eBizGuides Rwanda by eBizGuides

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RWANDA

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

CREDITS PRODUCTION Producer: Pascal Belda Regional Project Directors: Nayra Delgado and Tatjana Vetter-Blanckenstein Local Project Director: Luis Aparicio Garcia Associate Production: Julia Miralles Rodriguez, Leonor Miralles Editorial Support: Carlos Aparicio Advertising Agency Kigali: Inch of Gold

EDITION Written and edited by eBizguides Economic sections and sector overviews written by: Deloitte & Touch and RIEPA General Information section written by: ORTPN, eBizguides Tourism & Leisure section written by: ORTPN, eBizguides Art Direction Madrid: Iria Salgado Photos: IDENTITY AFRICA, Managing Director & Photographer: Dan Barlow; pictures by eBizguides & Elisa Paz

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following people for their collaboration and support: His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; His Excellency Anastase Murekezi , Minister of Agriculture & Animal Resources; His Excellency Albert Butare Minister of Infrastructure, in Charge of Energy & Communications; His Excellency James Musoni, Minister of Finance; His Excellency Protais Mitali, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Tourism, & Cooperatives; His Excellency Vincent Karega, Minister of State, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Tourism, & Cooperatives, in Charge of Industry & Investment Promotion; Mr David Himbara, President Office Head, Strategy and Policy Unit; Mr Rose Kabuye, Director General State Protocol; His Excellency Mr Richard T. Kabonero, Ambassador of Uganda in Rwanda and Burundi; Mr Luis Dueñas Herrera, Honorary Consul of Spain; His Excellency Mr Antoine Rubaki, Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Spain; Ms Mary Baine, Rwanda Revenue Authority Commissioner General; Mr David MacRae, Ambassador of the European Commission Delegation in Rwanda; Ms Esther Tidjani, Press & Information Officer of the European Commission Delegation in Rwanda; Ms Victoria Kwakwa, Country Manager of the World Bank in Rwanda; Ms Dimitrie Sissi Mukanyligira, Executive Officer of the World Bank in Rwanda; Mr François Kanimba, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda; Mr Philemon Safari, Director of the Monetary Market of the National Bank of Rwanda; Mr Manzi Nkubito Bakuramutsa, Executive Director of the Rwanda Information and Technology Authority; Mr Tito Rutaremara, Ombudsman of Rwanda; Mr Louis Marie de Montfort, Professional in Charge of Preventing Injustice, Corruption and Related Malpractices; Mr Eugène Mugenyi Torero, Deputy Commissioner General and Commissioner for Customs and Excise; Mr Franco, Rwanda Immigration Services; Mr Mugo W. Maringa, Hotel Serena Kigali Country Manager; Ms Evelyn Karamagi Kamao, Hotel Serena Kigali Sales & Marketing Manager; Mr Ismail Cyusa, Hotel Serena Kigali Guest Services Manager and all the Hotel Serena members for making us feel at home; Mr Louis Rugerinyange, Head of Banking Administration, Banque de Kigali; Mr Manzi Kayihura, Chief Executive Officer, Rwandair Express; Mr Leon Fundira, Camerwa Commercial Director; Mr Abby Mugabo and Mr Bonny Mbaza; Mr Emmanuel Rugengamanzi, Director, Caritas Librarie; Mr Arthur Joash; Mr Ghislain Ibariza; Mr James Munyareza; Mr & Ms TrouerbachMartinez, Embassy of The Netherlands in Rwanda; Ms Elisa Paz and Eric. We would also like to thank the heads of the following companies for their sponsorship and support and without whom this eBizguide would not have been possible: Deloitte, DHL, HKI, Inch of Gold, Intersec Security, Milles Colline, MTN, Novotel, Ocir Café, Primate Safaris, RIEPA, RPSF, Serena Kigali, Serena Kivu, Silver Back Cargo, Sonarwa. World Investment News Inc Customer Service: Tel: +34 91 345 6625, Fax: +34 91 787 3889 Email: info@ebizguides.com, Website: www.ebizguides.com

Printed by: China Printing Corporation ISBN: 84-935202-3-3

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

How to use this guide The goal of eBizguides is to offer extensive economic and

countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy itself. Through personal interviews

investment information on a country, with a focus on the

with the most important business people in the country,

top companies, while offering the best tourism and lei-

we then provide our readers with privileged information

sure information for your spare time. With this, we

and sector analysis, including introductions written by

believe that our readers can get fully acquainted with the

key decision-makers in the sector, such as government

country, before investing in it long term.

ministers.

This book comprises three major sections, which deal

You will also find fact files of all the major corporations,

with general information, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy and lei-

outlining their business activities, key projects and any

sure.

investment opportunities. We consider this to include some of the most invaluable information for business

General Information

globetrotters.

Background information on the country is coupled with the main business resources available to you.

Leisure

The Rwandan Economy

the best spots to visit, essential areas to discover, the top

This section of the book starts off with an in-depth look

hotels and restaurants, and much more.

For you to fall in love with the country, we also showcase

at the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment and legal framework, and the

Icons eBiz Recommended

Notice

These companies were particular favou-

This indicates that the information is

rites of our team during their stay; this

important and something to take notice

stamp is mostly given to restaurants,

of when planning, or during, your stay.

hotels, and so on. B.eBiz & L.eBiz eBiz Recommended Partner

These are the two mascots of eBizguides.

Our team has been interviewing the heads

B.eBiz is always thinking about the best busi-

of many companies; when they choose to

ness opportunities and L.eBiz is more relaxed

allocate this stamp to a company, it is

and wants to enjoy life. They highlight the

because they themselves have received

pages where you can find business and leisure

reliable service from the company.

information.

Legends Top Companies Proverbs

This is a listing of the top companies that eBizguides

These local phrases will help you to understand the

encountered during their time in the country.

popular culture in the country better. Perhaps you can Blue Boxes

even use them yourself.

This is useful insider information that will help you to assess the country, do business and enjoy your stay.

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

Index

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

Did You Know? ..............................................................................................................6 Rwanda Fact File ..........................................................................................................9 General Information ..................................................................................................11 Business Resources......................................................................................................39

The Rwandan Economy....................................................................55 to 250 Investment & Legal Framework ..............................................................................55 The Rwandan Economy............................................................................................91 Agriculture ............................................................................................................105 Energy & Mines ....................................................................................................129 Finance ..................................................................................................................139 Information & Communication Technology ..........................................................159 Industry & Trade ..................................................................................................175 Infrastructure & Transport ..................................................................................187 Public Services ......................................................................................................209 Tourism ................................................................................................................233

Leisure............................................................................................251 to 281 Kigali Area ............................................................................................................255 Zones Rwanda ........................................................................................................263 Top Itineraries ......................................................................................................277 Travel Agencies ......................................................................................................281 Bibliography & Useful Websites ................................................................................282 Basic Vocabulary ......................................................................................................283 Top 100 Companies ....................................................................................................285 Company Index ..........................................................................................................286

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

Did You Know? • The first major regional soccer tournament since the civil war in 1994 was held in Rwanda in 1997. It was organized by the Confederation of East and Central African Football Associations. The Rwandan team won the championship. • Rwanda is Africa’s most densely populated country. More than eight million people live in a country that is less than half the size of Nova Scotia. More than 90% of the population lives in rural areas. • The mountain gorillas of Rwanda were studied by American zoologist Dian Fossey, author of Gorillas in the Mist. She was killed in Rwanda in 1985 and is buried there under a stone marked with the word Nyiramacilibi, which means ‘the lone woman of the forest’. • The mwami (king) in Rwanda was considered a sacred being, whose power was of divine origin. A drum called kalinga, which was so sacred that it was never used, was a symbol of his authority. • In addition to the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa people, Rwanda has a small minority of Hima people. This is a nomadic group from the Nile Valley, who inhabit the northern and north-eastern regions of Rwanda. • In the past, rich Tutsi women often wore heavy copper bracelets and anklets. Because of the weight of these ornaments, the women were unable to do much work. The ornaments distinguished affluent women from women who worked in the fields. • Pyrethrum, which grows in Rwanda, is a daisy-like flower used to make a natural insecticide. Its properties were discovered during the First World War, when a group of soldiers camped overnight in a field of pyrethrum. By morning, the lice that had infested the soldiers had all been killed. • Kwashiorkor is a disease caused by a lack of protein in the diet. It affects many Rwandan children. • Cassava is a vegetable with large, tuberous roots that can grow in poor soil and tolerate drought. It can be left in the ground for up to four years before being harvested, but once it is harvested, it must be eaten immediately. • In some areas of Rwanda, Hutu minstrels used to travel from place to place. The minstrels gathered news and passed it on in the form of a song, performed to the accompaniment of a seven-stringed zither. • In the region of Rusumo, east of Kigali, farmers used to decorate the walls of their buildings with cow dung, which they sculpted and painted in bold geometric designs. • Situated literally in the ‘heart’ of Africa, the small country is on the border of East and Central Africa. Its neighbours are the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire) to the west, Tanzania to the east, Uganda to the north and Burundi to the south. • Rwanda is well known for being considered the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’. It is predominantly grassy uplands and hills with altitudes ranging from 1,207m to 4,507m above sea level. • 10% of Rwanda’s land area is protected, considerably more than in most other African countries. • The first African National Park (Parc des Virungas) was created in 1925 on the territories of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. • Rwanda has largely untouched bamboo forests, where 350 of the last remaining 650 mountain gorillas continue a threatened existence.

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

H. E. Paul Kagame President of the Republic of Rwanda

His Excellency Paul Kagame welcomes investors to Rwanda.

It is my pleasure to welcome eBizguides readers to investment and trade opportunities in Rwanda – a country that continuously seeks to become better at doing business.

Our open economy provides a predictable and conducive environment for large, medium or small enterprises. All of Rwanda’s economic sectors are open to investors – domestic and international alike. The Rwandan Investment and Export Promotion Agency facilitates investors as a one-stop centre.

We are determined to continue improving the Rwandan investment climate. That is why we consider transparency, good governance and accountability key national values. As a country of laws, property rights are constitutionally safeguarded.

The in-depth business and leisure information presented in this issue of eBizguides will inform investors of Rwanda’s achievements over the years in building the enabling institutions and standards required to become a credible trading nation.

Readers of eBizguides should note that Rwanda’s attractiveness as an investment destination goes beyond its own borders due to our central location in two key regional economic communities. Rwanda belongs to both the East African Community (EAC), with a population of about 120 million, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), home to 400 million inhabitants.

I encourage business and leisure readers of this guide to visit us in Rwanda and see for themselves the abundant business opportunities our country and the region offer.

P aul Ka game P reside nt of the Re public of Rw anda

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

Rwanda Fact File Official name:

Republic of Rwanda

Political system:

Unitary state with multiparty democracy

Head of state:

President Paul Kagame

Next election date:

2010 New constitution adopted 4th June 2003

Constitution: Independence:

1st July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

Capital city:

Kigali

Main cities/towns:

Kigali (capital) 603,049, Butare 77,217, Ruhengeri 71,511

Time zone:

GMT+2 hours

Currency:

Rwandan franc (RWF)

Language:

Kinyarwanda (official), universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centres

Phone code:

+250

Location:

Central Africa

Geographic coordinates:

2º00’S, 30º00‘E

Border countries:

Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Area:

Total 26,388 sq. km Water 1,390 sq. km Land 24,968 sq. km

Coastline:

Landlocked

Temperature:

Two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible Average temperature 24ºC (maximum of 34ºC during the day and minimum of 10ºC at night); average in Kigali 19ºC

Climatic conditions:

Tropical but mild because of elevation; two rainy seasons: March–May and October–November; frost and snow possible in the mountains

GDP:

RWF 1,266.7 billion

Growth rate:

5.8% (2006)

GDP per capita (2005):

US $250 (at purchasing power parity: US $1,263)

Principal religions:

Christian 93%, Muslim 5%, indigenous African and other 2%

Population:

8.8 million

Population growth rate:

Population density:

328 per sq. km (Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa)

Life expectancy at birth:

41.93 years

e B i z g u i d e s R WA N D A

G E N E R A L

I N F O R M A T I O N

Ijambo ry-umukuru ritorwamo igufwa. Rwanda and Rundi From the word of an elder is derived a bone. Rwandan proverb

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

HISTORY Also referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills and a Million Smiles, until the 19th century Rwanda was a centralized, unified monarchy under the leadership of the Umwami (King). By the time the present African countries were demarcated, the kingdom had grown larger than the size of the current-day Rwanda (26,338 sq. km), extending into the western parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), south-western areas of Uganda and eastern Tanzania. April annual commemoration of the Genocide with Presidents T. Mbeki, Yusewini and P. Kagame

By the time European colonists arrived in the late 19th

pected to be behind his death. Ethnic killings against

century, the Rwandan monarchy had established consi-

Tutsis then ensued, which saw thousands killed and

derable control over Tutsi, Hutu and Twa people alike,

many more others fleeing to neighbouring countries after

involving high levels of labour and produce extraction,

their houses were set ablaze and their cattle eaten or

which were sustained by complex, interconnected patro-

confiscated by Belgian-favoured Hutus.

nage systems and networks. In 1961 MDR officially toppled the monarchy, and when The 1884–85 Berlin Conference that brought together

Rwanda was granted independence a year later,

mainly European colonial powers resulted in an agree-

Kayibanda was installed as the first President. Massacres

ment that allocated the then Ruanda-Urundi (present-day

of Tutsis continued throughout Kayibanda’s reign, gene-

Rwanda and Burundi) to the German sphere of influence.

rally in response to aborted guerrilla-style attacks on the

But the history of Rwandan colonization started with the

country by Tutsi refugees based in the neighbouring Tutsi

transfer of Rwanda to Belgium after World War I as a

refuges.

mandated territory under the League of Nations. It is during this phase of the colonial period that the marked

Kayibanda was later, in 1973, to be toppled in a coup by

distinction between the cultivator Hutus and the cattle-

his Commander-in-Chief Juvénal Habyarimana. This was

herder Tutsis was overemphasized and the relations bet-

followed by Government-orchestrated attacks on both

ween them exacerbated, although the two groups

MDR leaders and supporters as well as Tutsis. An esti-

shared virtually all other things ranging from culture, lan-

mated 100,000 people perished in these attacks.

guage to settlements, and had also frequently interma-

Habyarimana was from Gisenyi in the north and, like his

rried.

predecessor, ensured that people from his region were the primary beneficiaries of his patronage.

After World War II, the King and the rest of the Tutsi elite demanded independence. The call was resisted by

In order to consolidate his power and to limit political

Belgium and the White Fathers, who instead backed the

participation of Hutus hailing from the south of the

Hutus, who demanded Hutu liberation from what they

country, Major General Habyarimana founded the

called Tutsi oppression. A Hutu political party called

Mouvement

Mouvement Démocratique Républicain (MDR) came into

Développement (MRND) in 1975, which was largely con-

Révolutionnaire

National

pour

existence under the leadership of Grégoire Kayibanda,

trolled by Hutu politicians from the north. Habyarimana

who, in the name of ‘social revolution’, orchestrated the

retained ties with Belgium but cultivated even closer links

first of many programmes against Tutsis, with Belgian

with France, which was happy to welcome another

connivance, in 1959. During that period, King Mutara

Francophone state into ‘the family’. Under the presidency

Rudahigwa III died in Burundi and Belgians were sus-

of François Mitterrand in the 1980s, France became

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

Rwanda’s biggest bilateral donor, and the two countries

On 4th July 1994 RPF captured the capital, Kigali, and

signed a military cooperation agreement, which guaran-

formed a Government of national unity on 19th July,

teed Habyarimana the assistance of French troops should

focusing on reconstruction, security and reconciliation of

his power become threatened.

all Rwandans under one nation. Pasteur Bizimungu, a Hutu who had fled Habyarimana’s persecution in the late

Habyarimana ran a one-party state, until forced to opt for

1980s and later joined RPF, became the first post-geno-

a multiparty system in 1991 in the wake of increased

cide President and deputized by Maj. Gen. Paul Kagame,

political pressures and the 1st October 1990 incursion by

who also doubled as the Minister of Defence.

the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and its military arm, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), from neighbouring coun-

From October 1999 to March 2000 there was a major

tries, particularly Uganda, which had sheltered large

shake-up in Government resulting in the departure of the

numbers of Rwandan refugees. The Rwanda–France mili-

parliamentary speaker, Joseph Sebarenzi, the Prime

tary agreement was invoked for most of the war.

Minister, Petero Celestine Rwigema, three other cabinet ministers, and finally President Bizimungu. Bizimungu

In 1992, amid international pressure and increasing fire-

was succeeded by Kagame, while the chairman of Parti

power from RPA, the Habyarimana Government agreed

Social Démocrate (PSD), Dr Vincent Biruta, and MDR’s

to start negotiations with the RPF, which were hosted by

Bernard Makuza succeeded Sebarenzi and Rwigema res-

the Government of Tanzania and carried out in Arusha,

pectively.

Tanzania. Meanwhile, while both Sebarenzi and Rwigema fled into An agreement between the Rwandan Government and

exile, Bizimungu was thrown in prison for creating a cri-

RPF was signed in Arusha, Tanzania, in August 1993.

minal organization, inciting the public to ethnic violence

Shortly after, French troops left the country in November

and corruption. He was arrested alongside former

1993 and a UN force called UNAMIR arrived to oversee

minister Charles Ntakirutinka after forming Parti

the implementation of the Arusha agreement. However,

Démocratique

the Akazu (inner and extremist members of the ruling

Government accused of inciting racial hatred. In 2004

Renouveau

(PDR),

which

the

party) was not prepared to share power with the RPF,

the Supreme Court confirmed earlier rulings jailing

and instead planned the genocide of the entire Rwandan

Bizimungu for 15 years and Ntakirutinka for 10 years, but

Tutsi population, while Habyarimana bought time by sta-

acquitted five other co-accused.

lling the installation of a new government. A new Constitution was adopted in May 2003 paving the The Arusha peace agreements of 1993 were supposed to

way

lead to a coalition government with the RPF but they

Government’s business and fully restoring the rule of

crumbled following Habyarimana’s death and the

law. In August 2003 Kagame was re-elected President in

resumption of the war. Following the mysterious shoo-

the country’s first ever multiparty elections since inde-

ting down of the Falcon 50 jet in which Habayarimana

pendence. Officially he received 95% of the vote cast.

for

the

implementation

much

the

and his Burundian counterpart, Cyprian Ntiryamira, died en route from the Arusha peace talks on 6th April 1994,

The election for the Chamber of Deputies produced a

the genocide unfolded. Over a record period of 100 days,

total of seven parties holding 53 seats, the RPF holding

an already prepared extremist Hutu militia called

33 of them. A 26-member Senate was also formed

Interahamwe

through a combination of indirect polls and appoint-

(those

who

attack

together)

and

Government forces killed an estimated one million ethnic

ments.

Tutsis and Hutu moderates, including the then Prime Minister Agathe Uwiringiyimana.

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

The Government of Rwanda is firmly committed to roo-

The consequences of the genocide have been grim and

ting out the ideology of ethnic division and building on

long-lasting. Rwanda itself has had to deal with a deci-

the common Rwandan culture and identity.

mation of its population, a massive social dislocation, the widespread destruction of property, and significant

Among the main features of the new Constitution,

damage to its limited reservoir of human resources and

approved in the referendum and adopted by Parliament

consequent damage to the Government’s institutional

in June 2004, are the following:

memory. The consequences have spread beyond Rwanda

• The equality of all Rwandans is recognized and the

into the DRC, where most Rwandan refugees fled.

rights to life and liberty are guaranteed.

Realizing the danger posed by the political and military

• There is a special commitment to fighting the ideology

activity among the new refugees in DRC (most political

of genocide in all its manifestations and eradicating

and military leaders were also among the refugees) and

ethnic, regional and other divisions. Political parties are

persistent attacks on Rwanda, the Government of

specifically forbidden to base themselves on racial,

Rwanda launched a military offensive within the DRC

ethnic, tribal or religious identity.

resulting in the eventual massive repatriation of many of

• Private property is declared to be inviolable and expro-

the refugees and the ousting of Congolese dictator Sese

priation is forbidden, except in the public interest and

Seko Mobutu, who was succeeded by former rebel leader

with fair and prior compensation.

Laurent Désiré Kabila.

THE GENOCIDE AND ITS AFTERMATH

completely as in August 1998 Rwanda, together with

This invasion lessened the threat but did not remove it

Uganda, again invaded DRC in pursuit of their respective Extremist Hutus started to kill members of the ethnic

rebels, but this time round the conflict became more

Tutsis

complicated and deadly as it sucked in four other nations

and

moderate

Hutus

immediately

after

Habyarimana’s death. Most of the targeted people had

on the side of Kinshasa. The ensuing tensions resulted in

been identified earlier, which explains why a large

the assassination of President Kabila in January 2001. He

number of people were slaughtered in just three months.

was replaced by his son, Joseph Kabila, who became President at the age of 29.

The killings continued for something over three months and stopped more or less when the RPF took Kigali on

A 2002 peace deal, which came as a result of negotia-

4th July. There is still some uncertainty as to the number

tions hosted by the governments of Zambia and South

of people actually killed in the murderous months of

Africa, saw Rwanda’s military and all foreign armies with-

1994 but Government figures put them at slightly over

drawing from DRC amid UN promises that Rwanda’s

one million.

security concerns were to be addressed through disarmament and repatriation programmes.

Another estimated two million people, mostly Hutus, were forced to flee Rwanda for neighbouring countries,

Though the Hutu militants, composed of mainly

especially the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, then

Interahamwe militia and the defunct Rwanda Armed

Zaire) and Tanzania.

Forces (FAR), remain active in the eastern DRC, thou-

In mid May the United Nations recognized that ‘acts of

tarily returned to Rwanda, and with the recent elections

sands of isolated fighters have in the recent years volun-

genocide may have been committed’ and strengthened

in the Congo, there is hope that the problem will be

the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda

sorted out without necessarily resorting to a Rwandan

(UNAMIR).

military incursion.

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

It is obvious that the post-genocide Rwanda was faced

prosecute key masterminds of the genocide. Based in

with a backlog of genocide cases. In order to decongest

Arusha, Tanzania, the tribunal has handed down sen-

prisons and to expedite cases, the Government decided

tences on about 30 people and faces a 2008 strict dea-

to introduce a reformed traditional judicial system called

dline.

Gacaca (lawn) during which community elders used to settle disputes between their fellow locals. Through the

Under its completion strategy, the ICTR is expected to

Gacaca court, the vast majority of genocide cases that

transfer some of the cases to Rwanda, which is already

do not belong to category one (planners of the geno-

in the process of legally exonerating the tribunalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

cide, rapists and leaders) have already been tried or are

inmates from facing death sentence when they are

under way. While the idea to apply Gacaca started

transferred to Rwanda.

around 1999, full-scale trials started in March 2006 and it is projected that these traditional courts will complete

Meanwhile, the country also continues to release remor-

all

seful, elderly and chronically ill genocide suspects from

cases

December

2007.

Meanwhile,

the

Government also embarked on building the capacity of

local prisons in an effort to promote unity and reconcilia-

jurists and other judicial personnel to help build a

tion among Rwandans and in consideration of the fact

stronger and modern judicial system with capacity to

that some of them could be mistakenly jailed for a long

handle cases of category one genocide crimes alongside

time or die in prison, owing to the big backlog of cases

other criminal cases.

in the courts. Over 60,000 genocide suspects have

In addition, in November 1994, the Security Council

decree of 1st January 2003.

hitherto been granted bail under President Kagameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

passed Resolution 955 creating the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), with jurisdiction to All religions are represented throughout the country. Muslims, as any other confessions, have their mosques in downtown Kigali

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

RWANDA TODAY

eBizguides Rwanda According to the Government, the new unifying symbols came to replace the old and ethnically inclined ones,

Thirteen years after the genocide, Rwanda is a changed

which were designed in 1962 at a time when Rwanda

country. It has not only restored much that had been lost

was rocked by state-sponsored ethnic divisions and

but has also developed significantly. The economy is

killings and bad governance.

doing well, education is much improved and more health care infrastructure and road networks are in place.

THE NATIONAL FLAG

Evidently, the country is now very different from what it was for most of its post-independence history. Foreign investors speak of it as one of the safest places in Africa, as well as one of the least corrupt. It also has a development-oriented Government committed to the transformation of the economy into a regional hub for services and industry. Clean, committed and peaceful, Rwanda is now marching towards becoming an ICT powerhouse of the region.

The 2003 parliamentary elections saw women sweeping

The national flag is blue, yellow and green in colour. The

about 48% of seats, effectively giving the country the hig-

top half of the flag is blue with the sun in the top right-

hest number of women MPs worldwide, replacing Sweden.

hand corner. Blue signifies peace and tranquillity, yellow

Unlike previously, the country now has a bicameral legisla-

stands for wealth as the country works towards sustai-

ture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

nable economic growth, and green signifies prosperity,

The President, who is the head of state, has fairly exten-

the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rays signify transparency.

work and productivity. The sun signifies new hope and

sive powers, including the conclusion of international treaties, the declaration of a state of emergency and the dis-

THE COAT OF ARMS

solution of the Chamber of Deputies.

The past 13 years have led to some major sociopolitical achievements, including the restoration of peace, security, stability and personal safety; a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption; judicial and administrative reforms; regional integration; increased investment in education; and substantial progress towards national reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

The coat of arms consists of a green ring with a knot tied at the upper end of the ring. The green ring and knot

On 31st December 2001, the Government of Rwanda

symbolize industrial development through hard work.

launched new national symbols including a flag, national

The ring encircles all the other symbols of the coat of

anthem and coat of arms. These symbols officially came

arms. Inside the ring there are two opposing shields

into use the following day.

symbolizing patriotism, defence of national sovereignty and integrity and justice.

eBizguides Rwanda On the top is the inscription ‘Repubulika y’u Rwanda’ (Republic of Rwanda) and below is the national motto ‘Ubumwe, Umurimo, Gukunda Igihugu’ (Unity, Work,

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

Patriotism). The coat of arms also has the following features: sun, sorghum and coffee, a basket, a cogwheel

STRUCTURE

and two shields. Apart from RPF, there are six other political organizations

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

represented in the Rwandan Government. They are Parti Social Démocrate (PSD), Parti Libéral (PL), Parti Démocrate

The national anthem, ‘Rwanda Nziza’ in Kinyarwanda, is

Centriste (PDC), Parti Démocratique Idéal (PDI), Parti

composed in four stanzas, which highlight heroism, the

Socialiste Rwandais (PSR) and Union Démocratique du

Rwandan culture and the people’s patriotism.

Peuple Rwandais (UDPR). Two other parties are not repre-

The Government has said that the new symbols are a

titutional requirement to qualify for a public office, whe-

manifestation of an RPF-led revolution from the country’s

reas the other one was established just recently.

sented because one did not obtain the minimum 5% cons-

dark past into a beaming era of peace and development. The Cabinet also includes officials drawn from all the regions, ethnic groups and religions, as laid out in the

NATIONAL ANTHEM I. Rwa nda nziza Gihugu cyacu Wuje imisozi, ibiyaga n’ibirunga Ngobyi iduhetse gahorane ishya. Re ka tukurate tukuvuge ibigwi Wowe utubumbiye ha mwe twese Abanyarwanda uk o wa tubyaye Berwa , sugira , singizwa ite ka. II. Horana Imana, murage mwiza Ibyo tugukes ha ntibishyikirwa ; Umuco dusangiye uraturanga Ururimi rwacu ruka duhuza Ubwenge, umutima,amaboko ya cu Nibigukungahaze bik wiye Nuko utere imbere ubutitsa. III. Abakurambe re b’intwari Bitanze batizigama Baraguhanga uvamo ubukombe Utsinda ubukoroni na mpatisbihugu Byayogoje Afurik a yose None uraganje mu bwigenge Tubuk omeyeho uko turi twe se. IV . K ome za imihigo Rwa nda dukunda Duha gurukiye k uk witangira Ngo amahoro asabe mu ba gutuye Wis hyire wiza ne muri byose Urangwe n’ishya ka, ute re imbere Uhamye umuba no n’amahanga yose Maze ijabo ryawe riguhe ijambo.

2003 Constitution. It is also gender sensitive, just like other leadership organs, where women must occupy at least 30% of positions as stipulated in the Constitution.

The executive arm of Government is headed by the President, who heads up the state and the Cabinet as well. Ministers are appointed by the President upon consultation with leaders of all the political parties forming the national unity Government.

Ministries are headed by ministers, with some also having state ministers or junior ministers. Secretaries General, who act as Permanent Secretaries, are the highest technical officers.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Rwanda’s local territorial administration has been changing over the years. In January 2006 new territorial reforms reduced the number of provinces from 12 (Kigali City inclusive) down to five, namely Eastern Province, Northern Province, Western Province, Southern Province and Kigali City. Apart from Kigali City, which is led by a mayor, all the other provinces are headed by governors. Districts were also cut from 106 down to 30, and this reduction of local administrative territories went down to the cell level.

Senate of the Republic of Rwanda

LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HISTORY AND BASIS

The events of 1994 aggravated an already deplorable situation. The infrastructure of judicial institutions was completely destroyed. The courts, the prosecution service

The legal system of Rwanda derives historically from the

and the police ceased to function. Many members of the

French/Belgian civil law tradition. Since July 1994 there

judiciary were killed, with others fleeing into exile. The

has been a gradual introduction of the Anglo-Saxon

legal system basically ground to a halt.

common law system. The advent of the common law system is attributed to Rwandans returning from exile in

Since early 1995 there have been continuous efforts to res-

neighbouring countries (e.g. Uganda) that follow the

tore political stability and the rule of law. The earlier preoc-

common law system and the impending accession to the

cupation was with transitional justice and the huge num-

East African Community.

bers of genocide cases pending. Lately, civil and commercial justice have acquired greater significance on account of the

Rwandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current system is thus a hybrid that combines

new policies of liberalization and privatization.

both civil and common law features. Before the 1994 genocide, the judiciary was weak and subject to the com-

The sources of the laws that govern various judicial insti-

plete control of the executive. Since members of the judi-

tutions include the Constitution of 2003, which is the

ciary were dependent upon the executive, they were

supreme law, and other laws, including laws promul-

generally not impartial. In addition, the judiciary was

gated in the Belgian colonial territory of Rwanda-Urundi

composed of largely untrained personnel and corruption

and Congo Belge. As noted above, Rwanda largely

was endemic.

follows the civil law tradition although, with the ongoing legal reforms, a hybrid of civil and common law systems is emerging.

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

LEGISLATIVE ASPECTS

JUDICIAL ASPECTS

The Constitution vests legislative power in the National

The official languages of the courts are English, French

Assembly. Once the National Assembly passes a bill, it is

and Kinyarwanda. Written submissions of cases, as well

presented to the President for his assent. On the

as the arguments, may be in any of these three lan-

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assent, it becomes law and, on publication in

guages, although the practice is to conduct most court

the Official Gazette, comes into force. The Official

hearings in Kinyarwanda.

Gazette is available online on the official website of the office of the Prime Minister: www.primature.gov.rw.

The judicial system has the Supreme Court at its apex, the High Court immediately below it, and then the Higher

In many instances, individual laws enable the Minister

Instance Courts, Lower Instance Courts and the Court

responsible for a particular aspect of public life to make

Martial (for members of the Armed Forces). The High

specific regulations. In Rwanda, the Minister of

Court is one court but with branches in different parts of

Commerce,

the country. It is an appellate court to the provincial

Industry,

Investment

Promotion,

Cooperatives and Tourism (all under one ministry) is res-

courts and a court of first instance in respect of adminis-

ponsible for most matters relating to investment, while

trative matters and some criminal offences.

the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning handles fiscal, monetary and related matters. In other instances,

The practice and procedure of the Courts are regulated

the regulatory authorities issue rules to cover particular

by the code of criminal procedure as well as the code of

aspects within their jurisdiction.

civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedures. The Supreme Court hears appeals from the High Court

Much legal reform is currently taking place. The new laws

and also has original jurisdiction in respect of procee-

on income tax, customs and VAT became operative in

dings against the President of the Republic, the Prime

June 2006. Several other major bills are currently before

Minister, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, the

Parliament, including the Public Procurement Bill, the

President of the Senate and the Chief Justice.

Intellectual Property Rights Law, the law establishing the Rwanda Registration Services Agency, and the Law on

Inefficiency has reduced the credibility of the legal and

the Accountancy Profession. The last two of these have

judicial system and may have been an obstacle to inves-

been adopted by the Cabinet. The law on mining and

tment in Rwanda. However, as mentioned above, the

that on insurance have been drafted and are awaiting

Government has now initiated major reforms in the judi-

approval by Cabinet before being sent to Parliament for

cial and legal systems and progressive gains in efficiency

enactment. The Banque Nationale du Rwanda (BNR) is

may therefore be expected.

reviewing the current laws on banking with assistance from the International Monetary Fund. A national stee-

Legal practice in Rwanda is currently regulated by the law

ring committee established by the Cabinet is currently

establishing the Kigali Bar Association. However, in order

working with consultants from the World Bank to pre-

to reflect the recently concluded reforms in the judiciary,

pare the financial sector development plan.

a draft law establishing the Rwanda Bar Association has been approved by Cabinet and forwarded to the National

The Government has set up a Business Law Reform

Assembly. The admission of advocates is restricted to citi-

Commission, drawing on both the private and public sec-

zens of Rwanda who fulfil the conditions established by

tors, which is focusing on some key areas of legislation.

the law. Under the draft law establishing the Rwanda Bar

By April 2007 14 bills will have been prepared by the

Association, lawyers will have to complete a post-gra-

Commission.

duate training course at the recently created Institute of Postgraduate Law and Development. Foreign advocates are not entitled to practise in Rwanda but it is common

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

for foreign lawyers to provide advisory services that do

• Rwanda Revenue Authority

not include litigation. Government officials currently act

• National Human Rights Commission

as Commissioners of Oaths and Notaries Public, although

• National Aids Control Commission

the draft law establishing the Rwanda Bar Association provides that all practising advocates may also function as Notaries Public and Commissioners of Oaths.

A national fund to assist genocide survivors, known by the French acronym FARG, was instituted to help address key challenges facing them, and 5% of the country’s

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

annual budget is channelled into the fund as well as other financial contributions from private companies.

After the genocide, the Government immediately cultivated good diplomatic relations with other countries.

The Government also created a new military force under

More Rwandan embassies were opened abroad and

the name Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), which brings

other countries opened their diplomatic missions in

together former RPA soldiers and defeated FAR members

Kigali.

who have been reintegrated into the military. Over

KEY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

recruited into the army. Currently, the military is being

15,000 FAR officers and soldiers have so far been

transformed into a professional force and is engaged in As a result of good governance brought about by the

various international peacekeeping operations, such as in

post-genocide Government, various institutions have

Darfur, Sudan.

been put in place to foster transparency, fight injustices and to address other key challenges:

Top military structures are as follows:

• Auditor General’s Office

• Commander-in-Chief (President)

• Ombudsman’s Office

• Chief of General Staff

• National Tender Board

• Chief of Land Forces

• Rwanda National Examination Council

• Chief of Airforce

H.E. Paul Kagame being sworn in after the Rwandan democratic election

eBizguides Rwanda

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N Health PO Box 84, Kigali, Rwanda

President

Tel: +250-577458

PO Box 15, Kigali, Rwanda

Fax: +250-576853

Tel: +250-08182000 / 59062000 / 08182105 / 59062105

Email: info@moh.gov.rw

Fax: +250-584390

Website: www.moh.gov.rw

Email: presidency@gov.rw Website: www.presidency.gov.rw

Defe nce

Prime Minister

Fax: +250-576969

Tel: +250-577942

Tel: +250-85444 / 84648 Fax: +250-583714 Website: www.primature.gov.rw

Justice Tel: +250-586561 / 586398 / 585844 Fax: +250-586509 / 587051

Loca l Government, Good Governance, Community Development and S ocial Affa irs

Youth, Sports and Culture

Tel: +250-585406 / 583170

Tel: +250-583527 / 583525

Fax: +250-582228

Fax: +250-583518

Infrastructure

Ministe r in the Office of the Prime Minis te r in Charge of

Tel: +250-585503 / 586623

Gender and Family P romotion

Fax: +250-585755

Tel: +250-577626 / 577203 Fax: +250-577543

Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Cooperatives

Public Se rvice, Sk ills Development and Labour

Tel: +250-574725 / 574734

Tel: +250-585714 / 582218

Fax: +250-575465

Fax: +250-583374

Agriculture and Animal Resource s

Inte rnal Security

Tel: +250-585053

Tel: +250-585477 Fax: +250-584373 / 583170

Finance and Economic Planning Tel: +250-575756 / 575113 / 574785

Foreign Affairs a nd Coopera tion

Fax: +250-577581 / 575719

Boulevard de la Révolution, PO Box 179 Kigali, Rwanda Tel: +250-574522 / 575379 / 575737

Lands, Environment, Fore stry, Wa ter and Mines

Fax: +250-572904

Tel: +250-582628 / 582623

Email: minafet1@rwanda1.com

Fax: +250-582629 Code a nd Diplomatic Bag Divis ion Education

Tel: +250-576457

Tel: +250-583051 / 583854

Fax: +250-572904

Fax: +250-82162 Directorate of Bilate ra l Rela tions Tel: +250-574679 • Europe Division

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

• America Division

• Missions Administration Division

• Africa and Middle East Division

• Consular and Diplomatic

• Asia and Oceania Division

• Missions Inspection Division

Directorate of Interna tiona l Organizations and

Dire ctorate of General S ervice s

Conferences

Tel: +250-572902

Tel: +250-575341

• Finance and Administration Division Tel: +250 574695

• UN and UN Agencies Division

• Human Resources Division

• OAU and African Subregional Organizations Division

• Studies, Computer and Planning Division

• Other International Organizations

GEOGRAPHY

• Conferences Division

Directorate of State Protocol

Rwanda borders the Democratic Republic of Congo to

Tel: +250-575830

the west, Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east and

Fax: +250-573797

Burundi to the south. Known as the most densely popu-

• Ceremonials and Visits Division Tel: +250 575386

lated country on the continent, Rwanda has a size of

• Privileges and Immunity Division

26,340 square kilometres with a population of close to

• Legal Affairs Division

10 million people.

Directorate of Cons ular and Diplomatic M issions

It has two rainy seasons: March–May and October–

Tel: +250-573785

November (average of 110–200mm per month). Average

• Consular and Diplomatic

temperatures range between 24.6–27.6ºC with the hotAlmost everywhere you turn there is a beautiful view in Rwanda

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

test months being August and September. The country

exceptions are the chilly upper slopes of the Virunga

has an altitude ranging from 1,000–4,500m above sea

Mountains in the north-west corner of the country, and

level.

the hot low-lying eastern part (near the Tanzanian

One of the Great Lakes Rift Valley countries, Rwanda has

Throughout the country, seasonal variations in tempera-

numerous water bodies such as Lake Kivu (the largest),

ture are relatively insignificant. Most parts of the country

Lake Muhazi, Lake Ihema, Lake Bulera, Lake Ruhondo

receive in excess of 1,000mm of precipitation annually,

and Lake Mugesera.

with the driest months being July to September and the

It has two main types of vegetation with dense equatorial

nally experiences unpredictable climate seasons.

border), which has the protected Akagera National Park.

wettest February to May. However, the country occasio-

forest mainly in the north-west and tropical savannah in the east.

FAUNA AND FLORA

The main national parks and game reserves are Virunga

With a rich diversity and beauty, Rwanda has six volca-

Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe. It has a range of vol-

noes, 23 lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the

canic mountains, with the highest being Karisimbi vol-

source of the great River Nile. It is largely hilly, a lands-

cano (4,507m).

cape for which it is popularly known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’.

A landlocked country, it is geographically the heart of Africa and is currently a member of the East African

Many a visitor to this green country has remarked that

Community (EAC). It lies 75 miles south of the equator in

the physical beauty of the country is without equal on the

the Tropic of Capricorn, 880 miles ‘as the crow flies’ west

African continent. Spectacular volcanoes and dense tro-

of the Indian Ocean and 1,250 miles east of the Atlantic

pical forests dominate the north of the country, while

Ocean.

gentle hills and valleys, calm lakes and turbulent rivers in

NATURAL RESOURCES

the rest of the country.

Rwanda is not endowed with a lot of natural resources.

The country boasts a wide variety of wildlife. Located in

both savannah and dense tropical vegetation dominate

However, it extracts mainly coltan, cassiterite, tin ore,

the north-west of the country, Parc National des Volcans

tungsten ore and some gold. It also has methane gas

(Volcanic National Park) is home to the world’s largest

deposits beneath Lake Kivu, and efforts are under way to

number of endangered mountain gorillas. Estimated to

extract it for power generation.

be about three-quarters of the world’s gorilla population, Rwanda is home to over 600 bird species

Recently, there were also suggestions that there could be oil in the north of the country and the Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Canadian firm to carry out exploration studies in that regard.

CLIMATE Rwanda’s blend of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of the country has a temperate yearround climate. Temperatures rarely stray above 30ºC by day or below 15ºC at night throughout the year. The

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

the gorillas live in a protected area, free from poachers.

tourist attraction sites across the country. This infrastruc-

The gorillas can be viewed in their natural mountain habi-

ture boost has contributed much to the development of

tats at a fairly close range. The Akagera National Park in

the tourism industry.

the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s east is teeming with wildlife both large and small, including lion, giraffe, elephant and hippopo-

Rwandans are also indisputably hospitable and friendly

tamus, hyena, impala and gazelle.

people. Their warm welcome is complemented by comfortable facilities, fine food and a rich cultural heritage

Rwanda is not only known for its wealth of primates, but is also one of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s countries with a rich diversity of

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

bird life. A staggering 670 different bird species have been recorded in the country. For botanists, the gor-

In 2002 a national census put the Rwandan population at

geous wildflowers of the forests and mountains are

slightly over 8 million, but with the high birth rate and

capped by more than 100 orchid species in Nyungwe

continued repatriation of refugees, especially from neigh-

Game Reserve alone.

bouring countries, it is estimated that the population is now around 10 million.

Located along the Great Lakes western Rift Valley stretch, Rwanda also boasts many water bodies that are ideal for

The skills base of the population is weak and has been seve-

water sports and fishing, particularly Lake Kivu in the

rely damaged by the genocide of 1994, with current esti-

west and Lake Muhazi in the east. The lakes also offer

mates putting the illiteracy levels at about 49%. The

beautiful beaches and jutting peninsulas, with Lake Kivu

Government is currently pursuing an ambitious programme

having an archipelago of beautiful islands.

of human resource development, emphasizing highly skilled labour in particular. It has put significant investments into

The Government has put up various hotels and gues-

human resource development, with particular emphasis on

thouses, and a good road network extending to the main

developing the population in the ICT field.

Young boy in Kigal

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

Kimuhurura roundabout

Driven by the fact that the country has no significant

HEALTH

wealth in terms of mineral resources, the Government has emphasised education of the Rwandan people right

Just like most of the other sub-Saharan African countries,

from primary school to postgraduate education.

Rwanda faces a number of health challenges. However, these challenges were exacerbated by the genocide during

Music and dance plays an important role in the traditions

which thousands of women and girls were raped and

of Rwandans. The Rwandan people have a variety of

mutilated, leaving the majority of them infected with

music and dances, which range from acts that demons-

HIV/Aids or other infectious diseases. In response to these

trate epics commemorating excellence and bravery, to

problems, the Government set up a special state ministry

humorous lyrics and hunting. The Intore and Amaraba

charged with coordinating national response programmes

dances present the finest model of Rwanda’s varied and

against HIV/Aids and other pandemics. A national Aids

dynamic traditional musical and dance styles.

Control Commission (CNLS) was also put in place, which later opened offices across local communities.

A wide range of traditional handicrafts is also produced in rural Rwanda, ranging from ceramics and basketry to

According to Government statistics released in late 2006,

traditional woodcarvings and contemporary paintings.

an estimated 3% of Rwandans live with HIV. This

Rwandan baskets have in recent years penetrated the US

reflected a tremendous decline in HIV prevalence thanks

markets through the African Growth and Opportunity

to several public and private intervention programmes

Act (AGOA).

raising public awareness on preventive measures.

The country’s fascinating cultural objects are found in

There are also other national mechanisms to address cha-

various towns across the country and a paramount eth-

llenges related to other diseases such as malaria and TB,

nographic collection is found at the National Museum of

among others. A vibrant and consistent immunization

Rwanda in Huye District, where a fascinating display of

campaign has resulted in almost total eradication of polio

the country’s history and culture is displayed. The

from the country.

museum’s display provides an insight not only into the pre-colonial lifestyle, but also into the subsequent development of Rwanda as a modern African nation.

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

EDUCATION

and Islamists, while just a small portion of the population remain loyal to traditional religious beliefs.

Education is one sector that has registered significant progress over the past 13 years. School enrolment is now

However, the massive participation of religious leaders in

based on merit contrary to the pre-genocide era where

the genocide had a negative impact on the faith of many

children’s backgrounds mattered much more than their

victims of the atrocities.

competence.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Since 1994 the number of institutions for higher learning has gone up from 1 to 12 in 2006. The total number of students receiving higher education rose from 3,000 to

The official Rwandan holidays a re :

about 7,000. The number of university graduates bet-

Ja nua ry 1st, New Y ear’s Day

ween 1963 and 1993 was 2,160. Between 1995 and

February 1st, Heroes’ Day

2000, a total of 2,000 students graduated from various

March 8th, Wome n’s Day

universities and the number had more than doubled by

March 14th, Good Friday

2006.

March 16th, Ea ste r Sunday April 7th, Genocide Memorial Day

The number of secondary schools also increased more

May 1st, Labour Day

than 30-fold, while that of primary schools increased

July 1st, Independence Day

more than threefold. The number of qualified teachers

July 4th, Libe ra tion Day

rose by 53% between 1994 and 2000. In addition, the

August 15th, Assumption Day

Government is currently implementing a nine-year basic

December 25th, Christma s Da y

education programme under which students can easily

December 26th, Boxing Da y

access the first three secondary school forms after completing primary six. In most of the cases, if a holiday An

examinations

board,

the

Rwanda

falls on a Sunday, the public holiday

National

will be postponed to Monday.

Examination Council, was also put in place to ensure fairness, transparency and uniformity in standards.

BUSINESS WORKING HOURS LANGUAGES Public offices are open from 0700 (0500 GMT) until 1530 Rwanda

has

only

one

vernacular

language

–

Kinyarwanda. However, English and French are also offi-

(1330 GMT) from Monday to Friday. There is a lunch break for 30 minutes.

cial languages, whereas Swahili is also used by a significant section of the population. There are also various

Most of the private sector organizations work from 0800

other languages spoken in the regional populations in

to 1900 from Monday to Friday, with a one-hour lunch

Rwanda, given the various backgrounds of Rwandans.

break.

RELIGIONS

In general, there is no work over the weekend, both in Government and private offices.

The majority of Rwandans are Catholics or Protestants but over the recent years a number of them have been joining contemporary Evangelicals, known best as bornagain churches. There is also a small section of Adventists

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

Lake Kivu, the ideal place to go on holidays

ECONOMY

sold to local or foreign investors. Another 10 enterprises

The post-genocide Government inherited a shattered

in the banking, insurance, hotels and coffee and tea pro-

economy, which had been mismanaged for over three

cessing sectors are due for sale soon.

decades and totally ruined during the genocide. The National Unity Government immediately set out to create

Most sectors of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy have surpassed

fiscal stability and economic growth. Inflation was

pre-war productivity levels. The main towns around the

brought down from 64% in 1994 to under 5% from

country have been experiencing an unprecedented cons-

1998â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2000. In 1994 annual fiscal revenues were zero

truction boom, thanks to a fast-growing construction

while today they stand at nearly RWF 70 billion. The eco-

industry.

nomy has grown steadily by an average of 6%, going as high as 9% in 2002. Gross domestic incomes have grown

GORILLA TOURISM

by an average of 14.3% each year since 1995. Your visit to Rwanda is incomplete without a visit to the For years now, the Government has been involved in

dazzling National Volcanic Park, home to hundreds of

implementing structural adjustment programmes that

endangered mountain gorillas.

aim at eliminating public sector inefficiency and putting formerly state-owned business entities in the hands of

Stretching into DRC in the west and Uganda in the north,

private businesspersons.

the Virunga mountain range is composed of six moun-

The process of privatization of Government enterprises

Gahinga and Muhabura. Protected within the park, the

tains, namely Karisimbi, Visoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo,

has been under way since 1996, and 46 enterprises have

lushly forested slopes of the mountains form an appro-

now been put up for privatization. So far 25 have been

priately dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world: gorilla tracking.

eBizguides Rwanda Lodge in Akagera National Park offers a scintillating moment for tourists visiting the savannah lowland, which stretches to the Tanzanian border.

The exhilarating climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all direc-

AGRICULTURE

tions, before the trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for many

birds and the chattering of the rare golden monkey.

Rwandans with over 90% of the country’s population

It really is the experience of a lifetime to encounter a

tributes an estimated 37.6% of the country’s GDP,

fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size

followed by industry (approx. 22.8%) and then services

of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tole-

(about 39.6%).

depending on their agricultural produce. The sector con-

rant of human visitors. However, with a density of 355 inhabitants per sq. km in The volcanoes are a 90-minute drive from the capital,

arable areas, shortage of land for cultivation is one of the

Kigali. You can get to the nearby town of Musanze either

biggest challenges for Rwanda’s agriculture develop-

by private vehicle or by public taxi minibus. If you intend

ment.

to make a gorilla visit, you will need to organize your own transport from Musanze to the park boundaries,

Cultivation is practised on a surface equivalent to about

where you will continue your trip on foot. Vehicles can be

1.1 million hectares or 2.8 million acres. Subsistence agri-

hired for this purpose in the town. The volcanoes are only

culture dominates this sector though the Government

a 45-minute drive away from Rubavu and the stunning

has been encouraging farmers to produce for commercial

Lake Kivu.

purposes as well. The main food crops are maize, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and banana plan-

A gorilla visit can range from a one- to four-hour trek

tations, among others.

through the forest, led by experienced trackers who have been tracking gorillas for most of their lives. Your trek

Rwanda’s main exports are tea and coffee, which reach

through the forest will be enchanting as you weave

international markets due to their quality. For example, a

through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees

coffee brand known as Maraba Coffee is a highly marke-

and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate of the

table commodity in Europe and the US. Rwandans also

forest. You will spot golden monkeys swinging from the

grow pyrethrum and flowers, which have started to be

bamboo, or see wild buffalo, bush duiker and a wide

exported in large quantities.

variety of other animals.

MONEY MATTERS But certainly nothing could be more of a privilege than to spend an hour or more watching the gorillas as they go

CURRENCY

about their daily routine, feeding, playing and resting, the cause that was sacrificially advanced by Dian Fossey,

Rwanda’s currency is called Rwandan francs, abbreviated

an American who helped to conserve and protect the pri-

as RWF. Coins range from 1 franc (hardly available) to 5,

mates for about 18 years. She died under mysterious cir-

10, 20 and 50. The notes are in denominations of 100,

cumstances in the mountain.

500, 1,000 and 5,000. The most used denominations are the 100, 500 and 1,000 notes. It may not be easy to

There are also a string of hotel and bar facilities both in

change RWF 5,000 notes.

Musanze and Rubavu that offer comfort to visiting local and foreign tourists. The refurbished Akagera Game

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

For a long period, Rwandan francs has been one of the

The majority of Rwanda’s commercial banks accept the

most stable currencies in the region and, save for Kenya’s

use of travellers’ cheques, which normally attract a com-

shilling, it is stronger than other regional currencies.

mission when changing to other currencies. The inflation

Normally, US $1 fluctuates in value at around RWF 550.

rate was estimated to be at around 11% by the end of 2006.

There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency

BANKS

declaration form. The most used hard currency is the US dollar but you can also get euros, pounds and Canadian

Several Rwandan banks provide ATM services. Such

dollars at some forex bureaus. Some of the regional

banks include BCR, BCDI, Fina Bank and Cogebanque. A

currencies common in major cities and towns are

project is in the pipeline to start using ATMs in supermar-

Ugandan shillings, Kenyan shillings, Tanzanian shillings

kets and in other business entities.

and Burundian francs.

FOREX BUREAUS Rwanda’s monetary industry is regulated but it is not unusual to find illegal money changers on the streets of

Kigali has many forex bureaus, mostly located in the city

Kigali and a few other towns. Whereas you may not have

centre. Dollars, euros, rands, sterling pounds and most

problems dealing with street money changers, it is highly

regional currencies can be exchanged for better rates

recommended that Rwandans and foreigners use official

than at the banks.

forex bureaus (also known in French as bureaus de change), which are common within the city centre, at air-

CREDIT CARDS

ports and around main taxi parks. Most of the large commercial banks and a few hotels also provide change in

Most hotels and travel agencies and the bigger shops will

foreign or local currency.

take credit cards. However, they will charge a higher commission. Most of the bigger banks will advance local

Women are acquiring an important role in Rwanda’s economy

currency against a credit card. Many of them, however, have ATM machines that accept Visa cards for cash.

INDICATIVE PRICES T he cost of living in Rwanda, and especially in Kiga li, ca n be ve ry ex pen sive if you wa nt to ke e p a Westernized lifestyle, as most products are imported.

