mille Colline Hotel, Kigali. World Bank, GTZ and International Trade Center (UNCTAD/WTO) are partners in the project, throwing in their weight in terms of financial and technical support.

The State minister in charge of investment and export promotion Mr. Vincent Karega presided at the project launch. Also present to witness the launch were, among others; BDS centers and zone mangers, the Southern Province Governor Mr. Fidel Niyonsaba, PSF deputy Secretary General Mrs. Prisca Mujyawayezu, RIEPA Director General Mr. Francis Gatare and district bosses of Gatsabo and Nyarugenge.

In his remarks, minister Karega underscored that Rwanda is undergoing an economic transition. He said this requires a complete overhaul of the way Rwandans do business to be more competitive on the local, in the region and international markets. He commended the project, saying it will certainly enable Rwandans transact with their international and regional counterparts.

He challenged public and private institutions to organise business people to create what he termed “critical masses” in various sectors to enable them forge meaningful partnerships with international companies. Finally, the minister said Rwanda is not disadvantaged by her landlockedness, but rather “land-linked”. “Kigali is in proximity (a few hours drive away) with capital cities of all neighboring countries”. “It is therefore so easy for Rwandan business people to trade in the EAC market,” he observed.

At any Trade Point, business people can now, among other services; access trade related information, promote their products and services, access national documentation and professional training, and also access the “electronic single window”. To Tony, the in-charge of Trade Point Rwanda project at RIEPA, electronic single window links electronically all stakeholders for international trade procedures. It enables efficient data exchange as well as automated processing of some of the trade exchange.

“Trade points are staffed by ‘smart people’, with IT equipment and different facilities,’ the RIEPA-made project brochure states in part. With ‘Smart people’, RIEPA is referring to the professional PSF BDS staff. In her speech, the PSF deputy SG said Trade Point project comes at opportune time to supplement BDS centers mandates of, among other things; providing business and market information to business people especially SMEs, capacity building and networking. She said although there are now nine (9) operational BDS centers, the target is to have at least a center in each district by 2009.

BDS staff, together with RIEPA are now scratching heads, digging all dossiers and browsing all sites trying to collect, analyze and disseminate business information to economic operators especially SMEs at the grassroots .

Trade Point project was started in 1992 by UNCTAD, intended to create physical centers that would assist SMEs so as to involve them in international trade. According to the 2007 business operators census conducted by PSF, there are about 72, 300 registered businesses in Rwanda. Of these, 89.9% are informal SMEs. The project is generally believed ideal for transforming the huge informal sector into formal. The project launch also saw the RIEPA DG sign MOUs with [project] implementing institutions, including; PSF, MVK, Gatsabo and Nyarugenge districts.

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17/03/2008 - PSF BDS, provincial and district leaders urged to coordinate

It vividly came out during the recently concluded BDS retreat at Nyandungu that some of the PSF ambassadors to the grassroots; Provincial and district presidents and BDS centers managers have not been coordinating so well—a thing that not only affects output, but also sends a very bad image of the federation.

In a quite interactive session, BDS managers and provincial and district leaders were, individually, asked to comment about how the two factions of the federation relate. A few, like those from the Eastern Province, said they are ok but others, like Northern Province, accused each other of uncoordinated practices and neglect.

In response, the PSF SG Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka sensitized the leaders that provincial presidents, who also sit on the BOD of the federation, should embrace resolutions at the BOD meetings. “The retreat in 2006, in which all of you participated agreed on the five key priorities of the four-year PSF strategic plan. BDS program falls under entrepreneurship and business growth priority.

The annual action plans, which BDS centers are there to execute, should therefore be embraced by all of us. BDS is a technical framework that implements what has been agreed on by the BOD,” he advised. He further urged them to own PSF mission and vision and jointly work hand in hand with BDS centers to achieve the federation objectives.

Mr Hategeka remarked that the 2-year BDS program is still at its infancy, thus at times overwhelmed by business challenges at the grassroots. He called upon provincial and district presidents to coordinate with BDS centers to solve such challenges. “Why do you find it easy communicating with leaders at the secretariat but hard to collaborate with BDS centers,” the SG asked provincial and district presidents.

A proposal was thus floated to institute a council at zonal level to act as a platform where provincial and district presidents meet on regular basis with BDS center managers to iron out business issues and also plan.

Besides, a new strategy, developed by Entrepreneurship and Business Growth Department at PSF, was validated at retreat. Among the so many other aspects, it takes into account flow of information and coordination, both upward and downward structures of the federation.

For easy coordination, the country was divided into six zones of at least five districts each. Zone One is comprised of seven districts with its headquarters at Musanze. It is headed by Ms. Betty Abatoni. Zone Two, headed by Norman Musengimana has its headquarters at Huye. The acting coordinator of Zone Three, whose headquarters are at Kayonza, is Mr. Omar Théogène Ntamubanza. Mr. David Rutambuka will coordinate Zone Four, sitting at Karongi. Mr. Bernard Shema will be in charge of Zone Five, with headquarters at Rusizi. The sixth Zone is comprised of districts in Kigali City (MVK) such as Nyarugenge, Gasabo and Bugesera. At the national level, the BDS program manager, Mr. Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu will be in charge of the zones.

“Design projects to generate own funds”, PSF Chairman The PSF Chairman, Mr Robert Bayigamba advised BDS centers, PSF provincial and district presidents to design projects tailored to solving business challenges at grassroots, and use them to solicit funding from development partners. He said this in his remarks during the closure of the BDS retreat at La Pallaise Hotel Nyandungu on Friday March 14. “This will not only enhance private sector development in districts but will help solve business challenges,” he said.

He noted that there are immeasurable business opportunities in districts that need to be harnessed, “but strictly with well designed projects”. The 3-day retreat started Wednesday March 12 and attracted all BDS staff to review the progress of program (BDS centers) the two years it has been operational.

On the closing day of the retreat, all PSF provincial and district presidents also attended. The chairman challenged provincial and district presidents to make use of BDS centers to come up with strategic plans entailing how they intend to promote businesses in constituencies they man.

On their part, the Presidents wondered why the nine PSF Chambers, which group member associations across the country, are based in Kigali yet the people they serve are largely in the countryside. In response, the Chairman promised that the secretariat will, in the near future, come up with representatives of chambers at district level. He reminded that the chambers are only 2 years in existence, so they should not over expect from them. He announced that PSF would soon add the 10th Chamber—ICT, because it is one of the national development priorities.