Me al (high end)

US $10

Housing (high end)

US $1, 000

Bus fa re

RWF 100

Driver

US $200 (monthly)

Ma id

US $20 (monthly)

Bottle of water

RWF 300 (less than US $1)

Bottle of beer

RWF 750

S oft drink

RWF 250

New spaper

RWF 500

1 hour in Interne t cafe

RWF 600

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

BANKING HOURS

There are different vouchers and prices. The highest vou-

Most banks throw their doors wide open from 0800 to

MTN voucher gives you eight months of access, airtime

cher is RWF 20,000 while the least is RWF 500. A 20,000

1700, but at least two commercial banks open every day

worth that amount, plus an Internet connection on your

from 0800 to 2000.

mobile phone, which you can easily connect to a laptop.

SHOPPING HOURS

There are also vouchers for RWF 5,000 (airtime plus four months’ access), 2,500 (airtime plus two months’ access),

Most shops are open from 0800 to 1800 on weekdays,

RWF 1,500 (airtime plus one month’s access), RWF 1,000

while others also operate during weekends between

(airtime and 14 days’ access) and RWF 500 (airtime plus

0800 and 1700.

7 access days). US $1 gives you three units during peak hours and at least five during non-peak hours.

COMMUNICATIONS Recharge cards of all denominations can be bought almost Rwanda has an excellent mobile phone network covering

anywhere, except perhaps small shops on the side of the

almost the entire country. International phone calls can

roads. Coverage is very good in almost all parts of the country.

be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns,

SATELLITE PHONE

and mobile phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have

Satellite communication services are not common in

several Internet cafes and computer centres.

Rwanda as almost the whole country is covered by the normal services.

FIXED LINES The only phone operator is Terracom. It takes just days to

INTERNATIONAL CALLING CARDS

get a phone line. The international access country code for Rwanda is 250. From inside Rwanda you dial 00 (or +)

There are no special international calling cards available.

to get an international line followed by the country access code.

INTERNET SERVICES

Public telephones are available in most public buildings

There are several Internet cafes in Kigali and in other major

and on the streets. International calls can also be made

cities. Broadband and wireless access is developing very

from a private home or large hotel. (Note that the sur-

quickly in major towns and Internet access is quite fast and

charge at hotels is quite high).

efficient.

Terracom offers prepaid cards that can be used for lan-

MAIL

dline phones. Rates per minute remain quite high for local calls.

Postal services are fairly well organized. You should have no problem sending or receiving letters. In Kigali, the

MOBILE PHONES

main post office is located at Kimihurura roundabout on Airport Road. For faster and international professional

There are two mobile phone service providers, namely

mail, try courier services such as DHL, TNT or Skynet.

MTN and Terracom. To get a line, you pay RWF 1,000 (about US $2), which includes 10 days of free access and airtime worth RWF 500.

eBizguides Rwanda

BEFORE AND AFTER YOU ARRIVE

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

Security and Safety Rwandans are very friendly and helpful and Rwanda is

HEALTH AND SAFETY

now probably the safest country in Africa. As far as personal safety is concerned, you could easily move around

Health

the city alone even during night hours, though this is discouraged. There is, however, a minimal rate of petty

Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cho-

thefts, just like in many cities where unemployment is

lera zone must be able to produce a valid International

high. Be very aware when walking around carrying any-

Certificate of Vaccination. Air travellers who only pass

thing of value, as there are pickpockets here and there. It

through the airports of such a zone are exempt from the

is advised not to leave your vehicle unlocked or unat-

requirement. A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if

tended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.

you are travelling from an infected area. Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised.

ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS AND EXTENSIONS

When entering Rwanda, vaccinations are highly recommended. Yellow fever jabs are good for 10 years and

As requirements do tend to change

confer high immunity. You may be required to show your

and vary from country to country,

international immunization certificate as a proof of this

we strongly advise you contact your nearest Rwandan Mission for

when entering the country.

all entry requirements. Malaria is a common disease in Rwanda. There is no vaccination for malaria and precautionary measures should

Diplomats and Unite d Nations P ersonnel Accre dite d to

be taken to minimize the risk: for a short stay, it is highly

Rwa nda

advisable to take anti-malarial tablets and to sleep in tre-

Gratis or official visas can be obtained at Rwandan mis-

ated mosquito nets, which are widely used in Rwanda.

sions abroad or points of entry on presentation of letters of accreditation.

High fever, headache, stiffness, pain in the joints and deep fatigue are the common symptoms of malaria. At

Dele ga te s Coming to Rwanda on Confirme d Gove rnment

any sign of the above symptoms, you should go for a

Business

malaria test and go to see a doctor.

Delegates from international organizations coming to

Tap water is generally treated but not 100% safe to

abroad or ports of entry provided they produce official

drink. However, bottled water is always preferable and

invitation letters.

Rwanda can obtain entry visas at Rwandan missions

available in all major towns. Tourists to Rwa nda Travellers should carry an adequate supply of their pres-

All tourists will be issued with visas at points of entry to

cribed medicines with them although chemists in the

Rwanda or at Rwandan missions abroad. The Rwanda

major centres now carry a wide range of medicines and

Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) coordi-

first aid accessories. There are some emergency chemists

nates all tourism-related activities in the country and is

open after hours, even during nights and on Sundays, in

the best contact for tourists visiting the country. Tour

Kigali.

operators can also help you in arranging your tour trips.

The Pentagon

Private Visitors

are for business. Polythene bags are not allowed to enter

Nationals of countries that require visas to enter Rwanda

Rwanda and there are alternative environmentally

for the purpose of visiting friends or relatives can be

friendly bags always being sold at the airport and other

issued with visas at Rwandan missions abroad or points

entry points.

of entry. The following items may be imported into Rwanda Transit Visitors

without incurring customs duty: electronics, printing

Nationals of countries that require visas can obtain them

materials and one or two bottles of spirits. Souvenirs may

at Rwandan missions abroad or points of entry.

be exported without restriction but it is illegal to export

Pass ports a nd Visas

that are under state protection.

from Rwanda any article made from wild animal skins A valid passport is mandatory and has a cost of â&#x201A;Ź62. Visas are not required for nationals of the USA, Germany, Most

Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and the DRC.

the

things

'Made

Rwanda' can be considered to be of Cus toms

very high quality for both hand

Rwanda is strict in taxation and tax officers might levy tax

made and automated products

on excessive packed personal effects thinking that they

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

GETTING THERE AND AROUND GETTING THERE

By Air

Kigali–Johannesburg–Kigali

US $350

Jo’burg–Kigali–Jo’burg

ZAR 4,010

Kigali–Bujumbura–Kigali

US $150

Kigali–Kilimanjaro–Kigali

US $230

Cargo rates apply to weights of 50kg and above (for all destinations) and 100kg and above for Johannesburg.

There are five passenger services flying to and from Kigali on a regular basis. They are Rwandair Express, Brussels

By Road

Airlines, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. Rwanda’s road network is one of the finest in the region. From Europe

Given its size, the furthest border is Cyangugu, which is

Formerly known as SN Brussels Airlines, Brussels Airlines

located about a five-hour drive to the south of the

flies from Brussels direct to Kigali on Tuesdays and

capital, Kigali. This highway leads to DRC and Burundi,

Saturdays at 1040 and arrives at 1850. It then flies back

which can be reached via shorter highways. It takes

to Brussels from Kigali (with a five-hour stopover in

about an hour to reach the Ugandan border through the

Nairobi in Kenya) on the same days at 1950 and arrives

Gatuna border post and three hours through Kagitumba.

at 0635 the next morning.

It is also a three-hour drive to reach the Tanzanian border through the Rusumo border post in the east.

From Africa International passengers using all the other flights to or

Road borders all open at 0600 and close at 1800 except

from Kigali connect through Nairobi, Kenya or Addis

in exceptional individual cases. To bring a vehicle into

Ababa in Ethiopia.

Rwanda you must obtain a temporary import permit (TIP) and vehicle insurance from the country.

Both Rwandair Express and Kenya Airways fly between Kigali and Nairobi every day. The distance is about a two-

By Bus

hour flight. There are regular cross-border buses plying between Ethiopian Airways flies between Kigali and Addis Ababa

Kigali and major regional cities, mainly from Kampala,

every day of the week apart from Saturdays. Rwandair

Nairobi, Bujumbura and Dar es Salaam. There are also

Express flies to Entebbe in Uganda every day.

minibuses operating between Kigali and Goma in the eastern DRC. The main station for all cross-border buses

Rwandair Express also flies to and from Bujumbura in

and minibuses is at Nyabugogo Taxi and Bus Park located

Burundi five days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday,

near the city centre.

Saturday and Sunday). It is a one-hour flight.

By Boat Rwandair also flies to and from Kilimanjaro in Tanzania every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It also flies to

Water transport is not widely used in Rwanda apart from

Johannesburg in South Africa twice a week (Friday and

a few ferries that operate from Rwanda to DRC and back

Sunday).

on a regular basis through Lake Kivu, which is shared by

Rwandair Rates:

and adventure rather than an alternative way to reach

the two countries. Boats are mostly used for experience

Kigali–Nairobi–Kigali

US $300

Nairobi–Kigali–Nairobi

US $375

Kigali–Entebbe–Kigali

US $199

your destination.

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

By Train

By Bus

There are no train services in Rwanda although plans are

Passengers wishing to use buses for their internal travels

under way to construct a railway line from Isaka in

can also use cross-border buses to get to their intended

Tanzania. However, you can travel by road to Kampala or

destinations as most of these buses pass via major high-

Isaka from where you can catch a train.

ways.

GETTING AROUND

However, there are also Government-run buses that operate throughout the country and many of them pick up

By Air

passengers from Kigali every day.

Rwandair operates domestic flights between Kigali and

Kigali city buses are painted yellow and can be jumped

Cyangugu in the south three times a week. This is the

on at pretty much any juncture. They’re not expensive

furthest border area from Kigali and it is only a 35-minute

and you can always find a minibus that won’t cost too

flight. A return ticket costs US $99.

much to buy all the seats in it to get your own private minibus to wherever you want to go, but you’ll have to negotiate so be sharp about the value of money.

A taxi to Nyamirambo, in Kigali

eBizguides Rwanda

By Taxi

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

MISSIONS AND EMBASSIES

There are many taxis available in Kigali. Many are painted orange and are found at several stations, though you can pick one up along the way. Prices are negotiable but the minimum charge is US $2. A cab charges about RWF

FOREIGN EMBASSIES AND DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN RWANDA

5,000 (about US $10) from Kigali International Airport to the city centre.

Apostolic Nunciature PO Box 261, Kigali

By Road

Tel: +250-575293 Fax: +250-575181

In Rwanda you drive on the right side of the road. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traffic discipline is arguably the strictest in the

Swedis h E mbass y

region and errant motorists face high penalties. The

PO Box 547, Kigali

country has one of the finest road networks in the region

Tel: +250-573534

and the maximum speed is 80km/hr. Being a largely hilly

Fax: +250-586808

country, the best way of getting around is undeniably by vehicle, preferably a 4WD. It is generally safe driving at

Be lgia n E mbas sy

night, almost as during the day. Sections of the major

PO Box 81, Kigali

routes to the north, south, east and west are nearly

Tel: +250-575551

always undergoing pothole repairs. Petrol is available at

Fax: +250-575551

most of the major towns and along highways.

Website: www.diplomatie.be/kigali/default.asp

If travelling in the more remote areas, be sure to take

British E mbass y

extra supplies, as availability is not always guaranteed. Be

PO Box 576, Kigali

sure to have all your vehicle papers on hand as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

Tel: +250-584940

bound to encounter numerous traffic police roadblocks,

Fax: +250-510588

and if you ever need to stop, pull well off the road.

Website: www.britishembassykigali.org.rw

Vehicle Permits

Burundian Emba ssy PO Box 714, Kigali

To bring a vehicle into Rwanda you must obtain a tempo-

Tel: +250-515512

rary import permit (TIP) and a licence from Rwanda. Canadia n Embassy

Car Hire

PO Box 1177, Kigali Tel: +250-573210

There are many car hire companies in Kigali and some

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/africa/rwanda-contact-

other towns, which offer a small range of vehicles. Some

en.asp

offer a flat weekly rate, but most charge a daily rate plus mileage, insurance and petrol. Most cars come with a

Chinese Embass y

chauffeur and are thus expensive. You can find long-term

PO Box 1345, Kigali

car hire from individuals or very small (unofficial) car

Tel: +250-575415

rental companies for much cheaper rates.

Fax: +250-576420

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

Egypt Ara b Republic E mbass y

K enya n E mbass y

Tel: +250-587510

PO Box 6159, Kigali

Fax: +250-577510

Tel: +250-583336 Fax: +250-510919

French E mbas sy PO Box 534, Kigali

Libyan Embassy

Tel: +250-575225

Fax: +250-572347

Fax: +250-576957

Tel: +250-572294

German Emba ssy

Royal Netherlands Embassy

PO Box 225, Kigali

PO Box 2549, Kigali

Tel: +250-575222

Tel: +250-584711

Website: www.konsulate.de/rwanda_e.php

Fax: +250-510603 Website: www.nedsembassyrwanda.org

Kigali headquarters of the EU Commission & Deloitte & Touche multinational

eBizguides Rwanda

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

Russian E mbas sy

Tel: +250-505400

PO Box 40, Kigali

Fax: +250-505403

Tel: +250-575286 Fax: +250-503322

US Emba ssy

Website: www.russianembassy.biz/rwanda-kigali.htm

PO Box 28, Kigali

South African E mbas sy

Fax: +250-572128

PO Box 6563, Kigali

Website: www.usembkigali.net/

Tel: +250-505601

Tel: +250-583185/89 Fax: +250-511760

Uga nda n Embassy

Email: saemkgl@rwanda1.com

Akagera Avenue, PO Box 656 Kigali, Rwanda

Website: www.saembassy-kigali.org.rw

Tel: +250-76854 Fax: +250-576854

Ta nzanian Emba ssy PO Box 3973, Kigali

Email: ugaemb@rwanda1.com

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

eBizguides Rwanda

B U S I N E S S

R E S O U R C E S

He who has received a gift from Imana (the Supreme Being in Rwanda) is not stripped of it by the wind Rwandan proverb 29

BUSINESS RESOURCES

eBizguides Rwanda

ADVERTISING AGENCIES

Rw anda ir Express Kimihurura, Polisi Denis House, Ground Floor PO Box 7275, Kigali

Alliance Me dia

Tel: +250-582410 / 575757 (reservations)

Zone 1 Rugando, Plot No 207

Fax: +250-582417

PO Box 7414, Kigali

Email: wb@rwandair.com

Tel: +250-08565966

Website: www.rwandair.com

Fax: +250-08565966 Email: rwanda@alliancemedia.com Website: www.alliancemedia.com

Brus sels Airline s Hôtel des Mille Collines PO Box 96, Kigali

Aflink Rwanda Limited

Tel: +250-575294

Opposite Yahama Building, Avenue de la

Fax: +250-573082

Nyabugogo

Website: www.brusselsairlines.com

PO Box 4060, Kigali Tel: +250-08301652 Email: aflinkrw@hotmail.com

South African Airways Tel: +250-577777 / 578560 Fax: +250-578565

Cre ative Communica tions

Email: info@rtb.rw

Kimihurura PO Box 7196, Kigali

Website: www.flysaa.com

Tel: +250-583915 Fax: +250-583915

BANKS

Inch of Gold Inte rnational

Bacar-Ba nque Continenta l Africaine

Sofaru PO Box, Kigali

PO Box 331, Kigali

Tel: +250-55103819

Tel: +250-572427

Email: kamanzi@comesapages.com Banque à la confiance d’or (Bancor SA)

AIRLINES

Avenue de la Paix No. 1232, PO Box 2059, Kigali

British Airways

Tel: +250-575763 / 575780 / 511194 / 511195

Kigali

Fax: +250-572501 / 575761

Tel: +250-501149 / 501164

Email: bancor@rwanda1.com

Fax: +250-501164

Website: www.bancor.co.rw

Email: info@britishairways.rw Website: www.britishairways.com

Banque Commerciale du Rwanda (BCR) 11 Boulevard de la Révolution,

Kenya Airways

PO Box 354, Kigali

PO Box 757, Kigali

Tel: +250-575591

Tel: +250-577972

Fax: +250-573395

Fax: +250-576426

Website: www.bcr.co.rw

Email: kenyair@rwanda1.com In general the Banks are open

Website: www.kenya-airways.com

Monday to Friday from 0900 to 1500

eBizguides Rwanda

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Ba nque de Kigali SA

Ba nque Rwandaise de Développement

63 Avenue du Comerce,

Avenue de la Révolution,

PO Box 175, Kigali

PO Box 1341, Kigali

Tel: +250-593100

Tel: +250-575079 / 575080 / 573558 / 573569

Fax: +250-573461

Fax: +250-573569

Email: bkig10@rwanda1.com

Email: brd@brd.com.rw Website: www.brd.com.rw

Bank of Comme rce, Development a nd Industry (BCDI) Avenue de la Paix,

Cogeba nque

PO Box 3268, Kigali

Centenary House Centre Ville,

Tel: +250-574143 / 574455

PO Box 5230, Kigali

Fax: +250-573790

Tel: +250-503326 / 503344

Email: info@bcdi.co.rw

Fax: +250-503336

Website: www.bcdi.co.rw

Email: cogebank@rwanda1.com Street billboard in Kigali

BUSINESS RESOURCES Fina Bank

eBizguides Rwanda

CARGO

20 Boulevard de la Révolution, PO Box 331, Kigali

SDV Rwa nda S arl

Tel: +250-574456 / 574458

PO Box 1338, Kigali

Fax: +250-573486

Tel: +250-575287 / 576314 / 83698 (airport)

Email: finabank@terracom.rw

Fax: +250-573374 / 570489

Website: www.finabank.com

Email: trakig@rwanda1.com

National Bank of Rwa nda

K Ca rgo Move rs

PO Box 531, Kigali

Magerwa Complex, Avenue Gikondo, Kanombe Airport,

Tel: +250-574282

PO Box 2187, Kigali

Fax: +250-577391

Tel: +250-576645

Email: info@bnr.rw

Fax: +250-582220

Website: www.bnr.rw Pa nalpina Rwa nda S arl

BOOKSHOPS

Rue de l’ Akagera, Plot 29, Kigali Tel: +250-574702 / 574131 / 573377

Caritas Book shop Avenue du Commerce, Kigali

Silverba ck Ca rgo Freighters

Tel: +250-576503

PO Box 6619, Kigali

Ikirezi Book shop

Fax: +250-519784

Tel: +250-518881 / 519783

Avenue de la Paix,

Email: mupenzi@silverbackcargo.com

PO Box 443, Kigali

Website: www.silverbackcargo.com

Tel: +250-571314 / 570298 Email: ikirezi@rwanda1.com

Spe da g Rwanda Sa rl Magerwa Complex, Kigali

CAR HIRE

Tel: +250-518724 Fax: +250-516221

Akagera Motors Sarl

Website: www.mrspedag.com

PO Box 3774, Kigali Tel: +250-575220 / 575871

Worldfreight

Fax: +250-573018

PO Box 1068, Kigali

Email: akamot@rwanda1.com

Tel: +250-576977 / 573377 Fax: +250-576984

Europcar

Email: management@worldfreight.net

Teledix building, PO Box 4307, Kigali

CATERERS

Tel: +250-512022/24 Fax: +250-512025

Hôtel Credo (catering services)

Email: tele10@rwanda1.com

PO Box 310, Butare Tel: +250-530855 Fax: +250-530201 Mobile: 08302216 Email: hotelcredo@yahoo.fr

eBizguides Rwanda

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Urwibuts o Nyirangarama - Sina Gerard

MTN

PO Box 3652, Kigali

MTN Centre Nyarutarama,

Tel: +250-573804

PO Box 264, Kigali

Fax: +250-517425

Tel: +250-586861 / 586863

Email: sina@rwanda1.com

Website: www.mtn.co.rw

Carpentier Rose

Rwa nda tel

PO Box 3356, KigaliI

BCDI Building 7th Floor,

Tel: +250-573820

PO Box 618, Kigali

COMMUNICATIONS

Fax: +250-503264

Tel: +250-503263

Email: info@rwandatel.rw Afrite l E-communica tion & Networks

Website: www.rwandatel.rw

111 Avenue de l’armée PO Box 1990, Kigali Tel: +250-500500

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

Fax: +250-578697 Email: m.diogene@afritel.co.rw Website: www.afritel.co.rw

Ak agera Ga me Lodge Akagera National Park, Kigali Tel: +250-567805/6 / 08 830552 Fax: +250-567808 Email: akageralodge@rwanda1.com MTN Shopping Mall

BUSINESS RESOURCES

eBizguides Rwanda

Hôtel de s Mille Collines

Ernst a nd Y oung

Avenue de l’Armée,

Kigali

PO Box 1322, Kigali

Tel: +250-572528

Tel: +250-576530

Email: ey@rwanda1.com

Fax: +250-576541

Website: www.ey.com

Website: www.millescollines.net K PMG Novotel Umuba no

PO Box 5292, Kigali

Boulevard de l’Umuganda,

Tel: +250-572393 / 572462

PO Box 8740, Kigali Tel: +250-582179/176/177/178

TM Auditors Sarl

Fax: +250-582957

Immeuble Denis Polisi, Kimihurura

Website: www.novotel.com

PO Box 7200, Kigali Tel: +250-583338 / 583339

Se re na Hotel

Fax: +250-583339

Rue de la Revolution,

Email: tmauditors@yahoo.fr

PO Box 7469, Kigali Tel: +250-597100

COURIER EXPRESS

Fax: +250-597101 Email: kigali@serena.co.rw

DHL Expre ss

www.serenahotels.com

Avenue de la Justice, PO Box 359, Kigali

CONSULTANTS / ACCOUNTANTS

Tel: +250-503782/784 Fax: +250-503785 Email: dhl@rwanda1.com

AG & Associates

Website: www.dhl.com

Avenue de la Justice, 1418 PO Box 6238, Kigali

FedEx Expres s

Tel: +250-503271

Akagera Motors Building, Kigali

Fax: +250-503271

Tel: +250-574506

Email: agth01@yahoo.com Sk yNe t Worldwide Expre ss Cabinet Auge co Sa rl

Remera,

PO Box 18, Kigali

PO Box 4303, Kigali

Tel: +250-572370

Tel: +250-514711 / 514712

Fax: +250-573159

Fax: +250-586463

Email: augeco@rwanda1.com

Email: skynet@rwanda1.com

Deloitte a nd Touche Rwanda Sarl

TNT Inte rnational Expres s

Boulevard de l’Umuganda Immeuble

Avenue de la Paix,

Aurore – Kacyiru, PO Box 1902, Kigali

PO Box 1003, Kigali

Tel: +250-587933

Tel: +250-510019 / 577074

Fax: +250-587934

Email: sfint@rwandatel.rwanda1.com

Email: gporp@gpopartners.com

Website: www.tnt.com

Website: www.gpopartners.com

eBizguides Rwanda

BUSINESS RESOURCES

DRY CLEANERS

Premie r Cla ss Cle aners Union Trade Centre,

Audiotex

PO Box 5204, Kigali

PO Box 3, Kigali

Tel: +250-500088

Tel: +250-517121 Serena Hote l Hôte l des Mille Collines

Rue de la Revolution

Avenue de l’Armée,

PO Box 7469, Kigali

PO Box 1322, Kigali

Tel: +250-597100

Tel: +250-576530

Fax: +250-597101

Fax: +250-576541

Email: kigali@serena.co.rw

Website: www.millescollines.net

Website: www.serenahotels.com

Kigali Dry Cle aners Bucyana

FOREX BUREAUS

PO Box 131, Kigali Tel: +250-572314

Express Forex Bureau

Novotel Umubano

PO Box 6746, Kigali

Boulevard de l’Umuganda,

Fax: +250-517456

City Plaza, Ground Floor, Commercial Street

PO Box 8740, Kigali Tel: +250-582179/176/177/178 Fax: +250-582957 Website: www.novotel.com DHL services are delivered from around the globe to all around the country

BUSINESS RESOURCES K. Forex Burea u

eBizguides Rwanda

HEALTH

Avenue de la Paix PO Box 2922, Kigali

CLUBS / SPORTS

Tel: +250-570187 Fax: +250-570187

Cercle Sportif

Le adership Sarl

Boulevard de l’Umuganda

Novotel Umubano

PO Box 8740, Kigali

Rue Kalisimbi PO Box 1864, Kigali

Tel: +250-582179/176/177/178

Tel: +250-572473

Fax: +250-582957 Website: www.novotel.com

Verma Forex Bureau PO Box 232, Kigali

HOTELS

Tel: +250-574612 Fax: +250-574177 (See Tourism and Leisure section)

Email: verma@rwanda1.com

HAIR AND BEAUTY

INSURANCE

Hôte l des Mille Collines Avenue de l’Armée

COGEAR (Compa gnie Ge ne rale d’Assurance s et de

PO Box 1322, Kigali

Rea ssura nces a u Rwanda)

Tel: +250-576530

PO Box 2753, Kigali

Fax: +250-576541

Tel: +250-576041

Website: www.millescollines.net

Fax: +250-576083 Email: cogear@rwanda1.com

Novotel Umubano Boulevard de l’Umuganda

SONARWA (Société Nouve lle

PO Box 8740, Kigali

d’ As surances du Rwanda)

Tel: +250-582179/176/177/178

PO Box 1035, Kigali Tel: +250-573350

Fax: +250-582957 Website: www.novotel.com

Fax: +250-572052 Email: sonarwa@rwanda1.com

Se re na Hotel Rue de la Revolution

SORAS (Société Rwandaise d’Assurance s)

PO Box 7469, Kigali

PO Box 924, Kigali

Tel: +250-597100

Tel: +250-573712

Fax: + 250-597101

Fax: +250-573362

Email: kigali@serena.co.rw www.serenahotels.com

INTERNET PROVIDERS Me diapost Boulevard de l’Aéroport PO Box 4307, Kigali

eBizguides Rwanda

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Tel: +250-512022 / 512023

Tel: +250-597100

Fax: +250 512025

Fax: +250-597101

Website: www.mediapost.rw

Email: kigali@serena.co.rw Website: www.serenahotels.com

MTN MTN Centre Nyarutarama

IT SERVICES

PO Box 264, Kigali Tel: +250-586861 / 586863 Website: www.mtn.co.rw

Groupement Informa tique Kigali Business Centre, Kacyiru PO Box 7017, Kigali

Rwandatel

Tel: +250-517918

BCDI Building 7th Floor

Fax: +250-517917

PO Box 618, Kigali

Email: gi@ginformatique.com

Tel: +250-503263

Website: www.ginformatique.com

Fax: +250-503264

Website: www.rwandatel.rw

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

INTERNET CAFES

Ecole belge de K igali

Email: info@rwandatel.rw

PO Box 268, Kigali Bourbon Coffee Shop

Tel: +250-575929

Union Trade Centre, Kigali

Fax: +250-575929

Tel: +250-505307

Email: ebkd51@rwanda1.com Website: www.ebk.ac.rw

Hôte l des Mille Collines Avenue de l’Armée

LEGAL SERVICES

PO Box 1322, Kigali Tel: +250-576530

Institute of Lega l Practice & De ve lopme nt

Fax: +250-576541

PO Box 49, Nyanza

Website: www.millescollines.net

Tel: +250-533238 Fax: +250-533325

Novotel Umubano

Email: cnfdj@yahoo.com

Boulevard de l’Umuganda PO Box 8740, Kigali

Avocat M uliga nde

Tel: +250-582179/176/177/178

Kigali

Fax: +250-582957

Tel: +250-576067

Website: www.novotel.com Avocats Sans Frontieres Planet

PO Box 3384, KigaliI

Kigali Business Centre, Kigali

Tel: +250-584058

Tel: +250-08683043 Cabinet d’a vocat Muta likanwa Félicien Se rena Hotel

PO Box 1133, Kigali

Rue de la Revolution

Tel: +250-574078

PO Box 7469, Kigali

BUSINESS RESOURCES

eBizguides Rwanda

Law Firm Hodari Nsinga

Office of the Ombudsman of Rwanda

Lawyer/Maître Hodari Nsinga E.

Avenue de l’Umuganda

PO Box 6766, Kigali

PO Box 6269, Kigali

Tel: +250-08445102 Email: eughnsinga@yahoo.com

Tel: +250-587308/9 Email: ombudsinfo@ombudsman.gov.rw Website: www.ombudsman.gov.rw

Nkurunziza Fra nçois PO Box 118, Kigali Tel: +250-573905 Tele10 Building

eBizguides Rwanda

BUSINESS RESOURCES

MEDIA

Tel: +250-577520 Fax: +250-577520

DST V

RADIO STATIONS

Tele-10 Rwanda PO Box 4307, Kigali Tel: +250-512022/24

Ra dio 10: 90.2

Fax: +250-512025

Kigali

Email: tele10@rwanda1.com

Tel: +250-585500

Website: www.tele-10.com Ra dio Flash 89.2 FM The New Times

Kigali

PO Box 4953, Kigali

Email: radioflash@rwanda1.com

Tel: +250-08301166 / 08524189 Fax: +250-587534

MEDICAL SERVICES

Email: info@newtimes.co.rw Website: www.newtimes.co.rw

AAR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hea lth S ervice s PO Box 6332, Kigali

TV R Rwanda television

Tel: +250-587150/51/52

Rwanda Information Authority

Fax: +250-587153

PO Box 83, Kigali

Email: pouma@aar.co.ke Website: www.aarhealth.com There are very modern hospitals in Kigali

BUSINESS RESOURCES

eBizguides Rwanda

REAL ESTATE

King Faisal Hospital PO Box 2534, Kigali Tel: +250-582421 / 585397 / 582469

Agence Grea t Lakes Facilities

Fax: +250-583203

PO Box 2643, Kigali

Email: faisal@rwanda1.com

Tel: +250-511239

Website: www.kfh.rw

Mobile: 08442264 Email: greatlakesf@yahoo.fr

OFFICE SUPPORT Bond Trading Secam

MTN Centre, Nyarutarama,

Kigali Business Centre

PO Box 6650, Kigali

PO Box 892, Kigali

Tel: +250-08302700 / 08308887

Tel: +250-573528

Fax: +250-512253

Fax: +250-576437

Email: info@bond.co.rw Website: www.bond.co.rw

Socor Sarl Boulevard de la Révolution, Kigali

Soras - Ré sidence Prima 2000

Tel: +250-572551 / 578646

Boulevard de la Révolution

Fax: +250-573853

PO Box 924, Kigali Tel: +250-573712 Fax: +250-573362 Email: sorasinf@rwanda1.com The luxurious Kacyiru executive apartments, managed by Bond Trading SARL

eBizguides Rwanda

BUSINESS RESOURCES

New neighbourhood in Kigali

KK Se curity

REMOVALS

PO Box 2006, Kigali

AGS Frase rs International Removals

Website: www.kksecurity.com

Tel: +250-574139

Avenue Gatsata PO Box 292, Kigali

SHOPPING CENTRES

Tel: +250-515679 / 515680 Fax: +250-576571

MTN Centre

Email: ags@rwanda1.com

Nyarutarama PO Box 264, Kigali

SECURITY Union Trade Centre Agespro S ecurity

Rujugiro

PO Box 1316, Kigali

PO Box 264, Kigali

Tel: +250-584484 Fax: +250-584484

SUPERMARKETS

Inte rse c S ecurity Company S arl

BCK

Avenue de la Paix

Avenue des Milles Collines

PO Box 2641, Kigali

PO Box 1852, Kigali

Tel: +250-574528 / 574530

Tel: +250-572307

Fax: +250-574513

Fax: +250-572307

Email: intersect@rwanda1.com

Email: bck@rwanda1.com

Website: www.intersec.co.rw

BUSINESS RESOURCES City 2 Shopping Ce ntre

eBizguides Rwanda German Butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Avenue du Commerce

MTN Centre, Nyarutarama

PO Box 4593, Kigali

PO Box 264, Kigali

Tel: +250-570733 La Gallette City Market

PO Box 1601, Kigali

Union Trade Centre

Tel: +250-575434

Outside view of the Union Trade Shopping Mall

eBizguides Rwanda

TAXIS Kigali Taxi S ervice

BUSINESS RESOURCES

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING SERVICES

Kigali Business Centre 1st Floor PO Box 6279, Kigali

Symposia Consult Sa rl

Tel: +250-08187351 / 3122 (local)

PO Box 5234, Kigali

Email: bookings@kigalitaxi.com

Tel: +250-582567

Website: www.kigalitaxi.com

Fax: +250-582567 Email: symposiasarl@yahoo.fr

BUSINESS RESOURCES

eBizguides Rwanda

I N V E S T M E N T

L E G A L

F R A M E W O R K

Ma kibuge kut ingony kou ingok (Nandi, Rwanda) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not wipe your mouth on the ground like a henâ&#x20AC;? Rwandan proverb

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

WHY DO BUSINESS IN RWANDA

eBizguides Rwanda

political federation by 2013. It also has duty-free access for a large variety of products to the rich overseas markets of the European Union and the United States.

So why should foreign investors take an interest in a landlocked country with a limited market? Here are some

With peace in the country, improve-

reasons.

ment in the transport network and communication

infrastructure,

First and foremost, Rwanda is virgin territory for inves-

Rwanda is clearly a country of

tors. The domestic market may be small but it offers

choice in the region with regard to investment.

opportunities across the board, as so few goods and services are locally produced. The country runs a substantial trade deficit because it imports just about everything.

THREE GOOD REASONS TO INVEST IN RWANDA

This offers opportunities for import substitution, for example in consumer goods, the largest category of imports. The very fact that this is a landlocked country, to

An Investor-Friendly Attitude

which access only comes with high transport costs, also means that there is a certain natural protection for inves-

The Government of Rwanda is acutely aware that achie-

tors in the country. These features of Rwanda as an inves-

ving the objectives of its Vision 2020 requires a substantial

tment location would be of particular interest to small

contribution by foreign investors, who need to be wel-

investors, especially those already within East Africa, who

comed and assisted on the ground. This awareness is

would have the advantage of a general familiarity with

reflected in several ways in the investment regime. Starting

business conditions in the region.

a business is much easier and faster in Rwanda, according to the World Bank, than it is in any of its neighbours (inclu-

Next, Rwanda has some major soft assets. It has a stable

ding Uganda, which has an established business-friendly

Government with a remarkably clear and coherent vision

reputation). So is registering property. There are no sectors

of where it wants to take the country. Some of its plans

that are barred to foreign investors and no restrictions on

may strike the outsider as over-ambitious but there is no

the percentage of equity they might hold. The

doubting the commitment behind them. It is also a

Constitution of 2003 also guarantees investors against

country that current investors regard as being notably

expropriation, except in the public interest and with fair

free of corruption, a feature that makes it stand out not

and prior compensation, which may be repatriated.

only in its neighbourhood but in sub-Saharan Africa more generally. And then there is the little known fact – one

Varied Opportunities

particularly striking against the background of recent history – that Rwanda is a remarkably safe country, with low

Rwanda offers investment opportunities in just about

levels of crime and other disturbances of the peace.

every field, many focused on the local market and some

Finally, Rwanda can serve as a hub to access a regional

turing, where Rwanda’s landlocked nature and the high

market with some 120 million consumers. As a small

cost of imports offer a certain natural protection to small

on markets abroad. There are opportunities in manufac-

country with a relatively very good network of major

investors targeting the local market (and later perhaps

roads, it has some special advantages in this context. Nor

the regional one, to which Rwanda’s strategic location

is Rwanda’s access to other markets limited to its neigh-

provides good access).

bourhood. It is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and one of the 11

There are opportunities in agriculture: in the processing

COMESA members who have formed a free-trade area. In

and export of coffee and tea, as well as in the virtually

2007 it joined the East African Community, which plans

unexploited potential in horticulture and herbal products,

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

where the terrain and climate are strong advantages.

to sustained reform. Lastly, Rwanda is an exceptionally

Then there is tourism, where the great asset is the moun-

beautiful country with a temperate climate (on account

tain gorillas in Virunga but there is also a great diversity

of its elevation), which would be very appealing to most

of fauna and flora and Lake Kivu in the west. Finally, the

foreign investors as a place to live in.

Government has made information and communication technology (ICT) a high priority and is in the process of

DOING BUSINESS IN RWANDA

developing a TechnoPark near Kigali to facilitate investment in this area.

The Doing Business website of the World Bank offers a snapshot of the ease or difficulty of doing business in

Soft Assets

East Africa. Rwanda comes out ahead of its partner states when it comes to starting a business. The procedures are

There are some very special features of Rwanda that are

fewer and the process moves faster, although the cost is

little known abroad, where the overriding association of

very significantly higher.

the country is with the genocide of 1994. For one thing, it offers a safe and peaceful environment, with very low

Rwandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advantage is also clear in the registration of

levels of crime (not something that can be said of many

property. It has the fewest procedures and they can be

countries in sub-Saharan Africa). For another, there is

completed very much faster. In this case, the cost is rela-

very little corruption in the country, another distinct

tively modest as well. When it comes to hiring and firing

advantage among African countries and, indeed, among

workers, Rwanda turns out to be much less business-

developing countries generally. For a third, it has a

friendly, second only to Tanzania in overall rigidity of

strongly development-oriented Government, with a

employment and second to none when it comes to firing

coherent vision of the future and a serious commitment

costs. Rwanda also does not do well in enforcing con-

Rwanda is a country whose time and opportunity have come

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

tracts. However, one should note here that performance

bers continue to be low – mainly on account of the

in this category is basically a function of the competence

country’s misleading image as an unsafe place – tourism

of the judicial system, which was effectively destroyed by

receipts have recovered and could go much higher. Nor

the genocide.

are gorillas all there is to Rwanda. Known as the land of

The Government is making efforts to improve business

It has an extraordinary number of bird species (estimates

legislation and strengthen the courts, which should make

vary from 300 to more than 700), a great variety of plants

enforcing contracts much easier in the future. There is

and flowers (including over 100 species of orchid), and

a thousand hills, this is an exceptionally beautiful country.

not much to be said about the ease of closing a business

Lake Kivu on the western border. Opportunities for inves-

in Rwanda, as there simply is not enough information or

tors here are many and varied: hotels and lodges, enter-

experience to base a judgement on.

tainment facilities, restaurants, tour operations, and training services (for which there is a major need).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTORS

The Government is particularly keen on attracting investors in ICT-related activities and is setting up a

As noted above, opportunities in Rwanda are to be found

TechnoPark near Kigali to encourage this. At the

everywhere, although many of these would be focused

moment, telecom and computer penetration is very sha-

on the small domestic market.

llow. However, this is changing and the Government itself is taking the lead in the computerization of services.

Local production is limited but so is local competition.

Energy is another high-priority area.

There is a severe shortage of skills but there are corresponding opportunities for investors who can bring their

The state-owned Electrogaz is unable to meet even the

skills and help enhance domestic ones. UNCTAD’s

very limited electricity needs of the country and back-up

Investment Policy Review of Rwanda has recommended a

generators are widely used by the private sector.

skills attraction and dissemination programme to the

Although some independent power producers are

Government.

already in operation, more would be most welcome. In manufacturing, there may be prospects for exporters

There are also more specific opportunities in several sec-

who can take advantage of the preferential treatment

tors, some of them focused on the export market, for

offered by the US AGOA and the European EBA.

example in agriculture and tourism. In agriculture, there are opportunities in coffee and tea, Rwanda’s primary exports. Rwanda can produce high-grade Arabica coffee

DIFFICULTIES FACING INVESTORS

as well as fine teas, given its elevation and climate, but has lacked the resources (training, organization, quality

The difficulties investors are likely to encounter in

control) that can help it make the most of these natural

Rwanda derive primarily from two sources. One is the

advantages. Foreign investment could play a very

landlocked nature of the country. Not only does this

valuable role here. There are opportunities in building

mean higher costs because of long land transport routes,

new washing stations for coffee and opportunities

it also means dependence on the infrastructure and

through privatization in tea. Beyond these traditional

administrative procedures of neighbouring countries with

exports, there are opportunities in the nearly unexploited

coastlines: Kenya and Tanzania. The state of roads and

fields of horticulture, floriculture and herbal products.

railways in these countries is very far from what it might be and the port at Mombassa has long had a reputation

Tourism is the other major area of opportunity. The best-

for delays and difficulties. Rwanda has the highest

known tourism asset is, of course, the mountain gorillas

imported freight service costs in the region, which are

in the national park at Virunga. Although tourist num-

nearly three times the African average.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Rwanda is a virgin territory for investors

The second source of difficulty is the long-term damage

The Government has also set up a Business Law Reform

done to physical and institutional infrastructure by the

Commission to advise it on other legal lacunae and a law

genocide of 1994. The lack of investment and mainte-

school in Nyanza to improve the quality of legal training.

nance in electricity, for example, plagues Rwanda to this day, as investors identify the cost of power and the erratic nature of its supply as the main constraint on doing business in Rwanda. The damage to human

INVESTMENT INCENTIVES AND BENEFITS IN RWANDA

resources and institutions has been equally severe.

loped skills but the genocide made things much worse.

FISCAL AND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Rwanda was never abundantly supplied with highly deve-

Professionals, including those in the judiciary, were parti-

A number of incentives are offered to encourage inves-

cularly targeted in 1994 and the legal system pretty much

tment under the Rwanda Investment and Export

ground to a halt. The result has been continuing weak-

Promotion Act. These include:

ness in the system.

• Accelerated rates of depreciation of 40% and 50% in the first year for investments in Kigali and outside Kigali

It is worth noting in this context, however, that the

respectively.

Government has been moving aggressively to remedy

• Reductions in corporate income tax as follows:

these deficits. A number of new laws have been passed

• 2% reduction if the company employs between 100

by Parliament or are being reviewed by it: for example,

and 200 nationals;

the laws on income tax, customs and VAT became ope-

• 5% reduction if the company employs between 201

rative in January 2006 and bills on Public Procurement

and 400 nationals;

and Intellectual Property Rights are currently before

• 6% reduction if the company employs between 400

Parliament.

and 900 nationals;

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

• 7% reduction if the company exports products or ser-

industry, husbandry, fish-farming and forestry, trade for

vices valued at US $3–5 million; and

re-exports, mining, research, infrastructure in connection

• 5% reduction if the company exports products or ser-

with water supply and recycling of wastes. Rural areas

vices worth less than US $3 million.

means areas located beyond the boundaries of the town

• VAT exemptions on:

of Kigali.

• all imported raw materials; and • imported vehicles for investors and their foreign emplo-

Additional Incentives

yees.

Upon the recommendation of the board of directors of

• Duty exemption on plant, machinery and equipment.

the Rwandan Office for the Promotion of Investments

• 100% write-off on R&D costs.

and Exports, and according to the nature of the projects,

• Exemption from withholding tax.

the importance of the foregoing at the national level,

Note that exempted imports would still be charged 4% of

Council of Ministers may determine additional incentives

their value by the only bonded warehouse (MAGERWA)

and further facilities for investors.

their location and the volume of the capital invested, the

and 0.2% of their value by the Rwanda Bureau of Standards. Further information is available from RIEPA.

FREE ECONOMIC ZONE

Rwanda does not offer financial incentives to private indi-

Although no special zone (such as an EPZ, an industrial

vidual investors.

zone or a free zone) currently exists in Rwanda, the Government has fairly advanced plans for establishing a

Other incentives are provided under the law establishing

Free Economic Zone (FEZ) in Kigali in the near future,

the direct tax on income:

which could serve as a commercial platform to access the

Provision for Investment

Nyandungu, east of Kigali, and the site plans have been

regional market. Land for the FEZ has been acquired at

Provision for investment, which is tax-deductible as per

prepared. The FEZ site is about 15km from the city centre

the law, represents 40% of the amount invested in brand

and about 5km from the Kigali International Airport.

new assets or used assets, subject to depreciation, except

Initially, 100 hectares are to be developed, with expan-

for vehicles with a load capacity of eight passengers,

sion occurring as needed.

unless used for tourist purposes. This applies in the first fiscal year in the course of which these assets have been

The initial development is estimated to cost US $72

acquired or put into service, under the following circums-

million. Ground-breaking was scheduled for late 2006

tances:

and the completion of phase one scheduled for

• the amount invested in terms of assets should be at

December 2007. The FEZ is envisaged as a mixed-use free

least equal to RWF 30,000,000; and

zone covering a diversity of uses:

• the assets referred to should exist over three fiscal years

• industrial: logistics, warehousing, merchandising, distri-

after the provision for investment has been allowed for;

bution centres, light and medium manufacturing, proces-

if the asset is transferred within the three-year period, a

sing, re-labelling, and assembly;

reduction of the tax arising from the provision must be

• commercial: call centres, conference and training cen-

repaid, with additional penalties for delay.

tres, offices, showrooms, banking facilities;

Provision for investment is enhanced to 50% for inves-

tional and maintenance facilities, religious facilities, day-

• administrative and institutional: customs facilities, opera-

tments realized in rural areas or in priority sectors as esta-

care facilities, parking structures, fire and police stations;

blished in the investment code of Rwanda. The priority

• utilities-related: water treatment and storage facilities,

sectors are information and communication technology,

sewage units, power stations, telecommunication swit-

tourism, energy, agriculture and food-processing

ching and distribution centres;

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

• petroleum-related: storage tanks, head office func-

• it provides employment to Rwandan citizens and

tions, maintenance;

ensures their training;

• other: open spaces for recreational and landscaping

• it carries out international financial transactions

purposes.

amounting to at least US $5 million per year through an approved merchant bank in Rwanda;

The targeted sectors include coffee/tea, horticulture (cold

• it sets up efficient administration activities;

storage), ICT, textiles and apparel, petroleum (storage),

• it spends at least US $1 million per year in Rwanda;

dry goods (warehousing and merchandising), and high-

• it operates in Rwanda for at least three years in one of

value trading and crafts.

the following services, or in connection with other companies operating outside of Rwanda: general administration,

As a general rule, the following criteria will apply to com-

planning and coordinating, purchase of raw materials,

panies wishing to set up in the free economic zone:

components and finished products, technical assistance

• obtain a permit issued by the relevant authority;

and maintenance, control of marketing and planning of

• provide a study on the structure of the land and the

business promotion, services in management and interpre-

environment;

tation of data and information, financial management,

• submit a study of the project;

financial advisory to companies, research and develop-

• obtain a guiding plan;

ment, training and human resources management.

• define the expropriation modes.

Subject to the procedures laid down, the following com-

FACILITATION OF BUILDING PROJECTS

panies will be eligible for registration: • heavy or light industrial companies which export at

A company is entitled to favourable terms for import of

least 80% of their production;

finishing and building materials if the following require-

• companies trading in merchandise and which export at

ments are met:

least 80% of their inventories;

• the project should be for a building to the value of at

• companies providing financial and technical services, as

least US $1,800,000;

well as other professional services and which export their

• the project should be expected to last at least 24

services.

months; • it must utilize materials available in the country;

In all cases, investors operating within a free economic

• it must employ companies paying taxes in Rwanda and

zone can import machinery, equipment and industrial

employing Rwandan nationals;

raw materials as well as other tax-exempted goods.

• it must make rational use of the land allocated;

MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS

harmful to the environment.

• it must undertake operations in a way that is not

Imported building and finishing materials do not include An international company with its head office in Rwanda

those locally produced in compliance with international

that provides services to its offices or to linked companies

standards or in connection with the nature of the project

outside of Rwanda via satellite or other new communica-

according to the details provided by the promoter of the

tion technologies is granted the status of a multinational

building. There are further provisions regarding limits on

corporation upon fulfilment of the following conditions:

the number of storeys in eligible buildings and on pro-

• it invests at least US $2 million in movable (personal) pro-

perty involving a large number of habitation units. Such

perty as well as in real landed property, particularly in the

imports should be first and foremost submitted for the

head office of the company, equipment and machinery;

approval of the Rwandan Office for the Promotion of Investments and Exports.

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

INVESTMENT GUARANTEES

eBizguides Rwanda

Superior Council of the judiciary directly appoints the other judges, i.e. those of the High Court, higher instance courts and lower instance courts. The disciplining

ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS

of all judges is vested in the Council, except for the

The law establishing the office of the Ombudsman

whose disciplining is vested in the Cabinet and the

President and Vice President of the Supreme Court,

requires all senior public officers to declare the quantity

Senate respectively. Judges and prosecutors, along with

and sources of their wealth every year (Law Establishing

soldiers and the police, are prohibited from joining poli-

the Office of the Ombudsman, 2003). A code of conduct

tical parties.

is being developed for all officers in Government departments and the main organs of the state: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The Government has

PROTECTION OF PERSON AND PROPERTY

recently implemented a civil service reform programme, which has led to the retrenchment of excess labour and

The Constitution guarantees the protection of property

a restructuring of the salaries of those retained.

under articles 29 and 30 and the new Investment Law

The Superior Council of the Judiciary, chaired by the

tion of foreign investment. Several offences against pro-

Chief Justice, plays an important role in overseeing the

perty are also punishable in accordance with the provi-

organization and functioning of the judiciary. The power

sions of the penal code. As for personal protection, the

says that the Government is responsible for the protec-

to appoint judges of the Supreme Court is vested in the

country is now secure and crime rates are very low by

Cabinet, subject to the approval of the Senate. The

regional standards.

Visa applications are processed and issued within a period of 4 to 8 days

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

OWNERSHIP AND PROPERTY

Most disputes in Rwanda are resolved through litigation in

There are no general restrictions on the percentage of

court. At the moment, there is no specialized commercial

equity that foreign nationals may hold in a locally incor-

court but the planned reforms include the creation of one.

porated company, although foreign firms are encouraged to form joint ventures with Rwandan companies or

Arbitration and alternative methods of dispute resolution

entrepreneurs.

are not sufficiently developed, despite the fact that the code of civil, commercial, labour and administrative pro-

Private and public companies may accept an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

cedures provides for arbitration.

share in other entities (if it is transferable and acceptable to the newly formed company) instead of cash.

An Arbitration Centre was created in 1998 as a nongovernmental organization with the mission of settling all commercial disputes. Evaluation of the performance of

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

the centre so far has revealed that it has not done as well as initially envisaged.

Rwanda is a member of the World Intellectual Property

The Government has now adopted a policy of encoura-

Convention on Intellectual Property, the Universal

Organization (WIPO) and signatory to the Paris

ging the formation of more arbitration centres. A Law on

Arbitration and Conciliation is being drafted to provide a

Convention. It is also a member of the African Regional

legal framework for improving arbitration and alternative

Industrial Property Organization by virtue of its mem-

dispute resolution in general.

bership in COMESA. Investors are entitled to national treatment and priority right recognition for their patent and

Rwandan courts would, as a general rule, recognize a

trademark filing dates. The Government is currently wor-

governing law clause in an agreement that provides for

king towards conforming its legislation to the WTOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

foreign law. However, the selection of such a law must

trade-related aspects of intellectual property. The draft

be real, genuine, bona fide, legal and reasonable. A

intellectual property bill covering patents, trademarks,

Rwandan court would not give effect to a foreign law if

copyrights, etc. has been adopted by the cabinet and will

the parties intend to apply it in order to evade the man-

be sent to Parliament soon.

datory provisions of a Rwandan law with which the agreement has its most substantial connection and which, for this reason, the court would normally have applied.

The Government has also adopted a recommendation by the Business Law Reform Commission to establish a Registration Services Agency. This Agency will greatly

There have been few investment disputes in Rwanda and

improve the implementation of intellectual property

the Government has never been involved as a complai-

rights. The Ministry of Commerce, the Rwanda Revenue

nant or respondent in dispute settlement under the aus-

Authority and the Rwanda Bureau of Standards work

pices of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The

together to address issues involving counterfeit products

country has been a member of the Multilateral

on the Rwandan market.

Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which provides guarantees against non-commercial risks, since 1989.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

It is also a member of the International Centre for the

A new investment law, on investment and export promo-

Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), associated

tion and facilitation, which came into force in March 2006,

with the World Bank, and a founding member of the

is intended to assist investors in obtaining the necessary

African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI).

licences and by providing other assistance and incentives.

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

The principal features of the law include the following:

Revocation of Certificate

• The law defines ‘foreign investor’ and ‘local investor’

A foreign investment certificate may be revoked:

and specifies that the former shall qualify for an inves-

• if an untrue statement is made while applying for the

tment certificate with an investment of US $250,000 and

certificate;

the latter US $100,000.

• if the provisions of the Investment Law or of any other

• The law provides for free economic zones of three

law under which the licence is granted are breached; or

kinds: export processing zones, single enterprise export

• if there is a breach of the terms and conditions of the

processing zones and free trade zones.

general authority.

• A one-stop centre is established at the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA) com-

In practice RIEPA has never revoked certificates. It nor-

posed of officials from the Rwanda Revenue Authority,

mally relies on counselling to achieve the desired correc-

the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour, and the

tive action. The Law on Promoting and Facilitating

Department of Immigration and Emigration, among

Investments and Exports provides in its article 12 that, in

others. In the performance of their duties, these officials

instances of fraudulent representation or the provision of

are to be answerable to RIEPA.

false or incorrect material, the investment licence may be

• The provisions on fiscal incentives have been moved to

revoked by RIEPA by giving a written notice to the

the new law on customs and the new law on income tax

investor requiring him or her to show cause within 10

but maintained as annexes to the investment law for ease

days from the date of the notice why the licence should

of reference.

not be revoked. If within that period a satisfactory expla-

• The law provides special non-fiscal incentives for inves-

nation is not provided, the Agency may withdraw the

tors who invest US $500,000 in one step. These include

certificate. The entity affected may, however, continue to

permanent residence, citizenship and access to land.

operate as a business in Rwanda while the legal process

• RIEPA is required to make and communicate its decision

takes its due course, or even after the certificate is

regarding an investment certificate within 10 working

revoked but then without the associated incentives.

days after receiving a completed application. Should RIEPA fail to act within 10 days, the investor may com-

National Treatment

plain to the Minister of Commerce, who is in turn required to investigate the matter and communicate

Legally, there is no difference in the treatment accorded

his/her decision within 5 working days.

to foreign and local companies.

• The law also states that the holder of an investment certificate is entitled to certain benefits.

TAXATION

INVESTMENT PROTECTION AND STANDARDS OF TREATMENT

Rwanda reveals considerable changes in the tax laws

A review of the history of the tax and customs regime in

since the post-colonial epoch up to nowadays, allowing for the socioeconomic facts of the country. These reforms

Expropriation

include the important Law No. 16/2005 of 18th August

According to Rwandan law, including Article 29 of the

customs regime by Law No 25/2002 of 18th July 2002

2005 relative to direct taxes on income and reform of the

Constitution, expropriation is forbidden, except in the

establishing the customs duties on imported commodi-

public interest and with fair and prior compensation.

ties and Law No. 21/2006 of 28th April 2006 establishing

Thus far, there have been no cases of expropriation of

the customs regime.

foreign investment.

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INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

In a recent survey by, investors saw taxation as an area

PERSONAL TAX

that had definitely shown progress. Several foreign investors, though no local ones, even thought that there had

Tax on income of individuals includes:

been considerable progress. Corporate tax levels had

• income from employment;

come down, in line with the other countries of the East

• profits from business;

African Community, which was welcomed by investors. A

• revenue from investments.

number of foreign companies also thought that there had been an increase in transparency. Tax administration

The new tax law on direct taxes on income is good news

had shown the least progress. The lack of a modern com-

for low-income earners but not for high-income earners.

pany law was mentioned by a few as a problem.

The removal of the exemption of 20% of total remuneration means that all those earning more than RWF

The law establishing direct taxes on income covers:

212,500 per month will pay more tax.

• tax on income of individual (natural) persons; • corporate tax;

TAX ON EMPLOYMENT INCOME

• withholding taxes. Tax on employment income is based on any cash payment or fringe benefits received by an individual (physical person) as well as remuneration such as wages, salaries, Rwanda offers investment opportunities in just about every field, one of them is manufacturing

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

payments, allowances and other payments in connection

Exemptions

with a current, prior or future employment.

The following payments are deducted from the taxable employment income:

Employment income includes wages, leave, sick pay, and

• settlement or repayment of fees advanced by the

cost-of-living, medical, subsistence, rent and entertain-

employee;

ment allowances. It also includes benefits in kind quanti-

• retirement contributions paid by the employer on

fied as follows:

behalf of the employee to the CSR;

• company car: 10% of employment income excluding

• retirement pensions paid by the CSR;

benefits in kind;

• retirement pensions paid into competent pension funds

• accommodation: 20% of employment income exclu-

not exceeding the lower of 10% of the income from

ding benefits in kind; and

employment or RWF 1,200,000 per year;

• interest on loans: the difference between interest paid

• income received by a person who is not a Rwandan

and what would have been paid if the rate offered to

national working for a foreign government or an interna-

commercial banks by the BNR had been used.

tional organization governed by an agreement signed by

Employment income does not include:

income remunerates assistance services rendered in

• contributions by employer on behalf of employee to

Rwanda;

state social security fund;

• income received from a non-resident employer for pro-

the Rwandan Government, as long as the received

• pension payments under state social security system; or

vision of services in Rwanda, as long as the services are

• employer’s contribution to a qualified pension fund not

not in connection with a permanent establishment of the

exceeding, when combined with that of the employee,

employer in Rwanda;

10% of the employee’s income from employment or

• income received by a foreign diplomat, consular repre-

RWF 1,200,000 p.a., whichever is lower.

sentative, or any person employed and performing administrative duties within an embassy, a delegation, a con-

Fringe benefits that should be included in the taxable

sulate or mission from a foreign state and holding a

income are assessed as follows:

diplomatic passport.

• use of a vehicle is taxed on 10% of the total amount of remuneration;

Furthermore, a taxpayer whose income from employment

• use of a flat, furnished or not, is assessed at 20% of the

was subject to withholding tax is exempted from declara-

total remuneration;

tion and payment of tax on income from employment.

• loans granted to employees, including advances on salary, exceeding the total gross salary for three months is assessed as the difference between the amount of inte-

Taxation Rate, Declaration and Payment

rest that might have been paid by the beneficiary at an average rate applicable by the Central Bank of Rwanda and the amount of interest really paid by the beneficiary during the month; • benefits given by the company or the employee to a member of the company or to dependants are considered benefits directly allocated by the employer to an

Occasional employees are taxed at a rate of 15%, with

employee or as having been granted directly to an

taxation at a zero rate for income under RWF 30,000 per

employee unless they represent the value of work per-

month. An occasional employee is a worker who per-

formed.

forms work not requiring particular qualifications and whose work does not involve handling of machines and equipment requiring particular knowledge and who is

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

hired by the employer for a total period not exceeding 30

• expenses for private consumption;

days within a fiscal year.

• entertainment expenses; • interest paid by companies other than merchant banks

An employer who withholds tax from employment

and insurance companies upon amounts exceeding four

income is obliged, within 15 days following the end of

times the amount of personal resources (except for

the month, to file a declaration in the form set out by the

reserves and provisions) of loans and advances received.

tax administration and to pay the withheld tax. This obligation is the responsibility of the employees in cases

Assets and Liabilitie s in Foreign Currencie s

where the employer is not compelled to withhold tax on

At the close of the accounting year, the assets and liabi-

employment income.

lities in foreign currencies are valued at the applicable rate of exchange on the last day of the fiscal year and the

TAX ON BUSINESS PROFITS

resulting gains and losses are taken into account in the computation of the result for the period.

Business profits consist of revenue resulting from all business transactions, including the revenue from sales of

Valuation of Tra de Inventories

assets and liquidations, less deductible expenses.

Trade inventories are valued at the lesser of replacement

However, revenue from farming activities and husbandry

cost or market value on the last day of the fiscal year.

is exempted if it does not exceed RWF 12 million in the

Outstanding products are valued at replacement cost.

course of the fiscal year. Depreciation Deductible Expense s

The law distinguishes four rates corresponding to the

Expenses are deductible if they:

given categories of fixed assets:

• are incurred for the direct need connected with the normal operating of the company; • correspond to actual expenses and are duly documented with receipts; • result in a reduction of the net assets of the company; • comprise the expenses of the period for which they have been claimed.

Non-deductible Expense s The following expenses are deemed not deductible: • bonuses in cash, directors’ fees and other similar payments paid to members of the board of directors or the management; • the excess interest amount paid on borrowings denomi-

Real estate, works of art, ancient relics, jewels and other

nated in currencies other than the Rwandan franc (RWF)

similar assets are not depreciable since they are exposed

relative to the interbanking rate offered at London

to deterioration or obsolescence.

(LIBOR) at the beginning of the fiscal year plus 1%; • fines and other similar penalties;

The depreciation base corresponds to the book value of

• charitable donations which do not exceed 1% of the

the category stated on the opening balance sheet of the

turnover as well as those granted to non-profitmaking

fiscal year and:

organizations irrespective of the amount;

• the cost of assets acquired or created, as well as the

• taxes on the settled business profits and the recove-

cost of improvement, renewal and construction of the

rable VAT;

assets during the same fiscal year are added.

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

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• the sale price of assets transferred and payments

or come to be restricted by terms other than those appl-

received for the loss of assets resulting from natural

ying to independent persons, the General Commissioner

catastrophes and other unintentional change during the

of the Rwanda Revenue Authority can ordain, in com-

fiscal year are deducted.

pliance with the guidance of the Ministry responsible for

If the resulting base for depreciation is negative, this is

persons includes the profit that would be realized if those

added to the profit of the period and that base is set to

conditions did not exist.

Labour, that the revenue of one or more of these bound

zero, whereas in case of a depreciation base not exceeding RWF 500,000, the whole base constitutes an opera-

Declaration of Tax and T axation Ra te

ting charge fiscally deductible.

Irre coverable De bts For the sake of determining the taxable result of the period, deduction of irrecoverable debts is authorized under the following circumstances:

Every person receiving taxable business revenue must

• the amount corresponding to the debt should have

prepare a declaration in the format specified by the tax

been included in the revenue;

administration to be deposited, accompanied by pay-

• the debt should be cleared out of the books of the tax-

ment of the tax due, not later than the 30th day of the

payer;

6th month of the following fiscal year. The declaration

• the taxpayer should have made reasonable attempts to

should be accompanied by such annexes required by the

recover the amount and have irrefutable evidence that

accounting laws and any other document deemed as

the debtor is insolvent.

relevant by the tax administration. The tax is paid after

These measures do not apply to merchant banks, which

withholdings made in compliance with laws in force rela-

deduction of any prepayments, and payments and other

are allowed to deduct from their profits any increase in

tive to the subject matter. As to the taxation rate, they

obligatory reserves for non-productive debts, as required

are set in the following manner:

by the Central Bank of Rwanda (Banque Nationale de Rwanda) in connection with the management of the com-

A fixed taxation rate of 4% is applicable to the annual

mitments of credit from banks and financial institutions.

sales revenue of small businesses, i.e. those with sales revenue of less than RWF 20 million. However, these com-

Loss Ca rrie d Forwa rd

panies can opt for taxation on actual profits according to

If a loss arises in any fiscal year, it should be deducted

a simplified method established by ministerial order.

from the profits over the five following fiscal years, the oldest losses being considered before the most recent losses.

Quarterly Adva nce P ayment Advance payments of 25% of the tax payable for the preceding fiscal year is due not later than 30th

However, the carrying forward of losses is not authorized

September and 31st December of the year of taxable

in case of external losses or where there is a change in

business and 31st March of the year when the taxes

value or number of 25% or more of the direct or indirect

should be paid.

ownership of the social capital or of the voting rights of a company of which shares are not marketable at the recognized stock market.

Ta x on Revenue from Investments Revenue from investments comprises any direct payment made in cash or as fringe benefits received in the form of

Prices Se t By P ers ons Bound in Busine ss Operations

interests, dividends, royalties or rents and from which tax

When individuals in connected business operations agree

has not been withdrawn as a profit from business.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Revenue received in the form of interests, dividends or

• joint companies and their branches;

royalties is subject to a lump tax of 15%. A withholding

• public profitmaking companies;

tax is provided in the law which frees the beneficiary from

• partnerships;

the obligation of paying tax on the concerned revenue.

• entities set up by districts and towns that perform profitmaking operations;

Tax on revenue from rentals is based on income resulting

• companies and monetary associations as well as any

from the renting of land and machinery and equipment

other entity, whatever the form, the aim and results of

located in Rwanda less:

whose operations are set up to make profit.

• 10% of gross revenues as per the estimated expenses; • interest paid by virtue of bank credits;

Resident corporate entities are responsible for payment

• depreciation expenses determined in compliance with

of corporate taxes irrespective of whether those profits

the relevant provisions in force.

are national or foreign in origin, whereas non-resident entities are responsible for corporate tax on profits resul-

However, the revenue from rental of buildings and real

ting from an entity that is permanent in Rwanda.

estate accounted for in the assets of the balance sheet of the company is subject to corporate tax and is exempted

Corporate taxes have been reduced from 35% to 30% to

from the rental tax.

harmonize them with those of the East African Community, which Rwanda joined in June 2007.

CORPORATE TAX

Enterprises whose turnover is less than or equal to RWF 20 million pay a lump sum tax of 4% of annual turnover.

The following companies and entities are subject to corporate tax:

The fiscal year is the calendar year. A taxpayer wishing to

• companies incorporated under the Rwandan or foreign

use another date must apply to the Minister of Finance

company laws;

and Economic Planning for permission.

Rwanda is trying to gain international presence. President Paul Kagame at World Summit on the Information Society

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

The EAC Customs Union Protocol, which came into force

value resulting from that reorganization, whereas the

in January 2005, provides for a three-band external tariff:

acquiring company is entitled to the reserves and provi-

0% for raw materials, 10% for intermediate goods and

sions of the transferring company, assuming the liabilities

25% for finished goods. These duty rates are expected to

of the transferring company have been met. Such res-

change now that Rwanda has joined the East African

tructuring (reorganization) includes the merging of at

Community.

least two companies and division of a resident company by acquisition or the withdrawal of at least 50% of

Exemptions

shares or voting rights and the assets and liabilities of the

The Government of the Rwanda and the following enti-

resident company.

ties are exempted from corporate tax: • the town of Kigali and the districts;

Withholding Taxes

• the Central Bank of Rwanda;

In addition to the withholding of tax on employment

• entities performing only religious, humanitarian, chari-

income, other withholdings are established by law, such

table, scientific or educational operations, except if their

as on imports, public markets and on other revenue.

resources are greater than their operations or that they perform business operations;

Withholding on imports and public markets:

• international organizations, agencies and technical coo-

• 5% of the value of the cost, insurance and freight (CAF)

peration bodies and their representatives, for which

of goods for commercial purposes before clearing

exemption is established through international agree-

through customs;

ments;

• 3% of the amount of the VAT invoice, not including

• qualified pension funds;

payments attributing to public markets.

• the Social Funds of Rwanda; • the Rwandan Bank for Development.

Taxpayers are exempted from the aforementioned withholdings upon condition that either their profits from

Microfinance companies approved by the competent

operations are tax-free, or they are in possession of a full

authorities pay corporate tax at a zero rate during the

discharge issued by the Rwanda Revenue Authority.

five-year period from approval and this duration may be prolonged by a ministerial order.

Withholdings of 15% on other revenue can be made by resident companies, including entities exempted from

Taxable Re ve nue

taxes, on:

The taxable revenue for corporate tax is determined

• dividends, except those received from a resident entity

according to the same principles as those relevant to the

by a resident company or received from a resident entity

tax on business revenue payable by individuals.

by a company in partnership; • interest payments on deposits;

Declaration and Taxation Ra te

• royalties and fees;

The obligations relative to declaration are identical to

• commission including fees for technical services or for

those governing the tax on the income of individuals.

management fees;

The taxation rate is set at 30% of taxable profits but allo-

cian or an athlete;

wances vary depending on the company’s creation of

• prizes from lotteries and other gambling activities.

• remuneration in respect of works of an artist or a musi-

employment or promotion of exports. A tax declaration in the format prescribed by the tax Reorganiza tion (Restructuring) of a Company

administration should be deposited and the amount

In the case of the restructuring of a company, the trans-

withheld should be paid within 15 days following the

ferring company is exempted from tax on the surplus

collection thereof.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

INDIRECT TAXES

foreign service provider with no head office in Rwanda. In this case, taxation is referred to as ‘reverse taxation’.

The main indirect taxes established in the Rwandan tax laws are VAT and taxes on consumption and customs

The tax on goods and services delivered in Rwanda, as

duties.

well as on those goods imported, is based on the taxable value at a standard rate of 18%. However, this rate is 0%

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)

for persons exempted from payment by the law on VAT and, in this case, the tax is paid at the moment of acqui-

Established by the law No. 06/2001 of 20th January

sition of goods and when services are provided. The

2001, value added tax was established to replace the

exemptions from VAT are detailed in article 86 of Law

former tax on turnover (ICHA) under law No. 29/91 of

No. 06/2001 of 20th January 2001 as well as the annexes

28th June 1991. It applies to goods and services delivered

to the Ministerial Order No. 001 of 13th January 2003

in Rwanda where delivery is made in an ordinary business

establishing guidance and procedures for VAT.

transaction. The following providers of services and suppliers of According to the terms of the aforementioned law,

goods should register for the purpose of VAT:

goods are considered as delivered in Rwanda if:

• those dealing with delivery of goods and provision of

• they are exported, momentarily or otherwise, from

services and whose turnover is equal to or exceeds RWF

Rwanda;

20 million or whose turnover is equal to or exceeds RWF

• delivery involves installation, processing or assembly in

5 million for the last period of operations covered by the

Rwanda after they have been supplied.

registration; • those whose turnover is below the aforementioned

Services are considered as incurred in Rwanda whenever

levels but who have chosen to apply VAT on grounds of

the supplier:

its tax advantages.

• has Rwanda as the only field/location of operations / activities and nowhere else;

The VAT is declared and paid not later than the 15th of the

• has no field/location of operations in Rwanda nor any-

month following the month during which the VAT has

where else but whose habitual residence is in Rwanda;

been collected, and the declaration is still obligatory even

• has several centres of operations in Rwanda and else-

if the tax has not been collected over the relevant month.

where but the consumers of the service are from Rwanda;

From the amount of VAT collected the taxpayer can

• has no centre of operations in Rwanda but is based out-

deduct the VAT paid on goods and services under the

side and the persons using, consuming or taking advan-

following conditions:

tage of the service are from Rwanda.

• the invoice should include and clearly state whether the VAT is on goods delivered or services rendered;

VAT on goods is payable from the time they are made

• the delivery of goods or the provision of services

available to the person to whom they have been deli-

written on the invoice should have occurred, and the

vered and VAT on services from the moment they have

amount of VAT is, or was, taxable to the operation;

been actually performed.

• the person who issues the invoice is a taxpayer.

The tax on goods delivered or services rendered is due

in articles 26, 27, 28 and 29 of the Ministerial Order No.

and payable by the supplier or the service provider, agent

001 of 13th January 2003. For instance:

There are some exceptions to the general rule, especially

or partner at the moment of delivery or of the provision of the service. A consumer may be liable to pay the tax

The tax collected on the sale or import of vehicles by a

due in the case of services imported and performed by a

taxable person cannot be subject to any restitution,

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK deduction or credit with the exception of sale or import by way of hire or from independent income and destined

eBizguides Rwanda

Tax on Consumption and Customs Duties

for resale or rental of the vehicle, or by a profitmaking driving school.

The rates of consumption taxes have been set by several laws relative to consumption tax collectable on some

Tax collected on the sale or import by a taxable person of

imported products or locally manufactured as follows:

any goods or the provision of service to a taxable person utilized or to be utilized in a profitmaking entertainment business by a third person cannot be subject to any restitution, deduction or credit.

The tax collected on provision to a person liable for tax of a telephonic service, the delivery of fuel and supply of electricity power for private use and for any other purposes in connection with a registered taxable operation is excluded from any request for refunding of tax. No deduction is allowed on mobile phone or satellite communications in any form as advance payment when no reference is made showing the details of the communications.

Note: • Products upon which tax at consumption is imposed are

Tax collected on delivery to a taxable person of a tele-

charged at standard rate VAT.

phonic service through a fixed line, mobile phone or by

• Tax at consumption is not paid on minibuses with 14 or

satellite on the basis of a contract establishing periodic

more seats and any sort of lorries, pick-up trucks and

invoicing and the fuel or electrical power which is an

diesel vehicles.

integral part of delivery for purposes not directly con-

• The taxable base is the Kigali CIF value augmented with

nected with registered operations, is deductible in the

additional customs duties and the warehousing fees for

proportions determined by the General Commissioner of

the imported products, whereas for those locally manu-

the Rwanda Revenue Authority.

factured, the taxation base is the sale price not including tax.

The tax collected on delivery of goods or provision of ser-

• A declaration about new manufactured products must

vices to a person liable for tax, where the services are

be sent, together with payment thereon, within a period

used for export purposes and whose revenues are not

of 10 days to the tax collector (who is also the collector

repatriated to Rwanda, is excluded from any request for

of VAT). This declaration should be made not later than

refunding. Furthermore, the VAT on the aforementioned

five days from the end of the relevant period. As to pay-

reverse tax is not considered as tax deductible by the

ment of tax on imported products, this can be made at

beneficiary of the imported services unless there is evi-

the same time as for the customs duties on entry of

dence that the imported services were not available in

goods.

the local market.

• Tax unpaid before the legal deadlines is subject to 10% increase owing to interest for the delay, while computation of the period of delay is based on the principle of ‘once in a day, once in a month’.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Schedule of the Main Fiscal Obligations

FISCAL PROCEDURES IN RWANDA

Commissioner of the Rwanda Revenue Authority.

The main procedures governing the Rwandan fiscal laws

TAXATION PROCEDURE

relevant items, according to the guidance of the General

are contained in Law No. 25/2005 of 4th December 2005. These procedures purport to the following taxes:

The law sets out two sorts of procedures in relation to

• tax on individuals’ salaries

taxation, namely the contradictory procedure and taxa-

• corporate tax

tion on estimation.

• withholding tax • value-added tax

Contradictory procedure is implemented when the tax

• personal tax on motor vehicles and vessels.

administration finds an error of calculation, an omission, inaccurate declaration, underestimation or any other

These procedures are mainly concerned with the respec-

error in either the tax declaration or the contribution. This

tive powers and obligations of the tax administration and

procedure requires the taxpayer to be given a notice of

the taxpayers, especially in relation to accounts, the kee-

rectification to which the taxpayer should react within a

ping of books and the tax declaration, and the establis-

30-day period. The statute of limitations on taxation is set

hing of taxation advice, investigations and checking, set-

at three years.

tlement of litigation, collection and fiscal penalties. Estimation taxation is applied for the following reasons:

INVESTIGATIONS AND CHECKING

• no tax declaration has been filed; • filing of the tax declaration is overdue, except in case of absolute necessity justifying the delay incurred;

The tax administration must make the taxpayer aware of

• the tax declaration was not duly signed;

any prospective tax investigations seven days before-

• all the required documents were not added to the

hand, and investigations should be performed in the

declaration;

same tax year unless it is specified that there are new

• lack of cooperation with the team implementing tax

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK investigations or inadequate response by the taxpayer to

eBizguides Rwanda

The taxation note is an enforceable title for the collection

the inquiry;

of taxes if a taxpayer files a tax declaration without

• the books and other supporting documentation are not

paying the tax due within the time limit provided by the

in compliance with the laws;

law. Taxpayers are obliged to pay the tax due within

• there are substantial hints of tax evasion.

seven days from receipt of the taxation note.

The estimation procedure allows resort to any informa-

A warning is sent in case of non-payment within the time

tion available at the tax administration as a basis for esti-

limit stated on the taxation note and provides a 15-day

mation taxation. However, the administration can, within

period for payment of the taxes due.

a 30-day period, present observations as well as any other information showing that the automatic estimation

Distraint is applicable on grounds of lack of payment

taxation was substantiated before the discussions are

within the legal time limit established by the warning.

closed.

This distraint can relate to movable (personal) property as

Automatic estimation taxation can be undertaken over a

payer. Distraint can also be made on the taxpayer’s funds

well as real property belonging to the defaulting tax-

five-year period from 1st January of the year following

in the hands of a third party, who would be compelled to

the relevant fiscal year.

act within 15 days from receipt of the notification.

SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS AND DISPUTES

eight days after the notification of the distraint to the

Lastly, assets distrained can be put up for sale by auction

taxpayer. The following steps and deadlines are provided in the laws in force relative to settlement of tax claims and dis-

TAX PENALTIES

putes: There are three sorts of tax penalties: • interest on delayed payments; • fines; • secondary sentences.

The rate of interest for delay is set on 1st January of each year and corresponds to the interbank selling rate of the Central Bank of Rwanda plus 2%.

There are several categories of fines depending upon the circumstances:

COLLECTION

• Fixed fines, which range from RWF 100,000 to 500,000, depend upon the turnover of the taxpayer. The

As per the tax procedures, the following steps are pro-

fines are doubled in the event of a second offence and

vided relative to the collection of taxes:

quadrupled in the event of recurrence of the offence

• establishment of a taxation note;

within a five-year period. Other tax offences incurring

• warnings;

fixed fines are concerned with delay in submitting the

• distraint;

declaration and not registering for VAT, as well as not

• the sale of assets distrained.

withholding tax or refusal to cooperate with the tax administration.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

• A fine of 10% for overdue payment, which is applicable

The first two secondary penalties are enforced by the

where no payment has been made after submission of a

General

declaration or in the case of a tax reassessment by the tax

Authority, whereas the last two are enforced by the com-

administration that is not paid within the provided time limit.

petent courts and tribunals.

• Fines for underestimation of the tax, which is deter-

DECENTRALIZED TAXES

Commissioner

the

Rwanda

Revenue

mined according to the amount of the underestimation and is calculated as follows:

In order to provide the administrative entities of the districts and towns with the necessary means for operating and implementing investment programmes, Rwanda has a policy of fiscal and financial decentralization. Article 2 of the Law No. 17/2002 of 10th May 2002, establishing the finances of the districts and towns and governing their utilization, sets out the sources of funds of the

• Fines relating to VAT, which depend on the nature of

decentralized governments, which are:

the offence committed, can be summarized in the follo-

• taxes;

wing table:

• revenue from issuance of certificates; • revenue from personal and real property belonging to the districts or the towns; • revenue from investments made and interest on shares and operations that yield revenue; • borrowings; • fees such as fines; • subsidies from the state; • judicial fees and other proportional rights;

• Fines for tax evasion, which equal 200% of the evaded

• fees for services rendered;

tax amount with, in the event of conviction by the court,

• donations and legacies.

a prison sentence of between six months and two years. The following are considered taxes of the districts and • Fines for non-payment of a withholding tax, which are

towns:

set at 200% of the non-transferred tax, with, in the event

• taxes of the central Government managed and

of conviction by the court, a prison sentence of between

collected by the districts and towns;

three months and two years.

• taxes of the districts and towns.

In addition to these different fines, the following secon-

Article 4 of the Law No. 17/2002 of 10th May 2002 pro-

dary penalties are applicable in cases of offences defined

vides a list of taxes that come within the management of

by the law establishing the tax procedures:

the central administration and which have been transfe-

• suspension from operating during a 30-day period;

rred to the districts and towns. These are concerned with:

• publication of cases of repeated offences in national

• personal tax, currently recognized under the designa-

periodicals;

tion of tax on real property;

• suspension of the taxpayer from partaking in public

• trading licences;

markets;

• tax on the revenue from rented flats.

• withdrawal from the trade register.

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

TRADING LICENCE TAX The trading licence tax is paid by any individual or legal person carrying out profitmaking operations in Rwanda, except salaried persons. Law No. 17/2002 indicates which persons are to be exempted from payment of trading licence tax: • the Rwandan Government as well as the provinces, districts and towns for their non-trading activities; • legal persons or organizations exempted from corporate tax; • individuals or legal persons operating within farming or husbandry.

The trading licence tax is determined annually by the Council of the district or town of the jurisdiction of the taxpayer on the basis of the type of operation carried out and its location, but it cannot exceed RWF 2,000.

The trading licence tax should be paid before performance of any operations, subject to exception of renewals or operations that start in the course of the first The lack of adequate transportation linkages to other countries continues to handicap export growth.

TAX ON REAL PROPERTY This tax is based on: • the occupied surface area of buildings;

term of the year, for which the tax should be paid before 1st April of the year.

TAXES COLLECTED BY DISTRICTS AND TOWNS

• the surface area of unbuilt sites, whatever the location of area;

The Council of the district or the town:

• the surface of land destined for research and mining

• establishes the taxes on services provided to the popu-

works along with quarries.

lation and remunerative taxes but these should not

Tax on real property is an annual tax, set per square

vices;

exceed the real cost or estimated cost of the involved ser-

metre, and is paid by the owner or the tenant. It is deter-

• can determine other taxes within the limits of the laws

mined by the Council of the district or the town accor-

establishing the rates of taxes.

ding to the levels set by articles 14, 17 and 20 in Law No. 17/2002 of 10th May 2002 and allowing for the follo-

Finally, the law provides that the state transfers to the

wing criteria:

district or town the power of collection of remunerative

• the nature of the real estate property;

duties and taxes when the entire service or part thereof

• its location;

is provided by the district or the town.

• its utilization.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

SETTING UP COMMERCIAL COMPANIES

to some professions, notably those in relation to approval of a company.

Common Administra tive Forma lities

FORMS OF LEGAL COMPANIES IN RWANDA

• Incorporation of a company requires a notarized statute

The basic essentials of the Rwandan commercial law can

• The Tribunal Clerk’s office deals with trade registration

be summarized in the table above through the definition

and the cost varies according to the share capital (1.20%)

of the main features of the different types of companies.

and the line of activity.

PROCEDURES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES FOR SETTING UP A COMPANY

of request for registration of a trade.

and a minute from the General Assembly.

• The Ministry of Trade must receive a copy of the letter

• The Rwanda Revenue Authority must also receive a copy of the request letter and will then release a tax identification number, along with a certificate of tax credit for indi-

The following administrative and legal procedures are in

viduals and, if applicable, a registration number for VAT.

force within the country. Some of these procedures are

• Registration with the Labour Inspectorate.

common to all company types, others are rather specific

• The Social Funds Office issues affiliation numbers for payments to the Funds.

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Procedures Specific to Industrial Institutions

eBizguides Rwanda

The minimum share capital is set as follows:

Concerning industrial companies, an entrepreneur must:

Merchant banks: RWF 1,500,000,000

• obtain a permit for setting up with the Ministry in

Development banks: RWF 3,000,000,000

charge of industry and this is made upon presentation of

Business banks: RWF 500,000,000.

a hygiene certificate issued by the health services of the relevant province; • address a letter to the Ministry in charge of industry in

TRANSFER OF CAPITAL AND PROFITS

order to obtain approval of the project. Entry Once a project is approved, the entrepreneur can submit

Rwanda’s entry requirements for FDI are more or less in

an investment file. This is an export feasibility study,

keeping with those of its neighbours.

which must be deposited either at the Ministry in charge of industry for the purpose of obtaining a setting up

The various forms of legal incorporation of business

authorization, or at the Rwandan Office for the

enterprises in Rwanda include:

Promotion of Investments and Exports in addition to a

• Limited liability companies (private and public);

request for facilities provided in the law in force relative

• Partnerships;

to the subject matter.

• Sole proprietorships; and • Cooperatives.

For foreign investors, there are additional procedures and administrative procedures:

Limited liability companies are the entities most favoured

• Presentation to the immigration department of an entry

by foreign investors. These offer advantages similar to

visa issued by the accredited embassy of Rwanda from

those offered by corporate bodies in other countries. A

the country of origin. This visa costs RWF 25,000 and is

shareholder’s liability for any deficiency on winding up is

valid for three months with a possibility of extension up

restricted to issued and called-up capital on the shares

to six months.

issued to the investor. Shares may be transferred without

• In addition to documents submitted for obtaining a

affecting the continuity of the business.

trade registration, the foreign promoter should be in possession of a visa during his stay. This costs RWF 200,000

Exit

per family member.

The Rwandan legal system is quite flexible on exit

• Payment of a refundable guarantee of RWF

options, which are normally determined by the agree-

50,000/man, 40,000/woman and 35,000/child of less

ment the investor has with other investors in the project.

than 12 years.

The Law on Commercial Enterprises provides for procedures for both voluntary and compulsory winding-up

Procedures Specific to Banking

processes. The process in both cases is unfortunately very

Setting up a bank or other financial institution requires

time-consuming and this is one of the areas legal reform

prior official consent from the National Bank of Rwanda.

is expected to focus on. Note, however, that no investor

This request must meet administrative and legal require-

has failed to divest when the investor wished to do so.

ments.

The applicant should address a letter of request for con-

EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS

sent to the Central Bank stating precisely the concern, activity, objectives, outcomes, composition and evidence

Exchange operations in Rwanda are governed by the

of subscription to capital, the principal managers with

Exchange Control Regulations of 6th March 1995 and

CVs and excerpts of police records in support of the

Instruction No. 03/99 of 3rd September 1999 relative to

investment file.

the functioning of foreign currency accounts.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Government has fairly advanced plans for establishing a Free Economic Zone (FEZ) in Kigali in the near future - above President Kagame chatting with Mr Yoweri Museveni of Uganda

Banks and foreign exchange offices approved by the BNR are the sole entities entitled to perform exchange opera-

OUTFLOW OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES

tions. In counterpart approved banks and foreign exchange offices are responsible for ensuring that such

Importa tion

operations are in compliance with the exchange control

Any person can purchase foreign currency at a bank or

regulations.

an approved foreign exchange in order to import goods into Rwanda. Such imports are not subject to prior

Since March 1995 the exchange control regulations have

authorization of the BNR. Nevertheless, goods imported

been liberalized: outflow of foreign currency is no longer

must be for a value equivalent to the amount of foreign

subject to prior authorization of the BNR, inflow of

currency obtained and the importer must provide the

foreign currency is no longer subject to prior declaration,

bank or foreign exchange office with supporting docu-

and there is no ceiling amount set for carrying out invi-

mentation as required by the exchange control regula-

sible operations.

tions. Approved banks make the payment after import

The foreign exchange rate is set by the banking institu-

the final invoice and the notice of arrival. The banks

tions and several foreign exchange offices and any indivi-

notify the Central Bank of the payments that they have

dual or legal person may open or hold an account in

made and provide the latter with the supporting docu-

upon presentation of the required documents, namely

foreign currency.

mentation. Foreign currency acquired for the purposes of import but not utilized should be sold off on the local exchange market within six months following the date set for submission of the required documentation. While

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

banks make payments for the account of the importers,

amount of US $20,000 or equivalent. Required docu-

they ensure that unused funds are sold off.

ments: Form for use, medical invoices or estimate of the

Invisible T ransa ctions

by an engagement written by the applicant to submit the

cost of the treatment by the usual doctor accompanied

Approved banks are authorized to sell foreign currency to

invoice as soon as possible or in case of emergency.

residents for the purposes of:

• Coverage of the education fees of a dependant, with

• Tourist/pleasure trips out of Rwanda, with a maximum

an authorized maximum amount of US $25,000 or the

authorized amount of US $4,000 or the equivalent per

equivalent per student. Required papers: evidence of

trip.

Rwandan citizenship of the student or guardian, evidence

• Business trips out of Rwanda, with a maximum autho-

of enrolment into an approved foreign teaching institu-

rized amount of US $10,000 or equivalent per travel.

tion for the relevant period (in case of discontinuity in

Required documentation: photocopies of passport, trade

schooling), and proof that he/she is still enrolled and is

registration, air ticket.

pursuing courses within the institution, statement of

• Medical services costs for an authorized minimum

account of the student from the institution stating the

The legal standard workweek is 40 hours, with 45 being the maximum

including books, and a letter from the teaching institu-

amount required for school fees and secondary expenses,

tion stating the obligations which are incumbent upon non-residents in respect of boarding or the campus. • Transfer of dividends, with no maximum amount. Required papers: adequate verifications of the accounts and the resolutions of the board of directors for approval of the remittance. • Transfer of salaries and revenue, with a maximum authorized of US $20,000 per year and per non-resident or foreign resident. In addition, prior authorization of the BNR is required. Supporting documentation: work contract, a form signed by the revenue services and the individual declaration. • Fees for emigration, with a maximum authorized of US $10,000 per person. Supporting documentation: administrative documents from the national authorities and those of the host country. • Insurance and reinsurance fees, with no maximum amount. Supporting documentation: contract with a recognized insurance company, insurance certificate or the amendment thereof. • Remuneration of directors, pension funds and technical commissions, with no maximum amount. Supporting documentation: contract of management; fees related to import and export, form of usage, final invoices or contract of services. • Expenses of parents living abroad, with a maximum amount of US $1,000 per resident per year. Supporting documents: administrative documents establishing the relationship.

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

• Revenue from airlines: maximum authorized as per

Approved banks that have advance funding agreements

letter to approved foreign airlines. Supporting documen-

with customers are compelled to provide declarations

tation: certificate of payment of taxes for landing and

each month about shippings and balances due in connec-

handling issued by the Civil Aviation Agency, or other

tion with the initial payment.

equivalent document. • Repayment of the loans (principal + interest): maximum authorized amount in accordance with the loan contract and the repayment schedule. Supporting documentation:

IMPORT AND EXPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS

loan contract, evidence that the funds have been initially received by the intermediary of an approved bank in Rwanda.

PREFERENTIAL ACCESS TO THE EU AND US MARKETS THROUGH EBA AND AGOA

Bid Se curitie s Approved banks have the right to issue, with prior autho-

EBA

rization of the Central Bank, bid securities, guarantees and bid bonds for good execution on behalf of their

The EBA is one of five arrangements available under the

clients and to transfer the monthly declarations covering

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) of the European

these guarantees.

Union, which grants trade preferences to all developing countries. It is the most favourable regime available

Transfer of Funds

under the GSP and is meant for the least developed

• Transfer of funds to a foreign country, for example

countries, of which there are 49 in the world and 34 in

where a resident is seeking to acquire interests in a non-

sub-Saharan Africa.

resident company. Prior authorization of the Central Bank of Rwanda is required.

Roughly 2,100 products already enter the EU market

• Transfer of funds from a resident to a non-resident, for

duty-free for all countries. Practically all other products

example a resident holding interests in a non-resident

are covered by EBA and are granted duty-free access to

company transfers them to a non-resident. Prior authori-

the EU market if they fulfil the rules of origin require-

zation of the Central Bank is required.

ments (see below). The exclusions are arms and ammuni-

• Repayment of trade credits related to export and

tion and, temporarily, fresh bananas, rice and sugar.

import of goods and services. No prior authorization of

Duties on these products, except for arms and ammuni-

the Central Bank of Rwanda is required.

tion, are being gradually reduced until duty-free access

• Investments of residents abroad. Prior authorization of

will be granted for sugar in July 2009 and for rice in

the Central Bank is required.

September 2009. In the meanwhile, there are duty-free tariff quotas for rice and sugar, increasing annually.

Withdrawa ls from Foreign Currency Accounts Any holder of a foreign currency account is free to make

Preferences under the EBA apply to imports into the EU

withdrawals up to US $50,000 without the need to pro-

of products originating in least developed countries.

vide supporting documentation thereon.

While products wholly obtained in the exporting country are considered as originating there, products manufac-

INFLOW OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES

tured with inputs from other countries are so considered

Exporters must fill in a form on Bank Declaration on

pret and implement the rules of origin is available from

Exports for all exports made.

the European Commission.

only if they have undergone sufficient working or processing in the exporting country. A guide on how to inter-

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

AGOA

eBizguides Rwanda

cap; and eligible hand-loomed, handmade or folklore articles and ethnic fabrics. (Most countries in sub-Saharan

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was

Africa qualify as ‘lesser-developed’, allowing them to use

signed into law on 18th May 2000. It is meant to encou-

fabric from any other ‘third-country’ source. This third-

rage market forces in African countries by offering these

country provision was, currently set to expire on 30th

countries the most preferential access to the US market

September 2007.)

available outside of free trade agreements. The Act covers some 6,400 items, including textiles and apparel,

It is worth noting in this context that in June 2006

and horticultural products. The AGOA Acceleration Act,

Rwanda signed a Trade and Investment Framework

signed into law on 12th July 2004 and known as AGOA

Agreement (TIFA) with the United States. The TIFA will

III, extends this preferential access until 30th September

create a formal consultative mechanism to address bila-

2015.

teral trade issues and will help enhance trade and investment relations.

Eligibility for AGOA benefits is determined annually on the basis of a review by a committee chaired by the

The E ast African Community (EAC)

United States Trade Representative (USTR). The criteria

Rwanda, along with Burundi, joined the East African

require that the country has established or is making pro-

Community (EAC) in June 2007. The other EAC member

gress towards establishing, inter alia, a market economy,

countries are Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The treaty

the rule of law, policies to reduce poverty, and a system

establishing the East African Community was signed on

to combat corruption. In 2006, 37 sub-Saharan countries

30th November 1999 and came into force on 7th July

qualified, including Rwanda.

2000 upon ratification by these three partner states.

Ready-made garments have been of particular interest to

With Rwanda, the EAC will offer investors a significant

some AGOA-eligible countries (e.g. Kenya and Mauritius),

market of over 100 million consumers. Unlike other

as the Act provides duty-free and quota-free treatment for

regional organizations in Africa, the EAC may actually

eligible apparel articles made in qualifying sub-Saharan

move relatively quickly towards its goal of economic inte-

African countries until 2015. Among the qualifying articles

gration.

are apparel made of US yarns and fabrics; apparel made of sub-Saharan African (regional) yarns and fabrics, subject to

For one thing, there is a long history of cooperation

a cap; apparel made in a designated lesser-developed

among its three founding members. For another, it is

country of third-country yarns and fabrics, subject to a

explicitly the Community’s intent to promote political as

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

well as economic integration. The concrete objectives are

integration is linked to the need to diversify exports,

to establish a Customs Union, a Common Market, a

currently dominated by the cash crops tea and coffee.

Monetary Union and a Political Federation. The Community’s Fast-tracking Committee has proposed a

Rwanda has thus joined a number of preferential trade

timetable, which has 2013 as the date for achieving poli-

arrangements, including COMESA and, most recently,

tical federation.

the East African Community.

The EAC Customs Union came into effect on 1st January

INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES AND BENEFITS

2005. For the implementation of the Customs Union protocol, the EAC has adopted asymmetrical transitional provisions on internal tariff elimination, which is to be

An investment of US $250,000 (for non-COMESA mem-

progressive and achieved within a five-year period, i.e. by

bers) and US $100,000 (for COMESA members) entitles

January 2010. These provisions apply a declining tariff on

an investor to an investment certificate issued by RIEPA.

the exports of Kenya to the other two partners, taking

The holders of these certificates are eligible for some spe-

into account the fact that most internal trade in the EAC

cific benefits, including the following:

flows from Kenya to its partners.

• free residence and work permits for three members of the certificate holder’s management or technical staff,

The EAC treaty creates seven main organs to enable the

valid for one year and reissuable to the same or different

Community to fulfil its mission, including the Summit

persons;

(the highest organ of the Community), the East African

• the zero-rating of VAT on imported capital goods and

Court of Justice, the East African Legislative Assembly

raw materials subject to zero-rated tariffs;

and the Secretariat. The Community is headquartered in

• a flat tax of 5% in lieu of all other duties (tariffs, excise

Arusha and its official language is English, although it

and VAT) on imported capital goods and raw materials

recognizes Kiswahili as a common language.

not subject to zero-rated tariffs, upon application for each transaction;

The development of entrepreneurship and the private

• an accelerated rate of depreciation of 40% in the first

sector, and the modernization of agriculture and animal

year, if the asset is held for a minimum of four years,

husbandry are seen as priorities. Also identified are four

increasing to 50% for investments located outside Kigali

overall domains: gender issues, environmental protec-

or in one of the 10 priority sectors specified by the 2005

tion, science and technology including ICT, and regional

Law

and international integration. The vision is inspired by the

Facilitation.

Investment

and

Export

Promotion

and

need for unity, reconciliation and peace, which is particu-

caused by the 1994 genocide.

CURRENT POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The economic priorities focus on private-sector develop-

The current policy is intended to spur economic growth, as

larly urgent in view of the destruction and dislocation

ment, the modernization of agriculture and the creation of

outlined in the document Vision 2020. All sectors are open

employment opportunities outside agriculture, the deve-

to foreign investment. The Law Governing Commercial

lopment of infrastructure, and the improvement of the skill

Establishments, the Investment Law, the Law on

base. The last two overall domains are of particular impor-

Privatization and Public Investment, the Land Law, and the

tance in the economic context. The emphasis on science

Law on Protection and Conservation of the Environment

and technology is meant to address the need for human

are the main laws governing investment in Rwanda. Some

resource development and the creation of an economy

critical laws still await enactment. These include laws on

moving away from subsistence agriculture towards the

public procurement, on privately financed infrastructure

provision of ICT-based services. Regional and international

projects, on insurance and on mining. The existing frame-

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK work provides guarantees against the expropriation of pri-

eBizguides Rwanda

and is the principal regulatory agency for them.

vate property, except in the public interest and with fair

Developers of particular projects in industry, road cons-

and prior compensation. It also guarantees the repatriation

truction, housing, tourism, water and sanitation, energy,

of capital and after-tax profits.

railways and airports, fisheries, mining, agriculture, and forestry are therefore required to carry out Environmental

PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND TREATIES

Impact Assessments (EIA) prior to project implementation. Compliance with EIA requirements is enforced through the licensing regime. Generally, for projects that require a licence, the licensing authority is prohibited

Rwanda is a member of a number of global and regional

from issuing it unless the developer has produced a cer-

organizations and treaties of interest to potential inves-

tificate of approval from REMA. Companies are required

tors, including the following:

to submit their up-to-date assessment reports to REMA

• The African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI)

for certification.

• The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

(COMESA) • The Cotonou Agreement between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP)

Foreign investors are encouraged to provide training and

• The East African Community (EAC)

engage in the development of human resources. They are

• The International Centre for the Settlement of

also encouraged to undertake the transfer of technology

Investment Disputes (ICSID)

and expertise to local staff. There are, however, no legal

• The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

obligations regarding these matters.

• The Paris Convention on Intellectual Property, the Universal Copyright Convention and the Berne Copyright

EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEES

Convention • The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Expatriates are allowed to work in Rwanda provided they have a work permit issued by the Department of Labour

• The World Trade Organization (WTO)

at the Ministry of Public Service and Labour. Work per-

LOCAL CONTENT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

mits are usually granted to foreign enterprises approved to operate in Rwanda as long as the applicants are key personnel. However, any enterprise, whether local or

Investors are encouraged to use local materials whenever

foreign, may recruit expatriates for any category of skilled

available but the use of imported materials is freely

labour if Rwandans are not available.

allowed. The Government is not involved in assessing what raw materials investors are using, as long as they

Generally, the Government recognizes that foreign inves-

are not a threat to the environment. Since Rwandan

tors or shareholders need to be represented in senior

industries are heavily dependent on imported inputs,

management. This applies in particular to managing

concessions on import duties and taxes are available.

directors, senior finance and marketing executives, and highly specialized technical positions. RIEPA issues work

ENVIRONMENT-RELATED PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

permits. In addition to the work permit, expatriate staff are also required to have a residence permit issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Investors in Rwanda are required to comply with environ-

The Departments of Labour and of Immigration and

mental

Environment

Emigration work closely together and share information

Management Authority (REMA) oversees these matters

so that the acquisition of both permits is fairly straight-

standards.

The

Rwanda

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

forward. However, investors complain of the high cost of

WORLD BANK

these permits. The cost of a resident and a work permit is RWF 200,000 (approximately US $330) each.

Rwanda’s World Bank portfolio is founded on two strategies: the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), which

FOREIGN EXCHANGE, INCENTIVES, ETC.

covered the period 2002 to 2005, and the Interim Strategy Note (ISN), which was developed to bridge the gap between the first CAS and the second one under

EXCHANGING AND REMITTING FUNDS

preparation to be launched in 2008. The reason for the gap was to allow exact alignment to the second PRSP, now named the Economic Development and Poverty

The Banque Nationale du Rwanda (BNR – the Central

Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), so that the next Bank enga-

Bank) governs matters relating to the management of

gement could be in full support of the nationally deve-

foreign exchange. The Rwandan franc is the official

loped and owned strategy.

Rwandan currency. Financial transfers to service debt payments, dividends, royalties and profits are unres-

The current portfolio is composed of 14 active projects

tricted. However, they are subject to a 15% withholding

including a regional HIV/AIDS project (GLIA) and the

tax (Income Tax Act 2006).

PRSG, an annual budget support that became effective in

There are some restrictions on the transfer of earnings by

conditions for disbursement and only awaits procedural

the first quarter of 2007. The Government has fulfilled all

expatriate employees. There are also reporting and repa-

work for this to be disbursed. Furthermore the current

triation requirements for exporters with transactions

portfolio represents a commitment of about US $370

exceeding US $10,000. Both residents and non-residents

million including the regional project and the PRSG. An

can open foreign currency accounts with domestic banks.

estimated US $170 million is undisbursed including the

Only authorized dealers are allowed to engage in the

US $50 million to be disbursed into the 2007

foreign exchange business, except where the Central

Government budget. The portfolio is composed of pro-

Bank permits a specific person or class of persons to do

jects and budget support that run across a number of

so, subject to the conditions it may impose.

growth sectors and the human development sectors. The

COMPETITION AND PRICE POLICIES

tation in the five key sectors of education, health, energy,

PRSG series 1–3 focused on supporting policy implemen-

agriculture and water and sanitation. The upcoming series of PRSG support will emphasize more support for

Rwanda has adopted a liberal stance in regard to compe-

the growth sectors while consolidating initial support in

tition and price setting, with market forces being allowed

social sectors as the country shifts to strengthening per-

to determine who enters or leaves a given business and

formance across growth sectors to support critical

what prices are charged.

growth.

However, the Government regulates the market for

Since 2004 the portfolio has been predominantly com-

petroleum products and prices are determined after con-

posed of poverty reduction support grants channelled

sultation with the industry, taking the world price into

through

account. The Government has adopted the COMESA

Government has expressed a strong appreciation for the

the

Government

general

budget.

The

Competition Policy and Regulations and on that basis a

mechanism of support and encourages more support in

law on Competition and Consumer Protection is being

the same modality as reflected in the Rwanda Aid policy,

drafted. The Law will also provide for a Competition

which was approved by the Cabinet in 2006. This consti-

Commission.

tuted the bulk of the Bank’s financial support. The Bank is also providing significant support in the form of analy-

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

tical work to assist the Government to deepen its reform

trade regime. For example, Rwanda currently has the

agenda and provide a strong foundation for such reforms

following import duties: raw materials 5%, intermediate

(particularly in the sectors of education, health and agri-

goods 15% and finished goods 30%. According to the

culture in the past).

Customs Union Protocol of the EAC, which came into effect in 2005, the common external tariff is raw mate-

Rwanda presents an interesting case of donor harmoni-

rials 0%, intermediate goods 10% and finished goods

zation and alignment and portfolio management

25%. The EAC provisions on rules of origin, harmonized

includes active representation of the World Bank.

customs documentation, and trade facilitation will also

In August 2006 an Interim Strategy Note (ISN) was pre-

Community law will take precedence over national law.

have to be reflected in Rwandan law. In general,

sented to the Board for the 2007 and 2008 fiscal years that is to bridge the gap between the previous Country

In practical terms, trade relations with the other

Assistance Strategy and the next one, which will cover

Community members may not change much, except per-

2008–2012.

haps with Tanzania. Trade with Kenya and Uganda is already being liberalized under COMESA, of which these

At March 2007 the World Bank portfolio comprised 12

two countries are members, as is Rwanda. There will also

active projects, including:

be a period of adjustment before trade is fully free within

• E-Rwanda: to improve efficiency and effectiveness in

the EAC, as the EAC agreement allows a five-year period

some internal processes of the Government of Rwanda,

in which members other than Kenya may continue to

as well as the delivery of services in selected key sectors,

charge declining tariffs on goods they import from

improving better access to information through the use

Kenya. (This basically recognizes the fact that most trade

of technology;

in the EAC flows from Kenya to the other members.)

• Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project: to help the Government establish an enabling environ-

CUSTOMS DUTIES

ment among institutions with institutional and technical capacities;

Except when it is recognized by the law as being benefi-

• Regional Trade Facilitation Project: to improve financing

cial to the welfare of the general public, with a positive

for productive transactions and cross-border trade by

socioeconomic impact on the welfare of the population

providing guarantees against political risk;

and the economy of the country, the customs tariff for

• Urban Infrastructure and City Management Project: to

entry of products imported out of COMESA countries is

increase access to priority urban infrastructure in Kigali

set as follows:

and two secondary cities;

• finished products: 30%

• Human Resources Development Project: developing

• semi-finished products: 15%

and implementing a sustained programme of capacity-

• raw materials: 5%

building through education and skills development;

• capital equipment goods: 0%

• Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project: availability of water supply and sanitation services in rural areas in

A rate of 5% is applied on semi-finished goods or pro-

Rwanda.

ducts considered as raw materials for industries holding a permit for operating.

OTHER ISSUES As to goods imported from COMESA countries, it is conRwanda became the fourth member of the East African

venient to emphasize that Rwanda is currently a member

Community (EAC) in June 2007, the three founding

of the Common Market of the States of East and Central

members of the EAC being Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

and Southern Africa (COMESA), which was founded with

This will require a number of changes to the Rwandan

the aim of allowing industries of the member states to

Local investors appreciate an abundance of low-cost skilled and semi-skilled labour

realize large-scale economies thanks to the enlargement

triate employees should seek authorization from the

of the market and the significant reduction of transaction

Rwandan Office for the Promotion of Investments and

costs in the framework of the intraregional trade.

Exports, which retains legal rights to grant authorization on the basis of the specific grounds presented.

With the aim of attaining this objective, the member states of COMESA have agreed to set up a tax-free zone

Foreign investors and their expatriate employees are enti-

for all the goods considered as originating from member

tled to a charge-free initial work permit and a residence

states according to the principles determined by the

visa for a period of one year. Possible extensions may be

agreement on the Rules of Origin for the trade products

obtained after payment of fees established for the pur-

between the member states of COMESA.

pose of renewal.

In Rwanda, a 0% rate has been applied since 1st January

Investors who, within a six-month period, make a deposit

2004 but the provisions for reciprocity are still being

equivalent to at least US $500,000 in an account opened

applied over all the goods originating from all country

with a merchant bank in Rwanda are entitled to benefit

members of COMESA.

from permanent residence.

LABOUR PROVISIONS

LABOUR LAWS

WORK PERMIT RESIDENCE VISA

The Labour code currently in force establishes conditions for signing and carrying out work contracts, as well as the obligations of the employer towards employees and

Every business company with investments of at least US

vice versa, and the modes of annual leave, with a parti-

$100,000 is authorized to hire three expatriate emplo-

cular emphasis on expatriate personnel.

yees, and companies that require more than three expa-

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Foreign workers includes any person not of Rwandan nationality, willing to carry out professional activities in

eBizguides Rwanda

MAIN OBLIGATIONS RELATIVE TO SOCIAL LAWS

return for wages earned in Rwanda. The laws classify foreign workers in five main professional categories

The main obligations relative to social laws are:

corresponding with three types of work permit:

• affiliation of the staff to the Social Funds of Rwanda

a) Foreign workers whose countries of origin have signed

(CSR);

an agreement for free mobility of the workforce with

• filing periodical declarations of the workforce;

Rwanda. This category corresponds to the work permit of

• keeping a register of the employees;

class A.