The chairman’s message to BDS centers was simple and clear. He urged BDS staff to increase outreach to business community to extend services like business advisory services, advocacy and market information. Relating to South Africa where he witnessed a similar program, the chairman urged BDS staff to set targets of who to visit, when and how. That, this will help them to be more focused, do better follow-ups, and tracking progress over time. “You need to train our people on better business practices such as, planning in business and use of ICT in business,” he urged.

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17/03/2008 - PSF reviews BDS centers performance

For the first time since the establishment of Business Development Services (BDS) centers in 2006, a three-day retreat is being held at La Pallaise Hotel, Nyandungu to review their [BDS centers] respective performances. In attendance during the official opening of the retreat on Wednesday March 12, were, among others; PSF SG, Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka, Deputy SG Mrs. Prisca Mujawayezu and all the BDS staff.

The department of entrepreneurship and business growth at PSF a few months back conducted a survey on the impact of BDS center services in areas they operate. A sample of 500 businesses, mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was taken to respond to a questionnaire that was designed by OTF (On The Frontier)—a local consultancy. The questionnaire, which this reporter obtained a copy of, has various parameters to measure BDS performance, including; creation of awareness, advisory services, networking, advocacy, information dissemination, among many others. Mr. James Foster, an OTF consultant, in a PowerPoint, presented a detailed survey report, ranking BDS by BDS on the parameters, and BDS respective performances were reviewed against each parameter.

For instance, on awareness of BDS centers among business people, Huye and Gicumbi districts topped the list with 94%, followed by Rwamagana with 88%. Rusizi came last with only 20%. In his remarks about this parameter, the SG said: “This is a moment of truth. We need not to be defensive. We need to leave this place with a new mindset—of serving the business community better”. Adding: “I know with your commitment, this is possible”.

Lack of awareness by business community about the PSF BDS program causes low visits to the centers. The survey indicates that Huye, again topped with 65% visits, followed by Musanze with 61%. CAPMER (in Kigali City) recorded the lowest visits with only 9%! Mr. Foster urged BDS centers that they need to go out and explain to the business community the usefulness of the services they offer.

In defence, BDS managers said lack of promotional materials makes “BDS awareness creation” pretty hard. For that matter, the entrepreneurship and business growth department was challenged to ensure that all centers get promotional materials. The BDS managers reported that whereas the centers only provide business development services, there are other organisations at the grassroots offering the same services but also give financial support as well—thus rendering BDS comparatively less important.

Generally, the survey revealed a couple of business challenges, including; high cost of doing business, lack of collateral, lack of access to business information, lack of access to finance, poor accounting practices, poor business plan writing skills, among many others.

On access to information, in particular, the survey indicated that SMEs lack access to local and regional market information, tax and finance information, business regulatory information, products and services requirements and employment regulation information.

Among the key recommendations generated from the business community, contained in the survey, are; opening up more BDS centers in districts and provision of more training.

The PSF SG said the survey results would be used as baseline in 2010 when a similar one will be conducted. “But within the next two years there will be evaluations and mid-term reviews on performance”.

In a separate interview with the Acting BDS Coordinator, Mr. Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, he said all the BDS staff will camp at the hotel until Friday March 14. And, within the next two days, there will be revision of; 2006-2007 activity review per BDS center and review of the new BDS strategy.

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28/02/2008 - PSF accedes to BMOs project

On Wednesday February 27, PSF signed an MOU with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI) at the federation headquarters in Gikondo. With financial support from DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency), DI is now working on a project to establish a network of Business Member Organisations (BMOs) in ten East and Southern Africa, including: Rwanda, Kenya Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. An MOU was signed to this effect between the three organisations.

The project aims at creating a solid network of BMOs at domestic, regional and international levels to jointly advocate for business challenges, create useful business contacts and also share best business practices. Unlike in other targeted countries, Rwanda’s business community is only organised under one umbrella organisation—the Private Sector Federation (PSF)-Rwanda. Thus, PSF will be the only Rwandan institution to partner in the BMOs project.

A meeting to sensitize PSF about BMOs project was organised by member service and communications department on Wednesday morning at PSF Boardroom. Attendants included: Managing Directors of one of the top industries in the country; Mr. Rajah Dharma, MD Sulfo Industries, Mrs. Door Plantenga, MD Bralirwa and Mr. Jacques R., MD Ameki Colours. Also in attendance were senior staff from PSF Advocacy and Institutions relations department and Chamber of Industry.

The two-man delegation from KAM and DI/DANIDA including: Mr. Moses Kiambuthi, an Executive Officer at KAM and Mr. David Barnekow Erichsen, the DI Organisation Development Consultant briefed the meeting about BMOs project. Mr. Barnekow said BMOs project’s mandate will basically be to advocate for members’ business concerns at both domestic and regional levels. It will also enhance better networking and sharing of best business practices.

Explaining how the project is organised, he said each country will have two representative groups of two people each and the same at regional level. He said these local and regional groups meet three times a year but there will also be one annual conference. Mr. Barnekow said participants at the annual BMOs conference will always be facilitated with; air ticket, accommodation and per diem. The first conference will be held between 29th and 30th April 2008 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Regional and local representatives, he said, can be any top manager of any business institution. In terms of advocacy, Mr. Barnekow said, will be done at both domestic and regional levels. Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, a senior PSF staff inquired whether the project has caters for training of local representatives on effective advocacy, especially in countries like Burundi and Rwanda where capacity is relatively low. In response Mr. Barnekow assured the meeting that there will be capacity building in the project and a lot of sharing best business practices.

Mr. Barnekow, Mr. Kalisa and Mr. Kiambuthi appended their signatures to the MOU on behalf of DI/DANIDA, PSF and KAM respectively. Mr. Barnekow explained that of all business organisations within the selected 10 countries, DI chose to work with KAM in elaborating the project because it’s perhaps the biggest institution in the region.

The member service and communications department is meanwhile drafting a comprehensive new PSF member services strategy. KAM’s Kiambuthi had fruitful discussions with the PSF’s Mrs. Sarah Kirenga, the Corporate Members Officer and Mr. Mansur Kakimba, the Communications Specialist about how both institutions can share best practices in servicing members. Mr. Mr. Barnekow noted that through the BMOs framework PSF will share many more best practices.

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28/02/2008 - Deputy SG on a countrywide BDS centers evaluation tours

Since Monday February 25, the PSF deputy secretary General, Mrs. Prisca Mujawayezu together with Mr. Sascha Flory; a German technical advisor and Mr. Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, the PSF Local and Research Manager have been, and still are, on a countrywide evaluation tour of the Business Development Services (BDS) centers. The mandates of BDS centers are, but not limited to facilitating SMEs in; accessing loans to develop their businesses, providing business advisory services, enabling them to network, and advocating for their business concerns.