• declaration at the start and end of the engagement of

b) Refugee workers with work permits of class A.

workers.

c) Foreign workers born or residing in Rwanda and whose parent or spouse is of Rwandan nationality with work

HUMAN RESOURCES

permits of class B. d) Volunteers from non-governmental organizations

This was an area in which surveyed investors thought

(NGOs) or non-profitmaking associations (ASBL) with

there had been some progress in the past five years, but

work permits of class C.

nothing like enough. When asked where there had been

e) Foreign workers recruited for the level of their profes-

most progress, foreign investors identified no particular

sional qualifications and whose countries of origin have

aspect, while domestic investors thought there had been

not signed agreements or conventions for free mobility

some progress in skill levels.

of the workforce with Rwanda, whose work permits are of class D.

When asked about areas of least progress, skills were most often mentioned. Some also mentioned attitudes

Recruitment of expatriate staff is subject to prior authori-

and industrial relations. Several thought the labour law

zation of the Director of Labour at the Ministry respon-

needed reform, which is actually under way.

sible and is imposed with the two following conditions: • justification that the employer could not find a

ACCESS TO LAND

Rwandan worker able to be hired for the employment within the national market;

The law on land is the organic Law No. 08/2005 of 14th

• possession of a university degree and professional

July 2005, which determines the use and management of

experience required for the vacant position, with waivers

land in Rwanda. It repeals several legal instruments that

for the level of the training to be granted by the Director

governed land before its enactment. It also covers all

of Labour for some specialities.

land, including that previously governed by custom. The law is very recent and many of the implementing regula-

The cost of the work permit depends on the class of the

tions are not yet in force. In addition, the land registry

work permit. Work permits of classes A and B are issued

provided for by the law is yet to be established. The follo-

free of charge for a three-year renewable period. Work

wing are some of the most important developments that

permits of classes C and D are valid for one year but are

have been introduced by the new law.

renewable and cost RWF 200,000, payable by the employer, for issue and extension. The request for

Although the new law retains the legal principle that

renewal of a work permit should be filed at least three

ownership of land is vested in the Government, it gives

months before expiry of the date of validity. However,

every occupant of land, whether the land is acquired

the extension of a work permit of classes C and D cannot

through custom or allocated by the Government, a right

be made more than three times except for expatriate

to a long-term lease of up to 99 years. The law extends

employees occupying management positions or those

property rights beyond such things as buildings and crops

holding an establishment visa.

(Article 5). Title may be held even without any develop-

eBizguides Rwanda

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

ment on the land. With a title, it will be possible for the

The Law on land is organic law No. 08/2005, which regu-

holder to use land as collateral for a loan, bequeath it to

lates both the local and the national use of land. The

his/her descendants, donate it or sell it (Articles 34–38).

objective of this law is to establish a national framework

This is important because it makes land on its own very

for the development, administration and implementation

valuable. (What is actually bequeathed or sold is the title

of policies and regulations on the use of land. Investors

to the long-term lease.)

intending to undertake projects that require the erection of buildings should obtain advice from physical planners

The new land law envisages registration of all land

at the Ministry of Lands or at the Kigali City Council, as

(Articles 30–32), although land registries are yet to be set

well as from legal experts.

up. The new law also guarantees the rights of landowners. They cannot be arbitrarily evicted. In cases of expropriation, adequate compensation is to be paid (Articles

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

54–59). The net result of all this is to make property rights in land predictable.

When asked in a recent survey to identify the three most attractive things about Rwanda as a location for inves-

With assistance from RIEPA, foreign investors can now

tment, investors as a whole put security first. Kigali was

obtain land and title with relative ease. Most local and

said to be one of the safest cities in Africa. Foreign inves-

foreign investors involved in extensive agricultural pro-

tors were somewhat more inclined to emphasize this fea-

jects easily acquire land titles.

ture than domestic ones, which is unsurprising given the

REGIONAL OR ZONE RESTRICTIONS

Saharan Africa in foreign eyes. Government commitment

widespread association between insecurity and sub-

to creating an investor-friendly environment and the very low level of corruption were the other two features men-

Investors are free to invest in any part of the country sub-

tioned by most. Again, there was a slight difference bet-

ject to the observance of environmental laws. The Organic

ween foreign and local investors, with the former placing

Law on Protection and Conservation of the Environment

a somewhat greater emphasis on the low corruption

(2004) prohibits constructions in wetlands (article 87). (An

levels, while the latter put greater stress on Government

‘organic law’ ranks immediately below the Constitution

commitment. A number of investors mentioned good

and requires other laws for its implementation. Many of

governance as yet another attractive feature and some

these implementation laws and decrees related to the law

domestic investors pointed to Rwanda’s central location

on environment are still to be enacted.)

in the region and its low cost of labour.

Rwanda is a rural country with about 90% of the population engaged in agriculture

When it came to what most needed the Government’s attention, energy was the clear favourite among all investors. The cost of electricity is the highest in the region, at 20 US cents per kWh, and the supply is unreliable. This considerably raises the cost of production in Rwanda and adds a further burden on Rwandan exports. Slow or otherwise unsatisfactory implementation of Government policies and decisions came next for both foreign and local investors. Commitment and clarity at the top do not, in investors’ view, necessarily translate into efficiency at the middle and lower levels of the bureaucracy. Infrastructure generally was the third item mentioned as calling for attention.

INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

eBizguides Rwanda

For investors in agriculture-related activities, this often

agreed that there had been progress in the past five

meant rural roads. The major road network linking urban

years. The areas that had shown the most progress were

centres in Rwanda is generally very good, according to

roads first and telecommunications second. The area of

investors, but the feeder roads are in poor condition.

least progress was energy. The issues were cost and relia-

Other issues mentioned included work permits for

bility. There were no differences between foreign and

foreign employees, customs procedures and workforce

local investors.

skills. A question about the way the Government deals with business found most investors in agreement that

On the whole, current investors clearly think highly of

there had been a great deal of progress over the past five

Rwanda as an investment location. They are very cons-

years. Investors were generally satisfied with Government

cious of the features that distinguish it from the surroun-

performance, RIEPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in particular. The improvements

ding region, such as the safe environment it offers and

needed were better coordination among Government

the clean and committed governance, and many would

agencies and faster implementation across the board.

like to see these better known abroad. The main difficulty

Foreign investors were not seen as facing any special dif-

of doing business in Rwanda, in their eyes, is the cost of

ficulties, with the possible exception of work permits.

production. Part of this is the landlocked nature of the

As already noted, infrastructure is an area of concern for

more than anything else that they would like to see the

those who do business in Rwanda. Most respondents

Government act with some urgency.

country. Part of it is the cost of energy. It is on energy

T H E

R WA N D A N

E C O N O M Y

If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building, or do you change the nail? Rwandan proverb 91

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

eBizguides Rwanda

OVERVIEW

countrywide security and a Government notably free of corruption are acknowledged by investors as well as

Rwanda is a compact country, with a population of 8.4

international bodies. GDP has recovered steadily since

million people inhabiting a surface area of 26,338 sq.

the year of the genocide. It grew at an annual average of

km. This puts pressure on land, which is unusual in

18% between 1995 and 1998, at 5.4% between 2000

Africa, with its generally abundant land and dispersed

and 2004, and 6.3% in 2005.

populations. However, it has its advantages, given in particular the quality of the country’s main road network.

The Government’s commitment to the market economy

(The percentage of paved roads in Rwanda is much

can be seen in its legislative reforms, privatization policy,

higher than that of its East African neighbours and

investment policy and programmes, and regional integra-

approaches that of South Africa).

tion strategies. With respect to the last of these, Rwanda

Rwanda’s compact size, coupled with its location in the

Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African

is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and

middle of a region of well over 100 million people, makes

Community (EAC). As for markets overseas, Rwanda has

the country a strategic choice as a base from which to

privileged access to the US market through the provisions

access a significant regional market. Rwanda shares its

of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and

borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC

to the EU market through Everything But Arms (EBA).

– population 55 million) to the west, Uganda (28 million) to the north, Tanzania (35 million) to the east, and Burundi (9 million) to the south.

Two major interlinked components of Vision 2020, Rwanda’s strategic development plan, are foreign direct investment (FDI) and increased exports. The priority sec-

Since the end of the 1994 war and genocide, Rwanda

tors for export development efforts are coffee, tea and

has made real progress in rebuilding its economic and

tourism, together projected to generate US $306 million

social infrastructure. Its achievements in establishing

in exports by 2010. However, Rwanda also needs to

Rebuilding Kigali

eBizguides Rwanda diversify its exports into areas like mining, pyrethrum and

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y Signs of incentives for the private sector exist and, more

horticulture. According to RIEPA’s Strategic Action Plan,

than ever before, there are institutions and decisions in

these and other non-priority sectors are expected to

favour of training and development in the private sector,

represent an increasing proportion of export earnings.

including the launching of some specific programmes as

ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

• Forum for Economic Partnership Between the Public

The socioeconomic environment of Rwanda offers

• Privatization Secretariat

well as the creation of specialized institutions such as:

Sector and the Private Sector

several development opportunities to the private sector

• National Board of Public Markets (or the National

and to entrepreneurship, wherein transparency prevails.

Tender Board)

The current policy is intended to spur economic growth, as

• Rwandan Office for the Promotion of Investments and

outlined in the document Vision 2020. All sectors are open

Foreign Financing

• Central Bureau for Public and Foreign Investments

to foreign investment. The Law Governing Commercial

• Office of the General Auditor of the Treasury

Establishments, the Investment Law, the Law on

• Rwanda Revenue Authority

Privatization and Public Investment, the Land Law, and the

• Rwandan Office for Standardization

Law on Protection and Conservation of the Environment

• Office for Information and Communication Technology

are the main laws governing investment in Rwanda.

• Rwandan Agency for Regulation of Public Utility Services

Some critical laws still await enactment. These include

• Rwandan Agency for the Environment.

laws on public procurement, on privately financed infrastructure projects, on insurance and on mining. The exis-

Investment opportunities in Rwanda can be found in the

ting framework provides guarantees against the expro-

agricultural sector (coffee, tea, horticulture, etc.); in tou-

priation of private property, except in the public interest

rism (eco-tourism, hotels and restaurants, leisure activi-

and with fair and prior compensation. It also guarantees

ties); in manufacturing; in training in various fields; and in

the repatriation of capital and after-tax profits.

many areas of infrastructure, including telecommunications, energy and finance.

The Government of Rwanda has been pursuing a reform agenda focusing on enhancing the attractiveness of the country as an investment location for the past decade. There have been some significant accomplishments, for example in simplifying the process of starting a business in Rwanda.

Specific reforms, some completed and others under way, cover the following areas among others: • securing macroeconomic stability and the trust of donors and the business community; • trade liberalization; • liberalization of the exchange regime; • liberalization of domestic prices and the market for commodities; • privatization of state-owned enterprises; • wide-ranging reform of business laws, including those

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

eBizguides Rwanda

Agriculture has played a distinctive role in Rwandan culture and history

covering investment, taxation, contract, banking, ban-

and focused on food processing. It offers many opportu-

kruptcy, trade licensing and labour;

nities to small and medium-sized investors. Services make

• introducing competition in the water, energy, telecom-

a significant contribution to GDP and are dominated by

munications and tea sectors;

telecommunications, transport and retail. There is also a

• strengthening the financial services sector;

substantial informal sector. GDP collapsed by around

• promoting infrastructure development, for example in

50% in the year of the genocide (1994) but bounced

roads and telecommunications;

back by 18% on average between 1995 and 1998. In

• improving investor facilitation through a one-stop

2002 the economy grew at nearly 10% but then grew

centre at the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion

hardly at all in 2003, on account of reduced Government

Agency (RIEPA).

spending arising from lower donor support, possibly on account of uncertainty over the outcome of the

Agriculture dominates the Rwandan economy, emplo-

Presidential and Parliamentary elections in that year. Over

ying 90% of the workforce and contributing a little over

the five-year period 2000–2004, the growth rate ave-

40% of the GDP. However, a slow but steady shift away

raged 5.4%.

from subsistence agriculture is under way. One area with much potential is tourism, which is thus far mostly unexploited.

All sectors have shown positive growth, with the strongest performance coming from agriculture and construction. The agriculture sector registered 6% growth in

Also unexploited are aspects of agriculture such as horti-

2005, mainly on account of good policies and a good

culture and floriculture. Manufacturing is very limited

rainfall. Growth in the manufacturing sector was also

eBizguides Rwanda

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

estimated at about 11%, attributable mainly to the con-

in the hands of the nine tea factories in Rwanda, seven

tinued boom in the construction industry.

of which are still owned by the state, although slated for privatization. The quality of both tea and coffee can be

Privatization and significant new investment in the sugar

exceptional and has been so recognized. To produce and

industry are beginning to show results in sugar produc-

export more high-quality tea and coffee, and to process

tion. Cement production also showed strong growth,

more of it within the country, are challenges at the core

again linked to the booming building industry. Growth in

of the Government’s value-addition strategy. What is

the services sector, driven by new investment and higher

needed is an overhaul of production methods and gre-

consumption, was estimated at 6%. The key industries

ater attention to international standards. This calls for

here have been communication, transport, tourism, and

capital and expertise which foreign investors are best

financial services.

placed to supply. Incidentally, investors can draw upon

The Rwandan economy has shown one of the highest

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency associated

the insurance against non-commercial risk offered by the

growth rates in sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade.

with the World Bank, as well as by the African Trade

In part, this is attributable to the recovery after the des-

Insurance Agency (ATI).

truction of 1994. However, the growth rate has continued to be relatively high even after the country had attained stability. The backbone of the Rwandan eco-

INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN RWANDA

nomy remains agriculture, which accounts for about 40% of GDP and 90% of employment. The hilly terrain is

Key factors for foreign investors are:

difficult to cultivate and prone to soil erosion but also has its advantages when combined with the temperate cli-

S trengths

mate.

• peace and political stability;

Tea and coffee continue to account for substantial por-

economy;

• investor-friendly Government committed to the market

tions of the foreign exchange earnings from exports,

• very low incidence of corruption;

although coffee prices have been declining. In 2005

• preferential access to several developed country mar-

Rwanda produced 16,800 tonnes of tea and 18,609

kets.

tonnes of coffee, generating receipts of US $26 million and US $38 million respectively. Tea production is mainly

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y We aknes ses

eBizguides Rwanda foreign investment, over half of this being accounted for

• landlocked situation with high costs of energy and

by the sale of Rwandatel to the US-based Terracom.

transport;

According to the figures of the Rwanda Investment and

• low skill levels, aggravated by the consequences of the

Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA), registered FDI (which is

1994 genocide;

planned or proposed rather than actual FDI) doubled in

• inadequate infrastructure.

2005 over 2004, and went mainly into manufacturing, retail trade, mining and construction. The principal

Opportunities

sources of this investment were some European countries

• agricultural exports such as tea, coffee, fruit and flowers;

(Belgium and France being prominent), some African

• eco-tourism;

countries (Kenya and South Africa) and India. The FDI

• development of services hub for the Central African

trend is now positive and, given a number of

region;

Government measures, including the setting up of RIEPA,

• manufacturing for the Rwandan and DRC markets.

significant growth is possible.

Thre ats

PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

• Unstable border with the DRC.

INVESTMENT TRENDS

Rwanda has staged a remarkable recovery over the past dozen years. Security, stability and clean governance are

Measured in dollars of foreign direct investment (FDI) per

impressive accomplishments for a country that went

US $1,000 of GDP, Rwanda once did better than most

through what Rwanda did in the mid 1990s. What the

East African countries, but the post-genocide picture is

Government hopes to accomplish in the next decade and

very different. Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia have all

a half is clearly stated in its Vision 2020. In reaching this

attracted proportionately far more FDI in the past decade

objective – broadly, the transformation of an economy

than Rwanda – and note that two of these three are also

based on subsistence agriculture into one led by industry

landlocked countries. In recent years, privatization has

and services – FDI can play an important role.

accounted for much of the FDI value, as the privatization of 40 enterprises has brought in about US $37 million in

eBizguides Rwanda

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

In addition to capital, it can bring expertise and techno-

need for unity, reconciliation and peace, which is particu-

logy and help enhance local skills, this last a crucial requi-

larly urgent in view of the destruction and dislocation

rement for economic transformation. Some of the cons-

caused by the 1994 genocide.

traints on doing business in Rwanda are only answerable with long-term solutions (such as creating a well-edu-

The economic priorities focus on private-sector develop-

cated and highly skilled workforce) and some are beyond

ment (see section on Privatization below), the moderniza-

the control of Rwanda on its own (such as improving the

tion of agriculture and the creation of employment

land transport routes through neighbouring countries).

opportunities outside agriculture, the development of infrastructure, and the improvement of the skill base. The

But there are things that Rwanda can do, and do relati-

last two overall domains are of particular importance in

vely quickly, to attract much more foreign investment

the economic context. The emphasis on science and tech-

than it has attracted so far. Above all, it can create a wel-

nology is meant to address the need for human resource

coming, supportive and predictable business climate. The

development and the creation of an economy moving

creation of RIEPA is one element in this that is already in

away from subsistence agriculture towards the provision

place. Improving the legal framework for investment is

of ICT-based services.

another element that is partially in place. Regional and international integration is linked to the need to diversify exports, currently dominated by the A third element is better and more aggressive marketing

cash crops tea and coffee. Rwanda has thus joined a

to counter the country’s negative image abroad, in which

number of preferential trade arrangements, including

this guide should be of some use. All in all, considering

COMESA

the committed and deliberate fashion in which the

Community.

and,

most

recently,

the

East

African

Government is approaching its challenges, it is very likely that Rwanda will attract progressively more FDI over the next decade.

In 2004 the World Bank carried out an in-depth study of micro and small-scale enterprises (MSSEs) in Rwanda. Within the enterprise structure of Rwanda, there are

GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES

nearly 70,000 formal and informal MSSEs, about 100 to

The Government’s overall objective is to reduce poverty

more than 30 persons), and some 20 large-scale enter-

and, more specifically, to increase GDP per capita from

prises (employing more than 100 persons). Although

200 enterprises that fall in the SME category (employing

US $250 to US $900 by 2020. This ambitious plan is arti-

most of the MSSE sector is informal, there are also formal

culated in the Government’s development roadmap

enterprises that demonstrate the characteristics of enter-

Vision 2020, which was developed after wide-ranging

prises in transition, from informal to formal and micro to

consultations with all constituencies.

small-scale.

The Vision identifies six ‘pillars’ on which the growth

Retail trade is the main subsector in all provinces, except

expectations will rest: the reconstruction of the nation;

Gikongoro, to have attracted MSSEs. Its popularity is in

an efficient state that unites and mobilizes the people;

large part due to the fact that there are quick returns on

human resource development; the development of basic

little or no investment. It includes some areas that are

infrastructure; the development of entrepreneurship and

important for the rural sector such as pharmaceutical and

the private sector; and the modernization of agriculture

veterinary products. However, the MSSE sector’s contri-

and animal husbandry. Also identified are four overall

bution to employment is limited – about 80% of the

domains: gender issues, environmental protection,

units employ only one person.

science and technology including ICT, and regional and international integration. The vision is inspired by the

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

eBizguides Rwanda

Beyond retail trade, other subsectors worth noting

Foreign exchange regulations are quite liberal and efforts

include handicrafts (9% of MSSEs), miscellaneous ser-

to set up a free economic zone are at a relatively

vices (9%), woodwork (7.4%), tailoring and garment

advanced stage. See the section on the Investment &

manufacture (7.3%), building materials (bricks, tiles, etc.

Legal Framework for more details.

6%), and construction work (masons, plumbers, brick layers 4.7%). Almost 35% of the MSSEs are in Kigali, 22% in the provinces of Ruhengeri and Gisenyi, and the

INSURING INVESTMENT AGAINST POLITICAL RISK

remaining 43% in the other nine provinces. (At the time of the study, there were 12 provinces in Rwanda. As of

Part of the World Bank Group, the Multilateral

2006 there are five: Eastern, Western, Northern,

Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) is a risk mitigator,

Southern and Kigali).

promoting foreign direct investment into developing countries by insuring investors against political or non-

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

commercial risks. It specializes in high-risk, low-income

There was a time, 15–20 years ago, when Rwanda

covers risks relating to currency transfer restrictions,

countries (like most in sub-Saharan Africa), which account for 42% of its portfolio. The insurance offered

attracted proportionately more FDI than all but one of its

expropriation, war and civil disturbance, and breach of

neighbours. Since then, however, its performance has

contract.

languished, although there has been an upswing in recent years, with flows reaching nearly US $11 million in

Projects in a broad range of sectors in 143 developing

2004.

countries are covered. Since its inception in 1988, MIGA

According to RIEPA’s figures, total registered investment

totalling US $14.7 billion in coverage. The Agency’s gross

(planned rather than actualized investment in any given

exposure stood at US $5.1 billion in September 2005.

has issued 774 guarantees in 91 developing countries,

year) in 2005 amounted to US $467 million, up from US $232 million in 2004. These investments were directed

Guarantee premiums are priced on the basis of a calcula-

into manufacturing (8 enterprises), agro-processing (9

tion of both country and project risk. Rates for SIP (see

enterprises), real estate (5 enterprises), services (10 enter-

below) guarantees range between 0.45% and 1.75%

prises), and mining and construction (2 enterprises).

basis points per year. Coverage is offered for up to 15

Since January 2006, 17 newly registered projects valued

years and in special cases 20 years. Equity investments

at over US $40 million have launched operations. Among

can be covered up to 90%, and debt up to 95%. MIGA

the factors beginning to have a positive influence on FDI

insures up to US $200 million and more can be arranged,

are the macroeconomic and structural reforms (including

if necessary, through syndication.

the privatization programme); the introduction of an investment code and the setting up of an investment

The Small Investment Program (SIP) is aimed at small and

agency (the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion

medium-sized investors. An investment in the non-finan-

Agency – RIEPA); a low incidence of corruption; and

cial sector is eligible if it is related to the establishment of

membership in preferential trading arrangements like

an SME, or made into an existing SME, in a developing

COMESA.

member country. The SME must fulfil two out of three of

The Government of Rwanda has put in place a number of

annual sales not exceeding US $15 million and assets not

policies, including attractive incentives, to make it clear

exceeding US $15 million.

the following criteria: no more than 300 employees,

that foreign investors are welcome. FDI is invited in all sectors with no restrictions on equity.

Tourism is one of the major areas of opportunity

MARKET SIZE AND ACCESS

are also markets on the eastern border, as Rwanda has

The domestic market of Rwanda is small. Nonetheless,

has some 100 million consumers. The country is also a

there are many opportunities, particularly for small and

member of the Common Market for Eastern and

now joined the East African Community (EAC ), which

medium-sized investors. Manufacturing is very limited in

Southern Africa (COMESA), which comprises 20 member

both scope and scale, and consumption is significantly

states with a combined population of over 385 million

dependent on imports, which are expensive. This,

and a total GDP of US $180 billion (at purchasing power

however, also offers import-substitution opportunities and

parity, US $637 billion). This is one of the largest trading

a certain natural protection for locally based investors.

arrangements in Africa. A COMESA free-trade area (FTA) was launched in October 2000. Eleven of its member

Moreover, the domestic market is by no means all there

countries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar,

is to interest potential foreign investors. Rwanda is the

Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Zambia and

natural location for supplying much of the eastern part of

Zimbabwe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have joined the FTA and reduced their

the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There is

import tariffs to zero on a reciprocal basis.

already considerable trade with the DRC, much of it unrecorded. As stability returns to the DRC, its population of 55 million should offer a significant market. There

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

eBizguides Rwanda

Beyond Africa, the country has preferential access, in

in the private sector, in particular among micro and

some cases duty-free access, to a number of rich mar-

small-scale enterprises (MSSEs).

kets. The European Union’s Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative offers least developed countries, Rwanda

Rwanda’s private sector is still small but it is growing. It is

among them, wide-ranging access to its markets. The

characterized by family businesses, small and medium-

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) of the

sized enterprises (SMEs), a few large companies, and

United States offers most African countries, including

cooperatives. As the private sector’s representative orga-

Rwanda, duty-free access for over 6,000 items, including

nization, the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (RPSF)

textiles and apparel. Rwanda is also party to the Cotonou

plays a crucial role in building a successful Rwandan pri-

Convention between the EU and the African, Caribbean

vate sector.

and Pacific (ACP) countries. This group of firms is the main taxpayer and second-

PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND TREATIES

largest employer in Rwanda. The success of Rwanda’s private sector will ultimately drive the country’s bid to create prosperity for the average citizen.

Rwanda is a member of a number of global and regional

The RPSF’s major priorities include:

organizations and treaties of interest to potential inves-

• strengthening Rwanda’s private-sector companies;

tors, including the following:

• building human capacity for the private sector;

• The African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI)

• facilitating sustainable funding sources for the private

• The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

sector;

(COMESA)

• developing vibrant private-sector associations;

• The Cotonou Agreement between the European Union

• providing dispute arbitration and business challenge

and African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP)

assistance; and

• The East African Community (EAC)

• providing private-sector advocacy in public–private

• The International Centre for the Settlement of

partnerships.

Investment Disputes (ICSID) • The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

Another key player in voicing private-sector concerns is

• The Paris Convention on Intellectual Property, the

CAPMER (Centre for Support to Small and Medium-Sized

Universal Copyright Convention and the Berne Copyright

Enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda), formed in 2002. It pro-

Convention

vides business development services and works together

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

with other stakeholders to promote the creation and

• The World Trade Organization (WTO).

development of SMEs. Its major objectives include: • facilitating access to information on technologies, mar-

Rwanda has also signed several bilateral investment trea-

kets and financing opportunities as well as entrepre-

ties (BITs) and double taxation treaties(DTTs).

neurship incentives for SMEs; • technical and management capacity-building in SMEs;

THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN RWANDA

• facilitating SME access to various funding sources; and • reinforcing organization within and among SMEs, with a particular emphasis on partnership development

Although the country’s economic performance is impro-

among SMEs involved in the same sector.

ving, much remains to be done if Rwanda is to meet its 2020 goals. In order for Rwanda to meet these goals, the GDP per capita needs to grow from US $250 to US $900 in 2020. This can only be achieved through major growth

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T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

PRIVATIZATION, LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION

two banks formerly owned by the state and the former Government-owned telecommunications company.

The privatization programme of the Government of

The broad objectives of privatization are: (i) relieving the

Rwanda was established by Law No. 2 on Privatization

financial and administrative burden on the Government,

and Public Investment, dated 11th March 1996, with the

(ii) improving the efficiency and productivity of the enter-

Presidential decree putting the necessary institutions in

prises privatized and thereby augmenting the sources of

place being issued in May 1996. Privatization is one of

Government revenue, (iii) reducing the size of the public

the key elements in the Government’s economic reform

sector in the economy, and (iv) broadening the

and reconstruction efforts and draws on the experience

ownership base of Rwandan enterprises.

of a number of African countries, indicating that the priThe institutional framework for privatization includes:

vate sector must be the engine of growth.

• the Cabinet, which has final authority over the disposiForeign and local investors may participate in the privati-

tion of public enterprises;

zation process without discrimination. Foreign investors

• the National Privatization Commission, which has the

have, in fact, bought 14 out of the 98 former public

general management responsibility for privatization;

enterprises (parastatals) privatized.

• the Technical Privatization Committee, which is responsible for recommending the terms and conditions of indi-

In 2004 and 2005, privatization transactions accounted

vidual sales and negotiating with the bidders;

for more than half of new FDI in Rwanda. In these two years, the bulk of FDI was through the privatization of Rwanda Revenue Authority

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eBizguides Rwanda

â&#x20AC;˘ the Privatization Secretariat, which actually implements

communications enterprise Rwandatel, which was bought

the privatization programme and became operational in

by Terracom Sarl, a US company, for US $20 million.

1997. Seven enterprises have been liquidated, with the assets The Government is keen to ensure that the process of pri-

of three of them being sold for about US $2 million. Four

vatization is predictable and transparent. With the excep-

other enterprises are at an advanced stage of privatiza-

tion of strategic enterprises calling for substantial inves-

tion and a further 24 are slated for privatization. These

tment and specific knowhow, the process begins with a

include seven tea factories, two banks, the state-owned

public invitation to tender in two parts, a technical offer

mining company REDEMI, and the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30% stake in

and a financial offer. The technical offer is opened first

Bralirwa, the brewery that is one of the largest businesses

and, if it is satisfactory, the financial offer is opened next.

in the country.

The results of the evaluations of the bids are presented to the Cabinet for a final decision. Divestiture is followed by monitoring to ensure that the buyer respects the terms of the contract and implements the business plan proposed.

THE RWANDAN ACCOUNTING FRAMEWORK

(Three of the hotels privatized in the late 1990s, for example, have now reverted to state ownership, as the

GENERAL INFORMATION

buyers failed to rehabilitate them as promised in their business plans.) Some investors have found the process

According to the Government Decree No. 19/1978 of

much too long, so that conditions at the time of the bid

14th August 1978 establishing the creation of National

were no longer the same at the time of finalization.

Charts of Accounts, the general accounting of each com-

As of December 2005, a total of 33 companies had been

recording of all the transactions and the preparation,

privatized. The management of two other companies had

under good conditions, of the following documents: sta-

been contracted out. Most of the enterprises privatized

tement of the summary balances from operations, tables

were small, with only four exceeding US $1 million in sale

underlying balances of net assets, the balance sheet (the

price. The largest privatization thus far has been the tele-

statement of the net assets and the mandatory annexes),

pany should be sufficiently detailed in order to allow the

National Bank of Rwanda headquarters in Kigali

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eBizguides Rwanda

T H E R WA N D A N E C O N O M Y

and the statistical annexes. Accounts should be kept in

• the opening balance sheet of an accounting year

official languages and the local currency. As a general

should correspond with the closing one of the previous

rule, each accounting entry should be made on the basis

year;

of dated and numbered supporting documentation and

• the items of the headings in the assets and the liabilities

signed by the person initiating the operation.

should be recognized separately and no balancing between a heading in the assets side and a heading in the

As well as the journal ledger, the inventory books, the

liabilities side is authorized;

payroll and other registers or documents which are com-

• depreciation should be applied on an accounting year,

pulsory under the legislative and regulatory provisions,

and it should be stated whether this results in a loss or a

companies should keep the accounts (general ledger) in

profit.

a format enabling an easy understanding of the position, the movements and the reconstitution of the underlying contents and periodically prepare the ledgers necessary for the audit of accuracy of the entries.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION OF FIXED ASSETS

The books and the accounting documents can be kept in

Value reduction of fixed assets is computed in the form

any format and means with adequate procedures

of a depreciation provision. Depreciation allows accoun-

(manual, paper, mechanical data processing or com-

ting recognition of the loss incurred on the value of fixed

puter) provided that the accounting data resulting from

assets in the course of use, and is applied to reconstitute

auxiliary ledgers or documents are summarized in a

the invested funds. Depreciation is, as a general rule, cal-

general journal or at least are periodically recapitulated

culated according to the practices of the profession in accordance with the specific useful length of life for each

(at least monthly).

category of the fixed assets. Nevertheless, depreciation Such freedom is, moreover, subordinated to the obliga-

may be adapted to specific conditions of utilization. It can

tion to use a system able to secure the fairness and

likewise be modified allowing for future prospects subs-

authenticity of the accounting entries and allow an audit

tantiating such decision. Depreciation should be com-

on investigation of the fairness and sincerity of the

puted at the close of each accounting period, even if a

accounting.

profit has not arisen, and once each fixed asset has been acquired or disposed of.

The books should be kept with greatest care, without blanks or any falsification. In case a correction arises, it is convenient that the earliest entry be legible and that the

REVALUATION OF NET ASSETS

correction bears the signature of the official responsible Revaluation aims at correcting the entry value of assets of

for the operation.

the company for adjustment with the prevailing econoThe accounting books, for which a directory should be

mical conditions. Revaluation is termed as ‘official’ in the

kept, and the supporting documentation, should be

case that it is authorized and calculated in compliance

retained for 10 years from the last entry in the books and

with regulations established by the law. It is ‘free’ when

be made available to the competent authority for their

it is done at the sole decision of the company. Increase in

verification or checking.

the value of some assets resulting from a revaluation is

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

balances of the accounts of the net assets within a sin-

Compliance with the following general principles of the

equivalent amount of such increase in the fixed assets

accounting technique should be observed:

constitutes a correction to the equity capital.

recognized in the table underlying the statement of the

gular column recording the movements of the assets. An

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104

A G R I C U L T U R E

If your mouth turns into a knife, it will cut off your lips Rwandan proverb 105

AGRICULTURE

eBizguides Rwanda

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL RESOURCES

Anastase Murekezi, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources

The mission of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Rwanda is to facilitate everyone in Rwanda, especially farmers, to get more food, food security and to promote export so that the country can import and export goods.

The agriculture sector in Rwanda contributes 42% to the global GDP and around 90% of the population is working on the land. The agriculture sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth rate in the past years has been 4.2%, but we need to have at least 6% in the next 15 years. To attain this, we need investment and especially private investment. We have very small plots of land belonging to farmers and subsistence agriculture is dominant. We have to turn this from a subsistence agriculture economy to a market-oriented agriculture economy, since Rwanda will probably become a service-oriented economy within the next 15 years. We are currently developing new strategies that are aimed at effectively improving productivity in rural labour and animal production by lending, inputting livestock, irrigation and land protection by erosion control, and agro-processing for value addition.

We have a plan to organize consolidation of lands through the creation of investment companies in agriculture, which will bring capital investment for equipment, management, inputs, irrigation, etc., whereas farmers will bring small lots of land to share. We are applying the concept used by the Japanese Government, which tells us that in order to get economic growth quickly in this area, we have to produce, sell and buy what we eat. Families should specialize in one or two crops and in livestock production and sell their products both nationally and internationally. Land consolidation law was passed in July 2005 and now we are working on technical modalities in order to implement this.

These modalities are the improvement of seeds of rice, maize, beans, coffee, tea, banana, fruits like pineapples and passionfruits and improving the penetration rates of these improved seeds, increasing the use of fertilizers and using artificial insemination to improve the genetic material of cattle. In this respect, we need to train staff and develop our capacity to deliver veterinarian drugs to control animal diseases in Rwanda.

Rwanda is blessed with a highly fertile soil and a temperate climate all year through. It is also the land of one thousand hills, which constitutes an amazing beauty, but it also makes the soil very vulnerable. Our objective is to protect our land by radical terracing, which consists basically in cutting the land. We also have irrigation programmes in the marshlands and on the hills. We would like to collect all the rainwater and to have in place infrastructure for irrigation and harvesting and to develop marshland infrastructure for irrigation. Thanks to these marshlands we have water in the valleys that we can manage and use for irrigation. Although we are still a net importing country of rice, we are starting to produce it and hopefully we will be able to export rice to COMESA countries in the next five years.

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AGRICULTURE

It goes without saying that our coffee and tea are our traditional exports and they are recognized internationally for their high quality. However, agro-processing is one of our priorities as a technique to add value to our agriculture products. In this sense we are targeting crops with a high potential of offering an added value, namely fruits such as pineapple, passionfruit and banana, rice and flowers. We are committed to producing and exporting more vegetables, more flowers and more fruits to the international market, and at the same time we will be exporting into the regional markets such as EAC and COMESA.

The main opportunities for investors lie in the creation of new plantations and new factories for tea and coffee as well as horticulture, which is an attractive opportunity for investors from East Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Other potential products include silk, macadamia nuts and dairy processing.

Investors coming to Rwanda benefit from a number of advantages. They can repatriate their benefits free of tax, since no taxes are applied to exports, and we have lower production costs and low labour costs, some of the lowest in East Africa. There is an excellent investment environment: the corruption rate is very low in the management and registration process and Rwanda is a very well administered country, with good connections with people, roads and markets. Since Rwanda is a landlocked country, one of the main challenges for our fresh products to be exported was the cost of airfreight. While in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda the cost is US $1.50 per kilo transported to Europe, in Rwanda it is US $2.20 per kilo, so we decided to cut the 70 cents additional. The Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan is to pay for this 70 cents margin until there are more export volumes and there will not be any need to give this incentive any more.

The second challenge is technical, enhancing the national skills for irrigation and agro-processing. This is why we are looking for investors who can bring capital investment as well as knowhow, and then our local farmers and local investors can work with and learn from these foreign direct investors. We also hire skilled people from overseas, and we are sending our students to universities and schools in other countries in Africa, America, Europe and Asia, and we are inviting specialized people to train our farmers and our staff.

Another challenge is financing: we have only one bank specialized in investment, with a priority on the agriculture sector, which is the Rwanda Development Bank. This bank has been given a special mission by the Government of Rwanda to develop its investment activity, mainly focusing in agriculture and crafting. We need more than this one bank lending money for investment. So we are developing new tools for long-term investment. For medium-term investment we have no problems. When investing in tea, for instance, you will have to wait for three or four years before the tea is processed. You need to produce before you gain any benefit. So we need facilities for long-term investment funds, which we are developing now.

Investors are welcome to Rwanda. We are waiting for them with open arms and willing to work with them and facilitate their business. We have high potential in agriculture and livestock development as well as excellent human resources. We invite them to share this countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential.

Anas tas e Mure kezi Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources

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OVERVIEW

ning, mulching and spraying the crop against antestia

Rwanda’s economy is predominantly agricultural.

Board, farmers do not use many technologies and hence

Agriculture contributes over 40% of the country’s GDP

their yield is low (1kg to 2kg per tree on average).

bug, which is done by OCIR-Café, the Rwanda Coffee

and employs nearly 90% of the workforce. The major exports of Rwanda are coffee, tea, tin cassiterite, wolfra-

Rwanda produces some of the best-quality coffees in the

mite and pyrethrum. Coffee and tea account for a large

world because of its high elevation, the volcanic and fertile

part of the total agricultural export value.

soils as well as enough rainfall. But there are also marketing hurdles, which prevent full exploitation of this sector.

COFFEE PRODUCTION IN RWANDA

PRODUCTION

Coffee production in Rwanda has remained a major eco-

Coffee production trends show three distinct phases.

nomic activity since its introduction by missionaries at the

Phase one stretched up to the early 1990s when produc-

beginning of the 20th century. It provides employment

tion was high and prices good on international markets.

for well over 400,000 farm families involved in its cultiva-

The next phase (1994–2000) was characterized by low

tion as well as traders, factory workers, exporters, trans-

prices and low returns to farmers leading to neglect, low

porters and insurance workers.

yield, low quality and even lower returns. The third phase is from 2000 to date when the Government of Rwanda

Coffee is also the main source of foreign exchange for

decided to take measures to turn around this important

the country and will continue being so for some time to

sector by increasing production, improving quality and

come. For example US $54 million was earned for the

adding value.

26,000 tonnes of green coffee exported in 2006, which amounts to 38% of total revenues for the year. Today

Phase One

coffee supply chains can also be regarded as the best vehicle for raising rural household incomes, thereby redu-

This period was characterized by bumper crops every year

cing poverty.

with 40,000 tonnes of green coffee exported in 1985 bringing in US $66 million, which was equivalent to 68%

Nearly all the coffee is produced by small farmers owning

of total revenues for the year.

one hectare or less. Apart from cultural measures of pruCrop Production, Annual Total (tonnes)

108

Rwanda benefits from quality coffee

Phase Two

Phase Three

This phase up to 2002 was characterized by declining

The Government of Rwanda decided to put measures in

yields, quality and revenues as well as poor returns to far-

place to reverse this downward trend including measures

mers leading to even more neglect of the farms. For

aimed at increasing quantity, quality and value addition.

example only 14,000 tonnes were recorded in 2003.

In order to increase quantity, more emphasis was put on improved crop husbandry. High-yielding varieties, fertilizer use, and stumping and replacing of old coffee trees were used to increase the volume of coffee exports.

In order to add value, private and cooperative investment was attracted to the sector. To date over 120 coffee washing stations have been completed and are ready to operate. For example, while 80 coffee washing stations were operational for the 2006 season producing 3,000 tonnes of fully washed coffee, 120 coffee washing stations are expected to operate in 2007 processing at least 10,000 tonnes of fully washed coffee. The country is targeting the speciality coffee market, which brings in over US $3 per kilogramme. More investments should be attracted into roasting, packaging and distribution of coffee, which could be done either in the country or abroad. Below is a table showing production trends,

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eBizguides Rwanda

revenue earned and the coffee washing stations cons-

any shelves. Efforts to sell Rwandan brands will lead to a

tructed over the years.

tremendous increase in revenue for the country.

Table showing production, revenue and coffee washing

Starbucks has also started the Café Practice certification

station trends 2002–2006

programme aimed at traceability, social responsibility and environmental leadership. This will go a long way to improving farmer benefits from coffee.

CONCLUSION Rwandan coffee is mainly sold in its green coffee form but can have added value if sold as roasted, ground, crystals or bags ready to drink, which could result in

TRADE

increased revenue and jobs if done in Rwanda. There is therefore a need to attract investors to do this as well as

Rwandan coffee has traditionally been exported as green

a bold move into marketing of Rwandan coffees both

coffee beans. The marketing channel starts with small-

inside and outside the country. Opening more coffee

holders, who sell to small traders, who then sell to expor-

shops will encourage more Rwandans to drink coffee,

ters, sometimes through middlemen. The quality is strictly

thereby injecting more money into the sector and turning

checked by OCIR-Café to ensure compliance with inter-

coffee farming into a worthwhile venture.

national standards. The liquor quality is also determined in the laboratory before exporting the coffee.

TEA

The highland and volcanic soils as well as other good cli-

Total tea exports were 16,800 tonnes in 2005 and earned

matic conditions result in high-quality coffees with spe-

over US $26 million in foreign exchange (MINECOFIN,

cial characteristics currently sought out by the market.

2006). The sector employs an estimated 60,000 people

Rwandan coffee is mainly sold to US, Europe and recently

and has 12,000ha under cultivation (OCIR-Thé, 2006).

to Japan, China and South Africa. There are efforts to

Nearly all the tea is grown at above 1,500 metres, in soils

target the speciality coffee segment, where the country

that permit the production of very superior tea. Like

has a comparative advantage as a small producer. Chain

coffee, tea is also grown mainly by smallholders (67%)

coffee shops like Starbucks have been buying coffee from

but, in addition, there are also nine tea factories with

Rwanda for many years now but, since there is no

associated estates, five of them still state-owned.

Rwandan brand, Rwandan coffee cannot be found on Coffee is one of Rwanda’s biggest exports

Sorwathé is the leading private tea producer accounting for less than 10% of plantation area and 20% of tea production. New private investors have taken over the factories at Pfunda, Nshili, Kiva, Rubaya and Sisakura. Privatesector management of these facilities is expected to lead to expanded production and larger export receipts.

Two kinds of tea are grown, swamp tea and mountain tea, of which the latter has a lower yield but higher quality. In general, yields per hectare are lower in Rwanda than in competitors like Kenya and Sri Lanka. Most tea is produced by the CTC (cut, tear, curl) method and there

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Tea fields

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is little value addition. The Government’s goal, by 2010,

number of current employees is a core staff of 26 and a

is to increase the area under cultivation from 12,000ha to

further 500 contract employees. Of all of these, only one

18,000ha; to increase the average yield from 1,500kg to

is an expatriate: A.P.S. Shaw, the General Manager. The

2,500kg per ha; and more than double production to

company both grows its own tea and buys tea from out-

about 36,000 tonnes.

growers. The company’s own land (held by long-term

Another goal is to increase value addition through blen-

further 780ha. The difference in yields is considerable,

ding, packaging and branding, and triple export earnings

with the company’s land producing about 2,000kg per

lease) is 104ha, while the outgrowers’ cooperative has a

to US $91 million by 2012. A feasibility study on value

ha and the cooperative land producing about 1,200kg

addition has been completed by Pricewaterhouse

per ha.

Coopers. LAB International is a long-established trader in tea in the Principal investment opportunities in this subsector

United Kingdom. It had been buying quality Rwandan tea

include the following:

for quite some time when it saw a special opportunity in

• the privatization of five tea factories, those at Gisakura,

the privatization of Pfunda Tea, which would become the

Kitabi, Mata, Mulindi and Shagasha (about US

company’s first tea-growing and manufacturing facility.

$6,000,000 for a factory with a production capacity of

Generally, the quality of Rwandan tea is highly regarded

1,200 tonnes and two production lines, according to

by buyers but the cost of production in Rwanda (around

OCIR-Thé);

US $1.38 per kg) is higher than in Kenya. This is primarily

• the construction of a new CTC factory in the Karongi

the result, according to Mr Shaw, of long transport lines

district in western Rwanda (US $7,000,000);

to the port of Mombassa in Kenya, where tea auctions

• the construction of a new factory at Gatare in the

are held, and of the high cost of energy and other inputs

Nyamasheke district in western Rwanda (US $7,000,000);

in Rwanda.

• the construction of a new factory at Mushubi in the Nyamagabe district in western Rwanda (US $7,000,000);

The company assesses the investment environment as

• the establishment of a blending and packaging plant,

friendly. The trend in key areas such as infrastructure is

including orthodox tea manufacture (US $4,000,000);

basically positive, although improvement in such aspects

• the development of large-scale tea plantations.

as rural roads has tended to occur very slowly. The company’s principal challenge in its business has been educa-

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES – FDI STORY: INVESTING IN TEA

ting outgrowers in better husbandry. In the company’s view, one top priority for the Government, as far as tea is concerned, ought to be improving the management of

The Pfunda Tea Company is located in Gisenyi in western

cooperatives. This would lead both to higher yields per

Rwanda near Lake Kivu, with its plantations between

hectare and greater incomes for farmers. There are plenty

5km and 35km away. It is majority-owned by LAB

of opportunities in tea and in agriculture; these could

International UK, which acquired a 55% share in Pfunda

come from further privatization as well as from additional

Tea in November 2004 for US $1,060,160. The remaining

land the Government could make available. The best fea-

45% is still held by the Government of Rwanda, which

tures of Rwanda in the company’s view are a favourable

has declared its intention to sell a further 35% to private

climate, an investor-friendly Government and the near

buyers and 10% to an outgrowers’ cooperative.

absence of corruption. The company’s plan for the future is to increase production, with a target of 3 million kg by

The company is currently producing about 1.4 million kg

2010, whilst improving the quality of the end product.

of tea, which, at prices for Rwandan tea varying between US $1.40 and US $1.55 per kg on average for the last five years, means a turnover of around US $2 million. The

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HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE

sionfruits were exported to Belgium. In 2003–2004 the Ministry of Agriculture estimated that 13,000 hectares were planted with fruits in Rwanda yielding 98–108

The horticulture and floriculture sector is mostly undeve-

tonnes per hectare. It was also estimated that, under

loped in Rwanda, although it has become important in

intensive farming, the potential yield would vary between

many African countries and plays an increasingly impor-

197 and 305 tonnes per hectare.

tant role in sub-Saharan Africa’s exports. A success story in East Africa is Kenya, where the export of flowers, fruits

The existing demand for passionfruit and its processed

and vegetables generates over US $300 million in foreign

products presents significant potential for Rwanda, an

exchange. The sector has grown quickly in Kenya, from

opportunity for investors if the quality standards neces-

small beginnings, and relies significantly on outgrowers,

sary for the international market can be met. The critical

to whom exporters provide extension services – all of

requirements for successful exports are compliance with

which suggests the possibility of successful replication in

the sanitary and phytosanitary standards of importing

Rwanda.

countries and the efficient organization of logistics (essential to the export of perishable products). Foreign

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2005 99% of

investors have helped meet these requirements in Kenya

horticulture products (mainly flowers) were exported to

and could do so in Rwanda.

the Netherlands while 100% of dessert bananas and pasCommercial floriculture is a new industry in Rwanda

AGRICULTURE

eBizguides Rwanda

There is also potential to develop downstream processing

alone. They contain six closely related compounds called

industries such as rice, tomatoes and tomato paste pro-

pyrethrins – collectively called ‘pyrethrum’– which are

duction, and castor oil. To address the existing horticul-

the oldest-known natural insecticides. They are used

tural development bottlenecks, a national development

worldwide in a range of different products to control

programme is being prepared. The Ministry of

insect pests in the home, office, on the farm and out-

Agriculture has also launched a pilot study to analyse the

doors.

current status of the production, processing and marketing of fruits in Rwanda.

The first scientific papers about pyrethrum’s properties date from 1854, although its recorded use dates back for

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

centuries. It first appeared in Europe, in particular

• export of fresh passionfruits and vegetables;

foreign settlers already exploited Rwandan pyrethrum in

Yugoslavia and Albania, about 1820. As for Rwanda,

• export of fresh apple bananas;

the early 1940s and an extraction factory was established

• large-scale cultivation and export of flowers;

in 1972.

• industrial processing of passionfruit into ready-to-drink juices for both local and regional markets;

Today we know that pyrethrum is made up of six sepa-

• processing of tomatoes into tomato paste;

rate insecticidal constituents collectively called pyrethrins.

• construction of processing plants for the production of

The global business that exists reflects growing demand

vegetable oils destined for regional and international

for a natural product that degrades quickly and does not

markets;

leave problematic residues. In fact, pyrethrins break

• industrial cultivation of sunflower, soya, groundnut and

down within hours of exposure to sunlight and air into

castor oil plants to supply the future processing needs of

carbon dioxide and water, so there are no residual envi-

vegetable oil factories;

ronmental effects.

• construction of greenhouses and cold-storage facilities; • production of packaging materials for horticultural pro-

In addition to the appealing ‘natural’ aspects of pyreth-

ducts;

rins, the growing and harvesting of the flowers that pro-

• production of inputs, fertilizers and pesticides.

duce them is an important economic boon in Africa, where more than 400,000 families earn a living by gro-

PYRETHRUM

wing, harvesting and processing these pyrethrin-containing flowers for export. This sustainable enterprise is an

The pyrethrum story is one of a simple daisy flower with

important consideration in today’s global village.

a rare natural property. It is the story of an ancient discovery passed down through the ages, which today is the

This unique compound is an exceptional insecticide that

basis of an advanced agricultural industry. It is the story

provides a dozing effect, and eradicates a wide range of

of high-tech agricultural techniques and subsistence far-

insects – ants, mosquitoes, fleas, flies and cockroaches,

ming being mutually beneficial; it is the story of deve-

among others – while being inoffensive for humans and

loped world technologies coexisting with African tradi-

all the warm-blooded animals. This dozing property is the

tions. It is the story of clear, golden oil that is nature’s

most important reason why it is used in all rapid-action

own insecticide. And above all, it is a story of benefits to

products (attacking the nervous system of insects almost

many. We are talking about thousands of farmers, their

immediately and causing knockdown, followed by

families and many other users all around the globe.

death).

Fields of white daisy or Tanacetum cinerariaefolium, like

Pyrethrins are found in products used in countless

chrysanthemums, are cultivated at the far corners of the

homes, offices, farms and businesses to safely control

globe in Africa and Australia, but not for their beauty

insects that affect the comfort and wellbeing of humans.

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Furthermore, pyrethrins are also used in disinfecting pets,

PROCESSING

residences, gardens, canteens and food storage facilities, ships, aircraft, crop fields and livestock and any other ele-

Pyrethrum processing is developed in three stages, star-

ment that you may think of. In fact, they are contained in

ting with the drying phase where the pyrethrum flowers

more than half of the US insecticides for non-agricultural

are sun-dried, after which 125kg of fresh flowers will

use. Likewise, pyrethrins are also used in organic farming

provide 25kg of dried flowers and 1kg of primary crude

where they are applied to fruits and vegetables prior to

extract, which is refined into 0.5kg of pale.

harvest to remove insects. The extraction process begins with the factory reception Pyrethrins are mainly marketed in four different ways:

of the dried flowers containing an average of 1.5% of

• powder containing 1.3% w/w of pyrethrum, used for

pyrethrins, which will be delivered and weighed in sacks.

direct incorporation into insecticidal dusts and mosquito

The sacks will be emptied onto strainers to remove all

coil formulations;

foreign materials and then the flowers will be ground to

• pyrethrin Oleo Resin extract (OR) 25% w/w, used in

obtain grist powder, the flour that will be stored for at

agricultural sprays, liquids as Fly-tox, among others;

least 24 hours before the extraction process in order to

• pale extract 50% w/w, a high-grade, fully refined and

eliminate static electric charges, and carrying out periodic

decolorized product that meets the most stringent requi-

analysis to ensure normal particle size distribution (450

rements for insecticidal aerosols and sprays;

microns on average). After the required time, the extrac-

• pyrethrum residuum, obtained after extracting and

tion starts on a semi-continuous countercurrent basis

removing the pyrethrum extracts, which can be used for

with the use of hexane solvent. The hexane miscella will

livestock feeding just like wholegrain flour is used, with

be evaporated, collecting the hexane later to be used

traces of pyrethrins normally 0.1% w/w.

again. The resultant extract will contain 32% of pyrethrins, adding butylated hydroxy toluene to avoid oxidation. Finally, the residues, containing 0.1% of pyrethrins Nyarugenge market

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on average, can be used in three different ways: fuel, manure and feed for livestock due to its nutritional value.

tion of backward linkages. One of its projects concerns medicinal plants. Medicinal plants have historically contributed to the Nepali economy through the generation of

The final step, the refinery procedure, is also a two-stage

income and employment for farmers, collectors, traders

process, starting with extraction using methanol solvent

and processors. However, because of indiscriminate

and followed by extraction using hexane, obtaining the

exploitation, premature harvesting, a lack of post-harvest

miscella, which will later be decoloured, dehydrated, fil-

technology and poor collection methods, the natural

tered, concentrated and prepared for its commercializa-

reserves are being rapidly depleted.

tion once the resultant pale extract – of 25% or 50% of pyrethrins – is obtained.

Dabur Nepal has set up a state-of-the-art greenhouse with a capacity to produce three to four million saplings

HERBAL PRODUCTS

of medicinal plants per annum. It supplies the saplings to farmers, directly or through development agencies and

Rwanda’s high altitude, soil composition and climate

NGOs, at cost price. The farmers are given training and

could also lend themselves to the production of other

technical assistance for plantation, cultivation practices,

high-value, low-bulk agricultural products for export.

plant protection measures and harvesting as well as post-

Specifically, conditions may be particularly suitable for

harvesting technology. The company guarantees pur-

herbal products, to be used in medicines, health supple-

chase of the final produce at the prevailing market price

ments or cosmetic products. The global market for herbal

and uses it for the production of various herbal products

products was estimated at more than US $60 billion in

in Nepal.

2002 and was growing at an annual rate of 10–15%. Indian investors have been prominent in this area and may find the potential in Rwanda of much interest.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES – INVESTING IN SUGAR

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES – AN EXAMPLE OF EXPLOITING POTENTIAL FOR HERBAL PRODUCTS

in Uganda and offices also in India, Kenya and the United

Parts of Nepal share some of the natural features of

the result of privatization for US $1.5 million. Over the

Rwanda, such as a hilly terrain, a mild climate and fertile

past eight years, the Madhvani Group has invested a total

Kabuye Sugar Works is a fully foreign-owned venture of the Madhvani Group. The Group has its principal business interests (sugar and the co-generation of electricity)

Kingdom. In December 1997 it acquired Kabuye Sugar as

soil, which lend themselves to niche agricultural produc-

of US $10 million in Kabuye Sugar. The sugar factory is

tion. Dabur Nepal Private Limited, a joint venture with

located just outside Kigali and the annual turnover is

80% of the equity held by the foreign investor Dabur

about US $7 million and growing.

India Limited, has been focusing on herbal products in Nepal. The company started with the production of hair

The company has 400 employees in the factory and a fur-

oil, tooth powder and other powders (all herbal) in 1992.

ther 5,000 workers on daily wages in agricultural opera-

It later diversified its product range to include glucose-D,

tions, about 75% of these being women. The number of

candies, fruit juice, perfumery compounds, honey-pro-

expatriate employees is 11, all from India, including the

cessing and medicinal products. Annual turnover in 2003

General Manager. At the time of the purchase in 1997,

had crossed US $60 million, of which 93% was

the Government of Rwanda allocated Kabuye Sugar

accounted for by exports.

3,100ha of land for sugarcane cultivation. Of this, about half was rendered unusable by flooding, something the

One thing that makes Dabur Nepal an interesting FDI

Group had not expected. Currently, the company is using

venture to consider in the Rwandan context is its promo-

only 1,600ha for cultivation and drawing on an addi-

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tional 2,000ha held by outgrowers. The yield of sugar-

Raising of goats is more concentrated in the provinces of

cane per ha is about 80 tonnes a year and is expected

Kigali, Byumba and Kibuye. Pigs are raised mainly in the

soon to reach 100 tonnes.

provinces of Gitarama and Butare. Bee-keeping is wides-

The Group came to Rwanda in response to the

Gitarama.

pread in the provinces of Kibungo, Byumba and

Government’s initiative and was impressed by its commitment to create an investor-friendly environment. It took

The production systems are essentially of the traditional

investment and time to become fully operational, as the

type, with very little improved techniques utilized.

machinery and equipment the company inherited was

Intensive production is practised for dairy production,

obsolete and had to be replaced. Today Kabuye Sugar

with genetic improvement activities, around Kigali City as

produces about 10,000 tonnes of sugar a year, which

well in Gishwati.

meets roughly half the domestic demand of 20,000 tonnes. Its sugar sells for around RWF 750 per kg, while

Annual animal production is estimated at 97,981 litres of

imported sugar sells for a slightly higher price. (Kabuye

milk, 39,126 tonnes of meat, 2,432 tonnes of eggs,

Sugar is currently the only domestic producer of sugar).

7,612 tonnes of fish and 1,499 tonnes of hides and skins. This does not satisfy the needs and requirements of the

However, unlike most foreign investors, Kabuye Sugar

population. Consumption in Rwanda is 12 litres of milk

expects to solve the problem on its own, as sugar manu-

and 4.8kg of meat per person per year, while FAO

facturing can generate power as a by-product. The com-

recommends respectively 220 litres and 50kg per person

pany’s biggest challenge has been land, in particular pro-

per year.

tecting it against flooding. This is an issue that it thinks needs urgent Government attention. If it could be sorted

Major constraints for livestock development in Rwanda

out, the company could expand production to as much as

are numerous:

30,000 tonnes of sugar.

• deficiency in animal feed both in quality and quantity arising from poor and narrow pastures, water shortage,

The success story of Kabuye Sugar is testimony to the

poor quality of commercial feeds and limited use of agri-

visionary leadership of Rwanda and its commitment to

cultural by-products;

making Rwanda a preferred investment destination in

• animal diseases, especially epidemic diseases, which

East and Central Africa. It is also an example of the suc-

regularly affect animals;

cess of the Government’s privatization programme.

• poorly performing local breeds with low productivity; • poor diversification: livestock is essentially centred on

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

cows, which have a long reproductive cycle and which are not accessible for the majority of farmers; • inappropriate veterinary legislation: laws regarding

The livestock sector contributes about 8.8% of GDP. The

animal health are outdated, whereas laws on different

major animals raised in Rwanda are cows (991,697),

other aspects such as hygiene, quality control and the

goats (1,270,973), sheep (371,766), pigs (211,918), chic-

veterinary profession do not exist;

kens (2,482,124) and rabbits (498,401).

• poor veterinary services with few qualified vets and poor means of responding to farmers’ needs;

The three provinces having the largest number of cattle

• low level of investment in livestock development, which

are Umutara, Gitarama and Kigali. The first province is

results in the absence of necessary infrastructure, espe-

characterized by the extensive type of animal husbandry,

cially for transformation of animal products;

whereas the other two are more or less oriented towards

• inaccessibility to loans by small livestock farmers, which

milk production.

limits their opportunities and possibilities of adopting modern technology in animal production;

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• weaknesses in farmers’ organizations, which do not

by transforming agriculture through the development of

have sufficient human and material resources;

appropriate technologies and assisting in the develop-

• weak link between research and extension services:

ment of more effective policy guidelines.

most of the research is carried out in research stations and has no impact on the farmer.

OCIR-CAFÉ

MAIN COMPANIES

Anastase Nzirasanaho Director

ISAR (INSTITUT DES SCIENCES AGRONOMIQUES DU RWANDA)

PO Box 104, Kigali Tel: +250-575600 / 575398 Fax: +250-573992

Elie Mugunga Muhinda

Email: ocircafe@rwanda1.com

Director

Website: www.rwandacafe.com

PO Box 5016, Kigali Tel: +250-578768

Activity: Agriculture

Fax: +250-574997

Date of Creation: 1964

Website: www.isar.cgiar.org OCIR-Café was created in 1964 with a mission of superActivity: Agriculture development

vising coffee-related activities in the country, from pro-

Date of Creation: 1962

duction to commercialization. Its mission has recently

The Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda (ISAR) was established on 22nd June 1962. It replaced the former Institut National pour l’Etude Agronomique au Congo (INEAC), which conducted research in Congo, Burundi and Rwanda during the colonial period. ISAR was established to promote the scientific and technical development of agriculture and livestock in Rwanda.

ISAR is governed through its board, which is chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Livestock and Forestry Education. It is accountable to the Ministry of Agriculture and has semi-autonomous status.

The mission of ISAR is the development of appropriate technologies and to provide policy guidelines to: • transform agriculture through changing subsistence farming to commercial agriculture; • make agriculture more profitable and competitive; • make agriculture more sustainable; • increase agricultural productivity; • promote the broad needs of food security.

The National Agricultural Research Institute (ISAR) will contribute towards the growth in the agricultural sector

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been reviewed to concentrate mainly on policy formula-

OCIR-Café, has long experience in the coffee sector and

tion and implementation, with particular emphasis on

is gaining recognition locally and internationally for its

developing professionalism within the coffee industry, as

contributions to the development of Rwanda’s coffee

well as marketing and promotion. Since its creation, the

sector.

role played by OCIR-Café has resulted in establishing and perpetuating the coffee culture in Rwanda.

RWANDA TEA AUTHORITY – OCIR-THÉ

The current mission of OCIR-Café is as follows:

Mr Alex Kanyankole

• to participate in the process of elaborating policies and

Director

strategies for the coffee sector, and to follow up their

PO Box 1344, Kigali

implementation;

Tel: +250-514795/7

• to set up quality norms and classification systems, qua-

Fax: +250-514796

lity control and delivery of origin certificates;

Email: kanyalex@yahoo.co.uk

• to collect and disseminate pertinent information on the Activity: Rwanda Tea Authority

coffee sector; • to promote a good working environment within the coffee sector;

OCIR-Thé is the main authority on tea in Rwanda, with

• to take part in coffee research and extension-related

responsibility for overseeing the development of the tea

activities;

sector and coordinating discussions between factory

• to support coffee farmer associations involved in coffee

owners and tea growers.

production, processing, as well as marketing; • to arrange for training of all coffee sector stakeholders;

Tea is the leading crop in export earnings for Rwanda.

• to participate in international negotiations related to

Tea production has increased over recent years. Despite

coffee matters and follow up the implementation of the

this large increase in production, the increase in earnings

decisions taken.

was tempered by a decrease in the international average

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price for Rwandan tea. The Government of Rwanda is

Although the Rwandan horticulture sector is still in its

continuing with its programme of privatization of the tea

infancy, Rwanda Flora (RF) has been pioneering the

estates and factories under public ownership.

industry ever since Ms Béatrice Gakuva, Managing

The principal strategies of OCIR-Thé are to:

brings an impressive background experience of 35 years

Director of the firm, acquired it back in 2004. Ms Gakuva

• promote good corporate governance;

working for the UN, was recently nominated in the top 4

• improve and strengthen overall technical and financial

of the G8 Entrepreneurs in Africa, and is a supportive

performance, management and administration;

believer of how it is possible to ‘grow on the ashes of the

• improve tea quality in plantations and factories;

genocide’, as conveyed by the company’s motto.

• increase productivity and production; • intensify personnel and capacity-building;

Rwanda Flora’s core activity is the production of roses,

• increase the area planted with tea, expand the manu-

outputting between four to five tonnes per week for

facturing capacity in factories, diversify tea production

export. The company is Rwanda’s unique exporter of

and add value to tea products.

these products, and targets Europe – mainly The Netherlands and Spain – for its trade. Export has become

A concern is that tea growers should not be exploited by

more efficient thanks to the four new cold stores pro-

the factories and, to avoid this, a voluntary framework of

vided by the Government at the Kigali airport.

cooperation is envisaged for the industry. It is envisaged that the factories will grow tea on the core plantation

As for the local market, RF has diversified into fruit and

while also buying it from growers. The enterprises will

vegetable production, while always looking to diversify in

also provide credit in kind and extension to the growers.

other ways within the horticulture industry.

These actions should lead to a large increase in processing capacity while retaining the high quality of Rwanda’s

Plans have been prepared for future expansion and in

tea.

three years’ time rose production should have at least

OCIR-Thé has developed the Vision 2012 plan. By this

demand surplus. For instance, the expansion strategy will

time Rwanda wants to develop and promote a fast

include: cultivating a new area of 6 hectares, increasing

doubled, enabling the firm to respond to the current

growth in the tea industry and to become globally com-

up to 25 hectares by 2009, introducing six new varieties

petitive by producing one of the best teas in the world.

of roses for export by 2008, and especially diversifying through the so-called Pilot Program – Pioneering

RWANDA FLORA

Initiatives Linking Outgrowers to Trade – which will link

Ms Béatrice Gakuba

cultivating a total of 240 hectares and establishing a

Managing Director

Centre of Excellence.

production and social contacts with 1,200 outgrowers,

Nyacyonga, PO Box 2823, Kigali

Rwanda Flora’s highest investment is in people, which is

Tel: +250-503498

where the company’s strength lies. Therefore social res-

Fax: +250-503444

ponsibilities, medical insurance and especially training pro-

Email: beatricegakuba@yahoo.fr

grammes are the cornerstone of the company’s success.

“Rwanda’s location and unique climate for a wide

Activity: Agriculture – horticulture Date of Creation: 2004

range of commodity production, supported by a low-

Employees: 200

cost workforce, guarantees the best results for foreign long-term investors.” Ms Béatrice Gakuba, Managing Director

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RWANDEX S.A.

SORWATHE

Mr Itegeli Dieudonne

Mr J.C. Alles

Managing Director

PO Box 356, Kigali

PO Box 1136, Kigali

Tel: +250-573968

Tel: +250-578516

Fax: +250-573967

Fax: +250-575461

Email: ditegeli@yahoo.fr / rwandex@rwanda1.com

Email: jcalles@rwanda1.com

Activity: Coffee producer

Activity: Agriculture Date of Creation: 1975

Rwandex has been producing coffee for over 40 years.

Employees: 2,000

The company follows a selection process that produces one of the finest coffees in the world. The company looks

The company, established by the American Mr Joseph

after best quality and client satisfaction by trying every

Wertheim, took its name from the Rwandan estate of

day to improve its way of working. Rwandex produces

Sorwathe, one of the 11 regions where this commodity,

and exports a coffee of excellent quality, which grows in

reputed worldwide for its high quality, is produced.

Rwanda’s many hills.

Furthermore, it is the biggest producer of tea in the country – over 3,500 tonnes are produced yearly – and

Founded in 1967, Rwandex is today an exporter of

with over 15 years of experience, the firm has positioned

Rwandan coffee all over the world. This company is recog-

itself at the forefront of the industry.

nized on the international market through its London office, Drucafe Ltd, which is known worldwide as a profes-

The company purchases tea leaves from about 5,000

sional office specializing in Central African coffee.

small landholders, and in its factory – the first tea factory

Since its creation, Rwandex has helped to promote

roughly 10% of the country plantation area, manufac-

Rwandan coffee throughout the world, by offering the

tures more than 20% of the nation’s black tea.

best quality. It will soon launch the ‘Thousand Hills’

Moreover, regarding the wide variety of tea produced by

coffee, a roasted coffee resulting from the premium

Sorwathe, it is also the sole producer of green tea.

that resumed production after the genocide – covering

selection of fully washed coffee, and for each package sold will offer US $1 for the protection of mountain gori-

Sorwathe’s future plans include going into niche markets

llas. Rwandex hopes that in the near future each person

such as going organic, setting 10% of its tea production

who visits Rwanda will know that the country is produ-

for this market, while maintaining the rest for traditional

cing an excellent Arabica coffee.

production, which relies on the perfect combination of climate conditions and soil suitability to offer tea lovers

“Home of the finest coffee gifts in Rwanda. We offer

the Sorwathe tea so appreciated for its character.

green coffee as well as fine roasted products.” Mr Itegeli Dieudonne, Managing Director

The company faces the challenges of the tea production industry, for instance maintaining the highest quality while modernizing production machinery and foreseeing price fluctuations.

Social responsibilities have become a key issue for the company, the reason why a wide range of projects are being developed from playground parks to sponsoring of

122

eBizguides Rwanda

AGRICULTURE

local junior football teams, training through workshops and supporting the creation of labour unions.

Sopyrwa, Société de Pyrèthre du Rwanda, was established as a private company eight years ago when four close Rwandan private business associates, resurrected

“Rwanda is virtually corruption free, offers excellent sta-

from the ashes of the genocide, acquired the state-

bility and security conditions, is driven by a Government

owned company OPYRWA, Office des Pyrèthre au

giving the most accurate economic direction and relies

Rwanda, which was founded in 1978 and was the result

on a dedicated and focused workforce.”

of the merger of the planters’ cooperative Aspy and the

Mr J.C. Alles, Managing Director

processing organization Usinex, established in 1972

SOPYRWA – SOCIÉTÉ DE PYRÈTHRE DU RWANDA

broad range of challenges starting with a dilapidated fac-

Mr Paul Muvunyi

market uncertainties where oil and chemical product

Chairman

prices were increasing and so were raw material costs.

PO Box 79, Ruhengeri

Far from being discouraged, the new company esta-

Tel:+250-546364

blished an ambitious business plan that has already

Ever since the acquisition, Sopyrwa has had to face a

tory and demotivated farmers and workers, as well as the

Fax: +250-546364

achieved an outstanding outcome: the number of far-

Email: sopyrwa@rwanda1.com

mers has increased up to 20,000 in year 2007 from 7,000

Website: www.sopyrwa.com

just seven years ago and the crude extract (OR) will rise to 100,000kg from less that 2,000kg in the year 2000.

Activity: Agriculture – pyrethrum Date of Creation: 1999

Furthermore, Sopyrwa has not only rehabilitated the fac-

Employees: 500

tory infrastructure and replaced all equipment but has also invested over €4 million in an operational state-ofSopyrwa facilities

123

AGRICULTURE

eBizguides Rwanda

the-art refinery that will boost the company’s turnover by

also provide international partnership opportunities as a

offering the market the highest-value-added product –

key player of the industry, and will enable Sopyrwa to

the refined extract versus their original crude extract – a

market its own branded products such as insecticides.

situation that allows the company not to depend on the limited foreign Kenyan and MGK refineries operating worldwide for value addition.

Regarding market competition, only the synthetic products could compete on price although their damaging effects to health cannot overcome nature’s own insecti-

Likewise, this visionary company is looking forward to

cide like pyrethrum. As for the pyrethrum market itself,

expanding its operations into global distribution of its

currently Rwandan capacity accounts for 2,500 tonnes of

final products offered in its own Sopyrwa brands.

Tanacetum cinerariaefolium dried flowers, while Kenya’s

Currently the company is already selling pyrethrum

and Tanzania’s overall production stands at slightly over

around the globe, mainly in the US, but the new refinery

1,000 tonnes.

will increase not only the number of world clients but Sopyrwa brand new state-of-the-art refinery

eBizguides Rwanda

AGRICULTURE

Sopyrwa’s growth expectations are striking, increasing

“There are three main reasons why more investors

the yearly volume of dried flowers to 3,500 tonnes in

should come to Rwanda. First, although we are a small

2008 and 4,500 in 2009, reaching a turnover of US $10

country, our location is enviable, right at the centre and

million in less than three years’ time.

surrounded by vast markets such as Burundi, Congo, Uganda and Tanzania. Second, we have a young and

Furthermore, this Rwandan company has a clear vision

fully committed Government, proactive towards

and commitment towards the country and its people, its

Rwanda’s integration on the international arena,

objectives are focused on the development of a sustained

through COMESA and the EAC. And last but not least

economy, reducing fluctuations in their operational pro-

for investors, you will find the most welcoming commu-

cedures and on providing employment – over 50,000

nity in a totally safe environment with security standards

Rwandans live off the pyrethrum industry – alleviating

far beyond your most demanding expectations.”

poverty among the rural community.

Mr Paul Muvunyi, Chairman

AGRICULTURE

eBizguides Rwanda

128

E N E R G Y

M I N E S

You can outdistance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you. Rwandan proverb 129

ENERGY

eBizguides Rwanda

ENERGY

resources in the preceding years. However, despite identifying multiple longer-term investment opportunities

Since 1994, the energy sector as well as the overall eco-

including Lake Kivu methane gas, Rusomo Falls,

nomy has gone through structural modifications, where

Nyaborongo and Rusizi 3, only limited progress has been

the role of the Government has changed, markets have

made in securing funding for enhanced generation capa-

been liberalized and private sector initiatives encouraged.

city.

Hence, the energy policy document has to take into account structural changes in the economy and political

Given that Rwanda is a land characterized by many hills

transformations at national and international levels. The

and small rivers, there is also significant potential for the

national policy objective for the development of the

exploitation of micro hydropower. Studies by the Ministry

energy sector is to provide an input in the development

of Infrastructure have identified more than 160 sites with

process by establishing efficient energy production, pro-

potential ranging from 20KW to over 600KW. There is

curement, transportation, distribution and end-user

also wind data that indicate there are potential sites for

systems in an environmentally sound manner. The energy

wind farms. However, without rising incomes and greater

policy has, therefore, to focus on market mechanisms

disposable incomes it will be some time before electricity

and means to reach the objective, and achieve an effi-

will be affordable by the rural communities. Transmission

cient energy sector with a balance between national and

costs for small amounts of electricity over larger distances

commercial interests. An interactive and participatory

will remain a barrier to connecting wind turbines to the

process between Government, other stakeholders and

Grid. Studies have shown that there is a considerable

relevant groups has been necessary as part of the formu-

quantity of peat existing in Rwanda, in the order of 155

lation process in order to incorporate views of market

million tonnes. However, there has been very little exploi-

actors and energy consumers to address the complex

tation of peat due to technical and economic difficulties,

nature of the sector.

and also possible environmental impacts. Other renewable energy sources, but so far not fully tapped, which

Domestic energy demand has grown rapidly due to

could be harnessed to meet the growing energy require-

population growth and the increase in economic activi-

ments include solar and geothermal.

ties, especially during the last 10 years. Biomass-based fuels dominate the energy scenario, with an estimated

Rwanda faces substantial problems with electricity. Only

95% of the total energy supply made up of firewood,

5% of the population is currently connected to the elec-

charcoal and agricultural residues. This is likely to remain

tricity network, mainly in the capital, Kigali, but

so in the near or even medium-term future, unless

Electrogaz is not in a position to satisfy even this limited

income levels substantially increase. Lack of investment

demand. In late 2005 the available power was 33MW

for about 20 years in electricity generation capacity has

(50% of it from hydroelectric sources) and the maximum

resulted in severe capacity deficits in electricity supply in

demand was 55MW. The situation has now improved but

Rwanda. At the same time, overuse of existing hydro-

power remains expensive. Back-up generators are still

power capacity has added a deficit in energy resources

needed by companies and this reduces the competitive-

that not only deteriorates electricity but also water

ness of Rwandan manufacturing. According to the

supply, due to its effect on water pumping stations.

Economist Intelligence Unit, overall manufacturing

No new generating plant has been constructed in

pared to the same period in 2004, largely as a function

Rwanda since 1982 and, given the current electricity

of inadequate energy supply. Rwanda imports about

supply shortage, new investment in generation is

13% of its electricity from neighbouring countries, which

urgently needed. It has been clear for some time that

further raises the cost.

output declined 11% in the first quarter of 2005 as com-

Rwandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current energy crisis was looming due to the necessary

overexploitation

hydropower

water

130

eBizguides Rwanda

ENERGY

The country has substantial hydroelectric resources, as well as natural gas deposits under Lake Kivu, which could

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

make Rwanda self-sufficient in electricity or even a net exporter. But the development of new thermal power

Electricity

plants to run on natural gas, or new dam construction to increase hydroelectric production, require both time and

Electricity production in Rwanda is 60% thermal based,

investment.

because of poor rainfall and low current water levels in rivers and lakes. Electrogaz, a state enterprise, has a de facto mono-

In 2001 water and electricity contributed 0.2% of real

poly on the production and distribution of water as well as a

GDP. Both are produced almost exclusively for the

monopoly on the distribution of electricity in Rwanda.

domestic market. At present, over 80% of energy consumed is derived from wood burnt in its primary state or

As stated above, only 5% of the population is currently

processed into charcoal. This form of energy is used

connected to the electricity network, mainly in the

mainly by households. However, Rwanda has a deficit in

capital, Kigali, but Electrogaz is not in a position to satisfy

wood, both for energy purposes and for other economic

even this limited domestic demand. Power outages on

activities. The Government aims to make better use of

account of load shedding are frequent and unpredic-

existing resources and is actively promoting the following

table. This is a major concern for investors, who are

alternatives to the traditional sources of energy produc-

required to have expensive back-up generators. Power is

tion: establishment of micro power plants, use of solar

also expensive, at about 20 US cents per kWh and trans-

and wind energy (particularly in rural areas), geothermal

mission and distribution losses are high. However, the

energy, use of peat or methane gas from Lake Kivu,

current costs of electricity are in part the result of high

which has an estimated 55 billion cubic metres in

petroleum prices and should decline significantly with the

reserves. By 2007 investment in methane gas power

planned production of electricity from methane gas that

generation is expected to begin making significant

is under way. The main cause of the power problem in

improvements in the power supply, although further

Rwanda is that there has been virtually no investment in

investment in power will continue to be needed.

power generation since 1982. The Government is now

Prior to the genocide, there were 21 micro power plants,

agreement with Dane Associates, an Israeli–Norwegian

of which only one is still in operation. The rest are avai-

group, to produce electricity from methane gas in Lake

trying to involve private investors in various ways. An

Kivu has been signed and a pilot plant is being installed

lable for interested investors to refurbish and upgrade.

in Gisenyi. This plant is expected to have a capacity of Investment opportunities in the energy sector include the

40MW and be operational in 2007. In addition, a local

following:

company, Rwanda Investment Group (RIG), also plans to

• construction of a hydraulic power station on

generate 35MW from methane gas in Lake Kivu.

Nyabarongo River with a capacity of 27.5MW, for which

Petroleum Products

feasibility studies are available; • construction of a power station at Rusomo Falls with a capacity of 61.5MW;

Rwanda has neither oil resources nor a refinery. All petro-

• construction of a hydraulic power station at Rusizi with

leum products are imported. The annual consumption of

a possible capacity of 82MW;

refined petroleum products is estimated at 100,000

• exploitation of methane gas in Lake Kivu, which has the

tonnes, which is imported mainly from Kenya. Around 15

capacity to support a 700MW power plant.

oil companies operate in Rwanda. There are five main storage facilities in Gatsatsa and Butare with a total capacity of almost 30,000 cubic metres; smaller facilities are located in Kigali and Gisenyi.

131

ENERGY

eBizguides Rwanda

Exploration for oil must be done to establish the presence

Exploitation

or absence of oil reserves. However, infrastructure deve-

d’Exploitation et de Développement des Mines –

and

Development

Mines

(Régie

lopment, including storage, distribution, retailing systems

REDEMI). It started its activities in January 1989, with a

and handling transit products, will also be emphasized,

start-up capital of RWF 97,225,000 granted by the

according to the energy policy that Rwanda has been

Rwandan Government. Today, REDEMI dominates the

following since 2004.

mining sector in Rwanda. There are also some private companies operating.

Safety, health and environmental concerns should be considered in accordance with good petroleum industry

THE MINERALS OF RWANDA

practices. There is a need to adopt, adjust and develop technical and product quality in accordance with interna-

Cassiterite, wolfram and colombo-tantalite (coltan) are

tionally accepted standards and norms, such as bio-

the minerals most exploited in Rwanda. But the country

coding of petroleum products, etc.

has numerous others minerals, the reserves of which vary: gold, beryl (smithwork, metallurgy), amblygonite

MINING

(pharmaceutical applications, production of industrial salts), iron, ruby/sapphire, chiastolite (jewellery, decora-

Mining activities in Rwanda started in the 1920s, when

tion), amethyst (jewellery, precision mechanisms),

the first geological missions carried out their research.

marble, dolomite (metallurgy, glass industry), laterite

The mineral deposits discovered at that time were

(road construction), quartzite (construction, paving), sili-

exploited by companies such as Minetain, Georwanda,

ceous sand (glass industry, construction), quartzophy-

Somuki,

lade/slate schist (paving), granite/migmatite, amphibo-

Corem,

and

colonials

Marchall,

Stinglhamber, Geens, Cardinal, De Borshgrave and

lites (decorative stone, construction), clay, kaolin (paper,

others. In May 1971, most of the ex-colonials withdrew

plastics, paint), talc, pouzzolane (cement, construction),

from mining. In February 1973 Somirwa (Société des

volcanic rock, travertine (cement, agriculture, paint), dia-

Mines du Rwanda – Rwandan Mining Company) was

tomite (filtering additives, soft abrasives, paint), and

established, in order to create a structure disposing of the

gypsum.

technical and financial capability to manage mining in a rational way, through efficient investment. But the old

MAIN COMPANIES

sores – timeworn mining equipment, lack of spare parts, mining infrastructure in a bad shape – which existed

ELECTROGAZ

already before the creation of Somirwa, remained, and the anticipated results were not reached. The construc-

Mr John Mirenge

tion of the tin-smelting factory of Karuruma, officially

Managing Director

opened in 1982, weighed heavily on the investment

PO Box 537, Kigali

capacity of Somirwa. The company went bankrupt in

Tel: +250-573666

1985. After the liquidation of Somirwa, the Rwandan

Fax: +250-573802

state had to take over its concessions and the infrastruc-

Email: jmirenge@electrogaz.co.rw

ture, for a total of RWF 779 million (US $8.7 million at

Website: www.electrogaz.co.rw

the time). From September 1986 until December 1988, the Rwandan state had to take care of these concessions.

Activity: Power and water

However, the expenses for maintenance for one year,

Date of Creation: 1939

which amounted to about RWF 100 million, could cover the cost of establishing a structure that could continue

Electrogaz is a state-owned company involved in produc-

the exploitation of the mining concessions of Somirwa.

tion, transport and distribution of electricity, water and

This led the Government to establish the Public Office for

gas. REGIDESO Rwanda–Burundi was created in 1939

134

eBizguides Rwanda

ENERGY

with its headquarters at Bujumbura and the head office

UPEGAZ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LAKE KIVU GAS

at Bukavu. In 1962 REGIDESO became a public company and on 1st November 1963 REGIDESOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rwanda Region

Charles Nyirahuku

in Kigali and the Burundi Region in Bujumbura separated.

Acting Coordinator

On 20th April 1976 REGIDESO became Electrogaz under

PO Box 5144, Kigali

a new statute.

Tel: +250-586623 Fax: +250-586623

Electrogaz was created by Decree Order No. 18/76 of

Email: upegaz@rwanda1.com

20th April 1976. With financial and administrative auto-

Website: www.upegaz.gov.rw

nomy, Electrogaz operates on an industrial and commercial basis. Its structures are similar to those of all the

Activity: Gas

public companies defined by Decree Order as stateStraddling the border of Rwanda and DR Congo, Lake

owned companies.

Kivu (2,400 sq. km) contains a huge deposit of natural Article 3, subparagraph 3 of the Decree gave Electrogaz

gas, dissolved in its deep waters.

monopoly of production, transport and distribution of electricity, water and gas for 99 years. That monopoly

Upegaz was named as such in 1999 following a renewed

status has now been removed by law.

interest in developing the gas industry in Rwanda. Upegaz is a state agency.

In order to offer its customers electric power, drinking water and methane gas, Electrogaz has throughout the

In order to attract investments in this sector, and to pro-

country

mote the development of the gas resource in Lake Kivu,

its

own

production

units,

units

for

transport/transmission and units in charge of the distribu-

the Government of Rwanda created the Unit for the

tion of its products to the homes of customers. In order

Promotion and Exploitation of Lake Kivu Gas (Upegaz), a

to satisfy the needs of its customers, Electrogaz has

body within the Ministry of Infrastructure.

chosen a model of decentralization of its services. The gas reserves are estimated at 55 billion cubic metres The stations in charge of the administrative, technical

of methane gas (STP) and other gases. The exploitable

and commercial activities are installed in each city of the

portion of methane is estimated at 39 billion cubic

country. In the town of Kigali, seven antennas were cre-

metres (STP).

ated in order to be as close as possible to subscribers. Through its stations and antennas, you can ask to be con-

The resource is both clean and renewable and represents

nected to the electrical supply network or the water net-

a huge potential, capable of covering the energy needs

work, to ask for breakdown services, and to discharge

of the Great Lakes region for the next centuries to come.

invoices etc. without travelling long distances. At the top of its agenda, the Government of Rwanda is willing to tap the resource as a way to meet the everincreasing energy deficit countrywide.

135

ENERGY

eBizguides Rwanda

KOBIL RWANDA SARL.

TOTAL RWANDA

Ido Granatstein

Mr Mamadou Ngom

General Manager

Managing Director

Byumba Road, Gatsata,

Avenue des Poids Lourds,

PO Box 2992, Kigali

PO Box 1342, Kigali

Tel: +250-516356

Tel: +250-517102

Email: kobilrw@kobil.co.rw

Fax: +250-577816 Email: mamadou.ngom@total.co.rw

Activity: Oil Activity: Oil

Date of Creation: 2002

Date of Creation: 1998 Kobil Rwanda is a fully-owned subsidiary of Kenol.

Employees: 37

Located in Kigali, it is the company’s platform to reach the Great Lakes region of Rwanda, Burundi and the

Total Rwanda is an affiliate of the multinational petroleum group Total, with business activities in over 130

Democratic Republic of Congo.

countries spread widely around the world. The Total A young and dynamic company that made its first

group is the world’s fourth-largest international oil and

entrance into the Rwandan market in late 2002, Kobil

gas company and the first in Africa. Furthermore, the

Rwanda has evolved to a leadership position in the com-

Total group is involved in the entire chain of the oil

mercial and reseller sector, with a market share of over

industry from exploration, development, production of

30% in these business sectors. The company supplies

oil, gas and chemicals to refining and distribution.

petroleum products to over 40% of the country’s service The branch, integrated with the East Africa region within

station network.

Total’s Africa & Middle East section, is among the top Kenol has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Shell

three oil companies of the country, providing its services

Rwanda’s assets as a going concern. Shell Rwanda ope-

within two areas: distribution through a network of 18

rates, among others, a retail network of 17 service sta-

service stations throughout the country, and to major

tions and a terminal under long-term lease from the

consumers of top energy and commercial companies

Government in Kigali, with a storage capacity of 16,000

including Electrogaz, Strabag, Cimerwa and Sogea. Total

cubic metres, the biggest in the country.

Rwanda also supplies various institutions, public services, semi-public institutions, international organizations and

Rwanda has been a viable market for Kenol since it esta-

private companies operating in various fields of the

blished Kobil Rwanda in 2002. The company has been an

national market.

active player in the market, mainly concentrating on the commercial, reseller and export markets.

During the past year the branch has gone through outstanding developments, for instance computerizing all

Kenol expects that this acquisition will help it consolidate

procedures and incorporating SAP as key management

its present position in the Great Lakes Region, including

tool. Likewise, the branch’s good relations with local offi-

Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

cial institutions and the Government’s understanding of the oil industry challenges have empowered the firm not only to enhance its actual market share, aiming to lead the Rwandan market, in light of the good growth experienced in the past years, but also to develop new busi-

136

eBizguides Rwanda ness opportunities and synergies with surrounding countries such as Uganda and Burundi.

ENERGY tection of the environment, adaptation of its operations to the cultures of the host country, and dialogue with society as a whole. This responsibility results in an active

Total Rwanda’s strength relies on the Total group kno-

pursuit of sustainable development.

whow and its strategy towards innovation, offering not just a product but services to its clients (for example, fuel

“Rwanda is a small country with a highly competitive oil

cost optimization, prepaid cards, lubricant analysis etc.).

industry, but will-power and perseverance will improve

Looking beyond its professionalism, Total Rwanda’s

Mr Mamadou Ngom, Managing Director

shareholders’ return.”

ambition is to meet the challenges offered by all of its business lines in terms of promoting a safety culture, proRwanda is the country of one thousand hills but also of one thousand rivers

F I N A N C E

In a court of fowls, the cockroach never wins his case. Rwadan proverb

139

FINANCE

eBizguides Rwanda

OVERVIEW The financial sector in Rwanda is small, comprising six

BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

commercial banks, a development bank, a cooperative bank and the Rwanda Housing Bank. Only a small percen-

The Rwandan banking system currently consists of the

tage of the population hold bank accounts. Four of the

following banking and financial institutions:

banks have significant foreign participation, while five

• six merchant banks, namely: Banque de Kigali, Banque

have some equity owned by the state. The Rwanda

Commerciale du Rwanda (BCR) (Merchant Bank of

Housing Bank is actively seeking to increase its share

Rwanda), FINA Bank, BANCOR (formerly Banque à la

capital to RWF 1.5 billion (about US $2.7 million), which

Confiance

offers opportunities for institutional and private investors,

Développement et d’Industrie (BCDI), and Compagnie

d’Or),

Banque

Commerce,

both local and foreign. Private-sector participation is cru-

Générale de Banque (COGEBANQUE);

cial for the further development of the housing sector in

• a development bank, that is Banque Rwandaise de

Rwanda and the high demand for housing in Rwanda also

Développement (BRD), aimed at medium and long-term

provides opportunities for estate and property developers.

financing of projects for national development; • Banque de l’Habitat au Rwanda, which finances hou-

The main sectors and industries targeted by the Rwandan

sing in the form of credit on real property (mortgages);

Government as engines of future economic growth

• La Caisse d’Epargne du Rwanda (CER) (The Savings

include ICT, horticulture, coffee, tea, crafts and tourism

Funds of Rwanda), which is in the course of liquidation;

and, to a smaller degree, textiles and apparel. With the

• cooperatives for savings and credits and other institu-

possible exception of textiles and apparel, all of these

tions of micro finance, among which the paramount is

sectors have significant potential for growth and are

L’Union des Banques Populaires du Rwanda (UBPR),

likely to be among the main engines of Rwanda’s future

founded by a group of cooperatives commonly known as

prosperity.

Banques Populaires and which are scattered over the districts of the country.

The monetary policy Rwanda is determined and coordinated by the Government, via the Ministry with competence over

Instruction No. 04/99 of the Central Bank of Rwanda

Finances and Economic Planning and through the Central

establishing the category classification of banks and

Bank of the Rwanda, which, as per the law, supervises and

other financial institutions makes a distinction between

monitors operations and financial institutions.

‘banks’ and ‘other financial institutions’.

Banks are classified into three categories, namely: merchant or generalist banks, investment or development banks, and business banks.

140

eBizguides Rwanda

FINANCE

Financial institutions are subdivided into five categories, namely: • organizations for collection of savings; • financial institutions of credit; • financial institutions with an associative and cooperative characteristic; • organizations for management of portfolios and establishment of securities; • other financial institutions, namely brokers and intermediaries.

requirement has been RWF 1.5 billion (somewhat less than US $3 million) for commercial banks, RWF 3 billion

It was estimated in 2001 that 300,000 people (less than

for investment or development banks, RWF 500 million

4% of the population) held bank accounts and that

for merchant banks, and RWF 100 million for portfolio

200,000 of them had their accounts with UBPR, a local

management firms. This requirement extends equally to

cooperative bank whose network operates like micro

foreign and Rwandan establishments. In the event that a

finance institutions.

foreign institution has majority ownership, prior consent of the monitoring authority in the country of origin is

Four of the banks have significant foreign participation,

required.

while five have some equity owned by the state. Nearly half the banking assets of about US $380 million in 2003

Specific rules apply to micro financing institutions. They

represented credits to the private sector (UNCTAD). The

need to receive BNR approval before starting operations.

ratio of non-performing loans to total loans is quite high

A capital endowment of RWF 5 million (RWF 4 million if

at around 24%.

the request involves only the granting of credit) must be

An application for setting up a banking institution must

Rwanda. The BNR also needs to be provided with infor-

be submitted to the BNR, stating the purpose of the ins-

mation necessary to verify, inter alia, the professional

deposited in a blocked account with the National Bank of

titution to be established and providing detailed informa-

experience and good reputation of the managers and the

tion on share ownership. The application must also

developers’ capacity to achieve their development objec-

include a feasibility study showing financial projections

tives. These conditions also apply to micro finance insti-

over a five-year period and explaining the assumptions

tutions owned by or affiliated with foreign institutions.

on which these projections are based. The minimum

Foreign nationals who propose to manage a micro credit

capital required varies, depending on the nature and pur-

institution need to have lived in Rwanda for a minimum

pose of the institution. Since 2001 the minimum capital

of one year.

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CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL OF BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Rwanda and was scheduled to start operating in 2006. The insurance companies offer the usual range of insurance products (life, health and property).

Instruction No. 06/99 of the Central Bank of Rwanda

The Caisse Sociale du Rwanda, a state-owned institution,

determines the conditions for approval of banks and

is responsible for health, old age and disability insurance,

financial institutions and Instruction No. 05/99 from the

mainly for people in formal employment. Other players in

same authority establishes the legal and financial condi-

the insurance industry include insurance brokerage firms

tions thereon.

and the National Insurance Commission, which is responsible for regulating insurance activity.

The financial conditions for authorization to operate as

the table below.

MEASURES AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES

INSURANCE

The IMF and the World Bank Group have reached agree-

banks and other financial institutions are summarized in

ment with the Government of Rwanda on an action plan The insurance subsector includes four commercial entities.

to set up a legal and regulatory framework based on

State-owned SONARWA is the largest followed by SORAS.

international standards to fight money laundering and

The other two, CORAR and COGEAR, are small in size. A

the financing of terrorist activities. A financial intelligence

foreign insurance company has bid for SONARWA, which

cell is also being set up.

is being privatized. Phoenix of Kenya has registered in

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eBizguides Rwanda

FINANCE AIB is a Rwandan-owned company committed to delivering the highest personalized professional service levels to both corporate and individual clients in Rwanda and beyond. The company has a wealth of qualified brokerage consulting, underwriting and entrepreneurial expertise – including partnership with Ego Africa – with a cumulative experience in the insurance industry in excess of 140 years. Furthermore, AIB is the only broker in the country with an IT-based management information system providing up-to-date management information and reports. Moreover, the company is soon to offer customers 24-hour Internet direct access to their account status through the firm’s website. AIB is likewise the pio-

The upgrade of the Bank of Kigali infrastructure

neer introducing for the first time in the country the ser-

THE CAPITAL MARKET

vices of risk management.

The Ministry of Finance and the BNR are collaborating on

‘ensuring you are insured’, designing tailor-made policy

setting up a stock exchange in the country. A feasibility

covers to suit customer needs in order to secure place-

study has already been completed.

ments with the appropriate insurer, but always remaining

MAIN COMPANIES

update its customer asset register throughout the period

ALLIANCE INSURANCE BROKERS LTD (AIB)

evolution of all clients’ insurance needs with regard to

Jean Pierre Mubiligi

being always available for customers.

The company’s services are based on a clear message,

an outsourced insurance consultant, undertaking to

of insurance, managing insurance claims, following the

their possible modifications in the course of the year, and

Managing Director 29 Avenue de la Paix,

The company’s portfolio includes private and pubic sector

PO Box 1395, Kigali

agents, as well as international organizations and NGOs,

Tel: +250-507777 / 551000/50

such as: UN institutions and agencies, Kobil, Airtel,

Email: alliance@aibafrica.com

Electrogaz, MTN and many more.

Activity: Insurance brokerage

AIB operations are soon to be expanded to neighbouring

Date of Creation: 2005

countries such as Uganda and Burundi, and also to Kenya and the DRC.

After over 30 years of an insurance industry in Rwanda, the Government, through the Ministry of Finance,

“We know our business, we advise you on the best pro-

Planning and Economic Development, established a task

gramme according to your needs and adapted to your

force that saw the birth of the National Insurance

situation. Come to AIB because it will be like your com-

Commission, which embarked on establishing the legisla-

pany’s personal department, but to whom you do not

tion for the creation of insurance brokers in the sector.

have to pay a salary; we take care of everything for you,

Alliance Insurance Brokers Ltd (AIB) was the first specia-

even claims, and we manage them until full payment!”

lized company to be created providing professional bro-

Jean Pierre Mubiligi, Managing Director

kerage services to the insurance industry.

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FINANCE

eBizguides Rwanda

BANCOR

Activity: Finance Employees: 250+

Nicholas Watson

Turnover: +RWF 88 million

Chairman

Date of Creation: 1966

3rd Floor UTC Building, Avenue de la Paix, PO Box 2059, Kigali

The Banque de Kigali (BK), with over 40 years of exper-

Tel: +250-500091 / 575780

tise, stands as Rwanda’s leading bank and the country’s

Fax: +250-572501 / 575761

best representative of good governance, efficiency and

Email: bancor@rwanda1.com

customer care according to the highest international

Website: www.bancor.co.rw

financial standards. It has been awarded in New York with the ‘2007 International Quality Summit Award’ by

Activity: Finance

the prestigious Business Initiative Directions (BID) among

Date of Creation: 1995

top multinationals listed on the Global Fortune 500 and selected SMEs.

Created in 1995 by foreign investors, the bank was restructured in 2001 after its takeover by Rwandan and

Established as part of the Belgolaise firm, in January 2007

South African private investors. The new shareholders

the Rwandan Government acquired the Belgian com-

increased the share capital from RWF 300 million to RWF

pany’s shares up to 52.87%; this shareholding is subject

1.5 billion and renamed the bank Bancor S.A.

to a privatization process with top international financial

Having started in Kigali, the bank has extended its opera-

tender. Other key shareholders are the Caisse Sociale du

corporations bidding on the ongoing open international

tions throughout the country by opening branches in

Rwanda (33.66%) and Caisse d’Epargne du Rwanda

Gisenyi (July 2001) and in Cyangugu (June 2004).

(13.46%), as well as five other economic operators owning a symbolic percentage of BK’s capital.

Since 2001 Bancor has multiplied its loan portfolio more than 10 times, positioning itself as the fourth Rwandan

The bank closed the 2006 financial year with excellent

commercial bank in lending. In terms of collecting depo-

results posting a sharp rise (+24.9), strengthening its lea-

sits and savings, the bank strives to become the fourth on

ding position in the domestic market despite the intense

the Rwandan market as well.

competition in the sector. As for the bank’s portfolio,

Bancor has been primarily focusing on the market share

closely by SMEs, while micro businesses and private indi-

of small and medium-sized corporations and indepen-

viduals represent about 10%.

BK’s customers are mainly large corporations followed

dent businesses. As for the services provided, besides traditional financial

BANQUE DE KIGALI

and banking products, BK manages insurance – fire, transport and motor, is the top Western Union represen-

Mr James Gatera

tative in the country, and is developing Internet and elec-

Managing Director

tronic banking – for instance, providing a cash advance

63 Avenue du Commerce, PO Box 175, Kigali

facility on presentation of Visa, MasterCard and Eurocard

Tel: +250-593137

credit cards, and has also rolled out the Visa Horizon

Fax: +250-575504

electronic card in collaboration with Simtel, the company

Email: louisrugeri@yahoo.com

that will also develop the use of international credit cards

Website: www.bk.co.rw

at automated teller machines (ATMs) giving visitors access to electronic payment facilities. In order to enable easy customer access, BK has developed an extensive

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FINANCE

network with over 12 branches including Kigali’s

“Rwanda’s commitments are honoured. Come to Rwanda, it is a place to do business! Then, choose BK

International Airport front desk.

for its reliability and efficiency, its asset size, the largest BK’s core objectives are to increase performance and pro-

branch network in the country, and because in BK we

vide customers with a high-quality and superior service

listen to our customers. BK will help business people to

on the road to excellence. Furthermore, as a strategy to

operate here.”

increase clientele, the bank envisions extending the

Mr James Gatera, Managing Director

repayment period for its long-term loans beyond the current seven years, reducing account opening charges fo new clients, increasing automated bank facilities and

BANQUE CONTINENTALE AFRICAINE (RWANDA) – BACAR S.A

opening more branches countrywide. Mr Ferdinand K. Ngon The bank’s headquarter facilities are being completely

Managing Director

renewed with the extension of the bank’s head office by

20 Boulevard de la Révolution,

Triad Architects and Roko Constructions, becoming the

PO Box 331, Kigali

icon of Rwanda’s new golden age and offering world-

Tel: +250-744568

wide customers and employees the best environment,

Fax: +250-73486

comparable with any European or American financial

Email: fngon@loita.com

multinational headquarters. Activity: Banking Date of Creation: 1983 Banque de Kigali

FINANCE

eBizguides Rwanda

The Banque Continentale Africaine (Rwanda) S.A. (Bacar) was created on 31st March 1983 as a limited company

BCDI – BANK OF COMMERCE, DEVELOPMENT & INDUSTRY S.A.

with a share capital of RWF 100,000,000. Authorized by Presidential Decree No. 244/15 of 3rd June 1983, it

Mr Alfred Kalisa

opened its doors to the public on 20th June 1983. The

CEO

rapid progress of its activities was such that the sharehol-

PO Box 3268, Kigali

ders decided to increase the share capital by 100% in

Tel: +250-574422

May 1984. Thus the bank’s share capital was increased

Fax: +250-573790

from RWF 100,000,000 to 200,000,000 within one year.

Website: www.bcdi.co.rw

With respect to the relaunching of its activities after the

Activity: Banking

war, in 1995 the shareholders increased the share capital

Date of Creation: 1995

from RWF 200,000,000 to 500,000,000, i.e. an increase

Employees: 260 approx

of 250%. Following a directive from the Banque Nationale du Rwanda, Bacar again increased its share

One of Rwanda’s leading banks, BCDI provides solutions

capital to RWF 700,000,000 on 21st January 1997.

for private clients, companies and institutions. BCDI is

From the time of its creation in 1983 until 30th June

therefore did not suffer from non-performing loans accu-

1995, Bacar has functioned as a subsidiary of Banque

mulated by some competitors after 1994.

among the banks that were created after the war and

Continentale du Luxembourg of the Groupe Baribas. From 1st July 1995, the Banque Continentale du

The bank’s main business is provision of corporate and

Luxembourg, then the majority shareholder, sold its

retail services. The core business accounts for more than

shares with permission from the Banque Nationale du

99% of the total income of the bank. There are therefore

Rwanda to members of the Rwandan private sector.

no material distinct business segments to necessitate detailed disclosures.

Furthermore, the Banque Nationale du Rwanda issued a directive requiring all commercial banks in Rwanda to

All the bank’s branches operate within Rwanda, and are

establish their share capital at a minimum of RWF 1.5

controlled from the head office in Kigali. The revenue

billion. The General Assembly of Bacar approved this

from the branches is less than 10% of the total income

increase on 3rd April 2001.

of the bank and thus further disclosures have not been

The bank has been able to win the confidence of its

branches.

made on the basis of the geographical spread of the

diversified clientele that comprises: local and foreign businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),

The following is a list of the products and services:

international agencies, and local companies, both private

• prestige banking;

and parastatals.

• trade finance; • corporate and project finance;

The bank’s reputation has ensured that it is considered to

• asset-based finance;

be among the best banks in the country, and is consi-

• insurance premium finance;

dered the best in terms of services rendered including the

• foreign exchange and money markets;

special services reserved for its regular clients.

• home loans; • BCDI loans for salaried employees; • secure international money; • Visa electron; • customer advice.

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FINANCE

BCDI can be considered the first private bank since the other large banks are owned by the Government.

and 4to4 deposit account, term deposit and loan accounts – Crédit éclair, housing loans, equipment loans and car loans. Likewise, other services such as Western

BANQUE COMMERCIALE DU RWANDA S.A. (BCR)

offered. Finally, another special service the BCR proactive

11 Boulevard de la Révolution,

Banking, enabling Rwandans around the world to

Union money transfers and travellers’ cheques are also

management has created is the Special Diaspora

PO Box 354, Kigali

manage their finances as if they were in their home

Tel: +250-575591

country.

Fax: +250-573395 Email: gilbert.lagaillarde@bcr.co.rw

The bank has established a broad network with branches

Website: www.bcr.co.rw

all over the country, and is thinking to expand within the

Gilbert Lagaillarde

region, building up partnership collaboration with institu-

Personal Banking Manager

tions such as the European Investment Bank and GroFin. Furthermore, BCR is committed to giving back to the

Activity: Bank

community, collaborating also with the Rwanda Film

Date of Creation: 1963

Festival and the Survivors Refugee Fund (SURF).

The BCR, today one of Rwanda’s leading banks, was

Although the Rwandan banking sector is booming and

established over 40 years ago and had to be rescued and

competitiveness is the order of the day, the market is still

managed by the Rwandan National Bank on behalf of the

virgin, considering, for example, that out of 8 million

Rwandan Government in 2000. In 2004 Investment Co.

people only 20,000 have a bank account. BCR, standing

Ltd – 100% owned by Actis Africa Fund 2 L.P. (a leading

today as Rwanda’s second bank in the market, aims to be

private equity investor in the emerging markets of Africa,

the most respected leading provider of innovative finan-

China, Malaysia and South Asia, based in the UK)

cial services solutions in the region and aims to see the

acquired 80% of the bank, an acquisition that repre-

company’s growth up to 30% in three years’ time and be

sented the first major privatization deal of the

the number one in the region.

Government of Rwanda. Today the BCR shareholding is 80% owned by Actis, 19.8% by the Government of

“If you are looking for a banking service provider that

Rwanda and the remaining 0.2% is in the hands of a

has got an understanding of international banking stan-

small number of private shareholders.

dards, that has got the network, the experienced workforce and managerial expertise, BCR is your choice. We

BCR products and services are innovative as the bank has

will always find a way to help you, and we are dedi-

a customer-centric approach to the market, offering the

cated to achieving even better.”

most complete range of products, whether for corporate

Gilbert Lagaillarde, Personal Banking Manager

and SME banking or retail banking. For instance, corporate banking includes not only deposit accounts, but also

NATIONAL BANK OF RWANDA

loan accounts – for example, working capital and import and export loans, leasing and a trade line for SMEs.