In an interview with Mr. Uwizeyemungu on Wednesday February 27, he said they are evaluating the effectiveness of all BDS Centers on the above mandates. “We are carrying out a SWOT analysis for each and every BDS center. Then we shall eventually prepare one detailed report, articulating the current status of BDS centers,” explained Mr. Uwizeyemungu during a quick interview at PSF headquarters on Wednesday morning shortly before departing The federation has so far established a network of nine (9) BDS centers, spread in all provinces in the country. The target is to establish a BDS center in each of the 30 districts of Rwanda by 2010.

He further said this exercise is done ahead of implementing the new BDS reinforcement strategy. The strategy will be championed the PSF department of Entrepreneurship and Business Growth, with technical assistance by Mr. Sascha.

By end of Tuesday, the three-man team had visited Musanze, Nyagatare Rwamagana, Gicumbi and Muhanga. They are scheduled to complete the tour by Friday this week.

After the evaluation tour, Mr. Uwizeyemungu said all BDS centers staff will be summoned to Kigali for a four-day retreat. They will camp at La Pallaise Hotel, Nyandungu between 4th and 7th March 2008 to validate the BDS reinforcement strategy, confirmed Mr. Uwizeyemungu

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05/11/2007 - Northern Province pool Frw947million to invest

Ruhengeri— The Northern Province Investment Corporation (NORPIC) S.A , a joint venture in the making—for the people of Northern Province had by Sunday 04 th November 2007 hit Frw947.5million total share capital subscription. The initiative is an elaboration of the provincial mini RIGs programme for PSF that involves mobilizing Rwandese to pool resources to invest in high-end ventures that fetch high rate of returns. It is in line with the priority of "enhancing entrepreneurship and business growth of the federation's four-year strategic plan. Similar ventures are being pursued in other provinces; WESPIC for western province, SPIC for Southern Province, EPIC for Eastern Province, and CHIC (Champions Investment Corporation) for traders operating in Mateo's, Kigali City.

The federation's department of entrepreneurship and business growth and the Business Development Service (BDS) Center of Ruhengeri partnered with the office of the governor of the province to organize the meeting on Sunday 04 th November that brought together a total of 135 businessmen from Northern Province districts of; Musanze, Gicumbi, Gakenke, Burera and Rulindo. The meeting was also attended by government officials including; the governor Mr. Boniface Rucagu, the secretary general of the commerce ministry Mr. Justin Nsengiyumva, the vice mayor in charge of economic affairs of Musanze Mrs. Annonciata Budengeri, senators and members of parliament that hail from the province. From PSF were top management including the chairman Mr. Robert Bayigamba, the deputy SG Mrs. Prisca Mujawayezu and the PSF president of Northern Province, Mr. Etienne Uwimana among others.

The govenor's speech centered on encouraging people of the province to be enterprising while ensuring peace and security, and desisting from genocidal ideologies. He urged districts leaders to mobilize people of the area to partner in NORPIC. It was the third meeting of the kind. During the previous meetings share subscription had reached Frw804million. A total of Frw143.5million was pledged during the Sunday meeting. The rule of the game is: the minimum number of shares one can buy in NORPIC are three, whereas the maximum number of shares one can own is 20% of the total paid up capital. The unit share value was revised down during the meeting to Frw500, 000 from Frw1, 000, 000 on businessmen's request.

The province is planning to inject the capital in; agribusiness…in adding value to Irish potatoes ( Ibirayi) which is the commonest food crop grown in the area, in tourism, in cement production, fertilizers and soft drinks (juice).

In his remarks, the federation chairman noted that Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Rwanda have increased lately, citing Dubai World and Libyans buying almost everything. He encouraged Rwandese to also pool resources and venture in big business opportunities of high economic importance to the nation. He added that once Rwandese form such big ventures, it becomes easier to partner with strategic foreign investors…a thing that gives them (partners) leverage to access favourable loans from financial institutions. Mr. Bayigamba commended government commitment to the initiative, promising that legalizing NORPIC would be expedited to start serious investment in the near future.

On his part, Mr. Nsengiyumva appreciated the idea, noting that the initiative of forming mini RIGs was H.E Paul Kagame's idea when he at one time urged Rwandese to pool resources to invest big. He said the initiative is good for rural development, challenging that: "if it has worked elsewhere like in South Korea and Singapore why cant it in Rwanda". He pledged the ministry's continued support to elaborate the initiative in districts, assuring that it will certainly be a solution to dependency.

07/11/2007 - Barbara Barrett vows to develop Rwandan women

On Monday 29th October 2007, Mrs. Barbara Barrett the president and chief executive officer of Triple Creek Ranch—an American small, intimate, all-inclusive resort for adult travelers offering magnificent elegance in a mountain retreat, together with a few delegates, visited PSF headquarters.

She is a renowned scholar and manager in aviation industry. She met with the federation top management; including the chairman Mr. Robert Bayigamba, the SG Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka, the DSG Mrs. Prisca Mujawayezu, President of Women Entrepreneurs Chamber Mrs. Henriette Zimulinda among others.

Among the key issues discussed were; the need to integrate Rwandese women in business into the international network of business leaders, the need to think of the next big thing that could unlock the potential of women at the grassroots, the need to prepare an annual event that would convene in Rwanda bringing together African Women in business with their counterparts from developed world, and promoting joint partnership between USA and Rwanda Business Community targeting ICT and Tourism sectors.

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29/01/2008 - Doctors Association seeks redress

All is not well with the few professional doctors in Rwanda. Organised under an association; Association des Médecins Privé au Rwanda, the doctors on Friday 11th January at Hotel Gorilla in Kiyovu, formally addressed their concerns to Private Sector Federation (PSF)—the umbrella organisation for private enterprises in the country. The now 11-year old association is apparently a member of PSF’s Chamber of Liberal Professions.

The Association President, Dr Alphonse Karagirwa says they face legal constraints, in that, the law doesn’t allow doctors to operate Pharmacies in their hospitals and public doctors are not allowed to make referrals to private clinics after hours of service.

Also, the ministerial order that confines public and private medical practitioners to charging uniform price irks these doctors. They reason that there is a big discrepancy in quality of services they offer to clients (patients) thus, it is quite illogical to charge the same prices.

The meeting was well attended by PSF management; PSF Chairman Mr Robert Bayigamba, President of Chamber of Liberal Professions Mr Jean Haguma, the Director of Chamber of Liberal Professions Mr Clément Ruzindana among others.

Among other concerns the 25-members Association addressed to PSF management are; the need to establish a permanent forum for discussion with Ministry of Health and others partners; and capacity building of members (doctors).