Mr François Kanimba

Furthermore, the Aspire Fund was created to provide

Governor

business development assistance and early stage finance

Avenue Paul VI, Kigali

to enterprises, and the IPF insurance premium service will

Tel: +250-572947

cover all a company’s needs. As for individuals, their

Fax: +250-577391

needs are covered by all types of products: current

Email: fkanimba@bnr.rw

accounts, saving accounts – BCR savings, Tresor account

Website: www.bnr.rw

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Activity: Banking

NBR has also created the Money Market that is operated

Date of Creation: 1964

on a weekly basis. It holds an auction to absorb any excess liquidity. When liquidity is small and money aggre-

The National Bank of Rwanda, established by the Law of

gate indicators are declining, the bank injects more liqui-

24th April 1964, came into force with the aim of fulfilling

dity through the auctions. This system harmonizes the

one of its main missions, namely the issuing of currency

interest rates among banks and also enhances competi-

in the Rwandan territory.

tion.

Before Rwanda started on a structural adjustment sup-

“We sincerely ask you to join us in this development

ported by the IMF and the World Bank, the NBR used a

project. Rwanda has positive perspectives and we need

monetary policy based on direct control. Now the dra-

you, because whoever talks about investments talks about growth.”

matic change is that NBR uses indirect control measures

Mr François Kanimba, Governor

and interest is liberalized.

The bank has come up with a new mechanism requiring commercial banks to deposit a certain portion of money

BANQUE RWANDAISE DE DEVELOPPEMENT (BRD)

in the Central Bank, called the reserve requirement ratio. The bank can use this instrument to regulate the increase

Mr Théogène Turatsinze

in broad money through distribution of credit by the

Chief Executive

commercial banks. Whenever the NBR notices that there

PO Box 1341, Kigali

is excess liquidity in the financial market, it can increase

Tel: +250-573558 / 575079 / 575080

the reserve requirement ratio and vice versa.

Fax: +250-573569 Email: brd@brd.com.rw

Another example of modern architecture in Kigali

Website: www.brd.com.rw

Activity: Finance Date of Creation: 1957

Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) is a public limited liability company created by the Law of 5th August 1967. For the last three decades, BRD has been the sole provider of long-term finance and has significantly facilitated the emergence of different productive enterprises in the private sector.

The events of the 1994 genocide led to catastrophic results. The bank continues to shoulder a burden of more than 50% of its portfolio constituting non-performing loans consequential to the 1994 genocide: • Loans totalling RWF 6.8 billion, in 115 operations; • RWF 6.7 billion in 112 lines of credit; • RWF 156.4 million in equity shares in three productive ventures.

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The loans were mainly invested in modernization and

governed by the Board of Directors, composed of major

rehabilitation of ventures to the tune of RWF 13.4 billion,

stakeholders from Government, industry and academic

creating employment for 8,923 people and an added

institutions, as well as consumer associations.

value to the economy of about RWF 8 billion. The war paralysed the rural areas and revitalization of the activi-

The mission of RBS is to improve the quality of life of

ties after 1994 was concentrated in the capital city,

Rwandan people through the effective application of

mainly in the secondary and tertiary sectors

standardization, quality assurance, metrology and testing (SQMT). The Bureau intends to make Rwandan goods

The bank is composed of four principal departments and

and services competitive in both regional and interna-

an autonomous internal control service, namely:

tional trade.

• Investment Department; • Finance Department;

The standards development at RBS comes under three

• Credit and Risk Management Department;

broad categories:

• Corporate Services Department.

• technical committee work; • public review of committee draft standards;

The bank also has an independent fund dealing with

• standards development unit work programme;

micro-finance named FOREDEM.

• RBS national enquiry point.

To bring its services closer to its customers the bank is

CAISSE SOCIAL - THE SOCIAL SECURITY FUND OF RWANDA (SSFR)

launching satellite offices in the provinces.

Ngarambe Xavier / Fred Rwihunda

“We are waiting for you!”

Director General

Mr Théogène Turatsinze, Chief Executive

PO Box 250, Kigali

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Tel: +250-083890 / 084593 / 084596 / 085309 / 85807

Mito Migabo

Email: csrdirection@csr.gov.rw

Director General

Website: www.csr.gov.rw

Fax: +250 84445

PO Box, 7099 Tel: +250-582949 / 586103

Activity: Social security

Fax: +250-583305 Website: www.rwanda-standards.org

The Social Security Fund of Rwanda (SSFR) is a public institution empowered with financial autonomy, which is in

Activity: Standardization, quality assurance, metrology

charge of administering the social security scheme insti-

and testing

tuted by the law of 15th November 1962.

Date of Creation: 2002 SSFR is administered by a Board of Directors made up of The Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS, the Bureau) is a

state representatives, employers and workers. Everyday

public institution established by Law No. 03/2002 of 19th

management is held by a General Director appointed by

January 2002 to undertake all activities pertaining to the

the Prime Minister.

development of standards, quality assurance and metrology in the country. It is the only body with powers to

The contribution rate that is sent to the SSFR is set this

define and possess national standards. Public services

way:

and public or private firms must present their standards

The employer pays 5% of the gross salary of employees,

to RBS for adoption at national level. The Bureau is

with 3% sent to the pension branch and 2% to the

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eBizguides Rwanda

branch of occupational risks. The employee contributes

Cogebanque’s priorities for the future are to ensure the

3% of his/her salary, sent to the pension branch.

efficiency, rapidity and quality of the services provided,

The SSFR is also investing in enterprises, owning 50% of

cing management operations regarding interest rates

offer Internet services and home banking, while enhan-

the shares of Sonarwa, 42% of AGL, and 36.6% of BK,

and commissions. As a local and mid-sized bank this ena-

with minor participation in other companies like BHR,

bles the company to offer the most adequate rates and

BRD, Terracom, REIC and RSE.

to adapt rapidly to market changes.

COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRALE DE BANQUE (COGEBANQUE)

Banking correspondents include a worldwide network that starts with Kenya and Burundi, but also the United States, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Germany

Bonaventure Mibiyibizi

and Belgium, among others.

Managing Director

“Rwanda is implementing all the necessary measures and

Centenary House, PO Box 5230, Kigali Tel: +250-503326

tools to develop steadily: it is definitely the will of the

Fax: +250-503336

Government to boost the economy. In this encouraging

Email: cogebank@rwanda1.com

environment worldwide investors should come and take a

Website: www.filmax.co.rw/cog

look, and come to Cogebanque because we are committed to best satisfy our clients’ needs in order to deserve the honour to be your first choice of banking operators.”

Activity: Finance

Bonaventure Mibiyibizi, Managing Director

Date of Creation: 1999

The Compagnie Générale de Banque, best known as Cogebanque, was created in 1999 by a group of 42

CORAR S.A. – COMPAGNIE RWANDAISE D’ASSURANCES ET DE RÉASSURANCE

Rwandan investors and mainly led by the insurance company Cogear; it was a daring business decision considering

Joseph Mugenga

it was the fifth year after the terrible conflict devastated

General Manager

the country and when the financial environment was still

PO Box 3869, Gikongoro

recovering. However the shareholders’ own portfolios pro-

Tel: +250-501210 / 501211

vided the bank with the best network – clients, investors

Fax: +250-575596

and suppliers – to start up operations and to achieve a full

Email: corar@rwanda1.com

operating process and profitable margins within two years. Activity: Insurance (agents, brokers, companies, insuToday the bank’s headquarters are being relocated to

rance consultants)

Centenary House in Kigali’s downtown, and it is proudly

Date of Creation: 1995

standing as a key financial institution of Rwanda’s banking industry and a trusted and reliable company for local

Insurance has been called ‘the handmaiden of industry’.

and foreign companies and individuals. Cogebanque’s

Apart from reduction of loss, damage and stress in

portfolio is specially targeted at SMEs from the core eco-

society to more acceptable levels, Rwandan insurance

nomic Rwandan sectors of agriculture, industry and ser-

companies such as Corar have played a significant part in

vices, which has enabled the company’s impressive

mobilization of savings and investments in the social

growth, opening up to Cogebanque the possibility of

sector in the recent past of Rwanda. Corar is a smaller

entering new markets, for instance the booming cons-

company within the insurance sector in Rwanda and

truction sector, and enhancing its products and the qua-

offers a conventional range of insurance products (life,

lity of the services offered.

health, property).

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Corarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health insurance schemes only started very

however, make their own choice. The difference bet-

recently in January 2007. Its total number of beneficiaries

ween the categories is the percentage of direct co-pay-

stands at 814 with 414 affiliates. The majority of its

ment, which rises with lower annual contributions.

current affiliates are priests, which explains the low

Beneficiaries of Corar health insurance are, apart from

number of dependants. Corar offers four different cate-

legitimate spouses, all legitimate children up to the age

gories of benefit packages from US $727 to US $264 per

of 21 who are still dependants of the household. Corar

year, to groups as well as to individuals. Individuals have

offers reinsurance from several insurers including Africa

to undergo prior medical check-ups and they are placed

Re and Avenir Re.

into a category based on individual risk; groups, Cogebanque head offices

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DELOITTE & TOUCHE RWANDA

FINA BANK

Mr Patrick Gashagaza

Mr Steve Caley

Managing Partner

Managing Director

Boulevard de l’ Umuganda, Aurore Building, Kacyiru

20 Boulevard de la Révolution

PO Box, 1902, Kigali

PO Box 331, Kigali

Tel: +250-587933

Tel: +250-574456

Fax: +250-587934

Fax: +250-573486

Email: gporw@gpopartners.com Website: www.gpopartners.com

Activity: Banking

Activity: Audit, accounting, tax, consulting

FINA Bank is a commercial bank that, since its acquisition

Deloitte & Touche Rwanda is a professional organization

forming a formerly insolvent, government-owned bank.

delivering world-class audit, accounting, tax, and consul-

The bank, previously called Bacar, obtained a full banking

by its current owners in 2004, has been focused on trans-

ting services to international companies, as well as

licence in 1983 and was one of the first privately owned

national enterprises and public institutions. Its internatio-

banks formed in the country. Prior to takeover by FINA

nally experienced professionals deliver seamless, consis-

Bank, the bank was under Central Bank supervision due

tent services wherever its clients operate.

to some managerial issues.

Deloitte & Touche Rwanda, with 2 partners and 25 staff, is

The bank’s principal activities comprise corporate ban-

committed to address its clients’ needs with the highest

king, international trade financing and retail banking,

quality consultancy services and prides itself on having a

financial services and products to corporate and esta-

high level of international experience and local expertise.

blished medium and small businesses as well as salaried

Deloitte’s clients are spread across all different sectors of the

workers and other banks in Rwanda.

economy: banking and trading companies, mining, insurance, agriculture, hotels, international NGOs, social secu-

The bank is revamping all its operations and is seeking to

rity, UN organizations, public enterprises, micro-finance,

become a leader in small and medium business banking.

donor projects, transportation, couriers and airlines.

NATIONAL TENDER BOARD (NTB) A vast network of Deloitte offices spans 23 countries in Africa with more than 5,000 professional staff. In each

Augustus Seminega

location its professionals are committed to providing

Director General

superior, value-added service and to delivering innovative

Avenue de la Paix

solutions to complex business issues. In addition to all the

PO Box 4276, Kigali

resources the firm has in Africa, the firm is also able to

Tel: +250-501403 / 501404 / 501405

access expertise from its international organization

Fax: +250-501402

(about 120,000 professionals in 140 countries) as

Email: ntb@rwanda1.com

required, enabling Deloitte to offer to clients the broa-

Website: www.mtn.co.rw

dest possible industry strengths. Activity: Finance

“Deloitte is dedicated to building trust and confidence

Date of Creation: 1997

with its clients to achieve maximum results in a professional arena.”

The National Tender Board was established in 1997 to

Mr Patrick Gashagaza, Managing Partner

organize and manage the public procurement process

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“Rwanda takes accounting and auditing extremely

and to implement the general public procurement policy

seriously. I’ve been given the authority and indepen-

on behalf of the Government of Rwanda.

dence, with the National Tender Board and the Bureau The guiding principles for the NTB operations are trans-

of Standards, to bring it forward.”

parency, economy and equity. Efficiency and accountabi-

Evelyn Kamagaju Rutagwenda, Auditor General

lity in executing public procurement policy are equally

PRIVATIZATION SECRETARIAT

crucial and necessary attributes in public procurement.

“Take some time to know about Rwanda. We, the

Mr Robert Bayigamba

National Tender Board, ensure open and transparent

Executive Secretary

competition is set in all public tender offers.”

Tel: +250-75383 / 517855

Augustus Seminega, Director General

Fax: +250-75384 Website: www.minecofin.gov.rw/privatization

OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL FOR STATE FINANCE (OAG)

Activity: Finance Date of Creation: 1996

Evelyn Kamagaju Rutagwenda Auditor General

Established in 1996, the privatization programme is an

PO Box 1020

integrated part of the economic liberalization policy,

Tel: +250 512026/27

which was implemented within overall economic

Fax: +250 512045

reforms. Under this policy, the private sector plays a key

Email: evekamagaju@oag.gov.rw /

role as the engine of economic activity.

evekamagaju@yahoo.com Website: www.oag.gov.rw

In this way, the Government of Rwanda decided to withdraw from the agro-industrial, industrial and economic

Activity: Finance

activities, and to provide to private investors the opportu-

Date of Creation: 2003

nity to acquire state-owned companies with a view to

The OAG is an institution created by the Constitution of

tion of the privatization programme, the Presidential

improving their performance. Aiming at the implementa-

the Republic of Rwanda on 4th June 2003 in its articles

decree No. 0/14 of 3rd May 1996 established three insti-

183 and 184. The organization and functioning of the

tutions in charge of the privatization programme, inclu-

OAG are governed by law.

ding the Privatization Secretariat.

The OAG is the supreme audit institution of Rwanda. It is

The Privatization Secretariat is in charge of the daily

independent of the Government. It is vested with a legal

management and coordination of the Commission’s acti-

status and an administrative and financial autonomy. Its

vities and also the implementation of the privatization

principal mission is to promote transparency, accountabi-

programme. One of its missions objectives is making an

lity and the best practices of management in operations

educational and public awareness campaign on the priva-

of the Government.

tization programme, by explaining to the public its objectives and advantages and by encouraging the private

According to the Constitution, the OAG is in charge of

sector to invest in the privatized enterprises.

the audit of central and local government, semi-public companies, publicly-owned enterprises, national mixed

The main objectives of the privatization policy are:

capital enterprises as well as state projects.

• reducing Government shares in the state-owned enterprises and thus lightening their financial burden on its

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FINANCE

resources, while easing its administrative obligations at

Ever since the institution became autonomous, the tur-

the same time; this process is also expected to generate

nover performance has kept increasing, getting to RWF

revenue through the sale, liquidation or dissolution of

204 billion in 2006 from RWF 45 billion in 1998; numbers

state-owned enterprises and also through the promotion,

that clearly represent the performance of the Rwandan

development and empowerment of the private sector;

economy.

• ensuring better management and financial, accounting and budgeting discipline of state-owned enterprises;

RRA also started a modernization process in 2002, a pro-

• restructuring and rehabilitation of public companies;

cess that set six main targets:

• encouraging Rwandan citizens to invest in the private

• to move away from traditional system operations in

sector and thus take part in its development and stimu-

order to improve efficiency;

late the competitive spirit.

• to improve the business environment in all aspects,

“Our institution has satisfactorily fulfilled its obligations

friendly access and simplified operations, etc);

enhancing all the operation chain (staff capacity-building,

and is soon to close its doors, proud to have done a

• establish a user-friendly structure, turning it into a func-

good job.”

tional structure with a centre and unique office;

Mr Robert Bayigamba, Executive Secretary

• computerize all RRA systems; • improve the taxation process itself;

RWANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY

• ensure that all taxation has a legal background and support.

Mary Baine Commissioner General

As for the next three years, the RRA is shortly to move

32 Avenue de la Paix,

into a new building – to be shared with the Auditor

PO Box 3987, Kigali

General’s Office – where all services will be integrated,

Tel: +250-573408

but more important is that the RRA will be able to cover

Fax: +250-578488

half of the Government budget expenditure, which will

Email: rracg@rwanda1.com

allow it to increase the base and reduce individual fiscal

Website: www.rra.gov.rw

pressure.

Activity: Revenue authority

“We are committed to providing the best services; we

Date of Creation: 1997 (as independent body)

are committed to doing it well and as easily as possible for everyone. Come to us, the Administration, free of

Employees: 840

charge, to know your rights and obligations!” Mary Baine, Commissioner General

Initially the administration and accountability of taxes and duties in Rwanda was under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, which in 1997 became the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), an independent body. Today the RRA, as well as all official institutions and

SONARWA – SOCIÉTÉ NOUVELLE D’ ASSURANCES DU RWANDA

agencies, has integrated the well-known Vision 2020 into its operations policy, operating according to core values

Mrs Marie Claire Mukasine

such as budget dependency and efficiency, transparency,

Managing Director

good governance and zero tolerance on corruption; all in

PO Box 1035, Kigali

order to bring Rwanda to the front of the global eco-

Tel: +250-573350

nomy and develop and enhance Rwandan life conditions.

Fax: +250-572052

Reflecting this idea, RRA’s motto is clear: ‘Taxes for

Email: sonarwa@rwanda1.com / mmukasine@yahoo.com

growth and development.’

Website: www.sonarwa.co.rw

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FINANCE

eBizguides Rwanda

Activity: Finance – insurance

towards insurance necessity and beneficial returns, fur-

Employees: 138

ther human resources training, ITC enhancement, deve-

Market Share: 48%

lopment of new insurance products and providing its ser-

Turnover: RWF 5,000 Milliards Frw

vices according to international quality standards. These

Date of Creation: 1975

issues are already being faced by Mrs Mukasine’s mana-

The Sociétè Nouvelle des Assurances, also known as

loping local and international training projects – for ins-

gement team through local marketing campaigns, deve-

Sonarwa, is the pioneering company in Rwanda’s insu-

tance with the national School of Finance and Banking

rance industry. Established over 30 years ago by the

and foreign institutions in South Africa, Tunisia and

Government with the mission to commercialize insurance

United Kingdom, and obtaining in 2005 the ISO 2001

products, it plays a proactive role in savings release while

accreditation.

contributing to the country’s economic development. The company was reopened after the genocide with only

Furthermore, the company strategy for the next five years

53 employees from the nearly 300 it previously had;

includes its regional expansion and penetrating other

currently the firm has 22 branches over the country, with

Central African countries, the reason why Sonarwa has

135 permanent agents and 370 sales people, all of which

already established a partnership agreement with a

has positioned Sonarwa as the leader of the Rwandan

Congolese insurance company and will intensify its

insurance industry despite the increasing market compe-

efforts towards this goal. Likewise, Sonarwa hopes to

titiveness.

add to its client portfolio foreign investors willing to establish operations in the country, as well as providing all

Today’s Sonarwa challenges, as key industry agent,

the warranties required to the operators already doing

include further sensitizing the Rwandan population

business in Rwanda.

Sonarwa facilities

eBizguides Rwanda

FINANCE

Ever since Mrs Mukasine took up the Managing Director

Activity: Finance

position five years ago, Sonarwa’s performance level has

Date of Creation: 1999

increased, raising shareholder dividends and incorporating the top Rwandan companies into its portfolio.

SORAS is the second most important company in the sector, after the state-owned SONARWA, its market

The services provided by Sonarwa include a diverse range

share being 30%.

of products: It was the first to start offering life insurance in Rwanda Ins urance Bra nches

in 1999 and its products include retirement plans and

Family protection assurance, worker protection package

family social protection. It offers innovative products such

assurance, personal accident insurance, worker compen-

as bank credit insurance and a study insurance policy,

sation insurance, education assurance, loan protection

which covers those students who at some point cannot

assurance.

continue paying their University fees.

Ins urance of Goods or P roperty

It claims that its best asset is its highly experienced,

Motor insurance (material damage, theft and fire), fire

honest staff. It conducts exhaustive risk assessments, loss

insurance covering residential, office, commercial or

evaluation and fraud detection. It believes that precision

industrial buildings, cash in transit and safe insurance,

and accounting transparency are key factors for the suc-

insurance against theft, machinery breakdown insurance,

cess and good character of the company.

insurance against loss of profit (benefit) resulting from fire or machinery breakdown, insurance of boats, avia-

Future plans include setting up partnerships in order to

tion insurance, insurance of storage and cold houses,

expand to the region, namely Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

contractors all risks insurance, crop and livestock insu-

and Burundi. It aims to become the first company in the

rance, electronic and electric equipment insurance, cons-

insurance sector and to diversify its products. It already

truction all risks insurance, insurance of construction

has shares in real estate companies and holds projects

machinery on-site.

such as PRIMA 2000, a building comprising 36 fullyfurnished apartments.

Public Liability Insura nce (T hird Pa rty) Motor insurance (compulsory), product liability, covering

“Rwanda and SORAS alike apply good governance and

contractors for 10 years, covering the family, hunting,

the country offers a safe business environment, transpa-

schools, professional activities, sports activities, garages,

rency and good investment opportunities.” Mr Jean Enoch Habiyambere, Manager

pharmacies, hostelries, etc.

Financia l Ope rations Bid bond.

SOCIÉTÉ RWANDAISE D’ASSURANCES (SORAS)

UNION DES BANQUES POPULAIRES DU RWANDA Mrs Spéciose Ayinkamiye General Manager PO Box 1348, Kigali

Mr Jean Enoch Habiyambere

Tel: +250-573563

Manager

Fax: +250-573579

Boulevard de la Révolution, PO Box924, Kigali

Email: sayinkamiye@yahoo.com

Tel: +250-573712 Fax: +250-573362

Activity: Banking

Email: sorasinf@rwanda1.com

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The Banques Populaires of Rwanda, which can be consi-

Monitoring Council elected by and from among members

dered as savings and loans cooperatives, started carrying

of the Bank, who are themselves the sole owners. The

out activities promoting savings and loans in 1975. The

Board of Directors recruits a Manager who oversees the

activities started as a Government project with the finan-

daily operations of the Bank, in particular the reception

cial and technical support of the Swiss Federal

of deposits, as well as withdrawals. However, the Board

Government, a project that enjoyed Government exone-

of Directors retains the important responsibility of autho-

ration from duties and taxes. From the time they were

rizing expenditure and approving loans.

created, the Banque Nationale du Rwanda (Central Bank) authorized these savings and loans cooperatives to bear

All the Banques Populaires are members of a union,

the name Bank. This project was entitled Bureau

which is also a cooperative, whose members are the

dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Orientation des Banques Populaires du Rwanda and

Banques Populaires.

acted as a coordination centre for the creation of Banques Populaires in various parts of the country. It later

The union is managed by a Board of Directors and con-

provided monitoring and support for the Banques

trolled by a Monitoring Council elected by and from

Populaires.

within the General Assembly of Delegates from the

The Banques Populaires are savings and loans coopera-

one member. The union has the task of ensuring the

Banques Populaires, in which each bank is represented by

tives. They carry out their activities in keeping with uni-

proper functioning of Banques Populaires and plays three

versal cooperative principles, and are subject to the

major roles: the management of liquid assets, technical

Cooperative Law of Rwanda of 1988. In their capacity as

support and the monitoring of Banques Populaires. In

financial institutions, the Banques Populaires are also

keeping with the statutes of the union and those of the

subject to the law of 1999 governing the regulation of

Banque Populaires, the latter receive instructions from

banks and other financial establishments.

the union. The unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors appoints a Managing Director who is henceforth responsible for the

Each Banque Populaire is an autonomous cooperative governed by a Board of Directors and controlled by a

daily management of the union.

I N F O R M AT I O N & C O M M U N I C AT I O N TECHNOLOGY

In a fiddlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, all are dancers Rwandan proverb

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MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE, IN CHARGE OF ENERGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Albert Butare, Ministry of Energy & Communications The duties of the Ministry of Energy and Communications towards the communications sector mainly focus on setting up the policy, its objectives and the implementation of action plans. We developed our first policy and plan in 2001, called NICI (National Information Communication Infrastructure). We are now in phase two. Phase one involved different undertakings and what we thought should be done in the different sectors – public and private. The plan at that time was extremely ambitious. Our country is a landlocked country and our main resources are human. We aim to move from an agriculture-based economy to a knowledge-based one. We considered that we could achieve this through using ICT as a tool: so far our economy has largely been driven by agriculture, which is subsistence farming, and this is not sustainable since our country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. In spite of the initial reticence from our development partners we gained their support due to our strong arguments. We decided firmly to have ICT driven by all means to foster and contribute towards our socioeconomic development, so that’s why we were among the first countries to have such a comprehensive action plan. There was a big question whether we should invest more in having better shelter and drinking water and more food than we did in ICT. Phase two started in 2006 and will last until 2010. It is extremely focused and it includes academia, civil society, the private sector, consultants and partners. It has about 100 challenges and US $100 million will be needed to be able to implement that programme for the coming five years. The Ministry will remain at the policy level and will monitor the policy implementation and the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) will translate the policy into an action plan and implementation. RITA is also in charge of implementing NICI 2006–2010, which focuses on human resource development. Another pillar is E-Education, which focuses mainly on the formal structure education systems. We are building the ICT culture through introducing computers to the primary and secondary education levels. E-Education is very important because it will help create appropriate content once infrastructure is in place. Following the completion of the Karisimbi mast, Rwandan television will be able to have six channels and will need skilled people to prepare useful content for the viewers. We are also looking at how all of these efforts can be translated into tangible benefits to ensure socioeconomic development. We are looking at how ICT can create employment or generate revenue. In order to have a sustainable development we will engage the private sector. E-Government and governance is another main objective. This way the Parliament can use ICT tools to reach their constituencies and our legal system can use ICT tools to handle the high number of cases currently being dealt with in the traditional Gacaca courts. And e-Rwanda, the US $10-million project created together with the World Bank, is already a reality. We are looking at legal and regulatory issues to deal with new telecommunications companies in the view of tariffs and services and to create a conducive environment for investment in the telecommunications industry.

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As for the rural areas, we are looking at putting fibre optics at schools and hospitals and spreading wider network coverage of telecommunications, radio and television services. In this sense, the Human Resources and Institutional Capacity Development Agency (HIDA), supported by the World Bank, aims to ensure that all necessary skill upgrading takes place. There is a scheme implemented by HIDA and KIST consisting of training secondary school teachers in ICT as well as a number of programmes like E-Education where we are spreading computers to schools, called the Nepad E-Schools. The Karisimbi project, which will play an essential role in our ICT development, is complete. Karisimbi is a 4,500-metre mountain on top of which we have placed a very high antenna, which will facilitate modern technology such as digital television. E-Rwanda is another of our most important programmes, through which we are putting fibre optics alongside electricity lines across the entire country. The National Computing Centre (NCC), launched by RITA, provides the advisory services to the country through its call centre, which helps people with technical questions. The Government decided to give away one of its best buildings to the private sector on condition that whoever comes should have state-of-the-art IT technology that can be put to use in the economy of Rwanda. Internet connectivity and use are free. We are now talking with about 15 companies, both local and international, that may invest. We are negotiating with Chinese companies to provide cheap solar phones that can be afforded and easily used by people living in the rural areas. These phones will cost only US $32 and the district administrators will be distributing them on credit. We are concluding an electronic national identity card scheme to be used to fight against forgeries, a system that can also be used in other documents like passports. Rwanda has embarked on ICT development as an engine in socioeconomic development. That way we are doing everything possible to put skills and initiatives in place. In order to increase GDP per capita of US $250 to US $900 by 2020, we need to translate all these efforts into revenue. We need to create a conducive environment in order to attract potential investors to participate in our ICT campaign. Rwanda is open to investors. Regarding the energy sector, electricity tariffs and distribution are our main problems. After 1994 the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main concerns were rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country, installation of security and resettlement of the people. In 1999, once the emergency phase was finished, a development phase started and electricity was needed by the industry sector, the laboratories and the schools. We therefore had to ship in diesel engines to be able to generate power. Since 2004 75% of our electricity comes from thermal generation, so we had to raise the tariffs to an average of 203 cents, which is the highest tariff in the world. Energy is currently one of the main problems for industry and exports, and therefore one of the major investment opportunities. There are a number of sources of energy that we are starting to exploit, namely methane gas and geothermal, which can be found at Lake Kivu, and other alternatives such as solar energy. Rwanda needs to portray an up-to-date picture of our country in terms of its policies and good governance as well as several other efforts that are being taken in moving ahead in the development of the country. Investors are welcome.

Ministry of Energy & Communications Albert Butare

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS

eBizguides Rwanda

Agency (RURA). The agency is responsible for supervising telecommunications, power, water, gas and transport.

Rwanda had about 23,000 fixed telephone lines in 2005, i.e. a teledensity of less than 0.3, one of the lowest in the

A review carried out by the Swedish International

world. However, since the first licence was granted to

Development Agency (SIDA) in 2001 (Information and

MTN Rwandacell for mobile telephone services in 1998,

communication technology (ICT): A 2001 review of

the number of mobile subscribers has surged, from 5,000

Rwanda’s ICT sector) estimated the total size of the ICT

to almost 250,000 in 2005. Fixed-line telephony has been

sector at US $25–30 million, of which Rwandatel

in the hands of the state monopoly Rwandatel, which has

accounted for half.

now been sold for US $20 million (the largest privatization so far) to Terracom, a US company that started out

Rwandatel was then the monopoly telephone service

as an Internet service provider. Terracom expects to

provider, with approximately 25,000 fixed subscriber

double the current number of fixed-line connections by

lines. The South African mobile telephone operator MTN,

2010. Both Terracom and MTN now have licences to ope-

which had begun operations in 1999, was growing fast

rate in fixed-line as well as mobile telephony.

but from a very low base. Today there are still only about 25,000 fixed-line subscribers but there are also over

Telecommunications are regulated by Law 44 of 2001, which also created the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Rwandatel

200,000 mobile subscribers. Although telephone penetration remains low (under 3 per 100 inhabitants) and Internet penetration even lower, an expansion of service and lowering of prices may be expected in the new competitive environment.

The Government takes the view that ICT could drive the transformation of Rwanda from a poor subsistence economy to a middle-income knowledge-based economy. Its 2001–2005 ICT plan was very detailed and included several specific FDI targets. Some of these were perhaps over-ambitious, given the small market and limited skills, but there is no doubting the Government’s commitment to developing the sector.

Moreover, some concrete steps to improve ICT infrastructure, increase demand for ICT products and services, and develop the skills needed have been taken. Rwanda’s eGovernment programme in particular is intended to create demand for ICT products and services. The new Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is expected to develop a cadre of people with advanced ICT skills, while other education programmes are aimed at introducing computer literacy at the primary level.

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES – FDI STORY: INVESTING IN ICT

Through the TechnoPark, it hopes to attract leading foreign firms, provide access to world-class ICT products and services for Rwandan and COMESA consumers, serve as an incubator for new ICT companies and create

The Electronic Tools Company (E-Tools) is an indepen-

employment opportunities for the country’s emerging

dent software vendor founded by an expatriate Rwandan

skilled workforce.

in the United States in 1994. It specializes in electronic design automation, e-commerce, general business appli-

Proposed services at the TechnoPark will include:

cations, e-government and anti-corruption solutions.

• software development;

E-Tools came to Rwanda in May 2003, impressed by the

• business process outsourcing (BPO);

rapid recovery from the genocide and the commitment of

• hardware assembly and manufacturing;

the Government to using technology to speed up deve-

• state-of-the-art call centres;

lopment.

• mobile phone assembly;

The company is fully foreign-owned, with an initial inves-

• state-of-the-art training facilities;

tment of US $1.2 million and subsequent reinvestment of

• research and development (R&D).

• broadband fibre optic infrastructure development;

profits to the tune of US $1.8 million. It is expected to increase by 20% as the company’s products penetrate

The focus on technology by the Government of Rwanda

the regional market. E-Tools currently has 35 employees,

provides a rare opportunity for technology companies to

of whom nine are expatriates, six of these nine being

invest in this country and serve a significant regional

temporary visitors from the US and Russia. The com-

market. E-Tools is impressed by the Government’s com-

pany’s customers at present consist of ministries and

mitment to technology-led development and delighted

agencies of the Government of Rwanda; however, it

to be a part of Rwanda’s economic transformation as

expects soon to add corporate organizations and other

envisaged in the Government’s Vision 2020, which sees

regional governments to the list.

the per capita GDP quadrupling over the next decade and a half. At the moment, it is, like most of its neighbours,

What needs attention by the Government regarding the

a poor country, but it has come a very long way in just

ICT sector is low-cost reliable electricity and a bigger

over a decade.

supply of ICT professionals, which are the company’s most immediate needs.

These facts about Rwanda are little known abroad.

The best things about the country for E-Tools are safety

the scene of one of the most appalling tragedies of

Almost the only thing that is known is that Rwanda was

and security, workforce trainability and strategic location.

recent years: the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of

The company plans soon to incorporate in Rwanda,

about one-tenth of the population and sent twice as

where it now operates as a branch of the US company. It

many into exile. However, although this painful recent

sees its future in marketing its products to the region and

history is known, the extent to which it is history is not.

thinks that Rwanda’s membership of the East African Community (EAC) will make a large positive difference to its prospects, as its products will enjoy a marketing advantage over comparable products made elsewhere.

The Government has decided to establish a state-of-theart ICT TechnoPark in Kigali, to create the environment necessary to develop the ICT sector and spread awareness of its importance beyond Government circles.

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MAIN COMPANIES

eBizguides Rwanda

branded Tuvugane and it has proved to be a great success. It managed to roll out 1,280 payphones across the

MTN

entire country in less than a year. In 2005 it will be having two other payphone operators, which should serve the

Mr Per Eriksson

population even better. The public access strategy will

CEO

ensure that even the most remote areas get access to

MTN Centre, Nyarutarama

affordable and reliable telecommunications services.

PO Box 264, Kigali Tel: +250-089312005

Technology continues to move quickly and nowhere is

Fax: +250-586858

this more evident than in the field of telecommunica-

Email: pere@mtn.co.rw

tions. MTN Rwanda continues to introduce new and

Website: www.mtn.co.rw

innovative services, demonstrating commitment to provi-

Activity:

class voice and data services at affordable prices.

ding both personal and business customers with worldMobile phones

In 1998 MTN was awarded a GSM licence that saw it

Every second of every day someone in Rwanda is making

start commercial operations by September of that same

use of an MTN service or product – so much so that the

year. The year 2006 saw MTN celebrate its eighth year of

company has become an essential part of life in Rwanda.

operation in Rwanda as a success story and a profitable

It is a role it is proud of and a role to build on over the

operation. Since its launch, cellular communication has

coming years. As a socially responsible corporate citizen

become an indispensable tool in the daily lives of many

MTN has given back to society in terms of various support

Rwandans and MTN Rwanda has evolved to be the lea-

initiatives to fight Aids and hunger, protect the environ-

ding telecommunications company in Rwanda. Before

ment and many other areas where the brand has been

the arrival of MTN, there were only 7,000 fixed telephone

seen as an active player. MTN Rwanda has emerged as

lines but they were able to connect a similar number of

the most recognized brand in the country and voted on

subscribers within less than a year of operation. And

many occasions as the most admired brand.

during the last eight years, MTN Rwanda has reported

record 167,000 customers today.

RWANDA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUTHORITY (RITA)

Currently, MTN Rwanda’s infrastructure provides geogra-

Manzi Nkubito Bakuramutsa

phic coverage estimated at 75% of the population.

Executive Director

Despite the difficulties associated with a hilly terrain it is

Telecom House, 3rd Floor, Boulevard de l’Umuganda

forecasting 90% coverage of the country in the course of

PO Box 7229, Kigali

2006–2007.

Tel: +250-583220/2

tremendous growth in its active subscriber base to a

Fax: +250-583232 On the business front, MTN Rwanda has over the last six

Email: nkubito.bakuramutsa@rita.rw

years established a national footprint of distribution with

Website: www.rita.gov.rw

dealers numbering over 900 across the country with various outlets offering airtime, service fee, a wide range

The Rwandan Information Technology Authority (RITA)

of cellular phones and accessories to customers.

has been set up as a statutory and autonomous national

MTN is working towards providing universal access by

and coordination body under the direct supervision of

penetrating deeper into the rural areas. At the beginning

the National Information Technology Commission (NITC).

of 2004, it launched a community payphone service

RITA also operates as the Secretariat of the NITC and has

agency in order to act as the national ICT implementation

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RITA management team

an administrative link and working relation with the

transfer from world key developers, such as Google,

Office of the President, the Prime Minister’s Office and

Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Solid Works, just to name a

and

few. An example of the key partnership agreements is

Communications, as its sponsoring Ministry. Furthermore

the

Ministry

Public

Works,

Transport

the platform project implemented by Google consisting

this Rwandan institution is linked to the IT divisions/direc-

of servers to hold Google applications – calendars, email

torates of the Ministries as well as with other ICT-related

software, document transfer, etc. – to be up and running

organizations in the public and private sector.

in one year’s time. Another example would be the collaboration with the US Solid Works company specialized in

RITA’s main responsibilities, among others, are: coordina-

the conversion of 2D images into 3D. Another innovative

ting national ICT initiatives and projects; facilitating the

pilot project already up and running is the eHealth pro-

implementation of NICI Plan programmes; facilitating the

ject that connects remote hospitals to enable full health

work of the NITC, the NITC-WGs as well as IT

coverage within Rwanda’s territory.

division/directorates of Government Ministries; providing advisory and technical support services to the NITC, the

Other projects to be implemented are: to build a national

NITC-WGs as well as to public and private sector organi-

fibre optic band enabling faster and lower-cost connecti-

zations; developing national ICT Standards and guideRITA park

lines as well as an ICT consultancy role, and furthermore a public awareness and education role in the area of information and communications technologies.

In order to implement the ICT sector, the institution has an integrated programme that includes 161 projects that are to be implemented in a four-year period. These projects are to be developed through innovative knowledge

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I N F O R M AT I O N & C O M M U N I C AT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y

vity all around and access to European standards, to

eBizguides Rwanda

AFLINK RWANDA LTD

strongly link ICT and Rwandan agricultural by enabling a strong rural connection access; the Business Centre that is already operative, with 30 computers and where all business services and solutions are to be offered as well as computer training provided; and finally, as mere examples of Rwanda’s positioning at the cutting edge, is the aim to become a paperless administration in three years’

Mr Paul Bakuru, Managing Director /

time, being able to track all documents with specialized

Mr Arthur Joash, Creative Director

software.

Opposite Yahama Building, Avenue de la Nyabugogo PO Box 4060, Kigali

RITA’s challenge is to place Rwanda as the ICT service

Tel: +250-08301652

provider in the region.

Website: www.aflinkrw@hotmail.com

“The IT Sector in Rwanda is booming – be part of the growth and have fun while doing it! Be part of

Activity: Advertising agency Date of Creation: 2005

Rwanda’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy!”

Aflink Rwanda Limited thinks of design as a problem-sol-

Manzi Nkubito Bakuramutsa, Executive Directo

ving process. Aflink solves all problems in design, advertising and signage. So think of this company as a solution to your problems. The firm’s practice offers the power to RITA Full Team

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eBizguides Rwanda

I N F O R M AT I O N & C O M M U N I C AT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y

creatively produce powerful visual communications in

As for Aflink’s strengths, it has a skilled workforce that is

graphic design, web design, animations, multimedia and

equipped for advertising, communication, design, creati-

other design products like advertising and signage.

vity, conceptualization, IT and public and people rela-

Design with Aflink is design with a difference!

tions; timeliness, always working within the specified

Aflink Rwanda Limited is a fully registered company ope-

reproach in what is to be delivered.

timeframe and meeting targets; and quality above

rating in Rwanda. It was established in 2005 after a survey was done showing that there was a great need for

The company’s clients are mainly business entities and

advertising and promotions agencies in the country to

companies, for instance Rwanda Information Technology

satisfy the growing market.

Authority (RITA), PACFA Rwanda, Banque de l’Habitat du Rwanda (BHR), British American Tobacco (BAT Rwanda),

With a team of highly qualified staff with vast experience,

King Faisal Hospital, Banque Commercial du Rwanda

Aflink can handle a wide variety of design work in the

(BCR), Union Trade Centre (UTC), Macmillan Rwanda,

field of advertising, communication, supplies of promo-

Imprimerie Muhima and Rwandair Express.

tional materials, indoor and outdoor signage, public relations and event organizing.

Aflink is quality driven and seeks to further develop itself constantly. Always striving for innovation, product impro-

Aflink’s mission is to provide high-standard and timely

vement and aiming to gain a deeper understanding of

services to the client and its vision is to be the pacesetter

client needs, Aflink’s credo is to add significant value to

in the advertising and signage industry in the region –

business.

Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

I N F O R M AT I O N & C O M M U N I C AT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y

eBizguides Rwanda

AFRITEL

ARTEL

Diogene Mutaganzwa

Mr Francis Karemera

Managing Director

Acting CEO

111 Avenue de l’Armée

PO Box 7333, Kigali

PO Box 1990

Tel: +250-06990001

Tel: +250-500500

Fax: +250-583474

Fax: +250-578697

Email: fkaremera@artel.rw

Email: m.diogene@afritel.co.rw

Website: www.artel.rw

Website: www.afritel.com Activity: ICT Activity: Telecommunications

Date of Creation: 2002

Afritel was founded in 1996 and has developed its activi-

Artel Communications was launched in October 2002,

ties in Rwanda, Burundi, Congo and Eastern Africa. It

becoming the first Rwandan-based company to introduce

provides telecommunications services and its members

very small aperture terminal (VSAT) services. Using its

are engineers of the prestigious Alcatel, which is Afritel’s

DialAw@y IP networks Artel has made it possible for people

main shareholder.

in the villages to connect to the world through satellite telephony, fax as well as Internet and data services.

Afritel is especially interesting for large companies and telecom operators, as well as banks that require advanced systems of interbanking connections.

Since its inception, Artel has installed nearly 203 sites in the remotest areas of Rwanda, with a projected 350 by the end of 2004. Because the entire installation can be solar

The company is facing new challenges as Rwanda is

powered, the DialAw@y IP system does not depend on the

opened to Africa (mainly through the EAC), which will

existence of any other infrastructure to operate. Artel has

generate more competition.

become a key partner in the implementation of Vision 2020, Rwanda’s vision for development through ICT.

The company is involved in important optical fibre projects. Kigali’s housing development offers all comforts

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eBizguides Rwanda

I N F O R M AT I O N & C O M M U N I C AT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y

Large areas of Africa are still scarcely wired and corporate

cular, the group tries to provide a service that is designed

businesses, Government departments, schools and many

to meet the stringent demands of the increasing number

other potential users are anxiously awaiting the development

of tourists visiting Rwanda.

of improved communications infrastructure to speed up economic development in all corners of the Continent. Artel so

While its services will be open to all Rwandans, the follo-

far provides services in the Republic of South Africa and has

wing groups are expected to be the main beneficiaries:

clients in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• tourists and leisure groups (local and foreigners);

Against this backdrop, Artel Communications is a provider

• hotels (Intercontinental, Milles Collines, Novotel, Kivu

• officials coming to attend international conferences;

of very small aperture terminal (VSAT) services, utilizing the

Sun, Gorilla Hotel, Gorilla’s Nest, etc.);

latest satellite technology to provide seamless connectivity

• entry points such as the Kigali International Airport (KIA);

to enterprises and public administrations in Africa.

• businesses and individuals; • corporations (staff transport, banks, any other pick-up

BCS (BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS GROUP)

• functions (weddings, funerals, etc.).

Mr Gerald Mpysi

INCH OF GOLD INTERNATIONAL

or delivery requests);

CEO PO Box 4307, Kigali

Louis Kamanzi

Tel: +250-512022

CEO

Fax: +250-512025

Sofaru Building, 2nd Floor, 25 Rue de la Paix

Email: tele10@rwanda1.com

PO Box 4395, Kigali Tel: +250-55103819

Website: www.bcs.rw

Email: info@comesapages.com Business Communication Solutions Group (BCS Group),

Website: www.comesapages.com

is a service-oriented company established by Rwandans with a mission to be the number one integrated services

Activity: Media, publishing and advertising agency

provider in Rwanda and throughout the Great Lakes

Date of Creation: 2003

Region and to support the Government of Rwanda’s vision to transform the Rwandan economy into a kno-

Inch of Gold International Sarl. is a multimedia company

wledge-based economy. Currently BCS has branches in

incorporated in Rwanda in March 2003 with sister compa-

Burundi and the Eastern Congo.

nies in Kenya, Burundi and Uganda. The company is 40% Rwandan owned and 60% owned by Kenyans, although the

The entire Great Lakes Region is an emerging economy

current management group is totally Rwandan.

and thus presents enormous opportunities for investing in the service industry. BCS wants to take the lead by pro-

The company specializes in desktop publishing, a field the

viding quality services in the region.

management team is widely experienced in, and is develo-

In line with the Government’s vision to accelerate eco-

partners. Furthermore, the firm has a fully-fledged design

nomic and social development and the desire of the City

office and uses online systems to connect in-house desig-

ping its printing offshore in the UAE with well-recognized

Council to provide modern and efficient services to the

ners in different offices to accomplish the best solutions,

people of Rwanda, the group has introduced KTS (Kigali

targeting work quality as the main driving factor of Inch of

Taxi Service) in Kigali, a modern and efficient taxi service

Gold’s day-to-day objectives.

that meets international public transport standards, and at a later point will replicate this in other cities. In parti-

Inch of Gold’s reputation is firmly demonstrated by a large

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I N F O R M AT I O N & C O M M U N I C AT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y

eBizguides Rwanda

list of top clients such as Rwanda Investment & Export

Objectives:

Promotional Agency (RIEPA) signing a five-year long con-

• to provide knowledge at all levels in electronics and

tract for the Rwanda National Business Directory yearly

information technology;

publication as well as in-house magazines, brochures and

• to allow Rwanda to follow the fast evolution of techno-

other promotional materials for this institution.

logies; • to become a national and regional pole of excellence/an

The COMESA Secretariat located in Lusaka, Zambia, con-

ICT regional hub combining both training and investment.

tracted the company to publish its first ever business directory, a tender that was internationally sought by

TELE10

very many reputable publishing companies. Eugene K. Nyagahene The National Bank of Rwanda is another client of Inch of

CEO

Gold, publishing its annual reports for the third year in a

Boulevard de l’aeroport, Remera

row, and a contract that is currently still active.

PO Box 4307, Kigali Tel: +250-512022

Furthermore, the company’s long track record includes all

Fax: +250-512025

promotional literature for other institutions and compa-

Email: rwanda@tele-10.com

nies, for instance the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda

Website: www.tele-10.com

(PSFR) and the Banque Commerciale du Rwanda (BCR) Activity: Telecommunications

RWANDATEL

Date of Creation: 1992

Dr Ephrem Ruzindana

Founded in 1992 by Eugene K. Nyagahene, Tele10 is

General Manager

backed by nine years of industry experience. Tele10 pro-

Telecom House, Boulevard de l’Umuganda,

vides top-notch digital system TV services, Internet via

PO Box 1332, Kigali

satellite and a digital studio along with great customer

Tel: +250-576777

support. Through commitment, experience and expertise,

Fax: +250-573110

Tele10 has established a business relationship with custo-

Email: info@rwandatel.rw

mers that will last a lifetime.

Activity: Telecommunications

Tele10 is servicing both in C Band and Ku Band. C band

Date of Creation: 1993

uses a large antenna (2.4m) with a digital decoder. Ku

Rwandatel was created in 1993 under the institutional reforms

decoder. There are many packages to choose from, inclu-

of the communication sector with the help of the World Bank.

ding the full service to the mini package.

Band uses a small dish (55cm to 90cm) and a digital

Rwandatel was created as the result of the separation into two entities of the PTT (Postal and Telecommunications services).

It offers a collection of French channels using digital tech-

Rwandatel was privatized in 2005.

nology. Some of them are: Canal Horizons, CFI, TV5, etc.

Its centre provides skills to technicians of the Ministry of

The analogue system was the first technology used in TV

Defence, demobilized soldiers and the national police. Today

broadcasting by Tele10 in the early 1990s. It used large

the centre trains all the professional bodies interested in E-

ground antennas (5m) for reception and also needed

ICT as well. The training is hands-on and allows students to

transmitters. Clients are now using small MMDS

practise what they learn. The centre is aimed at proven engi-

antennas for reception. This system will be replaced very

neers/technicians and also low-skilled people.

soon by the new one in Ku Band.

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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

You can take a horse to water, but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make him drink Rwandan proverb

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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

eBizguides Rwanda

TRADE Rwanda has been running a variable but substantial trade deficit for many years. Its exports in 2005 earned about US $150 million, while it paid around US $400 million for its imports. The Government is currently pursuing a diversification programme aimed at correcting this. Coffee and tea remain the key exports, accounting for the largest share (50%) of export revenue.

Coffee exports in 2004 accounted for about US $32.2 million representing 32.8% of total exports. In 2005 export receipts increased to US $38 million, a significant Factory of Bralirwa

improvement. There was a 70% increase in coffee prices from US $1.20/kg in 2004 to US $2.04/kg in 2005 (MINE-

add value to the established export products. Flowers,

COFIN, Department of Statistics). On the other hand, tea

fruit and vegetables, hides and skins, and handicraft

prices fell by 4.2%, leading to a 9% reduction in export

goods are among the new products with potential.

earnings in the first six months of 2005. Total tea export

Foreign investment, with its associated expertise and

earnings for the year 2005 amounted to US $26 million

access to markets, has a key role to play in diversifying

(MINECOFIN, Department of Statistics).

and upgrading exports. It could also play a key role in reducing the reliance on imports for consumer goods.

Tourism and mining are becoming increasingly important among Rwandan exports. For instance, cassiterite, tin, wolfram and columbium tantalite (coltan) generated nearly US $40 million or 25% of export income in 2005.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES – FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

Incidentally, it is worth noting that the recorded trade figures leave out the unrecorded trade, particularly across

There was a time, 15–20 years ago, when Rwanda

the DRC–Rwanda border, which is substantial and in sur-

attracted proportionately more FDI than all but one of its

plus.

neighbours. Since then, however, its performance has languished, although there has been an upswing in

Imports into Rwanda are dominated by consumer goods

recent years, with flows reaching nearly US $11 million in

and fuel, and are seriously affected by the recent incre-

2004.

ases in the prices of petroleum products. Intermediate and investment goods are the other major categories of

According to RIEPA’s figures, total registered investment

imports.

(planned rather than actualized investment in any given

The main consumer goods imported are food products

$232 million in 2004. These investments were directed

such as: livestock, meat, fish, milk, dairy products, eggs,

into manufacturing (8 enterprises), agro-processing (9

honey, vegetable oil, fruit, spices, cereals, flour, salt and

enterprises), real estate (5 enterprises), services (10 enter-

year) in 2005 amounted to US $467 million, up from US

prises), and mining and construction (2 enterprises).

sugar.

Since January 2006, 17 newly registered projects valued Other imports include soft drinks, alcoholic beverages,

at over US $40 million have launched operations.

tobacco, clothes and shoes, pharmaceutical products, perfume products and paper goods. To reduce its heavy

Among the factors beginning to have a positive influence

trade deficit, Rwanda needs to diversify its exports and to

on FDI are the macroeconomic and structural reforms

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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

eBizguides Rwanda (including the privatization programme); the introduction

and 10 million yards of synthetic and cotton fabric.

of an investment code and the setting up of an inves-

UTEXRWA also has an in-house garment manufacturing

tment agency (the Rwanda Investment and Export

facility with 250 sewing machines. The company has his-

Promotion Agency – RIEPA); a low incidence of corrup-

torically imported raw cotton from Uganda and Tanzania,

tion; and membership of preferential trading arrange-

but now its own fabric accounts for some 20% of its use

ments like COMESA or the EAC.

in garment manufacturing.

The Government of Rwanda has put in place a number of

This is significant and positive, given the third country

policies, including attractive incentives, to make it clear

fabric provision of AGOA. UTEXRWA has already esta-

that foreign investors are welcome. FDI is invited in all

blished contact with potential US customers like Wal-

sectors with no restrictions on equity. Foreign exchange

Mart but is constrained by low production capacity, high

regulations are quite liberal and efforts to set up a free

transport costs, the high cost of imported inputs, and the

economic zone are at a relatively advanced stage.

cost and availability of energy. In order to address some of these constraints UTEXRWA entered into a coopera-

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

tion agreement with the Canadian Centre for Textile Technology in late 2005 to upgrade its workforce and

Manufacturing

production quality and capacity.

There are opportunities across the board in manufactu-

More recently, in collaboration with the Ministry of

ring in Rwanda, first for the domestic market, which

Agriculture and the Ministry of Defence, UTEXRWA has

would be of interest especially to SMEs, and then for the

been working on the development of sericulture and the

regional market. The high cost of imports in this land-

silk textile industry in Rwanda. The country’s highly fertile

locked country offers opportunities for import-substitu-

volcanic soil, rainfall for nearly eight months a year and

tion activities that enjoy a certain natural protection.

generally conducive climatic conditions make it especially suitable for mulberry cultivation and silk-worm rearing,

Textiles and Apparel

according to the company. Sub-Saharan Africa is esti-

Only one industrial-scale apparel manufacturer currently

silk products, which UTEXRWA hopes to target. The

mated to have a US $300 million per annum market for

operates in Rwanda: L’Usine Textile du Rwanda

Rwandan Handicraft Society has also expressed an inte-

(UTEXRWA). This is a vertically integrated company esta-

rest in collaborating with UTEXRWA on the hand-wea-

blished in 1985, which employs about 700 people and

ving of silk for the high-end market in the United States

has an annual production capacity of 1 million kg of yarn,

and Europe.

A sawmill in Kigali

Crafts Rwanda’s crafts, just like its garments, are eligible for duty-free entry into the US market under AGOA. The main products are baskets, beadwork, metalwork, wood and stone sculptures (e.g. mountain gorilla sculptures, which are popular with tourists), dolls, artisan tanning, hand-printed stationery, and hand-loomed textiles.

Crafts are an important source of full-time and part-time employment and income in Rwanda. The Ministry of Commerce estimates that there are 420 crafts associa-

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eBizguides Rwanda

tions or enterprises with over 7,000 organized craft

MAIN COMPANIES

members. In addition, as many as 100,000 people are estimated to work full-time and as many as 850,000 part-time in crafts. This would make crafts the second-

BRALIRWA S.A. (BRASSERIES ET LIMONADERIES)

biggest source of employment after agriculture. Ms Door Platenga Only three companies in Rwanda export crafts to the US

Managing Director

under AGOA: Modis International, Gahaya Links and

PO Box 131, Kigali

AVEGA Gahoza. Gahaya Links, the first Rwandan crafts

Tel: +250-584690

company to export under AGOA, did so in partnership

Fax: +250-510832

with a US crafts importer, EDI Imports. Currently, the

Email: door_platenga@heineken.com

three companies are exporting to Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s department store in the US and receipts reached US $600,000 in

Activity: Brewery

2006.

Date of Creation: 1957

The Government, through RIEPA, has also begun an

The history of the brewery dates back to 1957 when the

aggressive programme to set up handicraft production

management of the breweries of Congo and Burundi,

centres in the country. Four centres were launched earlier

then

this year and are currently being used by over 1,000

LĂŠopoldville, decided to build another brewery in the eas-

women. Six more are planned before the end of the year.

under

the

management

Brasseries

tern region. The choice fell on the western province of Gysenyi, mostly due to reasons of accessibility and the

The challenges in this sector are scattered production,

presence of methane gas. The first bottle of Primus rolled

often dispersed all over the country, which reduces capa-

out in April 1959, and for some years Primus was the only

city to deal with large orders, and a rather high final retail

beer on the Rwandan market.

price for the buyer abroad. In 1971 Heineken acquired a 70% majority share in Bralirwa. The Heineken group, as shareholder, introA wide variety of local handicrafts are offered in downtown Kigali

I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

eBizguides Rwanda duced an innovative culture into Bralirwa, especially in

Activity: Dairy products

improvements in the brewing process. The Soft Drinks Plant in Kigali started in 1974. The partnership with the

Inyangue has been processing and marketing dairy and

Coca-Cola Company allowed Bralirwa to extend its range

fruit-based juice products for years. These fruit-based

of products within its portfolio.

products have very short shelf lives and include:

Bralirwa is very dynamic company and achievements of

• cream in manually filled PET bottles;

recent years include local production of the international

• fruit-based juices in cups, pouches and PET bottles;

premium brand Amstel, the launch of a new Fanta fla-

• mineral water in pouches and PET bottles.

• pasteurized milk in pouches and yoghurt in cups;

vour and the relaunch of the Primus brand. In order to satisfy customer demand and remain a signiBralirwa is a socially responsible company, as the largest

ficant player in the agro-processing industry of Rwanda,

company registered in Rwanda has the responsibility to

it has expanded its activities by investing in capacity and

demonstrate leadership in good governance, particularly

capability to produce extended shelf life (ESL) products,

in areas of business conduct. The code of business con-

namely long-life milk, long-life fruit juices and syrups for

duct has been developed by the Heineken corporate

the market. This project will be carried out by Inyangue in

team and adapted to meet the specific requirements in

the near future and it will be carried out in two phases.

Rwanda. The Bralirwa code of ethics aims to enhance

Phase 1 will involve capacity expansion for water and

transparency within the company, to draw up ethical

fruit juices, while phase 2 will be related to the installa-

standards to be observed by all staff in their functions,

tion of long-life milk production.

such as promoting the appropriate and socially acceptable conduct that the company expects from its employees.

The Inyangue expansion project will carry out deliberate programmes geared towards building producer capacities through target training in the field geared to impro-

Bralirwa is very conscience of the dangers of excessive

ving managerial skills, technical capacities and formation

alcohol or alcohol abuse. Internally, Bralirwa has pro-

of viable associations, which can access credit and other

duced an alcohol policy booklet with guiding principles

available financial incentives.

for responsible alcohol consumption. Bralirwa started an HIV programme in 2001, a Heineken global initiative addressed to workers, spouses and children.

MAGASINS GENERAUX DU RWANDA (MAGERWA S.A.)

“We want to become a world-class sustainable beve-

Louis Benimana

rage producing company in Rwanda with high-quality

General Manager

brands that satisfy needs and give enjoyment to our

PO Box 380, Kigali

consumers.” Ms Door Platenga, Managing Director

Tel: +250-594104/3 Fax: +250-572495 Email: n.charlotte@magerwa.co.rw

INYANGUE

Website: www.magerwa.co.rw

Salomon Nzano

Activity: Logistics – warehousing, container deposit, safe

Managing Director

storage and handling

PO Box 1287, Mburabuturo

Date of Creation: 1970

Tel: +250-517422

Turnover: RWF 3 billion

Fax: +250-571942

Employees: 480

Email: inyange@rwand1.com

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eBizguides Rwanda

Magerwa, the short name for Magasins Generaux du

to Burundi, which are already functioning, and soon new

Rwanda or General Stores of Rwanda, stands as a key

facilities to Uganda will be developed. Cold storage faci-

sector representative of Rwanda’s landlocked territory

lities in Kigali’s airport and the development of Rwanda’s

and dry port. Getting close to its 40th anniversary, this

Free Trade Zone will certainly increase Magerwa’s activi-

private company’s shareholding is mainly distributed

ties.

within the Rwandan Government and such banks as the Banque Rwandaise de Development (BRD), the Banque

Magerwa handles over 90% of Rwanda’s imports and

Commerciale du Rwanda (BCR) and the Banque de Kigali,

exports as well as some transit goods to the neighbou-

some of whom are undergoing a privatization process,

ring Burundi and DRC. This volume required the company

and other companies such as SDV Rwanda, Amifin

to increase not only storage capacities but also to be

Holding and Rwanda Links.

equipped with modern facilities – forklifts and JCBs, stackers and much more – plus technical and human

The company’s activities are providing warehousing, con-

resources. Furthermore, the company also provides hire

tainer deposits, safe storage and handling, as well as

services for machines of different capacities – from 3 to

value certificates and warrants. Ever since the company

50 tonnes – and even offers clients home delivery services

started its operations it has not stopped increasing its

throughout Rwanda and the surrounding countries by

facilities, having today over 15 spaces, distributed in

20ft Hammarlift containers.

warehouses and storage parks, located all around the country – Kigali/Gikongo, Kigali International Airport,

Magerwa’s target is to offer quality, fast, efficient and

Butare (for Burundi merchandise), Rusumo, Kagitumba,

reliable services, the reason why the company has

Gatuna, Gisenyi and Cyangugu, just to name a few.

invested highly in equipment but also in human resources

Expansion plans have already been implemented, crea-

and has reached partnership agreements and inves-

ting transit parking for international cargo via Goma and

tments that have enhanced Magerwa’s results, reducing

Magerwa

to a maximum of 14 hours’ delay from the previous 4 days for companies to receive acknowledgement of receipt and the goods unloaded.

“If you want to invest and you want quality service you must come to Magerwa: we have over 37 years of experience and we are never laid back. Rwanda offers a strategic location and one of Africa’s best infrastructure networks.” Louis Benimana, General Manager

MINIMEX Mr Felicien Mutalikanwa CEO PO Box 277, Kigali Tel: +250 0830 0240 Email: fmutalikanwa@yahoo.fr

Activity: Maize production

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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

eBizguides Rwanda MINIMEX is the largest flourmill in Rwanda. It has just started the construction of a maize flow processing fac-

RIEPA (RWANDA INVESTMENT AND EXPORT PROMOTION AGENCY)

tory with the capacity of 300t/day i.e. a capacity of Mr Williams Nkurunzi / Mr Francis Gatare

60,000 tonnes in 200 days a year.

Managing Director This is equivalent to 75% of the current total national

PO Box 6239, Kigali

production and a partnership with farmers’ organizations

Tel: +250-510251

for the production of the raw material (maize) has

Fax: +250-510249

already been established. The maize crop possesses the

Email: wnkurunziza@rwanda1.com

advantage of being grown in all agro-ecological zones of

Website: www.rwandainvest.com

the country, with a higher potential in the provinces of Ruhengeri, Gisenyi and in developed marshland. Maize

Activity: Investment office

has a very big potential for intensification.

Date of Creation: 1998

The Government would like to boost maize production,

The Rwanda Investment Promotion Agency (RIPA) was

and Minimex is a private company that is contributing to

established in 1998 by an Act of Parliament with the

reach this target.

mandate to promote private investment in Rwanda by both local and foreign investors. In 2005 the Government expanded the Agency’s mandate and changed its name to the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA). This has now been ratified by a new law. RIEPA’s One of Magerwa’s storage facilities

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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

eBizguides Rwanda

Board of Directors is composed of seven members, 30%

The Rwanda Private Sector Federation (RPSF) is the inde-

of whom must be women. The Prime Minister is the

pendent apex organization of the private sector in

appointing authority.

Rwanda. Its mission is to represent and serve the interests

The services provided by RIEPA include the following:

cacy, while at the same time providing timely and rele-

of the entire private sector through lobbying and advo-

• investment and export promotion;

vant business development services that lead to sustai-

• investor and exporter facilitation;

nable private-sector-led economic growth and develop-

• investment registration;

ment.

• immigration facilitation; • work permit registration;

RPSF groups together nine professional chambers:

• mission organization;

• Chamber of Agriculture & Livestock

• advisory services;

• Chamber of Industry

• project implementation and monitoring;

• Chamber of Commerce & Services

• information and research;

• Chamber of Tourism

• export promotion;

• Chamber of Financial Institutions

• incentives management;

• Chamber of Crafts, Artists and Artisans

• Freezone implementation and management.

• Chamber of Liberal Professions

In 2004 a one-stop centre was set up in RIEPA to improve

• Chamber of Youth Entrepreneurs

• Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs

and speed up service delivery to investors. It includes representatives of the following Government depart-

Through these chambers, RPSF offers a variety of services

ments in addition to those of RIEPA: immigration, work

such as training, information and networking. The

permits, customs, and notary office/company registry.

Federation also performs advocacy towards the public

The establishment of the centre has dramatically reduced

sector, so as to ensure that legislation and regulations

the time required to complete a variety of procedures.

take into account the interests of the private sector. It

For example, the company incorporation process used to

also regularly organizes trade missions and exhibitions.

take at least 21 days; it now takes three. Project evaluation and processing took 14 days before the centre was

Moreover, RPSF has elected representatives in the four

set up; it too now takes three days. Business visas and

provinces, as well as in each of the 26 districts of the

work permits can now be issued in one hour, rather than

country. RPSF has also set up centres for business deve-

in one to four weeks.

lopment services in all provinces; they offer a wide variety of services mainly to SMEs, such as training and informa-

RWANDA PRIVATE SECTOR FEDERATION (RPSF)

tion, assistance in setting up professional associations and cooperatives as well as in formalizing enterprises, business plans and project elaboration, and in finding financing.

Mr Emmanuel Hategeka Secretary General

Over the last few years, the Federation has been trans-

PO Box 319, Kigali

formed from a rather passive body, the usefulness of

Tel: +250-583541 / 583538

which was doubted by both the private and public sector,

Fax: +250-583574

into an organization that proactively seeks to promote

Email: emmanuelh@rpsf.org.rw / info@rpsf.org.rw

and further the interests of the private sector, engaging

Website: www.rpsf.org.rw

in a constructive dialogue with Government in order to continuously improve Rwanda’s business environment.

Activity: Consulting

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eBizguides Rwanda

Activity: Industry and trade Employees: 700 Date of Creation: 1962

Sulfo Rwanda Industries is one of the pioneer manufacturing companies in Rwanda. It was established in 1962 by Mr Tajdin H. Jaffer and Mme Khatun Jaffer starting from a very small-scale soapmaking unit based on rudimentary methods. After four decades, seeing periods of diversification, modernization, expansion and consolidation, Sulfo has become one of the most diversified companies in East and Central Africa.

Sulfo Rwanda Industries is located in the heart of Kigali, the beautiful, mist-clad capital of Rwanda. The manufacturing units are situated in different locations in Kigali. These items are manufactured under various brand names and in different sizes. The umbrella brand Claire manufactured under licence is the most popular among the brands followed by Tembo, Makasi, Black Pearl, Source du Nil, Vague, Malaika etc., which are household names in the region. Bigen is manufactured under licence of Hoyu, Japan, and Nivea under licence of BDF, Germany. Sulfo also undertakes contract manufacturing RPSF

of various products. It distributes Unilever Products such As the main promoter and representative of the private

as OMO Detergent, Vim, Blue Band Margarine etc.

sector in Rwanda, RPSF is dedicated to assisting any

Currently Sulfo’s broad product line offers over 150

foreign entrepreneur to do business in the country.

items.

“Whatever your need or question, please feel welcome

Sulfo is committed to total quality management. The pro-

to contact us; RPSF is there to help you to firmly esta-

duction units are fully equipped with state-of-the-art

blish your enterprise and make it flourish. We are

plant and machinery. It has a separate research and deve-

always happy to receive new members in Rwanda’s private sector family.”

lopment wing to ensure quality products and constantly strives for innovations.

Mr Emmanuel Hategeka, Secretary General Apart from manufacturing activities, Sulfo is one of the

SULFO RWANDA INDUSTRIES

leading companies involved in importation, trading and market development activities in a well-diversified port-

Mr H. Dharmarajan

folio. Sulfo has a well-equipped and fully-fledged execu-

Managing Director

tive garage and machine shop offering excellent services

10 Rue du Lac Ihema, PO Box 90, Kigali

at attractive charges. The fuel injection pump division has

Tel: +250-577013

sophisticated Bosch machinery for pump revision and the

Fax: +250-574573

machine shop undertakes various jobs like brake

Email: sulforwa@rwanda1.com

disk/drum reconditioning, engine-head facing, boring,

Website: www.sulfo.com

sleeving,

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horning,

line-boring,

crank

shaft

I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

eBizguides Rwanda

regrinding/straightening, complete overhauling of all

adapting each product type to each of their market

types of engines and machining of all types of mecha-

target segments of mid and upper class consumers.

nical parts. Furthermore, Soft Group’s expansion plans include inno-

“We want to venture into new activities when clear,

vation and a commitment to the environment and the

strong and sizable opportunities are available without

community. One of the challenges is the problem with

compromising on existing business.”

manufacturing plastic bags – items banned in Rwanda

Mr H. Dharmarajan, Managing Director

according to its environmentally friendly policy – the reason why Soft Group is undertaking research for alter-

SOFT GROUP

native options and already analysing raw materials to be used instead but that unfortunately are cheaper to

Jean de Dieu Kagabo

import than to produce within the country.

Managing Director PO Box 6910, Kigali

Other expansion plans include the development of recy-

Tel: +250-532531

cling plants, considering that in East Africa only Uganda,

Email: jkagabo_2001@yahoo.fr

Tanzania and Kenya have developed such plants, and paper recycling plants that will provide the alternative to

Activity: Import and manufacturing

local paper bags.

Date of Creation: 2006 Turnover: RWF 90 million

Likewise, another innovative plan being developed is the

Employees: 52

use of raw materials for glass utilities, a strategy for

Soft Group manufactures and sells through a distribution

with a Chinese partner and is to reach a joint venture

network handkerchief tissues and toilet paper in a

agreement very soon.

which the company has already initiated negotiations

market of 80 million people and where only two local companies provide them, but where the company’s

Lastly, recognition should be given to the Soft Group

advantages are based on stable prices and high quality,

manager who, aged only 28 years old, is an example of

Minimum wages in Rwanda vary with position and sector

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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

eBizguides Rwanda the new Rwandan entrepreneurial generation that over-

UTEXRWA

came the country’s hardest times, and believes in the outstanding opportunities and possibilities of Rwanda as

Mr Raj Rajendran

a key player not only in the African economic field but

Managing Director

also in the international arena.

PO Box 430, Kigali Tel: +250-514176

“Rwanda is still a virgin market and a light competitive

Fax: +250-582546

environment that is entering a vast market – COMESA,

Email: utexrwasa@rwanda1.com

EAC and Rwanda’s Free Trade Zone – which will ease trade and export operations. Moreover, the country

Activity: Textiles

offers a security like no other country, not only in Africa

Date of Creation: 1985

but in the world. Come and see it for yourself!” Jean de Dieu Kagabo, Managing Director

Established in 1985, UTEXRWA is today a growing composite textile mill with in-house garment manufacturing

URWIBUTSO

facility. It is spread over an area of six hectares with construction over 23,500 sq.m.

Mr Sina Gerard Owner

Presently it is producing mainly industrial wear and also

Nyirangarama, PO 3652, Kigali

uniforms for the defence forces. UTEXRWA is also

Tel: +250-573804

equipped with T-shirt printing machines that can also

Fax: +250-504387

handle garment washing of different types.

Email: sina@rwanda1.com Currently it is producing various types of fabric such as

Website: www.sina.co.rw

shirting, suiting and sheeting in cotton, and polyester Activity: Juice drinks production

cotton blend. The garment manufacturing facility is located on a built-up area of 3,250 sq.m and is well

Entreprise Urwibutso specializes in a line of high-quality

equipped with modern sewing machines and various spe-

juices from Rwanda in Central Africa. The Agashya line

cial purpose operation equipments. On the spinning side,

includes juice concentrate from only the highest-quality

UTEXRWA has modern machinery of 5,472 spindles with

strawberry, pineapple and passion fruits, a speciality food.

a capacity of 1,000,000kg of yarn per annum.

The company also produces Akabanga, an extract of the It can weave various types of fabrics in cotton and blends,

scotch bonnet pepper, and Akarusho, a banana wine.

in widths ranging from 36in to 58in on modern projectile The company is helping Rwanda in its agricultural deve-

looms. Also with dobby attachments on the looms, various

lopment, taking part in the Comprehensive African

weaves like ribtop, herringbone and welt ribs can be

Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), partici-

made. Through the rotator printing machines from

pating in value addition and market research activities

Holland, it has the capacity to print about 5,000,000 yards

and facilitating the access to domestic, regional and

of fabric per annum, in various types of printing processes.

international markets. It also provides advisory and men-

With several years of experience in the field and a trained

toring services on entrepreneurship, support technology

workforce it is now striving to enter into garment exports

development and input supply.

to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The company has opened a great restaurant, Kimaranza, that offers takeaway services and has a large variety of

UTEXRWA is also entering the field of ICT through part-

Rwandan and African cuisine.

nerships with some Canadian companies.

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I N D U S T RY & T R A D E

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186

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

You can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy Rwandan proverb 187

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE (MININFRA)

Stanislas Kamanzi, Minister of Infrastructure

Besides the ICT and energy subsectors, the Ministry of Infrastructure (Mininfra) also handles another three subsectors: transport and habitat, which involves both urban planning and rural settlements, and the meteorological subsector. The transport and urban planning and settlement sectors are currently the most important sectors. Regarding the transport subsector, our main responsibilities are managing the existing infrastructure as well as developing new ones: road infrastructure, airport infrastructure, railway infrastructure and waterways infrastructure. Regarding urban planning and rural settlement, we deal with development of master plans, whether that pertains to sanitation within cities or to improving habitation within rural areas. We have currently embarked on transforming rural patterns of settlement, from a scattered type of settlement towards a better organized one. As for the meteorology sector, data is collected for weather forecasts. We aim to become a transport hub so relevant infrastructure must be developed. Rwanda has been mainly relying on road infrastructure in terms of internal transport of goods and people but also at international scale on the sea for imports, mainly through two main corridors, the northern and southern corridors, that is from the seaports of Mombassa and Dar es Salaam respectively. Most of our imports and exports have been going through these two main corridors, but also by air, although on a relatively smaller scale. Becoming a regional hub cannot be achieved overnight; it is part of our development plan Vision 2020, which aims at transforming our economy from being subsistence-based agriculture to a knowledge-based economy. Since Rwanda has not many natural resources, we aim to rely mainly on human resources, therefore it is essential to train them and equip them with skills to fit in the competitive global market. For this purpose, Rwanda must open up to the outside world, and that is where we feel a well-developed infrastructure will play a key role. To this end, a modern international airport is going to be built in order not only to attract networks from all over the world, but also to open Rwanda to other regions of the world. We are at the stage of designing this infrastructure and hopefully in the next few years it will be operational, able to complement whatever infrastructure we have in the country and also within the region. We currently have one Government-owned airline, Rwandair Express, which is currently undergoing a privatization process, and we work closely with other privately owned companies operating in the country. Brussels Airlines has already expressed interests in partnering with Government in managing Rwandair, but competition is open to whoever will be interested. Our objective in this is to put in place an airline that can be part of the backbone of this longterm hub we are building. We do not wish to have a hub that is going to be suffocated by the already existing hubs or others to come; we intend to build a strong and competitive hub that will be part of the wider world network of hubs. In order to achieve Vision 2020, we endeavour to ensure that our basic infrastructure is strengthened. Interestingly, there is now much more investment being injected in infrastructure, not only in the airport but also the roads. We have a couple of projects to improve on our national road network. Our road network is connected to a wider

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eBizguides Rwanda

regional network through the two corridors mentioned above. We are also engaged in studies to extend the railway line from Isaka in Tanzania to Rwanda and beyond to DR Congo and Burundi. We are starting a feasibility study very soon. In regard to transport, we are also trying to develop some waterways. We already have water transport along Lake Kivu, in the north-western and western part of the country, opening us to DR Congo. Regarding waterways, we have plans to explore the potential of Akagera River towards lake Victoria. We aim at having an integrated type of network that would complement the use of roads and airways. We can afford to rely on only limited types of transportation. Each transport type will be backing and at the same time complementing each other, and we will eventually enhance our capacity by reaching beyond our borders. Considering we are a landlocked country, enhancing easier access to the sea is quite imperative. On the other hand, the Government is now developing the medium-term Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS). It is a planning tool for the next five years and touches on different sectors of development in the country. Infrastructure being a very key element to the economic and social development of the country, it is important that as a Ministry we play a big role in EDPRS. A developed infrastructure is one that is properly managed, and we aim at strengthening our relationship with our main financing institutions. Another challenge is that our landlocked nature means we might be able to have sound infrastructure plans nationally and, when we have to rely on other partners in the region, we will need to develop consultative projects that not only solve domestic infrastructure needs but also regional needs. Rwanda has advantages over neighbouring countries that make our country the ideal transport hub for the region. First of all, we have many investment opportunities with interesting incentives to investors in the country as well as good governance, full-scale stability and the full participation of the citizens of Rwanda. In addition, geographically we are located where you can easily reach out to other neighbouring countries in all directions in a relatively shorter time, meaning an investor here in Rwanda will also easily take advantage of other opportunities like markets in such countries. From that perspective, I certainly see no other competing business environment in the region. As for investors, Rwanda is one of the countries that emphasises the need for public and private partnerships (PPP) with our development partners. We have put in place a mechanism that facilitates an easy start for investors. If I am to specifically refer to some of the sectors with opportunities to grab, I would definitely say transport, for instance the railway project. It is a project that would yield more investments in the region after completion. Thus, an investor who injects money into such a project will be guaranteed more money in the near future. The new international airport we plan to build is going to be a huge investment opportunity with an assured return on investment in a short period. Whoever will be interested in partnering with Government is most welcome. We have not had many private investors in road development. We have been carrying out all these projects entirely using Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money from our traditional financial institutions but we are gradually interesting private investors in this sector. I can assure investors that there are many opportunities in this area. Rehabilitation and maintenance of roads is entirely left to the private sector. Our road network has increased to more than 1,000km, thus opportunities in rehabilitation and maintenance are immense. Despite the openness of this market, it is amazing to always see only two or three construction companies bidding for tenders. This could breed monopoly-related problems like shoddy work and escalated construction contract prices.

Stanislas Kamanzi Minister of Infrastructure

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eBizguides Rwanda

INFRASTRUCTURE

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS

One of the pillars of Rwanda’s Vision 2020 is the refurbishment and development of the country’s core eco-

A third main target group of potential investors consists

nomic infrastructure to support and enhance economic

of freight forwarding, transport and logistics companies.

growth. Encouraging greater private sector participation

SDV Bolloré, DHL/Danzas, World Freight/Panalpina,

in infrastructure is a major element in the Government’s

Fraser’s of South Africa, and other transport and logistics companies are already present in the Rwandan market.

policy.

Danzas has decided to establish a transport hub in Kigali There are opportunities for private-sector participation in

to serve the market in Eastern Congo, and Maersk has

the road rehabilitation, maintenance and development

established an inland container depot in Kigali to service

programmes. There are also opportunities in airport

the Rwanda, Burundi and Eastern Congo markets.

management. In the short term, private-sector players may be contracted to manage airport car parking. In the

With the growth in retail and wholesale businesses as

long term, as passenger traffic grows, the Airports

well as the boom in construction, significant opportuni-

Authority could be privatized. The new international air-

ties for investment exist in this subsector. Though trans-

port at Nyamata, envisaged in the medium to long term,

port companies tend to enter a market to serve existing

also presents opportunities for local and foreign firms.

customers, their presence can be an inducement to other investors, to whom the availability of reliable transport

Opportunities in the water-supply sector include establis-

and logistics services is important, and can thus expand

hing new water sources to meet the current deficit in

the market for these services.

Kigali and deepening private-sector involvement in Electrogaz through private–public partnership agreements. New residential complexes are being built in Rwanda

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eBizguides Rwanda

ROAD TRANSPORT

AIR TRANSPORT

Rwanda’s road network covers approximately 14,000km,

Rwanda has two international airports, the main one at

1,083km of which are paved. The network is one of

Kigali and a recently upgraded one at Cyangugu. It also

Rwanda’s advantages as a potential hub for the region.

has four domestic airports/airfields, at Butare, Gisenyi,

The road density is 0.52km per square km, one of the

Nemba and Ruhengeri. The number of passengers, both

highest in Africa, and the main arteries are in very good

foreign and domestic, using Kigali airport was just under

condition. However, the feeder roads from rural areas are

150,000 in 2005. The state-owned Rwandair Express

poor or missing, making it difficult to reach markets in

provides both domestic flights and connections with

the interior.

neighbouring countries. The most common international route is via Nairobi in Kenya.

It is estimated that close to 50% of the mostly rural population live more than an hour away from the nearest

Kigali International airport handled about 7,000 tonnes

market. Because of the great distance separating Rwanda

of cargo in 2003. The lack of adequate cold storage faci-

from shipping ports (1,300–1,600km) and the state of

lities at the airport has been a problem for the export of

road infrastructure in the subregion, there is an implicit

horticultural products like flowers and fruit, for which soil

tax on international trade of over US $160 per tonne. It

and climate are favourable, but it is now being addressed

is estimated that the ratio of transport costs to the value

through

of exports is 0.51 in Rwanda, higher than in its (also land-

Construction of cold storage facilities at the Kigali airport

Government

and

donor

intervention.

locked) neighbour Uganda (0.35) and almost four times

is complete and tenders have been invited for the supply

higher than in Kenya (0.13). The Government is conside-

of coldroom equipment. Another problem is the scarcity

ring other options such as the use of railways to reduce

of international flights and the fact that only Brussels

freight costs of Rwandan imports and exports, although

Airlines flies direct to Europe. However, planning for a

this would be a long-term solution.

larger modern airport at Nyamata, about 30km from Kigali, is nearly complete. This should ease the flight scarcity constraint when implemented. Aerial view of Kigali Bus Station

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RAIL AND WATER TRANSPORT

Property management products and services offered by the company include:

There is no railway system in Rwanda. A feasibility study

• Office space at the MTN Centre, the prestigious one-

has been undertaken to link Kigali to Isaka in Tanzania,

stop shopping centre located 15 minutes’ drive from the

which is linked to the port at Dar es Salaam. The railway

city centre, owned and managed by Bond Trading and

in Tanzania, however, is in poor condition and badly in

home of companies such as MTN Rwandacel as well as

need of upgrading. The planned privatization of the

pharmacies, bars, supermarkets and many others.

Tanzania Railway Corporation is yet to come to fruition.

• Exclusive apartments at the Kacyiru Executive

On the other hand, the concessioning of the Kenyan and

Apartments, owned by Caisse Sociale du Rwanda, with

Ugandan railways to the South African firm Rift Valley

two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments for renting,

Railways was completed in January 2006.

whether for just a day or for long periods, fully furnished

There is some internal lake transport, although only that

parking, gardens and even satellite TV, telephone line

and equipped with all the services, from fitness, laundry,

on Lake Kivu is of significant economic value, as it con-

and Internet if desired by the customer. These top-of-the-

nects Rwanda to the DRC market.

mark apartments located next to the Novotel Hotel offer a unique panoramic view over Kigali’s upmarket residen-

There is a plan to study the navigability of the Kagera

tial areas, the golf club and Nyarutarama artificial lake.

River (and its tributaries), which passes through nearly all

• Comfortable bungalows in Nyarugenge and residential

the provinces of the country and serves as a border with

houses in Gisenyi, on the shores of the magnificent and

Tanzania and Uganda.

peaceful Lake Kivu, surrounded by the country’s impres-

MAIN COMPANIES

mate.

BOND TRADING

Furthermore, Bond Trading has also entered the procure-

Mr Abby Mugabo

complementing products, being one of the major promo-

Managing Director

ters of this incipient industry.

sive landscape and bathed by Rwanda’s temperate cli-

ment business as well as the clearing and forwarding of

MTN Centre, Nyarutarama, PO Box 6650, Kigali

The company is always looking at the future striving to

Tel: +250-08302700 / 08308887

increase Bond Trading’s property management portfolio,

Fax: +250- 512253

and is already planning the development of modern

Email: info@bond.co.rw

apartments and office blocks at Nyarugenge as well as

Website: www.bond.co.rw

executive cottages in Gisenyi.

Activity: Real estate management

Likewise, the company will also be engaged in feasibility

Date of Creation: 2002

studies for industrial, commercial and residential develop-

Bond Trading, one of the pioneering companies of

in association with the company’s ever-increasing stra-

Rwanda’s real estate management new industry, started

tegic partners.

ments, as well as other areas of urban and rural planning,

its operations five years ago with the aim of providing quality accommodation as well as office space based on

This proactive enterprise is not limited to Rwanda’s geo-

international required standards, ensuring fully inte-

graphy and is preparing itself for its expansion towards

grated services, warranting professionalism expertise and

the surrounding region, capitalizing on the country’s cen-

innovative quality comfort.

tral location and its focus as the regional hub promoted by local government within the Vision 2020.

192

eBizguides Rwanda Bond Trading is looking forward to leading the real estate

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

Fax: +250-573082

management industry, driving it upon the highest quality

Email: sdewachter@brusselsairlines.com

and innovative standards according to international cri-

Website: www.brusselsairlines.com

teria, but always assuring to maintain its core values: professionalism expertise, customer-oriented services and

Activity: Airline

socially responsible with the community.

Date of Creation: Since 1962 in Rwanda

“Rwanda is a virgin economy, coming up as the promi-

Brussels Airlines is a Belgian full-service airline with flights

sing country offering 100% security. Bond Trading is at

within Europe and to Africa, US and Asia. Punctuality,

the centre of Rwanda’s success vision, ensuring you not

quality and flexibility are some of its most important

only feel like at home in the country of the thousand

values. Brussels Airlines was founded in 2002 when a

hills, but especially making your household life simple,

group of Belgian investors (private companies, financial

listening and caring for you 24 hours a day.”

institutions and regional investment companies) set up

Mr Abby Mugabo, Managing Director

SN Air Holding.

BRUSSELS AIRLINES

SN Air Holding took over the existing Belgian airline DAT

Mr Serge Dewachter

February 2002 the company was named SN Brussels

and changed its name to SN Brussels Airlines. On 15th

Country Manager for Rwanda and Burundi

Airlines. It recently merged with Virgin Express to become

Hôtel des Mille Collines,

Brussels Airlines. From the beginning Brussels Airlines

PO Box 96, Kigali

profiled itself as a full service company.

Tel: +250-575294

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

Kigali international airport

Brussels Airlines has developed a unique flexible business

Activity: Transport / courier services

concept. The company aims to appeal both to deman-

Date of Creation: 1985

ding business travellers with tight schedules who are loo-

Employees: 28

king for value for money, and to economy travellers and tourists who are sensitive to prices. Attractive travel pac-

Following Deutsche Post World Net’s acquisition of DHL

kages are marketed to young people and senior citizens.

in 2001, DHL is the world’s leading express and logistics

Service, quality and punctual flights are central to the

company, offering customized solutions from a single

corporate strategy.

source. The move brought together DHL’s traditional

Brussels Airlines operates scheduled flights three times a

ness and Danzas’ logistics business, making a one-stop

courier and express business, Euro Express’s parcel busi-

week direct to Kigali. The company aims to reinforce its

shop for all movement of mail, documents, packages and

position in the Rwandan market and increase the fre-

shipments.

quency of flights, as well as developing the network in the Great Lakes Region, with Rwanda at its heart. For this

As the company grew, more and more products were

purpose, it is always on the look out for developing part-

introduced and launched, offering clients a breadth of

nerships with other European as well as African airlines.

products to suit their particular needs. Today DHL Rwanda offers a wide range of services including express

DHL RWANDA

delivery of documents and parcels worldwide, shipping of large, heavy and high-value goods, and special ser-

Ms Julie Mutoni

vices: repair and return, time definite delivery and

Country Manager

Saturday delivery, shipper’s insurance and import

Avenue de la Justice,

express.

PO Box 359, Kigali Tel: +250-503782

In recent years, a number of courier companies have

Fax: +250-503785

opened offices and this has been welcome competition

Email: dhl@rwanda1.com

for DHL Rwanda. Aside from being given impetus to

Website: www.dhl.com

improve the quality of service offered, DHL’s strength has

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eBizguides Rwanda been proven. Its comprehensive global network that

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

FOX CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL

combines ground, air and ocean allows for optimal delivery performance. To most destinations in sub-Saharan

Ghislain Ibariza

Africa, delivery is possible overnight, with the latest pick-

Managing Director

up times being offered.

PO Box 1975, Kigali

With daily flights out of Rwanda DHL can collect and

Fax: +250-576541

deliver anything. The focus of its business is to see how it

Email: foxconstructionkgl@yahoo.fr

Tel: +250-576541

can fit in with customer logistics. It finds out how it can help customers with more power, more reach, more des-

Activity: Construction

tinations and plane simple. When DHL is contacted, the

Date of Creation: 1997

client is buying time, therefore it is important that the promise is delivered. The parcel will then be delivered on

Fox Construction International is a fully owned Rwandan

or before deadline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unless there is insufficient informa-

company, representing the entrepreneurial spirit of the

tion on the airway bill. The client can choose to receive

new Rwandan generation and their aim to reconstruct a

reports on its delivery progress across the globe on their

country devastated for decades but fully focused on its

mobile phone, email or DHL website.

own rebirth, the outstanding opportunities within the economic environment, and more precisely in the construction booming sector, targeting to fulfil international standards requirements.

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

The company is specialized in finishing and conditioning

of projects and contributing to upgrading life conditions

construction development – especially ceiling develop-

in the country, an example of which is the development

ment – expertise that is represented by a large number of

of a new paediatric clinic in Kigali.

projects within the country, for instance Gisozi’s Genocide Memorial, the Rwandan Parliament and the

“Rwanda is rapidly changing and is committed to leaving behind history and reinventing itself. The new

Akagera Game Lodge Hotel, among others.

Rwandan generation is fully focused and determined to The company operations are not limited to the Rwandan

bring Rwanda to the international arena due to its outs-

arena, but instead Fox Construction is also developing

tanding development and investment opportunities.”

projects in Burundi and Congo North Kivu. Furthermore,

Ghislain Ibariza, Managing Director

the firm has initiated a network of partnerships and already has collaborators in China and Egypt.

NPD-COTRACO SARL.

Though the local construction industry is becoming more

Jean-Pierre Gashagaza

and more competitive, the company has targeted a niche

Managing Director

market that is not cost-efficient for major construction

Plot No. 37 Avenue Niboye,

companies, but that for SME construction firms such as

PO Box 495, Kigali

Fox Construction International, centred on providing ser-

Tel: +250-583987 / 514585

vices that are based on quality, dedication, speed and

Fax: +250-582645

customer satisfaction, the results are encouraging.

Email: office@npd-cotraco.com Website: www.npd-cotraco.com

Fox Construction International’s General Manager is further committed to the community, investing in all types Modern offices under construction

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda Activity: Construction

local population, providing 30% of passenger transport,

Date of Creation: 1982

mainly serving rural areas.

Employees: 85 Apart from Onatracom, in general the transportation NPD-Cotraco is a result of a merger between two compa-

sector is characterized by a lack of operators with ade-

nies, Nyarutarama Property Developers Sarl. and Cotraco.

quate means enabling them to soundly compete in this

It is a Rwandan company and is registered under the laws

domain.

of the Republic of Rwanda. The shareholders of this company are Rwandans.

The company was badly affected by the war and geno-

NPD-Cotraco offers a wide range of services, including

ding its confidence and renewing its fleet.

cide period in Rwanda, although nowadays it is rebuil-

site survey, evaluation, bills of quantities, building and construction, manufacturing of concrete building materials, road works etc.

Onatracom, which operates as a public utility, currently has a transport capacity of 5,132 seats, which is about 7% of that of private operators. There are plans to raise

The company engages in the manufacture of all sorts of

this capacity to 6,392 seats in 2007.

concrete products as well as the mainstream building and construction industry. It has undertaken several projects

“We have the comfort and security the country needs and a very advantageous communication network. You

to successful completion.

are more than welcome to come and enjoy doing busiApart from the manufacture of building materials, which

ness in Rwanda.”

is carried out at the Kicukiro Concrete factory, it has

Mr Soras Nkindimikiza, General Manager

undertaken projects like the Nyarutarama Housing estate, and construction and paving of all city roads etc.

“In Rwanda we have a vision that is the basis of our

REAL CONTRACTORS Robert J. Tumwesigye Runazi

communication: whoever talks about Rwanda is talking about the region – Comesa, EAC – and it’s a huge

General Manager PO Box 4374

opportunity fully supported by the Rwandan

Tel: +250-08308327

Government.”

Fax: +250-5043764/65

Jean-Pierre Gashagaza, Managing Director

Email: real.contract@yahoo.com / tumrum2003@yahoo.co.uk

ONATRACOM Activity: Construction and real estate Mr Soras Nkindimikiza General Manager

Real Contractors is a privately owned Rwandan-based

PO Box 619 Kigali

construction and real estate company. It currently ope-

Tel: +250-572916 / 830420

rates within Rwanda and its short to medium-term stra-

Email: nesdras@yahoo.com

tegy is to extend its operations to the East and Central African regions.

Activity: Transport Alongside Rwanda’s booming building industry, Real In terms of public road transport, Onatracom is the

Contractors constitutes a team of multi-skilled professio-

national bus carrier and major service provider to the

nals dedicated to offering quality services and products, and value for clients’ money.

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INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

Real Contractors offers to its clients a design and build

Objectives:

package. This constitutes planning, design, construction

• to involve road users in the management of roads in

and project management of both residential and com-

order to win public support for more road funding, there

mercial projects.

by controlling potential monopoly power and constrai-

The mission and philosophy of Real Contractors is to alle-

• to secure an adequate and stable source of funds and

viate shortage of residential and commercial housing

introduce secure arrangements for channelling these into

through developing and building cost-effective, appro-

prioritized road maintenance programmes;

ning road maintenance spending to what is affordable;

priate and environmentally friendly projects in part-

• to strengthen maintenance management systems by

nership with individual clients, banks, development agen-

providing effective systems and procedures for manage-

cies and foreign investors.

rial accountability; • to ensure that road maintenance financing is managed

Its vision is to be a leading construction company in

like a business and not like a bureaucracy;

Rwanda and the East and Central African regions.

• to promote private sector initiatives in the road maintenance financing and works execution.

“If you want to invest and want a better return on “We are eager to receive you in our country. Rwanda is

investment, Rwanda offers you the market, the potential and the safe environment you need.”

a virgin land for adventurous investors to make their

Robert J. Tumwesigye Runazi, General Manager

money. Access is completely wide open to every business all around the year and the Government is doing

ROAD MAINTENANCE FUND

all we might need to ensure that foreign investors can operate to their entire satisfaction.” Mr Soteri Gatera, Managing Director

Mr Soteri Gatera Managing Director

ROKO CONSTRUCTION RWANDA SARL.

Tel: +250-83309 / 84643 Fax: +250-84643 Mobile: +250-08300552

Rainer Koehler Jr.

Email: sgatera@yahoo.com

Managing Director PO Box 323, Kigali Tel: +250-518690

Activity: Infrastructure

Fax: +250-518807 The mission of the Road Maintenance Fund is to ensure

Email: rokorwanda1@rwanda1.com

that Rwanda, through sustainable maintenance, has a smooth, economical, efficient, safe and reliable trunk

Activity: Construction

road network linking regional and district capitals and

Date of Creation: 2001

other towns within the country and to major towns in the

Employees: 1,200

neighbouring countries.

Turnover: US $25 million

The network also forms the main routes for internal dis-

Roko Construction is a Swiss company that started ope-

tribution, export and import in harmony with other

rations in Uganda over 30 years ago, being the construc-

modes of transportation. It is part of the RMF’s broad

tion pioneer firm that today stands as the most trusted

vision that a well-maintained road network would facili-

partner for foreign and local businesses even when com-

tate socioeconomic development in the country by provi-

petitiveness has rapidly increased according to the boo-

ding a viable transfer of goods and people both within

ming of the construction sector in the region, and espe-

and outside the country.

cially in Rwanda.

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INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda Roko has fully-fledged in-house construction support ser-

company has a proud record of completing projects within

vices equipped with state-of-the-art machinery: carpentry

scheduled time and cost. Construction projects in Rwanda

and joinery workshop, pre-cast concrete section, elec-

are, for instance, the new Banque de Kigali building and

trical and plumbing section, mechanical workshop, metal

the American Embassy. The firm’s services go beyond

fabrication section and stone quarry. These well-deve-

construction, providing also installation of elevators and

loped in-house service sections position this firm as the

escalators, fire detection systems for multi-storey buildings

most independent and reliable contractor in the region.

and cross-border communication systems. Whether opera-

Furthermore, Roko Technical Services represents world-

tions include a hotel interior refurbishment, a banking hall,

wide manufacturers, also providing after-sales services,

a modern office lobby, an executive office floor, all such

such as Scania from Sweden, Alcatel from France,

needs are catered for by Roko.

Buehler and Schindler from Switzerland, Codan from Australia, Same from Italy and Motorola from the US. All

Furthermore, Roko’s strategy is to geographically expand

of which makes Roko self-sufficient in the majority of

itself within the region; expansion that has already

construction disciplines.

started towards Eastern Congo (DRC) and that is to continue towards Southern Sudan, Tanzania and Burundi.

The corporate structure of the company combined with effective and efficient commercial and administrative faci-

“For anyone considering doing business in Rwanda,

lities developed over the years contribute enormously to

think Roko, simply because we are the best!”

timely execution of projects of any magnitude, and the

Rainer Koehler Jr., Managing Director

Cranes line the horizon of Kigali

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

RWANDAIR EXPRESS

to Entebbe, and Bujumbura except Mondays as well as frequent flights to Kilimanjaro and Kamembe/Cyangugu

Manzi Kayihura

on the border with the DRC. Flights to Gisenyi are due to

Chief Executive

begin soon.

PO Box 7275

RWANDA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (RCAA)

Tel: +250-08300430 Fax +250-08503686 Email: manzi.kayihura@rwandair.com Website: www.rwandair.com

Activity: Airline

Rwandair Express was established in 2003 as a joint venture between the Rwandan Government (77%) and

Mr Joshua Mbaraga

Silverback Cargo Freighters (23%). It started operations

Managing Director

on 27 April 2003. It initially leased a Boeing 737-500

PO Box 1122 Kigali

from the Danish airline Maersk Air. The Boeing 737 was

Tel: +250-585845

returned to Maersk Air in May 2004. This was replaced

Fax: +250-582609

by a leased McDonnell Douglas MD-82 (3D-MDJ) from

Email: caa@rwanda1.com

JetAfrica in June, 2004. However, while on a service to the Netherlands for Acvila Air (Romania), the aircraft was

Activity: Transport

grounded. The grounding was due to old navigation maps and multiple technical proplems resulting in Acvila

Rwanda is a landlocked country measuring 28,000 sq.km

Air and JetAfrica being banned from Dutch airspace.

in size and is inhabited by 7 million people. It is one of

Rwandair Express has replaced the aircraft with MD-82

the most densely populated countries in the world. Air

(YR-MDL) leased from Acvila Air. In 2006, Rwandair

transport is indispensable to the socioeconomic and poli-

leased Bombardier Dash 8-200Q from the Ethiopian

tical development of the country.

Airline Trans Nation Airways (TNA). As of April 2007 Rwandair Express now operates a Boeing 737-500. This

Kigali International Airport within the Rwanda Civil

aircraft operates between Kigali and Nairobi and Kigali

Aviation Authority is the gateway to the outside world.

and Johannesburg.

The airport has national, regional and international stra-

Rwandair is compliant with international regulations

ECA as a future hub network on the African continent.

tegic significance. It is one of 17 airports identified by the

unlike many African airlines. It is a registered IATA

The authorities in Rwanda recognize the crucial impor-

member, and has passed the IATA Operational Quality

tance of Kigali International Airport and are making

Standards (OQS) audit. It has interline agreements with

efforts to improve its airport infrastructure and air navi-

various international carriers, who can issue Rwandair

gation facilities with a view to maintaining ICAO stan-

Express flights on their tickets.

dards.

Rwandair Express is in a code share agreement with

The 1994 war that affected much of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infra-

Kenya Airways on the Nairobi route and South African

structure did not spare the airports of Rwanda. Thus after

Airways on the Johannesburg route.

this war, the RCAA set itself the target of rehabilitating its infrastructure, namely the passenger terminal, the

The Airline flies to Nairobi daily, and Johannesburg via

technical unit and the power station, the runway drai-

Bujumbura three times a week. It also offers daily flights

nage system, parking area for vehicles, and areas that

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INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

were damaged by shrapnel. Besides infrastructure, some

The Vision 2020 includes an innovative project for a new

equipment to assist aerial navigation, telecommunica-

airport as well as the improvement of safety aviation.

tions as well as the air terminal electronic equipment

“Rwanda is to become East Africa’s regional hub: the

were replaced.

Comesa and EAC markets and the removal of transporToday Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) has just

tation restrictions will leave far behind Kigali Airport’s

finished restructuring the organization and is proudly an

current passenger traffic of 200,000 passengers per

effective institution that manages Kigali’s International

year. We are already planning partnership agreements

Airport in order to achieve and adapt it to international

with other airports and preparing our staff to offer the

standards. Furthermore RCAA is currently undertaking

best customer care ever.”

renovation projects within the airport, upgrading all faci-

Mr Joshua Mbaraga, Managing Director

lities, reviewing aviation regulation to ensure the highest quality standards and updating the systems.

SILVERBACK CARGO FREIGHTERS

The airport has just welcomed Brussels Airlines, which

Mr Innocent Mupenzi

has based its operative headquarters in Rwanda. This

Managing Director

new operational airline service from Kigali is to be the

PO Box 6619, Kigali International Airport

starting point of the airport enhancement and, once all

Tel: +250-518881 / 519783

facilities are developed, other airline operators are

Fax: +250-519784

expected mainly due to Rwanda’s strategic location.

Email: info@silverbackcargo.com

There is no longer any reason for RCAA managing

Website: www.silverbackcargo.com

director to divert passengers though Nairobi, as he says: “From the US to New Zealand, it doesn’t make sense to

Activity: Transport

stop in any other place than Rwanda”.

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eBizguides Rwanda

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

Founded in Rwanda in 2002, Silverback Cargo Freighters

ters, ad hoc charters, wet leases and subcontracts to

(SCF) is one of the fastest-growing cargo airlines on the

major carriers, air freight forwarders and other business

African continent. The company is a reliable partner in

partners. Likewise, whether shipping super-heavy machi-

the air cargo industry, well equipped with highly qualified

nery, delicate medical equipment, perishable products

maintenance and flight crews who ensure that customer

such as live animals, fruits and vegetables, flowers, or

shipments will reach their destinations safely and on

general cargo, the company stands in line with IATA

time. With a fleet of two DC-8-62 aircraft the company

regulations and provides individualized care and service

serves the regional and international cargo network pro-

that has garnered the respect and trust of customers

viding scheduled and charter services worldwide.

around the world, such as the five-star hotel Serena Kigali.

The services offered by SCF are fully tailored upon clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; individual requirements providing personalized service,

The firm has developed extensive alliances with other

coupled with the professional expertise of Silverbackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

selected carrier agents in order to provide clients with

commercial and operations teams, and a customer ser-

ground arrangements that will complement the air net-

vice on hand 24 hours, seven days a week. Furthermore,

work with an extensive system of scheduled truck links to

the SCF has integrated the scheduling, handling and per-

regional, off-line points, providing a truly global logistics

formance systems to assure safety, reliability, on-time

capability.

delivery and smooth and convenient shipping hours. This Rwandan cargo leader plans to spread its wings to Silverback Cargo provides a broad range of services inclu-

the Middle East markets with Rwandan exports providing

ding a quality range of airport-to-transport services, air-

air cargo transportation and handling from Kigali to

craft for contract operations, including long-term char-

Oman, Qatar and Dubai with perishables mainly com-

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

prised of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the com-

been supportive in this move.

pany is also looking forward to spreading its wings to China, Thailand, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Mali, Chad,

At Sogerrwa the commitment is to deliver quality service

Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, the DRC and Congo, among

to clients while keeping the promise of excellence, relia-

others.

bility and efficiency.

Silverback is also introducing regular cargo flights to

Its trucks, cars and jeeps will carry you and your merchan-

Kigali, Bujumbura, Kinshasa, Lagos and Entebbe from

dise everywhere in Rwanda and even beyond, in

Dubai or Sharjah once a week. Likewise SCF is already

maximum protection, comfort and unspeakable driving

serving, on a charter basis, most of the industrial markets

pleasure. Sogerrwa will stand by you in times of need. It

in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, including for

will supply you with an entire range of spare parts and

instance Belgium, Holland, France, United Kingdom,

accessories, and with this company, you can grow to gre-

South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Afghanistan and the

ater heights.

United Arab Emirates.

THOMAS & PIRON – GRANDS LACS “Silverback Cargo freighters seeks to serve Africa, the opportunistic continent in trade and investment, which

Mr Giap Idossou

remains heavily dependent on the skies for the move-

Managing Director

ment of cargo within its boundaries.”

Gikondo,

Mr Innocent, Managing Director

PO Box 6589, Kigali Tel: +250-508501

SOGERRWA

Email: tpgl@tpintl.net Website: www.thomas-piron-international.com

Mr Patrick Gillion General Manager

Activity: Infrastructure – construction

Tel: +250-578844 / 575144

Date of Creation: 2001

Mobile: +250-08306669

Market Share: 30%

Fax: +250-575177

Turnover: US $13,300,000

Email: md@sogerrwa.co.rw Established from scratch 30 years ago by Mr Louis-Marie Activity: Vehicle dealer

Piron and his friend Mr Charles Thomas, the Group

Sogerrwa is the exclusive dealer of the most effective

company

project vehicles, off-road (4x4) vehicles capable of wor-

Luxembourg and Belgium’s top construction firms and is

Thomas & Piron represents a Belgian success story; the is

among

the

Benelux–Netherlands,

king in extreme tropical conditions, and commercial vehi-

Belgium’s leading real estate company building over 400

cles, plus luxurious and extremely comfortable cars in

houses per year with 700 collaborators.

Rwanda, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover and Nissan. It has carried the promise of flying these brands’ flags high in

Mr Piron had always believed in Africa’s development

the country.

and was only waiting for the opportunity to start up

The secret of its success relies on the following partners:

tion. The new millennium brought the company the busi-

Thomas & Piron’s international adventure and diversifica-

• the national brewery (Bralirwa);

ness connection, first to Morocco and then to Ivory Coast

• government institutions;

and Rwanda. Ever since, the firm has developed over

• non-govermental organizations (NGOs);

seven real estate projects in the country of the thousand

• the local business community and everyone who has

hills; from renovation to refurbishment, through cons-

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INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

truction for individuals and companies, like the Hotel des

“Our six-year-long experience in Rwanda enables us to

Milles Collines and the Banque de Kigali renovations.

assure any foreign long-term investor that if it has been possible for us, it would definitely be possible for his or

Currently the company is developing five construction

her company.”

projects in the country: a 15-floor building for the

Mr Giap Idossou, Managing Director

Rwanda Social Fund, a hotel at Lake Kivu, the Tree Lodge luxury apartments and 34 housing units. Furthermore,

TOYOTA AKAGERA MOTORS SARL.

the Group is going into the public works sector where strategic partners are key for the firm’s business strategy,

Mr Symphorien Kamanzi

aiming to consolidate itself in the booming Rwandan pro-

Managing Director

perty market.