On his part, the PSF Chairman, in a spirit of consensus building, promised to instigate a meeting between doctors, the ministry and other partners in the health sector. He however challenged the association to come up with clear Terms of Reference (TORs) ahead of the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Association is yet to acquire legal personality, facilitated by the Chamber of Liberal Professions.

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02/08/2008 - PSF elections preps start

The two-year term for the elected PSF leaders at Provincial, District, Chamber and Board of Directors (BOD) levels ends mid this year. The department of member services and communications has begun serious preparations for democratic elections scheduled for the earliest next month. In an exclusive interview on Tuesday February 5, with Mrs. Yvette Mukarwema, the department director, she said the nine professional chambers will play a big role in organising and conducting the elections. They’ll be nationwide elections of PSF leadership.

On Tuesday January 29, Mrs. Mukarwema convened a meeting with directors of all the nine chambers at PSF headquarters in the Boardroom. Asked about the outcomes of the meeting, she said: “We agreed with chamber directors on the 2008 elections calendar/roadmap.” Continued… “The calendar/roadmap entails timelines for; district elections, provincial elections, member associations’ elections, chambers elections and finally PSF BOD elections”.

Mrs. Mukarwema said by Wednesday February 6, three election documents would be ready for presentation to the BOD for approval. These are; A concept note of organising the elections; A guide for associations and chamber elections; and A guide for district and provincial elections.

Asked about her prospects of the elections, Mrs. Mukarwema said: “We definitely expect hotter elections than the previous ones because; first of all the federation is now better organised, and secondly the business community generally comprehends what PSF stands for and expect a lot from these leaders.

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29/01/2008 - SPIC share pledges hit 1.52bn

Efforts to form an investment corporation in Southern Province are swiftly becoming a reality. In a space of just about four weeks, RwF1.52bn has been pledged by the southerners to form the Southern Investment Corporation (SPIC)—an initiative spearheaded by PSF to encourage Rwandese allover the country to pool resources to invest in big investment opportunities.

Similar initiatives are also making headways in other provinces—NORPIC in the North, whose total pledges reportedly stand at RwF1bn; WESPIC in the West, whose total pledges stand at RwF1.6bn, Easterners, with their EPIC top with RwF2.675bn, CHIC (Champions Investment Corporation)’s—for Kigalians is now at RwF1.425bn and Kibeho 2020 nearing to a half a billion francs. RIEPA, in the near future, will perhaps also need to rigorously promote its investment opportunities to these Rwandese…like it does to Europeans, Americans and Asians

On Thursday 10, PSF organised the last meeting for Southerners that was convened here in Kigali at Prime Holdings Conference Hall, Kimihurura. The meeting was to give pledging opportunity to prospective businessmen working and living around the city but hail from the South. At the previous meeting held in Nyanza, Southern Province, about 110 Southerners pooled (pledges) Rwf 1.377bn. At Prime Holdings, 33 pooled Rwf168bn bringing the total to Rwf1.52bn. This puts SPIC in second position behind EPIC (Rwf2.7bn) and slightly above WESPIC (Rwf1.4bn)

The meeting was chaired by Southern Province Governor Fidel Niyosaba. He hailed the initiative, saying that it will bring development to the South, create employment and enhance infrastructure development.

Organised by PSF’s department of entrepreneurship and business growth, the meeting attracted the cream of local businessmen in Kigali. According to information obtained from the department, Southerners plan to inject their monies in; buying LABOPHAR, a pharmaceutical parastatal in the South that is yet to be privatised; buying Mata Tea factory also through privatization process; establishing coffee washing stations; and a modern cassava mill. This was the last meeting for SPIC pledges, according to Mr. Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, the PSF Local Investment and Research Manager. In a few weeks, the SPIC will officially be launched. All other investment corporations have been launched apart from WESPIC, says Mr. Uwizeyemungu Mr. Tribert Rujugiro, the chairman of Rwanda Investment Group (RIG), who also hails from South attended the Prime Holding meeting. He challenged fellow Southerners that the South beats all other provinces in terms of big potential local investors, thus SPIC should triumph more than all others. He assured businessmen that, like in RIG, transparency in SPIC will be strictly observed. He urged them to embrace the spirit of working together like it is in most developed nations of Europe, Asia and America.

The Chairman of PSF, Mr. Robert Bayigamba also attended the meeting. He warned businessmen that if they do not pool financial resources to invest big, all investment opportunities in the country will be taken up by foreign investors. He noted that with the advent of Rwanda stock exchange, it will be good investment opportunity for investment corporations like SPIC to invest in other companies in Rwanda.

Responding to questions raised by participants, the chairman clarified that an individual, another company, an association or a cooperative can own shares in SPIC and the same principle applies to all other investment corporations.

The total capital outlay for SPIC is not static though—it will keep growing over time, meaning the current required minimum share capital of Rwf1, 000, 000 will increase in future. Impeccable sources say Mr. Rujugiro’s pledge in SPIC is Rwf120million.

One businessman warned that, world over, in such corporations, a few majority shareholders tend to be arrogant—dominate and influence decisions in their favour. He advised that the SPIC statute should address that, considering even minority shareholders.

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10/12/2007 - 1st Lady urges on rural women development

The first lady of Rwanda Mrs. Janet Kagame in her remarks while opening the women entrepreneurs’ regional roundtable on Thursday 06th December 2007 at Prime Holding Conference hall said that; “It is our duty to advocate for the empowerment of women especially in rural areas as workers and entrepreneurs, so that they can improve the welfare of their families”.

Madam Kagame told Women Entrepreneurs from; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and within Rwanda this while she was officially opening a two-day first ever forum for women entrepreneurs in the history of Rwanda. The forum, under the theme: “Together as one in fighting poverty”, is organized by Private Sector Federation (PSF) through its Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs.

Among other top government officials at the official opening of the forum were Rwandan women and men ministers including; Gender and Family Promotions in the office of the prime minister, Mrs. Vilerie Nyirahabineza, Labour and Public Services state minister, Mrs. Angelina Muganza, state minister of industry and investment promotion, M. Vincent Karega.

The first lady specifically commended the existing good relationship between Rwandan and Burundian women entrepreneurs following their visit to Burundi and their subsequent wish to have a regional roundtable in Kigali. “This illustrates the ongoing commitment of women entrepreneurs to come together, address challenges faced and plan together the way forwarded”. She further urged women to build competitive enterprises. On this, she challenged them to “work on constraints which include creation of small enterprises, difficulties in access to funding, weak entrepreneurship skills and weak entreprenueship mechanisms,”

National statistics indicate that over 50% of Rwanda’s population are women. Thus, to attain a holistic kind of development the country craves, women entrepreneurship is key. On a positive note, the government of Rwanda recognizes the importance of the participation of women in all sectors. At PSF, the Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs is regarded as cross-cutting…meaning it takes on board women across all sectors. On the side of the government, the first lady said: “Gender equality is enshrined in our (Rwanda’s) constitution, and has transpired in a leadership that understands the importance and benefits of the meaningful participation in society”.

According to Rwanda’s vision, private sector will be the engine that will drive the economy to sustainable growth and development by year 2020. “The combination of government emphasis on economic empowerment of women and understanding the private sector as national economic driver, paves the way for building women entrepreneurship structures in Rwanda,” remarked Mrs. Kagame. She urged women at the forum to learn from each other through openness and having a conducive network to enable take advantage of international markets.

On his part, the Chairman of PSF Mr. Robert Bayigamba expressed the federation’s commitment to strengthen capacity of Women Entrepreneurs “because they play a crucial role in economic development”. He reiterated that the strength of women in business will be as a result of working together, saying that it is a reason why PSF made sure women entrepreneurs in the region are all invited to the forum. He however announced that those from DR Congo failed to make it due to security tensions in the country, adding that they officially wrote to the federation promising that they will make follow up on the recommendations of the forum.

The Gender and Promotion minister, Mrs. Nyirahabineza in her speech advocated for women entrepreneurship saying, with a lot of zeal and determination, that: “Do business with us and also trade with us!” She commended the government for granting fair access to labour market for both men and women. On how Rwandan women are closing on international markets, the minister said this is already happening, citing how ‘Peace Baskets” weaved by Rwandan women especially widows are impressively trading in USA and European markets.

Shortly after the official opening of the forum, the first lady in a company of ministers, other government officials and women leaders visited stalls of women entrepreneurs who are exhibiting their products, which are mostly garments, ornaments, domestic decorations and many more. They are mostly made out of local materials ranging from banana fibers, sisal, stones and many more. Women donated gifts to the first lady and she also bought some…a gesture to encourage them sell more during the two days they will be exhibiting at Prime Holding Conference hall gardens.

At the forum women will exchange views about so many things, but strictly business not family. Among the list of items to discuss are; how women can tap investment opportunities in the region, enhancing capacity of women in business, educating a woman, success stories and many more.

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07/11/2007 - Pakistanians to open pharmaceutical industry in Rwanda

A delegation of international dealers in pharmaceutical products from Pakistan is in the country to assess the viability of the local market and in the neighbouring countries. Led by Mr. Muhammad Saeed Akhtar the president of Pakistanian International Trade Initiative, they made their first stop at Private Sector Federation (PSF) headquarters to seek information about how they can venture in Rwanda. They were hosted by the deputy secretary general Mrs. Prisca Mujawayezu together with a few directors of chambers and departments.

They said they would first venture in distribution of a wide range of their medicinal products and equipment in Rwanda, and consequently go in for a fully fledged pharmaceutical industry, “only if it makes economic sense,” said Dr. Abdullah Qureshi. Dr Qureshi, who is part of a three-man delegation, is the chief executive of Technovision Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Anser Qayum, the director of Libra (Private) Limited, also an international pharmaceutical firm, is part of the delegation.

They are scheduled to visit a number of local pharmaceutical firms and hospitals that have bulk medicinal importation needs. “We provide all sorts of medical products at competitive rates and of good quality,” assured Dr. Qureshi. He promised that they won’t be life-time importers to Rwanda, saying: “We are looking at massively venturing in distribution of our products while we study the market. We shall then go in for manufacturing with an aim of transferring sophiscated technologies and providing employment to Rwandese”.

They were briefed by director of trade and regional integration Mr. John Bosco Kalisa details about doing business in Rwanda regarding regulation, registration and underlying incentives. The deputy SG assured them that once they start in Rwanda, “the commerce and services chamber of PSF will be there to advocate for their interests”.

Mr. Kalisa proposed to the Pakistanians other export opportunities to their country…in areas of horticulture, coffee, tea, minerals and art crafts. “Our government is so committed to quality foreign direct investments (FDIs). We do not need “fly by night” investors,” he told the prospective investors.

Dr. Qureshi said they are looking at establishing a base in Rwanda but also targeting markets in the neighborhood…in countries like Burundi, Uganda and DR Congo. He said Technovision Pharmaceuticals is concurrently getting established in Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Mr. Saeed inquired whether it will be easy for Pakistan Pharmaceutical investors registered in Rwanda to freely move their products in neighbouring countries. In response Mr. Kalisa clarified that according to COMESA rules of origin, if the products are not composed of 35% raw materials locally generated they will not benefit from free movement in the trade bloc. He also advised them that they may need to cross-check with other countries for requirements to import medicines, for unlike other commodities, they are sensitive.

05/11/2007 - PSF to rollout a customer care campaign

"The land of a thousand hills and a million smiles" is what Rwanda is commonly called—referring to its unique hilly terrain and friendly populace. Unfortunately, the "million smiles" is not adequately reflected in businesses. Everybody; be it visitors to Rwanda or natives themselves admit there is still big room for improvement in as far as customer service is concerned.

Rwanda aims at being a service-based economy putting emphasis on providing high-end products and services copying Singapore and South Korea as economic growth models. But if no serious action is taken against poor customer service among both public and private institutions in Rwanda, this dream may never come true. The funny bit is everybody talks ill about it—including even those that fall short on good customer service—meaning it is a disgust to everyone in society. You'll hear all sorts of narrations about how Rwandese are poor at customer service…stories like how businessmen open and close at hours that please them (other than their esteemed customers); how businessmen fall short on selling etiquettes among many others.

Enhancing good and competitive customer service will involve fine tuning peoples' cultural values and attitudes to modern times….something that needs to be done over a long period of time. The Private Sector Federation (PSF)-Rwanda, the umbrella organisation of all private businesses in Rwanda, intends to start soon a long-term customer care campaign. It has taken the issue so serious to an extent that it has hired a consultancy to work with its member service and communication department to develop a PSF customer care campaign strategy.

On Thursday 1st November 2007, PSF invited partner institutions; RIEPA, CEDP/World Bank and Kigali City Council to a preliminary presentation of the campaign by the consultant at the federation headquarters in Gikondo. The meeting was well attended by PSF directors of departments and chamber, and top leadership including; Mr. Robert Bayigamba the federation chairman, Mr. Faustin Mbundu the 1 st vice chairman and Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka the Secretary General.

The consultant did a research in which it concluded that there's very poor levels of customer care in Rwanda that is attributed to lack of awareness of its importance. Diagnosing the problem, the consultant said it is everywhere; in all sectors (public and private), at all levels (managerial, employees and employers).

The major cause of poor customer care in Rwanda, according to the consultant is negative attitude towards work. The SWOT analysis however indicates that Rwanda being a nation with one nation with one culture; young and competitive population; eager to learn and responsive will perhaps make it easy to change people's attitude towards work. The research however further indicates that the large rural population and weak professional base pose great challenge to the campaign.

In his remarks, the federation SG said the campaign will be long-tem—"two years or even more". He said the campaign would be rolled out in three phases: diagnosing the problem; encouraging good customer care (Go Extra Mile for Customer—GEMC campaign); and encouraging service excellence. He said the whole campaign would take about two years. That it (campaign) will be a nationwide campaign, popularized through selected channels of media –including; TV, Radio, print media and outdoor publicity to reach out to all people of Rwanda. He assured that the campaign would be launched before end of this year and would be communicated in Kinyarwanda, English and French.

On his part, the chairman of PSF Mr. Bayigamba proposed to the consultant t, in all forms of communication, illustrate to public both sides—poor customer service and what people should do. He also proposed that companies should be encouraged to capture good customer care in their corporate strategies, visions and missions. Mr. Mbundu asked the consultant to devise an evaluation mechanism to assess progress over time. "We intend to select a test group of ten businesses to study how good customer care impact on their sales over time during the campaign," PSF SG responded.

Ms Rosemary Mbabazi who represented RIEPA pledged partnership in the campaign, saying: "private sector members are our (RIEPA) clients as well". She suggested that training should be emphasized, "not only to businessmen but also to institutions of higher leaning". "The airport is the gateway to Rwanda. All businesses that relate to the airport should be sensitised on customer care", she further proposed.

As the federation motto states: "Beyond Advocacy", the SG finally said: "We are looking at enhancing competitiveness of businesses in Rwanda besides advocating for their interests. He said a comprehensive campaign with a detailed budget and concrete strategy would soon be presented to PSF Board for endorsing. "We also intend to bring other partners on board in terms of financial support," he hinted.

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05/11/2007 - Assessing BPC proposals kicks off

A team of assessors for this year’s Business Plan Competition (BPC) were hosted by BPC office at the Private Sector Federation (PSF) headquarters in Gikondo on Thursday 25th October 2007 for briefing ahead of the start of the assessment exercise.

A total of twenty four participants representing institutions; USAID, CEPEX, MINICOM, BRD, MTN, RRA, SFB, BAT, MIJESPOC, BRALIRWA, SULFO RWANDA, VSO, COGEBANQUE, FAIR CONSTRUCTION, KPS Associates, RUBILIZI DAIRY and Est URWIBUTSO among others, attended the meeting.

The BPC program manager Mr. Manzi Antoine Rutayisire briefed the assessors about the competition and sensitized on what is expected of them during the evaluation process. Assessors were provided with score sheets and project proposals subject to evaluation.

Assessors sought clarification on how they were selected. In response Mr. Manzi explained that the assessors had been sent by member companies of the PSF who had been requested for someone with ability to adequately evaluate business proposals.

They also wondered why they have to do the work from their homes other than at PSF. Mr. Manzi replied that: “From experience, if such a request is honoured only a few people would appear which would paralyze the whole process”.

BPC manager was tasked to explain why PSF never hired a consultancy firm to evaluate the proposals. He smartly replied: “Having different evaluators from different companies satisfied the priority of having diversity in the evaluation process. Besides, a consultant would most probably be too expensive”.

They expressed concern about delays to get them paid. About how the winners are being financed, an assessor suggested that PSF should intervene directly to help solve rigidities with BRD.

A query on the capacity of the submitters to actually implement the proposals that they handed in was raised. It was noticed during the previous evaluation process that some of them had qualifications that were not business-related. An example was given of someone who had studied agronomy but wanted to start a project that was purely ICT based.

The BPC program manager said that such problems arise mainly because some applicants lie in their proposals. He however said that the restructuring of the programme had reduced them. A suggestion to omit the names of the entrepreneurs and just put a code to avoid bias among assessors was raised. The idea was not adequately honoured because BPC uses names for filing and database-building purposes.

This suggestion was highly appreciated by Mr. Manzi, the BPC program manager and he said it will be implemented in the next phase of the BPC. Assessors took proposals for evaluation and are expected to return them within the next two weeks, according to information obtained from BPC office.

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25/10/2007 - PSF, DECP sign cooperation pact

On Wednesday 24th October 2007, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the private sector federation (PSF) and the Dutch Employers Cooperation Programme (DECP) at the federation headquarters in Gikondo.

The pact establishes a long-term relationship between the two institutions, basically involving transfer of business knowledge and skills to organs of the federation and Rwanda’s private sector in entirely to enhance growth and development in the country.

DECP is a Dutch government capacity building programme for business institutions in developing countries that operates under the International Training Centre (ITC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). To concretise the programme, Mr. Andrew Moore, a DECP expert has been posted as Director of the programme and will be stationed at PSF headquarters.

Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka, the Secretary General of the federation and Mr. Jan Karel Bout, the Director of DECP appended their signatures to the agreement, before a host of senior officials including the Dutch delegation that mostly comprised of DECP training experts, senior officials from the federation including PSF president Mr. Robert Bayigamba among others.

The MOU will among other things benefit institutions of the private sector in areas of training, research, and information and business experiences exchanges with the Dutch business people. Already, the first fruit of the cooperation MOU is in play, for the federation leadership training starting Thursday 25th October at Lake Kivu Serena that has brought together all leaders of the federation at all levels across the country will be entirely conducted by DECP experts.

In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Mr. Karel hailed Rwandan government, especially the private sector federation for total commitment to growth and development, noting that it is manifested in the country and federation vision and programmes. He promised that DECP will support Rwanda rise in the rankings of World Bank Doing business report. The report rated Rwanda 150th out of 178 countries of the world recently.

On his part, Mr. Robert Bayigamba appreciated DECP, saying it is a dream come true—after a long-term initialisation process of the programme. He said the federation is now more organised and indeed committed to long-term growth to world standards, to the Dutch multinationals like Heineken and Phillips. He said the federation will ensure that its members benefit optimally from the programme.

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27/10/2007 - Federation leadership forum ends

Gisenyi- The three-day federation leadership training ended successfully on Saturday 27th October 2007 here at Lake Kivu Serena hotel in Gisenyi. The training that hinged on three main areas; good and effective governance; quality member services; and effective advocacy and lobbying attracted federation leadership across the country totaling to about 120.

It was training of trainers (TOT); in that leaders are expected to pass on the same skills to people in their respective constituencies. Trainers were seven experts from the Dutch Employers Cooperation Programme (DECP), which is a Dutch government capacity building programme for business institutions in developing countries that operates under the International Training Centre (ITC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This is the first fruit of an established coopeation between PSF and DECP, after a long programme initialization process. The two institutions on Wednesday 24 th October 2007, at PSF headquarters, signed an MOU that will among other things benefit institutions of the private sector in areas of training, research, and information and business experiences exchanges with the Dutch business people.

A few hours to the end of the intensive training on Friday evening, trainers directed leaders to regroup themselves into the nine sector-specific chambers of federation, and in four provincial federation representations. They were tasked to draw from the training they had acquired to come up with priorities they wish to embark on in areas of; good governance, ensuing quality member services, and effective advocacy and lobbying for members. Presidents of chambers and provinces presented their respective inputs to the federation president Mr. Robert Bayigamba, Secretary General, Mr. Emmanuel Hategeka, DECP Director Mr. Jan Karel Bout and other trainers.

Mr. Bout in his precise speech urged the federation leadership to; share business information; regularly communicate on their respective programmes and activities through news bulletins and websites; and design strategic and lobbying plans.

After prolonged individual chambers and provinces presentations, the SG summarized them into seven key cross cutting priorities as; infrastructure development targeting young entrepreneurs, enhancing effective regional trade integration, effective advocacy on tax matters, skills development (if not locally available, see how they can be outsourced from neighboring countries), reviewing labour laws, environment issues, and business regulation. Mr. Hategeka promised that the federation would carryout a survey to better understand what the cross-cutting priorities are. He said it is very important that an advocacy strategy and lobbying plan are developed to better advocate for members' interests.

On his part, the federation chairman Mr. Robert Bayigamba underscored that the objectives of the training were indeed attained. He recommended formation of professional lobbying committees composed of people with good negotiating skills and with close contacts with government officials. The Chairman challenged leaders to learn being open to and speaking to the media. On member services, he urged leaders to adopt skills acquired in the training to deliver quality services to attract more members. He promised that with the help of DECP each chamber will soon get an expert for technical support.

To enhance credibility of the federation members who win government tenders, Mr. Bayigamba said a deal would soon be sealed with the national tender board (NTB) to only allow members with accreditation (membership cards) to bid for tenders to avoid embarrassment by unprofessional bidders.

He finally warmed the house when he gave a hint of investing in tourists accommodation facilities in Kibeho district, Southern Province where Christian pilgrims from beyond Rwandan borders go every month in big numbers. Leaders got heated up and by end of the day share pledges to form an investment corporation had started flowing in. "Kibeho 2020 S.A" emerged as proposed business name.

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25/10/2007 - PSF leadership undergo Good Governance, Advocacy, and Service training

Gisenyi—A three-day training workshop for about 120 leaders of PSF—from top to the grassroots and leaders of business associations, was officially opened here at Lake Kivu Serena in Gisenyi Southern Province. These leaders will be camped in Gisenyi until Saturday 27 th October when the workshop will end and participants be awarded certificates.

The training, which is aimed at boosting capacities of these leaders, has components that hinge on good governance; effective advocacy and lobbying; and delivery of quality membership services to members. This is the first fruit of an established coopeation between PSF and the Dutch Employers Cooperation programme (DECP), which is a Dutch government capacity building programme for business institutions in developing countries that operates under the International Training Centre (ITC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Seven DECP experts (trainers) are conducting the training; including the programme director Jan Karel Bout.

This development follows signing of an MOU between the two institutions on Wednesday 24th October 2007 at PSF headquarters that will among other things benefit institutions of the private sector in areas of training, research, and information and business experiences exchanges with the Dutch business people.

In a fully packed conference hall, leaders had, as early as nine o'clock, all been registered and seated, waiting for the chief guests; DECP director, Mr. Jan Karel Bout and the federation president, Mr. Robert Bayigamba to officially open the training an item on the agenda that was preceded by a prolonged formal self-introduction by all participants.

In his opening remarks, the federation president appreciated DECP, saying it is a dream come true—after a long-term initialization process of the programme. He said he is optimistic that the federation is indeed ready to benefit from the long-term DECP cooperation, for the federation is now more organized.

He called on the federation and associations leaders to encourage businessmen to invest big so as to become more competitive in the global market, citing for them one "Asian tiger" –Singapore and the Dutch multinationals; Heineken and Phillips.

Mr. Karel, besides a short speech, also made a PowerPoint presentation on the role of employer organisations in poverty alleviation. Mr. Karel hailed Rwandan government, especially the private sector federation for total commitment to growth and development, noting that it is manifested in the country and federation 's vision and programmes. He promised that DECP will support Rwanda rise in the rankings of World Bank Doing business report. The report rated Rwanda 150th out of 178 countries of the world recently.

During the last part of the day, real training begun with breakout sessions in three groups being trained on the three aforementioned areas. The training was preceded by a similar one for two days in Kigali to the staff of the federation secretariat.

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16/10/2007 - PSF hosts Pastor R. Warren, corporate members at a dinner

On Friday 12th October 2007, PSF in conjunction with steering committee of the peace plan in Rwanda hosted corporate members of the private sector, top government officials and development partners at a grand dinner at Serena Kigali Hotel. The guest speaker at the dinner was Pastor Rick Warren, a renowned evangelist. Pastor Warren preached to businessmen about “Purpose Driven Business”, where he urged them to entrust their ventures with the blood of Jesus Christ.

In his speech, the Chairman of PSF, Mr. Robert Bayigamba thanked Pastor Warren for accepting the invitation. He requested him to assist Rwandan businessmen to network with Americans especially in training…a request that the Pastor accepted and promised to keep in touch with businessmen.

Pastor Warren promised to come back in April next year. It was a happy moment when the Pastor took a picture with each of PSF member.

The dinner was well attended, despite the very short period the department of member service and communications had to organize.

To Mrs. Natacha Haguma, the PR and Communications manager, this was a sign of improved confidence the corporate members, government and development partners now have to PSF.

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13/02/2008 - Culture Tourism promo calendar out

Tourism is a priority in Rwanda’s economic development. No wonder the sector is the main foreign exchange earner to Rwanda. Diversification of the tourism sector is high on the agenda of the national office of tourism and national parks (ORTPN) to increase the number of days tourists stay from the current average of 3 to 7 days. The longer a tourist stays the longer he spends. This will certainly result into higher revenues. But, there has to be an assortment of tourist attractions to make tourists stay longer…not only the Gorillas in Nyungwe forest and Birds in Akagera Game Park. Promoting culture tourism is one way the government has chosen to diversify the tourism sector. This will involve promoting cultural dances and songs, cultural sites, among other things.

The ministry of culture and sports (MIJESPOC) together with partner institutions such as Chamber of Tourism at PSF, ORTPN, Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA) education ministry (MINEDUC) has released a Culture Tourism promotion calendar, visit www.rpsf.org.rw and see the calendar. It is called Rwanda’s new unified one stop shop resource for cultural activities. The calendar, published monthly, will be populated with events listings furnished by hotels, tour operators, cultural associations and other stakeholders.

Among the benefits of the culture tourism calendar are; it acts as a central resource for tourists, expatriates and locals to determine what events/ activities are available, a unified events calendar, posted on forward-facing websites and clearly defines what Rwanda’s diverse offerings are a part from the primate offerings, provides a systematic method to market directly to key customers and increases information sharing amongst tourism stakeholders allowing further coordination. For further details about the Cultural Tourism contact Mrs. Flavia Mitali on; flaviam@rpsf.org.rw

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13/06/2007 - First provincial Expo opened

Today, the first provincial trade fair, or Expo, was opened in Muhanga district, Southern province. About 50 exhibitors, mainly from Southern province, are participating in the 5-day event that takes place in the district's stadium. Over the next weeks, every province will host a similar event.
The Southern province Expo, the first of the four provincial trade fairs to be organised, was officially opened by Governor Fidèle Niyonsaba, in the presence of various provincial officials. Also present was the president of the PSF committee for the province, François Rutayisire.
The trade fair is organised by the Federation, mainly through its BDS (business development services) centre in Huye district. It brings together exhibitors from various areas, going from the telecommunication giant MTN to microfinance institutions, agricultural cooperatives (one of them, which is into livestock, posted for the occasion of the opening ceremony a giant live cow in their stand), handicraft associations, as well as the obligatory drinks stands.
The Expo continues until June 17.

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31/05/2007 - Looking for €825,000? Try PSOM

A delegation of PSOM today presented the project and its modalities at RPSF headquarters. PSOM is a project from the Dutch Government that offers SME's in Rwanda, in joint venture with a company from the Netherlands or another country from a limited (but long) list, a cost-sharing grant covering 60% of the project costs. Mr. Willem Roodenburg, responsible for PSOM in Rwanda, also explained how EVD, the agency that manages PSOM, can help you find a partner in the Netherlands; whereas PSF can assist you for other countries.
During the presentation, Mr. Roodenburg explained what PSOM is about. Essentially, it is a project that offers cost-sharing grants (not a loan) to SME's in Rwanda that enter into a joint-venture with a Dutch company or an enterprise from the so-called DAC-list. You can find all the details, conditions, forms and contacts on our PSOM page.
What is important to note, however, is that EVD can also help you finding a partner in the Netherlands. During the meeting, the Dutch company Team Pro was presented, which specialises in match-making (finding Dutch partners for companies from other countries). As this is a private company, this obviously comes at a cost. Yet EVD offers grants of up to €5000 to cover these match-making costs. If you are looking for partners in other countries from the DAC-list, then maybe PSF can help you through its network of affiliated foreign private sector organisations with whom we have signed collaboration agreements.
For all information: our PSOM page.

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30/05/2007 - Hand-over between AFER and Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs

On Wednesday, 30/05, the hand-over of the assets of AFER (Association des Femmes Entrepreneurs au Rwanda / Rwanda Association of Women Entrepreneurs) to the Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs took place at PSF headquarters. The move had been prepared ever since the creation of the Chamber within the Federation in June 2006. All former members of AFER will now become members of the chamber.
AFER was created in 1989 by 31 women who wanted to break down the economic and socio-cultural barriers that made it difficult for women to enter business. Over the following five years, their number grew to 131. During this time, the association did ground-breaking work in promoting women's rights as entrepreneur. It was during this period that women gained the right to open bank accounts, have a business registration and carry out business without requiring the consent of their spouse.
As the whole of Rwandan society, AFER was hard hit by the genocide, but the association nevertheless continued its work after 1994. One of its most notable achievements over the last decade was the creation of the People's Bank (Banque Populaire) for the Promotion of Women, a bank which will receive the “Recognition of the Private Sector” of the African Gender Award 2007, to be held in Dakar in June.
With the creation of the Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs within the Federation, it became clear that the two organisations were doing the same work and that logically AFER should be absorbed by the chamber. As the chamber groups women according to sector of activity, it was obvious that AFER should be dissolved and its members become member of the chamber in their respective sectors. The assets of AFER were to be given to the chamber.
This was done during the ceremony on May 30, in the presence of the boards of both organisations and the Secretary General of PSF, and other participants.
During the ceremony, Christine Murekatete, former President of AFER, sketched the history of the association, and then proceeded to present its assets. Henriette Zimulinda, President of the Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs, compared the hand-over to the "gutwikurura" ceremony in marriage in Rwanda, when the family of the newly-wed bride visits the new homestead with lots of gifts - the gifts being AFER's assets. PSF's Secretary General, Emmanuel Hategeka, for his part, congratulated AFER for their impressive work, and assured that this work will continue within the Chamber.

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27/04/2007 - A new commitment, a new image

On Friday 27 April, RPSF (henceforth called PSF) has launched its new organisational image. It consists of a new logo, the central element of which is a tree-symbol, and a new slogan: Beyond advocacy.
The new image comes in the wake of the restructuring of PSF, which was the result of an audit carried out in 2004 and which showed widespread dissatisfaction with the Federation's functioning. This led to a 2005-2007 strategic plan, the main part of which was a restructuring of PSF, in order to better meet the demands and requirements of the private sector.
Thus, 9 professional chambers were created to regroup the professional associations, and local business communities elected PSF representatives on district and province level. Also, business development centres were set up in each of the four provinces.
With the restructuring completed in 2006, PSF adopted a new strategic plan 2007-2010, which focusses on 5 strategic priorities:

• Promote entrepreneurship and business growth
• Build private sector capacity
• Effective private sector advocacy
• Support active involvement in regional and international trade
• Develop quality member services and enhance communication

The new identity consists of the following elements: Orange = vibrancy, dynamism Green = growth, vitality, viability Tree = symbol of growth; firmly rooted in the ground; has many leaves (associations, chambers, ...); offers shelter/protection PSF = Private Sector Federation / FSP = Fédération du Secteur Privé Beyond Advocacy: Although advocacy still is an important part of RPSF’s activities, we also have to offer sufficient and satisfactory business development services

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