PO Box 3774 Kigali Tel: +250-575220

Through these innovative projects, Thomas & Piron trans-

Fax: +250-573018

fers its knowhow, capital and professionalism and the

Email: akamot@rwanda1.com

image of its famous achievements in Belgium, while

Website: www.toyotarwanda.com/index.htm

maintaining its concern with quality structures, gaining from human competences in order to reach excellence

Activity: Transport

with its foreign partners and to guarantee the best ser-

Date of Creation: 1998

vices. These services include: project identification, urban

Employees: 120

development and architecture studies, feasibility prospecting, financing prospecting, partnership prospecting,

Akagera Motors was formed in early 1998 and is the

optimization of building methods, cost analysis, direct

exclusive distributor for Toyota Motor Corporation

and indirect implementation, supply of building materials

(TMC), Japan, for the territory of Rwanda. All Toyota pro-

and others needs and even possible marketing.

ducts (both cars and components) sold by Akagera

A typical Rwandan taxi minibus

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INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda Motors are sourced directly from Japan and are ‘tropica-

Email: kigali@worldfreight.net

lized’ for the territory of Rwanda. They also sell their pro-

Website: www.interfreigh2000.com

ducts to clients in Burundi and East Democratic Republic of Congo.

Activity: Transport Date of Creation: 1968

Akagera Motors has the largest workshop facilities in

Employees: 25

Kigali, approximately 15,000 sq.m, and employs approximately 120 members of staff. Its Toyota-certified techni-

World Freight is part of the Interfreight Group of

cians undergo a continuous training programme on a

Companies and the leading freight forwarding company in

yearly basis designed by TMC to keep the workshop per-

Rwanda for both import and export cargo. Founded in

sonnel up to date with the latest technology that is incor-

1968 the group has evolved from a road transport com-

porated in the current models sold in Rwanda.

pany with its own fleet of trucks into a regional freight logistics company with a global network of partners. The

Toyota dealers have a reputation for outstanding service

regional expertise of Interfreight coupled with the strength

and reliable after-care and only fit quality genuine parts

of the Panalpina global network provides a unique selec-

into your vehicle. Toyota dealers’ expertise in servicing,

tion of freight logistics products to its customers.

maintaining and repairing your vehicle ensure that the warranty, valid for 12 months for parts and labour, is pro-

Rwanda remains very much agricultural based and coffee

tected and that your log book is properly updated, which

as well as tea contribute mostly to the export earnings.

will help to maintain the resale value of your vehicle.

Mineral exports, however, are also starting now. The country is a transit hub for movements to Eastern Congo

Akagera Motors has the biggest market share for vehicles

destinations such as Bukavu, Goma, Kalemie and others.

in Rwanda, 60% approximately, with around 450 cars sold every year. Its expansion plans include a recently

The Interfreight infrastructure includes offices at all

inaugurated car hire department that deals exclusively

border crossing points to facilitate the regional cross-

with clients who prefer to rent instead of buying a car.

border/transit business. Today Interfreight in East Africa

Clients include Government bodies, NGOs, embassies

offers the whole range of clearing, forwarding and

and religious organizations as well as private customers

freight logistics services, which include:

that trust in Toyota’s excellent reputation and the com-

• sea/air/road/rail freight import and export for all com-

plete service it offers.

modities; • customs clearance;

“Come and visit Akagera Motors and we will provide you with the best tool to discover our beautiful

• project forwarding / mining projects / oil and gas projects / general projects;

country.”

• warehousing, both bonded and free warehousing;

Mr Symphorien Kamanzi, Managing Director

• inland cargo depot with in-house customs officers; • refrigerated transport for perishables with its own

WORLD FREIGHT (PANALPINA)

generators and depot points; • airfreight chartering;

Mr. Laksitmi Narasimha

• cross trade.

General Manager 29 Rue de l’Akagera,

“We offer you our expertise based on more than 25

PO Box 1068, Kigali

years of experience and a worldwide network to cover

Tel: +250-573377

your logistic needs, ensuring you have strong reliable services.”

Fax: +250-576984

Laksitmi Narasimha, General Manager

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INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT

eBizguides Rwanda

208

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

Pregnancy and fire cannot be kept secret Rwandan proverb

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P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, Min. of Education

As we know, the ministry has a very broad mission statement. Would you run us through its main activities in the past years?

The Ministry of Education is a very big ministry. It has a lot of people to serve. We now serve people from 3/77 years because we are busy with school kids to adult literacy. We used to serve from 7/77 years but we have gone down to take on those kids still at home. We do not want kids to stay at home, we need to keep them in schools. We are busy with nursery, primary, secondary, technical and vocational training. With long-term vocational training, we are busy with higher education like university, and of course we are also charged with adult education. We also have a programme of interesting young people who have left school in coming back, called catch up programme, meaning that they have to catch up with the track to development and that is education. The Government of Rwanda has made tremendous development since 1994 after genocide. The number of children in schools since 1995 has now more than doubled. Before the genocide, there were fewer than 900, 000 primary pupils but now we are talking of over 2,300,000 pupils. But when the number doubles there are challenges that come with it such as quality and space. Besides, genocide did not spare the education sector. It devastated the entire education system because most of the qualified teachers died and most of the education infrastructure in schools was destroyed. The education system suffered a lot. We believe that it was through bad education that Rwanda was destroyed. Through education, people were taught to hate each other and learnt what were the difference amongst themselves, instead of motivating people to know the resemblances. But, we do believe that it is through education that we can rebuild this country. It is through education that the ideology of hate will be fought. You mention that the number of primary kids in schools has more than doubled, and also there has been a large increase in higher education. What have been the biggest achievements in education for the past couple of years?

We have increased access to education. We have established education for all. Universal Primary Education (UPE) is our biggest achievement. Most parents are too poor to take their children to school. That is why the Government of Rwanda decided to pay school fees for all primary children. Higher learning institutions like universities used to take care of certain groups of people. Now they are accessible by everybody. Transparency in education is our biggest achievement. Before 1994, access to education was based on discrimination. One would be admitted for higher education based on nepotism, favours, whether parents are known in the ministry or rich enough to corrupt education officials. Now, there is transparency and fair access to education that is base on performance and competence. I believe good governance starts with transparency. We also now have more girls in primary education. Before, girls used to be sidelined in terms of education, but now many have been enrolled. There are a lot of achievements in the education sector, but those are the main ones.

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The Government of Rwanda has an ICT strategy for the whole country. How is it connected to high levels of learning in the country?

The ICT strategy is not only intended for higher education, but even lower levels like primary. Since 2003, all primary schools that had connectivity to electricity got computers and teachers were trained. For those that had no electricity, we are trying to connect them with solar energy. The aim is to enable them to be technology literate. In secondary, each school that has electricity has 10 computers. The idea is to make students and pupils knowledgeable about computers and not just hear about them. We have a programme of one laptop per child in primary schools. It is a programme of the Massachusets Institute of Technology, USA, who initiated the project. Rwanda is on track with that project. We want every parent to contribute to buying a laptop for every child in primary schools. We are focused on the project not only because it falls within Vision 2020 of being an ICT literate society but also because it fits in with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They are specialized laptops, child-friendly with wireless internet connectivity. If kids are at a distance of 300 metres, they can communicate. Thus, communication in schools will be improved upon. In my own experience, children need minimal computer training. The laptops will have a lot of tutorials. This is a sure way that each child will have a computer and an email address, and it will also be the same for secondary schools. We are still faced with a challenge of quality especially in higher education, but with ICT this will be improved upon. As the students advance from lower to higher education, they will be attracted more to information technology. This will enhance more innovations and most importantly; will open them to the world. In Rwanda, very many people have never been to most parts of the country, but with ICT this will be possible and they will be able to visit the world from their own homes. ICT will be part and parcel of higher education in Rwanda. ICT will also help in research and distance learning in higher education, that is e-learning. Rwanda has become a hub of communication in the region. People from the neighbouring countries come to Rwanda to study. How does the ministry attract students and teachers to come to Rwanda?

Rwanda is a tri-lingual country: Kinyarwanda, our mother language, French and English. They are the official constitutional languages. It is a privilege that we are surrounded by countries that speak French and English. We shall continue training our in-service teachers, to have enough infrastructure for higher education to attract people to Rwanda to harness knowledge. We need infrastructure such as good hostels, lecture rooms, science and ICT labs. We aim at making our Rwanda a hub of Africa in terms of education and ICT. We are laying a fibre optic cable that will connect all institutions of learning in Rwanda to the internet. This is the uniqueness of Rwanda. Our landlocked situation has become an opportunity for us. What would you consider the main challenges for the education sector in the future?

The main challenge is quality because as we are increasing access, we have also to increase the number of teachers and infrastructure. Quality is not only having a teacher and blackboard but rather a motivated and trained teacher, library, ICT accessibility and basically attracting people to the profession. Attracting them is not only giving them fat salaries, but also establishing incentives. We have a lot of incentives in place, but our main challenge is accessibility to all schools in the country. Some schools are high up in the hills and others deep down in valleys. That is why ICT will go a long way in solving the accessibility challenge. Generally, our main challenge is to have an excellent education system.

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Where do you see the Rwandan education system in the next couple of years?

I believe from now to 2010, our education system will be shining. We are building education to satisfy the labour market. We shouldn’t hesitate to do it because we are now part of the East African Community (EAC). We should now be positioning our education system in a more competitive manner. Rwandans should look at themselves as competitive in the job market otherwise all jobs on the market will be done by foreigners. Now that you are part of EAC, are you about to adopt a common education system?

We will have to harmonize our education system. We can remain with our particularity but the similarity should be seen in our education system. How are you ensuring that students suit the competitive labour market?

First of all, we have to teach our students entrepreneurship. They have to move from job seeking to job creation. On the part of the education ministry, we will continue helping students to learn more. Before, it was only the Government acting as employer but now it is time to start creating jobs in the private sector. What has been your biggest success since you became the Minister of Education?

I have laboured to harmonize the education system in higher levels of learning. What is not allowed in one institution shouldn’t be done in another, whether private or government. I have requested all higher institutes of learning to position themselves as centres of excellence in areas such as science and technology, engineering, finance and banking and the like. Institutions have been advised to advertise to the world, especially through websites, what they offer to relay what we are doing in Rwanda in the field of education. Discipline is a crucial area that we ought to emphasise among our students if we have to achieve a lot. We have to prepare a citizen not just a degree holder. People have a tendency of hunting for degrees but they should quest for knowledge to become better and valuable citizens. Education for a girl child is paramount because it is a sure way of reducing child mortality rate, HIV/AIDS infection, unwanted early pregnancies. Also to increase entrepreneurship because Rwandan women are considered good managers at both homes and places of work. Thus, if you educate a boy child you have educated a person, but educating a girl child is education for the whole society. And an educated a woman will definitely strive to see her kids go to school. When investors come to Rwanda, they wish to get right skills. What would be your personal message to them?

First of all, education is an area of investment. Whoever chooses to invest in education is assured of incentives. Whatever is related to education is tax-free, both scholastic and building materials. The cebate is on to waive work permit fees for teachers. There are lots of opportunities to invest in, such as science and engineering courses at higher learning institutes. Rwanda still lacks science professionals

Min. of Education Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Jean-Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, Minister of Health The Ministry of Health is a key element in economic development, and I think it is the same with other countries. After the 1994 genocide, we generally embarked on rebuilding Rwanda but specifically the health sector with major emphasis on rural areas. We focused on the fight against HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis. But this could not effectively be achieved if personnel were not trained. That is how the establishment of a medical school in Butare came about. As the Ministry of Health, we are training our medical doctors. Currently, we have about 400 medical doctors in the whole country. Among them 250 are in the public sector and others in the private sector. We have also trained our nurses through the school of nursing. Rwanda currently has 5,600 nurses in total across all health structures: health centres, hospitals, clinics and dispensaries. We have rehabilitated the whole infrastructure, starting with about 450 health centres, 44 district hospitals and three referral hospitals including Butare Hospital, Kigali Hospital (CHUK) and King Faisal Hospital. In a situation where you fail to prevent a disease, you should at least be able to cure it. This can only be done if you have personnel, equipment and infrastructure. Our second mission was to be able to treat people within our financial capacity and provide good services. Rwanda is considered as one of the poorest countries in the world, so it cannot afford to treat people free. That is why we have set up a scheme of medical insurance, called Mutuelle de SantĂŠ, a health insurance scheme. It is a tool we have developed because if we cannot provide services free, people need to pay. But the scheme is based on solidarity among the population, meaning that any Rwandan living in Rwanda contributes RWF 1,000 yearly and the Government of Rwanda also adds RWF 1,000. The RWF 2,000 yearly contribution then entitles the beneficiary to access to health services from all health units. We started with a small number, but now contribution has grown to 73%. For public servants, there is a special health scheme called La Rwandaise dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Assurance Maladie (RAMA) to which they contribute from their salaries. Then there is also another one for the military and police. The solidarity ensures deduction of a certain percentage of the money from RAMA and for military insurance that is put to Mutuelle de SantĂŠ. In this case, you are preventing the disease. You are giving the population the capability to afford the health costs. What is remaining now is to give good services to our population. We have set up a mechanism aimed at giving incentives to our personnel like medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and the like. Incentives are based on performance. It

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is not a salary. On top of salary, we add a bonus based on performance. The pool of money for incentives comes from Government grants, development partners and the income generated from services rendered. One of the main challenges we are facing is the high rate of infant and maternal mortality. It is related to the high density of the population. The population growth of Rwanda doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t match with growth of our economy, which has caused many health problems such as high rate of infant and maternal mortality and malnutrition. We intend to tackle that by establishing a high coverage of vaccination and immunization to fight infant mortality. The immunization coverage in Rwanda is among the best in Africa. But, there is need to reinforce the policy on family planning. The Government policy on family planning has three elements. The first is creating awareness among the population. We need to tell them that there is a direct relationship between population growth and economic growth. Scaling it from a family, if you have a big family, it is hard to feed, educate, house and dress everyone. If people become aware of that, then it would be much simpler to educate them. We target Rwandan girls in schools and underlying this is universal education for all the young people. We also intend to make Rwandan men more responsible, because family planning doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t target only women. Our culture leaves family planning to the mother. Another way of boosting family planning is reducing poverty. The Government aims at setting up micro-finance projects to generate income for Rwandans and eradicate poverty. Every Rwandan woman may have as many as six children in her life. In a situation where a man is not responsible and a woman not educated there will certainly be a problem of unrestricted births. Another method of family planning is by use of contraceptives like condoms and pills. Condom use in Rwanda and talking openly about sexuality are taboo. People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to use condoms for cultural reasons, but we are breaking that culture. With our second phase of decentralization policy, the Ministry of Health is only here to draft policy, mobilize funding from development partners and also monitor and evaluate. Implementation is done at district level within local government, where we have district hospitals. At the level of each sector, we have health centres that deliver primary health services. As the line ministry, we do look at health as a whole, but implementation is made by districts and sectors. As regards medical personnel, as Government we recruit medical doctors to district hospitals and also nurses at the level of university graduates. Other nurses are appointed by the local authorities. In the fifth phase of decentralization, all the medical officers at district and sector levels will be appointed by the local governments. Minisante has a human resource development plan covering five years. Mineduc is responsible for training medical doctors in Rwanda. To ensure the quality of the doctors Mineduc produces, we are outsourcing for experts from outside Rwanda to train them on the job. Students also do internships to ensure quality services before they graduate. As the Ministry of Health, we are on the board of the National University of Rwanda (NUR), and we are part of any decision taken about the medical school. At the end of their degrees, as the employer (Minisante), we know the quality of employees we are receiving.

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In the next three to five years we will have progressed far, if we continue the way we are performing now. We have good indicators of a reduction in the HIV/Aids prevalence. We have established voluntary testing and testing of pregnant mothers to avoid mother-to-child transmission. As regards the health insurance scheme, we are probably the first country in Africa to do it effectively. For pharmaceutical business, we have made big strides in reorganizing the sector. We have enough hospitals and health centres, the only challenge is to improve on capacity of our personnel and medical equipment to provide good services to the population. We aim at achieving the MDG maternal and infant mortality rate targets.

The Ministry of Health is part of the Government. We are aligning all health policies and strategies with the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development plan, Vision 2020. Underlying this are our programmes of capacity building, vaccines and immunization, access to health services, good pharmaceutical services to our population, and combatting epidemics of HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis. What is interesting is that the Government of Rwanda is assisting much of the health sector by providing for all the financial needs. For potential investors coming to Rwanda, I would say that people should come to Rwanda freely because we are so peaceful. We have established a clear vision and built a strong political commitment. Under the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA), we offer to prospective investors a multitude of incentives. Specifically in health, we have room for private investors who wish to start private hospitals. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have many private hospitals, so it is a virgin area of investment. They can also invest in medical labs, pharmaceutical industries etc. Rwanda has a good political climate compared to our neighbouring countries. Taking into account the now bigger markets to which Rwanda has access through COMESA and EAC, investors should be coming to Rwanda to invest.

Jean-Damascene Ntawukuriryayo Minister of Health

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EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

It is overwhelmingly rural and largely without skills outside of agriculture. On the other hand, literacy rates are average for the region and school enrolment ratios noti-

Rwandan students are required to begin school at age

ceably higher.

seven. Both primary and secondary school are six years in length. The academic year is centrally determined and

Employment in Rwanda is overwhelmingly (90%) agricul-

lasts from September to July. Entry into secondary school

tural and rural-based, consisting mostly of subsistence

is by examination and most primary school students do

farming. Formal-sector employment is slowly rising in

not continue on to secondary school. Rwandan families

emerging areas such as ICT, finance, engineering and

are required to pay school fees and to purchase uniforms

construction. The energy crisis has adversely affected

to enrol their children, but the Government routinely

employment creation in both formal and informal sec-

waives fees for orphans.

tors.

International organizations have been influential in

The importance of capacity-building in Rwanda is closely

Rwandan education since the Germans and Belgians colo-

related to the process of post-genocide reconstruction.

nized the area. Religious and private schools have been

The year of the genocide saw the destruction of institu-

active since colonization and remain significant today.

tions and equipment as well as of lives. The Government

Since 1995, international aid agencies, foreign govern-

policy is to create an enabling environment with built-in

ments and international financial institutions have been

incentives to retain the skills accumulated in capacity-

actively involved in reconstructing the education system.

building. The Ministry of Public Service has developed a

The Rwandan population is estimated at 8.6 million, with

National Employment Policy and youth employment

the highest density in Africa (328 inhabitants/square km).

through vocational training is receiving priority attention.

Pupils of Primary School "Kacyiru" during breaktime

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eBizguides Rwanda Large public and private organizations have embarked on

HEALTH

ambitious plans to develop human resources in collaboration with institutions such as the Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management, the School of Finance

WATER, SANITATION AND HEALTH SERVICES

and Banking, Kigali Health Institute, the National University of Rwanda, the Kigali Institute of Science,

Overall access to safe drinking water is estimated at 52%

Technology and Management, and others to address the

of the population. The objective of the Government is to

problem of an acute shortage of skilled labour. Public

improve the provision of water and extend the water

spending on education has been rising every year and

supply network so that every inhabitant has access to safe drinking water within 500 metres by 2020. This is to

currently has the highest sectoral budget allocation.

be achieved through increased private-sector participaThe provisions covered by the labour code include those

tion in urban water supply management and a decentra-

concerning employment contracts for both local and

lized approach for water supply in rural areas.

foreign individuals, termination of employment contracts, working conditions specifically related to children,

The level of health services available to the Rwandan

pregnant and breast-feeding women, employment dura-

population is low. The HIV prevalence is about average

tion, leave and holidays, wages and salaries, and other

for the region, while the number of physicians per

administrative matters. According to the labour code,

100,000 people is lower than most neighbouring coun-

wages can be paid by the day, week, fortnight or month

tries. On the other hand, public expenditure on health is

for workers recruited on a monthly basis. For work per

noticeably higher than elsewhere in the region, signalling

unit or piecework, payment terms and dates are deter-

the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment in this area.

mined by mutual agreement. Community-based health insurance schemes have many The labour code is now under revision. The revisions will

adherents in Rwanda and they have developed into a

address issues relating to the streamlining of employment

convenient system of cost-sharing in health care.

of foreign nationals and provide for a balance between protection of employees and flexibility for employers.

They currently cover some 20% of the population and

The normal working hours in Rwanda as stipulated by the

against HIV/AIDS has led to HIV/AIDS being regarded less

are being extended. A multi-sector approach in the fight

law are a maximum of 40 hours per week. Ministerial

as a simple health issue than as an economic and national

Order No. 05/19 of 14th March 2003 specifies salary

challenge. The Ministry of Health is responsible for treat-

rates for overtime work. The employment of foreign

ment and research, while the National Commission for

nationals is governed by Ministerial Order No. 13/19 of

the Fight Against HIV/AIDS (CNLS) is charged with sensi-

the same date. Foreign professionals intending to work in

tization and resource mobilization at national, provincial,

Rwanda need to apply for a three-year renewable work

district and community levels. The Association of People

permit.

Living with Aids has grown stronger, with a greater emphasis on income-generating projects.

Work permits for employees of foreign investors are issued quickly by RIEPA. Except where more favourable

Rwanda has set ambitious goals in its Vision 2020: to

terms are agreed between the employer and employee,

increase the number of qualified medical staff to interna-

every worker is entitled to paid leave at the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

tional standards (10 physicians, 20 nurses and 5 labora-

expense of one-and-a-half working days per month of

tory technicians for every 100,000 inhabitants), to pro-

effective service. Official holidays cannot be regarded as

mote health associations and make them effective, to

part of paid leave. Rwanda has 13 public holidays a year.

improve the level of sanitation in both urban and rural areas, and to increase the level of access to safe drinking

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water to 100% by the year 2020. The Government has

The institution is authorized to offer BA degrees in busi-

also increased medical training in tertiary institutions

ness administration, information management, educa-

such as the National University and the Kigali Health

tion and religion, all of them internationally recognized,

Institute. Planning is under way as well to upgrade King

with AUCA belonging to a worldwide network of 120

Faisal Hospital in Kigali to provide world-class medical

universities.

services. US $12 million has been set aside for this. AUCA has a total of 45 teachers for a student population

SAFETY AND SECURITY

that has recently increased to 1,200 students, and is forecasted to boom up to 4,500 in the short run.

There are currently no travel restrictions in place within

In order to provide the best facilities to the academic

Rwanda. While visitors may travel freely to Volcanoes

community, the institution, trusted for its outstanding

National Park, they are not permitted to visit the park

financial management and supported by the Government

without permission from Rwanda’s Office of Tourism and

of Rwanda, the UNHCR and the East–Central Africa

National Parks (ORTPN), which stipulates that the park

Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is building

can only be used for gorilla tours and nature walks.

a new campus in Kigali scheduled to open in July 2007.

MAIN COMPANIES

Furthermore, though this institution is already at the forefront in areas such as information technology and

EDUCATION

accounting, the new campus is an essential project of the

ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL AFRICA

AUCA should be a well-known centre of academic exce-

strategic plan 2006–2011 foreseeing that by 2011 the

llence in undergraduate programmes in business, science Mr Jozsef Szilvasi

and technology, education and liberal arts, religion and

Rector

theology and will operate its own graduate programme

PO Box 2461, Kigali

in business and education.

Tel: +250-587147 Fax: +250-519779

“Rwanda is worth testing and tasting: our country des-

Email: szilvasij@hotmail.com

erves to be given a try and the AUCA is an example of the core values of our virgin country: integrity, good governance, willingness and excellence.”

Activity:Education

Mr Jozsef Szilvasi, Recto

Date of Creation: 1978 Turnover: €286,000

ECOLE SUPÉRIEURE PROFESSIONNELLE (ESP) The Adventist University of Central Africa was established in 1978 with seven faculties. The Seventh-day Adventist

Serge Farnel

Church invested to build a campus at Mudende, at the

Managing Director

border with DRC, that served French-speaking Africa for

PO Box 1193, Kigali

over 10 years. In 1994 the AUCA campus was severely

Tel: +250-512366 / 08522947

damaged and closed, reopening four of its faculties in

Email: contact@groupe-esp.com

1996 at a modest location in Kigali. Today this university

Website: www.groupe-esp.com

is reputed for its academic qualities and seriousness in carrying out a well-disciplined education programme.

Activity: Education Date of Creation: 2005

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eBizguides Rwanda The Ecole Supérieure Professionnelle opened up to the Rwandan community in 2005, closing up one year later

IRST – INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH

in order to update and even innovate school facilities according to the new education law approved in the

Mr Jean Baptiste Nduwayezu

country. The school was created by two investors: a

Rector

Rwandan entrepreneur committed to further developing

PO Box 227, Butare

the Rwandan education community, and a French

Tel: +250-530395

investor truly involved with the development of the

Fax: +250-530939

young generations to empower their future options in an

Email: nduwayezujb@irst.ac.rw

increasingly competitive world.

Website: www.irst.ac.rw

The school, is soon to be reopened, has received already

Activity: Education

a good response from the Rwandan young community,

Date of Creation: 1989

with over 600 students applying for the new lecture year; students may choose among the specialized courses

The Institute of Scientific and Technological Research,

offered by the ESP:

commonly known as IRST, was established in 1989 to

• rural development planning;

invest in fundamental and applied research oriented to

• customs management techniques;

Rwandan real needs, prioritizing areas such as energy,

• management secretariat;

pharmacopoeia and general social matters. Likewise, the

• management information systems.

Institute’s mission also incorporates promotion of tech-

This specialized institution was established as an alterna-

scientific and technological staff training and publication

tive to traditional education institutions, aiming to offer

and disseminating the institution’s research findings.

nologies applied to country development, contribution to

students specific courses adapted to market demands. This is in fact the core philosophy of the institution,

IRST has four research centres:

which is already planning to increase the number of sub• Phytomedecins and Life Sciences Research Centre, with

jects that companies in the real world are requiring.

four departments: phytomedecins and traditional mediFurthermore ESP is an open community promoting pro-

cine, essential oils department, biodiversity protection

gramme, student and teacher exchanges and is always

and conservation and biotechnology.

searching to innovate and to offer the most modern

• Applied Sciences Research Centre, developing pro-

tools, such as the planned electronic library, bringing to

grammes and projects in the energy field, for example

those who are to become the power of Rwanda’s future

wood fuel substitutes – biogas, peat, pellet or rice husks

the most effective and useful tools for them to join the

– solar energy or hydroelectric micro power stations. Other energy projects include the environmental geogra-

labour market fully prepared.

phic and seismologic programme, material sciences and

“ESP is to bring Rwandan students aiming for practical

applied mathematics.

education the most updated tools and the knowledge

• Arts and Humanities Research Centre, commissioned to

and skills that the market is demanding. Investors are

carry out the fundamental and applied research in the

more than welcome to back the Rwandan young gene-

field of the human and the Rwandan society, serving as

ration enabling a complete openness of Rwanda into

a place of assimilation of national traditional values while

the word.” Serge Farnel, Managing Director

being the platform for regional culture interactions. • Unity of Innovation and Technologies Transfer, subdivided into four departments such as the technological partnership and marketing area, scientific publications

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and the computer centre, connecting IRST research and

Email: isaedir@yahoo.fr

findings with the society it serves.

Website: www.isae.ac.rw

Regarding present and future plans, the institution is to

Activity: Education

open 12 new research centres upcountry in order to effectively reach the population, providing technical ser-

The agricultural and animal husbandry college at ISAE

vices to rural people on several issues related to increa-

was re-established in 1997 and in 2003 moved to

sing agricultural production.

Ruhengeri in northern Rwanda. The college focuses on courses related to all areas of agriculture and animal hus-

Furthermore the IRST has just signed a collaboration

bandry.

agreement with the Walloon Agricultural Research Centre from Belgium for the Bioterre Project that is pro-

The main mission is to train competent technical engi-

jected to increase cost-efficiency in Rwandan households

neers in the areas of agriculture and animal husbandry

through the development of local biomass sourced from

and to increase agricultural production through research

banana peels or even cooking rice.

and transfer of appropriate technologies.

ISAE (INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY)

ISAE has established partnerships internationally to support the development of its courses. Partnerships include Barony College in Scotland, which is providing support

Mr Prof. Kalisa Mbanda

with setting up a commercial training farm that will

Rector

enhance entrepreneurial skills and provide income gene-

PO Box 210, Ruhengeri 3971, Kigali

ration for the college. Other partnerships include: ITA

Tel: +250-06110143

(Canada), which is supporting dairy farming and animal

Fax: +250-06110144

husbandry; NUFFIC (Netherlands) involved with the trai-

Kigali Health Institute main building. An institution that is empowering the new Rwandese generation through innovation and performance

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P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

ning of teachers, food processing technology and the

Institute was created to solve the problem of inadequate

provision of equipment; ANAFE (African Network for

health personnel both in quality and quantity. The shor-

Agroforestry), which is also supporting the training of

tage of health personnel had been worsened by the

teachers; IOM-MIDA (Migration for Development in

tragic events of 1994, which resulted in poor delivery of

Africa), which is supporting through distance learning.

health services and coverage. The Centre has benefited from the support of the Agence Luxemburgeoise pour la

KIGALI HEALTH INSTITUTE (KHI)

Coopération au Développement – Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation (Lux-Development). To

Mr Desire Ndushabandi

launch its activities, CEFOCK started a training pro-

Rector

gramme for secondary school teachers of health care.

PO Box 3286, Kigali Tel: +250-572172

Kigali Health Institute started with two sections, anaes-

Fax: +250-571787

thesia and physiotherapy. It was formally established by

Email: rector@khi.ac.rw

Law No. 07/02/ 2002 of The Republic of Rwanda. Kigali

Website: www.khi.ac.rw

Health Institute is empowered to award degrees, diplomas and certificates to graduates marking successful

Activity: Education

completion of the relevant studies. The Institute, which

Date of Creation: 1996

started with 43 students, has increased the enrolment to

Kigali Health Institute is an institute of higher education

Education and a partnership with Natal University to

839. Eight departments, a Centre for Continuing

established in June 1996 by the Ministry of Health in

award degrees for health professional teachers have

collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The

been established. The current departments of Kigali

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda

Health Institute are: nursing and midwifery, anaesthesia,

World Bank, Swiss Co-operation, DFID, USAID, UNESCO,

radiology, laboratory techniques, dentistry, physiothe-

German Cooperation, French Cooperation and the

rapy, mental health and environmental health sciences.

Netherlands Government.

The mission of Kigali Health Institute is to build capacity for

Since its creation, KIE has made significant strides. It has

preventive, curative, rehabilitative and promotive health

grown from a population of 300 students in 1999 to a

for individuals, families and the community. The Institute

population of over 2,000 students.

aims to achieve the mission through basic and in-service training of health personnel, conducting operational and

KIE is committed to providing professionally qualified,

academic research, advocacy and health service delivery.

competent and all-round skilled human resources. These

The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health enabled

are in the areas of science, arts and social sciences, as

KHI to open other departments in order to cope with the

well as other areas that may contribute to sustainable

shortage of health management personnel, teachers of

development in Rwanda.

health training institutions and community-based health personnel. KHI cooperates with other institutions for the

Its mission is to transform the education system to impart

development and promotion of information and commu-

diversified skills to human resources. This will help to

nication technologies (ICT).

address challenges faced by society. KIE’s mission can be contextualized within three broad aspects: 1) to make

“Kigali Health Institute is expected to play a pivotal role in

teaching personnel acquire diversified skills correspon-

the area of capacity-building and will greatly contribute to

ding to their specific areas of training and to acquire a

our country’s Vision 2020, in which the role of human

solid foundation in the different educational disciplines;

resource development will be a major component.”

2) to train sufficient numbers of qualified teachers to

Mr Desire Ndushabandi, Rector

teach in secondary schools, teacher training colleges, technical schools and who can integrate harmoniously

KIGALI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

the theory and practice of education; and 3) to create patriotic awareness among teachers, so that they view

Mr Emmanuel Mudidi

and impart education as a tool for national development

Rector

in all spheres of Rwandan society.

PO Box 5039, Remera, Kigali Tel: +250-55100591 / 513876

Kigali Institute of Education has emerged as one of the

Fax: +250-586890

well-organized institutions in Rwanda. It has an elaborate organizational structure, arranged according to offices

Email: admin@kie.ac.rw

and departments at different levels.

Website: www.kie.ac.rw

KIST (KIGALI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

Activity: Higher education Date of Creation: 1999

Mr Prof. Karangwa Chrysologue Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) is a young public insti-

Rector

tution of higher learning, which started its operations in

Avenue de l’Armée, PO Box Kigali

1999 and was legally established under KIE statute law

Tel: +250-574696 / 574698

No. 49/2001 of 27th December 2001. The establishment

Fax: +250-571925

and operation of KIE has been made possible mainly

Email: rector@kist.ac.rw

through Rwandan Government funding and some assis-

Website: www.kist.ac.rw

tance from various donors. These donors include the

222

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda Activity: University

“We want to be recognized as a world-class university

Date of Creation: 1997

delivering science and technology programmes of academic learning to the highest international standards,

The Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and

engaged in world-class fundamental, strategic and

Management (KIST) was established in 1997 by the

applied research, and providing services to the commu-

Government of Rwanda. The purpose was to establish an

nity and businesses whilst remaining true to our com-

institute of superior science, technology and management

mitment to be responsive to the needs of Rwanda.”

education to respond to an acute shortage of qualified

Mr Prof. Karangwa Chrysologue, Rector

and experienced technicians, engineers and managers. The establishment of KIST is in line with the Government

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA

of Rwanda’s policies of Vision 2020 and poverty reduction, which emphasize the training of vocational and technolo-

Prof. Silas Lwakabamba

gical personnel who can provide vital skills in industrial

Rector

manufacturing, information and communication techno-

University Avenue,

logy, electronics, construction, plant management, appro-

PO Box 117, Butare

priate rural technology and industrial processing.

Tel: +250-530053 Fax: +250-530121

KIST is a totally new creation, a unique concept, geared

Email: rector@nur.ac.rw

to train skilled technicians, engineers and professionals

Website: www.nur.ac.rw

through an education system that emphasizes practical training and innovation to cope with the country’s tech-

Activity: Education

nological needs.

Date of Creation: 1963 Employees: 425

The Institute opened its doors with 209 students and 32 staff. As of June 2003, the Institute had 2,413 full-time

Located in the Southern Province, the National University

and 891 part-time students. Staff had grown to 490 in

of Rwanda (NUR) is the country’s state university. NUR

total. Among the 490 staff, 169 are academic staff. The

was the only publicly funded university until the 1990s,

total number of expatriate staff is 70, of which 46 are

with the mission to provide higher education, conduct

expatriate academic staff, 19 are expatriate administrative

research, and offer services to the community. Although

and technical staff, and 5 are expatriate support staff.

the University had three campuses in Butare, Kigali and

KIST is a fast-growing institution. This growth is reflected

reopening in 1995, due to resource constraints, all the

in the number of staff, students and courses delivered.

campuses merged into one location in Butare.

Ruhengeri before the genocide, after closing in 1994 and

There is, however, not yet corresponding growth in terms of infrastructure. In accordance with the projected number

NUR has nine faculties, three schools and seven centres,

of students, by 2008 KIST should have about 50,000

including outstanding institutions like: the NUR Research

square metres more of built space than it now has.

Centre, the Centre for Conflict Management (CCM), the Centre for Geographic Information Systems and Remote

At the core of KIST’s activities are the academic pro-

Sensing (CGIS) and the Rwanda Development Gateway

grammes taken by full-time or part-time study, leading to

(RDG).

the award of diplomas and degrees. It is these programmes that call for the body of highly qualified tea-

For undergraduates the University offers a wide range of

chers who then engage in an array of associated activi-

programmes in areas including agriculture, law, educa-

ties, such as research, technological development and

tion, medicine, economics and management, social-poli-

dissemination, consultancy and continuing education.

tical and administrative sciences, arts and humanities,

223

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda

sciences, applied sciences, journalism and communica-

SCHOOL OF FINANCE AND BANKING

tion, modern languages and public health. Mr Uzziel Ndagijimana Furthermore, the University also has 13 masters pro-

Rector

grammes including public health, information communi-

Campus Mburabaturo-Gikondo

cation technology (ICT), business law, water resource and

PO Box 1514, Kigali

environmental management (WREM) and epidemiology.

Tel: +250-574302 Fax: +250-502911

The National University of Rwanda has developed its stra-

Email: undagijimana@sfb.ac.rw

tegic plan for 2004–2009, incorporating challenging

Website: www.sfb.ac.rw

goals to strengthen science and technology. NUR is also looking forward to engaging in financial resource mobili-

Activity: Education

zation, to ensure financial sustainability, while enhancing

Date of Creation: 2002

research to face the challenges of development. The NUR strives to provide integrated and coordinated commu-

The SFB is a public institution currently attached to the

nity-oriented services that impact positively on sustai-

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, although

nable socioeconomic development in Rwanda.

with legal, academic, financial and management auto-

NUR’s philosophy is synthesized in its motto ‘Excellence

truction framework adopted by the Government in 2000

nomy, standing as the paradigm of the holistic recons-

in Education and Service to the People’. Also, the

under its Vision 2020, targeting to promote higher edu-

University’s core values, such as academic freedom and

cation in Rwanda and transform the country into a know-

critical thinking, strategic and transparent management

ledge-based economy.

and orientation to the market, articulate the readiness to overcome the past and embrace the future. Rwanda National University

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda Although a young institution, with its first batch of 126

Email: angagi@yahoo.fr

students admitted in 2003, this fresh and dynamic school

Website: www.ulk.ac.rw

has seen its student population increased to up to 1,500 students in less than three years. Divided into three daily

Activity: Education

shifts, they have the possibility to choose among a wide

Employees: 242

range of programmes in three core areas: accounting,

Date of Creation: 1996

banking and finance. Awards range from the MBA in Banking to the Diploma in Insurance, to the ACCA pro-

The Kigali Independent University, also known as

gramme offered in collaboration with the Association of

Université Libre de Kigali (ULK), has been providing to the

Chartered

community high standards of education for the last 11

Certified

Accountants,

London

and

Strathmore University School of Accountancy from

years, ever since the Rwandan Association for Education

Nairobi.

and Culture Promotion (ARPEC), today known as the ULK Association, created the institution.

The institution has developed its strategic plan for the upcoming five years, where the current construction of a

The ULK has two campuses, located in Kigali and Gisenyi,

new seven-storey building is key for the school expansion

both entirely managerially autonomous, and both with three

and development projects, enabling SFB to double the

schools where lessons are bilingually taught in French and

number of teachers and students.

English: the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, providing three different options – economics, management

Furthermore, academic studies will also be improved, not

and rural development; the Faculty of Social Sciences, offe-

only increasing programme options, such as adding PhD

ring also three majors – sociology, administration sciences

programmes, but also integrating internships, incorpora-

and demography; and the Law School.

ting new international partnerships such as the Belgian Bankers’ Academy and the Maastricht School of

Overall, the academic population has risen to over

Management, developing a fresh generation of entrepre-

11,500 students with a balance of 54.1% females to

neurs and enhancing the consultancy services that the

45.9% males, and the Kigali campus accounting for 80%

SFB is already providing to local and foreign companies.

of ULK students.

The SFB’s willingness to provide the highest level of edu-

The University is developing an ambitious project in Kigali,

cation that in the past had to be found abroad means it

expanding its facilities throughout an area of 25 hectares

is set to become not only Rwanda’s business education

where three buildings are being built: one dedicated to

centre but also the reference for the entire region.

laboratories

and

two

appointed

for

classrooms.

Furthermore, the institution’s expansion also includes inter-

“Rwanda is capable of offering a proactive and skilled workforce, providing bilingual expertise while maintaining highly competitive labour costs.”

national exposure through cooperation programmes with several foreign universities, from the University of Natal to the University of Lyon and the University of Lausanne.

Mr Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rector The ULK’s engagement with those unable to afford aca-

KIGALI INDEPENDENT UNIVERSITY

demic expenses is determined by the Rwigamba Balinda Foundation, which has provided financial support to over

Mr Alphonse Ngagi Munyamfura

1,400 students and assistants.

Rector PO Box 2280, Kigali

“The ULK is providing an experienced workforce that will

Tel: +250-502417

add value to operations from the moment they are hired.”

Fax: +250-502422

Mr Alphonse Ngagi Munyamfura, Rector

225

Unemployment rates are high, causing long queues when jobs are available

HEALTH

Furthermore Camerwa is the institution in charge of

CAMERWA

malaria or, for instance, contraceptives: everything goes

managing all funds related to programmes such as Aids,

though Camerwa. Léon Fundira Commercial Director Rwanda

The institution’s board of directors represents the inte-

PO Box 640, Kigali

gration and collaboration of all the sectors affected: the

Tel: +250-517521

Government, the clients, and civil society, including the

Fax: +250-517523

Rwandan Medical Association and the Pharmaceutical

Email: leonfundira@yahoo.fr

Association, among others.

Website: www.camerwa.rw The institution has undertaken several expansion plans, Activity: Health – central purchasing of essential drugs,

such as warehouse expansion in a four-year project to

medical consumables and equipment

offer an alternative to the current passive product distri-

Date of Creation: 1998

bution by a multiple channel distribution with ordering

Camerwa was created as a non-profit organization by the

with fax and phone ordering services.

facilities comprising an Internet ordering portal paralleled

Rwandan Government in 1998 in order to transform the Office Pharmaceutique du Rwanda (OPHAR) into a trans-

Likewise the institution has developed a wide network of

parent and autonomous managerial institution, a status

partners, which does not only include governmental ins-

that will allow associating a private-sector-style manage-

titutions and agencies, but also the EU, USAID, World

ment with the social aim of public health policies.

Bank, Global Fund, UN-UNICEF and the Belgium

Camerwa’s core objective is to secure physical and finan-

Development Cooperation Agency just to name a few.

cial accessibility to high-quality products and solve the limited distribution of basic medical and health consuma-

Although Rwanda, as a landlocked country, has conside-

bles within the health institutions and operators.

rable disadvantages for the pharmaceutical industry since

226

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda there is no pharmaceutical industry producing in the

The hospital originally served as a clinic and later a

country, facing obstacles like these and encouraging the

general hospital due to lack of medical specialists. Its

advantages that Rwanda offers is Camerwa’s aim, and it

infrastructure was completed in 1991 and during the

hopes to become a point of reference in the region.

genocide and war of 1994 it was a refugee camp and medical centre for thousands of displaced persons.

“Rwanda’s central location, market potential, bilingual

Specialist services were only offered from 1998 after

community – mostly developed abroad – has so much to

involvement

offer that you cannot miss this opportunity to grow your

Government of Rwanda.

Netcare

South

Africa

and

the

business in a new reborn country such as ours. And if that was not enough you will be enjoying the most beau-

Since 1998 KFH has been providing a high level of

tiful environmental nature in a safe atmosphere!”

general medical care and in 2005 the KFH was reincorpo-

Léon Fundira, Commercial Director Rwanda

rated as the non-profit King Faisal Hospital, Kigali and began a quality improvement effort aimed at achieving

KING FAISAL HOSPITAL

and sustaining international accreditation.

Professor Hopkins Holmberg

The KFH is committed to providing cost-effective and

Director General

self-sustaining high-quality health services in partnership

King Faisal Hospital,

with its clients. It does this with an empowered work-

PO Box 2534, Kigali

force in an environment that values professionalism, res-

Tel: +250-582421 / 585397 / 582469

pects patients’ rights and upholds human dignity at all

Fax: +250-583203

times.

Email: faisal@rwanda1.com Website: www.kfh.rw

With its partners in research and education, within available resources, it contributes to the development of

Activity: Health

health services in Rwanda

Date of Creation: 1991 A makeshift bed

227

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda

The hospital offers many services through the following

Agespro Security is one of the leading security companies

departments: clinical departments, radiology, pharmacy,

of the country, established shortly after the genocide to

laboratory, dentistry, physiotherapy, HIV and counselling,

provide private solutions and expertise in the security

accident and emergency, operation theatre, inquiries and

field to both individuals and corporate organizations,

appointments, support services, information technology

guided by the motto ‘Security at its best’.

and statistics. Furthermore, Agespro Security has specialized in the

SECURITY SERVICES

niche market of foreign official representatives – diplomats and international organizations – located in Kigali,

AGESPRO SECURITY

for instance the World Bank and the UN Security Cell.

Mr Robert Muyango Mbaguta

The company provides a wide range of services and pro-

Managing Director

ducts related to security and protection: manned guar-

PO Box 1316, Kigali

ding, mobile patrol guards, intruder alarm systems,

Tel: +250-584484

supervision and control of grounds, perimeter security

Fax: +250-584484

and metal detectors, among others.

Email: rmbaguta@yahoo.fr Website: www.agesprosecurity.com

Professionals assess customers’ needs and services are customized upon client requests, providing flexible and

Activity: Security

proactive responses to client expectations and striving

Date of Creation: 1995

towards full customer satisfaction.

Employees: 350

228

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda As the security industry is inherently related to technical

INTERSEC SECURITY COMPANY

knowhow and development of new technologies, the organization relies on foreign providers and partnerships,

Mr Claver Kayumba

such as Garret or Securex, to maintain its position at the

Managing Director

forefront of the industry and improve security solutions

Ave. de la Paix, PO Box 2641, Kigali

for its clientele.

Tel: +250-574530 / 574528 Fax: +250-574513

Moreover, the company has adopted a new strategic

Email: intersec@rwanda1.com

perspective and development objective, choosing to con-

Website: www.intersec.co.rw

centrate exclusively on security and devoting all efforts to hiring, training, developing and retaining the best profes-

Activity: Security services

sionals assuring personnel have key qualities, including integrity, honesty and trustworthiness.

Created in 1994, Intersec Security Company is an established and experienced organization that provides a

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agespro Security represents the new Rwandan genera-

wide range of security services. The knowledge and

tion who, supported by stability and targeting quality,

expertise in offering quality security services has enabled

are recommended by our commitment towards full

it to get the ISO 9001-2000 certificate.

client satisfaction.â&#x20AC;? Mr Robert Muyango Mbaguta, Managing Director

Current activities cover all provinces of Rwanda. In addition to provision of armed and unarmed guarding services, it also installs electronic security systems

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda

(radio-alarms). It has an established high-tech security

Radio alarm is a preventive electronic security system, whe-

house for sale and display of various security gadgets.

reby when it is installed in the premises of the client, it is

Intersec Security is based on high-standard guards. A

a transmitter. In case of an intrusion, the transmitter sends

policy of total quality management is employed in

an encoded message to the control room operator, avai-

recruitment, training and deployment of security guards.

lable 24 hours a day. By use of operator radios, the nearest

Armed guards undergo similar training but later receive

intervention force vehicle is instructed to rush to the scene.

special firearms training. This training ensures that the

The maximum intervention time is 10 minutes.

electronically connected to a central control room through

guards achieve a high level of competence in the use of batons, handcuffs and firearms, which is essential when

Intersec has created a high-tech security house, located

carrying out crowd control work, apprehension and

at the newly renovated Imprimerie Nouvelle premises. Its

arrest if and when it is necessary.

main purpose is to display and sell security gadgets.

Intersec believes that supervision and client liaison are

KK SECURITY

two of the most important aspects of providing an effective security service. In order to maintain a high standard

Mr Lorenzo Bertolli

of performance and motivation, parades are held every

Managing Director

day throughout the year for all guards being deployed

PO Box 2006, Kigali

and in the presence of the manager on duty or a parti-

Tel: +250-08300872

cular unit officer. Parades ensure that guards are

Email: lorenzobertolli@kksecurity.com

correctly and neatly dressed and fit for work.

Website: www.kksecurity.com

A 10% reserve guard force is maintained at all times to

Activity: Security company

ensure replacement of guards who may suddenly fall sick

Date of Creation: 1994

or be absent for various reasons. KK is one of the largest security companies in East Africa. Assignment instructions are given to security guards by

It is also one of the oldest, having started in Mombassa

Intersec’s managers in conjunction with each client for

nearly 40 years ago. It is the market leader in Kenya,

every guard post. This ensures that the guard is fully con-

Rwanda, Tanzania and Eastern Congo.

versant with his or her duties and is monitored and updated accordingly. Relief guards (complétants) are also

KK Security has been operating since 1965. It was started

briefed on the assignment instructions before posting. In

as a guard company in Mombassa and later expanded

addition all guards are conversant with the standard ope-

into radio alarms and security products such as CCTV. It

rational procedures.

was bought by the current owners in 1993 and since then has expanded into other security areas.

Intersec Security Company guarantees its clients a pro rata basis of compensation in a proven incident caused

KK Security provides residential and commercial security in the built-up areas of East Africa. Its focus tends to

by negligence.

remain with large corporate clients who are tired of Intersec carries out surveys and recommends tailored

being neglected by their security supplier. It recognizes

security systems depending on the specific circumstances

that customers want a ‘hands-on’ approach by manage-

of clients. It also performs investigative studies in relation

ment. They want advice and recommendations, they

to crimes, especially burglary.

want to reduce their dependence on manned guarding, and they want a management team to motivate their guard force through training and reward.

230

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda For the large customer, KK Security has introduced its

Email: ombudsinfo@ombudsman.gov.rw

Security Management Team throughout East and Central

Website: www.ombudsman.gov.rw

Africa. This service fills the need for a specialized, dedicated team of professionals to concentrate on a specific

Activity: Justice

clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Security Management Teams are opera-

Date of Creation: 2004

tional in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. The Office of the Ombudsman was established in KK Security is one of the leaders in the provision of guard

November 2003, starting operations in January 2004

and alarm services in Kigali and throughout Rwanda.

with a clear mission: act as a link between the citizen and

Since its inception in 1994, KK has grown its branch and

public and private institutions, prevent and fight injustice,

service network to cover Butare, Gisenyi, Ruhengeri,

corruption and other related offences in public and pri-

Byumba, Cyangugu, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye and

vate administration, and receive and examine, in the afo-

Nyagatare. Customers include Kenyan, German, Swedish

rementioned context, complaints from individuals and

and British Embassies, DFID, ICRC, UNDP, WFP, WV,

independent associations against the acts of public offi-

Blarilwa, Fina Bank, Strabag and other corporate clients.

cials or organs and private institutions, and to mobilize these officials and institutions in order to find solutions to

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN OF RWANDA

such complaints if they are well founded.

Tito Rutaremara

Furthermore, the Ombudsman Office has the entrusted

Ombudsman

task to receive the faithful declaration of assets of all dif-

Avenue de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Umuganda, PO Box 6269, Kigali

ferent representatives of the official institutions, such as

Tel: +250-587308/9

the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, all

P U B L I C S E RV I C E S

eBizguides Rwanda

Senators and Deputies, the Generals and high-ranking

ensure that local authorities are efficiently proceeding in

officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces as well as of the

order to respond to any type of conflict or difficulty.

National Police, among a long list of public agents. This institution helps and advises local companies and The core objectives of the institution are building up and

individuals, but also provides great support to outsiders,

enhancing the system, allowing the Office to reach the

whether companies or individuals, such as entrepreneurs,

target of 90% problem solving. Actually, the results

land buyers, local employees working for private foreign

obtained during its short life are close to this goal, and

firms, and even those returning foreigners who once left

furthermore, it has taken root in the local population,

the country due to the genocide.

becoming the trusted and reliable entity it was meant to be and obtaining excellent results in sensitizing and trai-

“You have to come to Rwanda: this is the land of wel-

ning the community against corruption.

coming people and warranted security. You would have all the facilities with short procedures. There are all the

As for the years to come, the Ombudsman’s Office aims

best conditions for coming to Rwanda and staying for

to improve agents’ capacity-building, control official pro-

good.”

cedures to verify that legal voids are not taken for

Tito Rutaremara, Ombudsman

granted, enhance mediation to prevent corruption and

232

TOURISM

He who has travelled alone can say what he likes Rwandan proverb

233

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

OVERVIEW

and NGO leaders forming Rwanda’s Tourism Working Group has set the goal of generating US $100 million in

Rwanda’s tourism sector has been growing slowly but

tourism receipts in 2010 by focusing on creating high-

steadily since the disruption of 1994. The number of tou-

value and low environmental impact experiences for eco-

rists in 2005 was 26,000, a record since 1994. Tourism

travellers, explorers and business travellers. These three

receipts have grown as well and amounted to US $26

kinds of travellers have the following general attributes:

million in 2005. Rwanda has substantial advantages in the tourism sector: great natural beauty with its hills and

• Eco-travellers are interested in nature and in nature-

lakes, a high-altitude climate, a good road network and

based activities. They are interested in adding texture –

a secure environment and, of course, it has the famous

sounds, smells and feelings – to their knowledge of the

mountain gorillas in the Parc National des Volcans.

world’s rarest species and natural sites. Ecologically and

Tourism is also important to the country not only as a

culturally sensitive, eco-travellers want to be non-intru-

source of foreign exchange, but also as a source of

sive and leave nature intact.

employment (outside Kigali) and as a catalyst that could

• Explorers travel to edify themselves and to fit as many

help change the country’s misleading image as the land

new places and sensations as possible into a trip. They

of the 1994 genocide.

visit destinations where they can make ‘real connections

Taking Rwanda’s advantages and limitations into

phies and souvenirs to share with children and friends to

with the locals’ and from which they can bring back tro-

account, the Government has developed a strategy that

relive their adventures.

focuses on high-end eco-tourism and invites private

• Business travellers have little choice in their destina-

investment into developing the sector. As part of the

tions. Beyond completing their trip efficiently, they

Rwanda National Innovation and Competitiveness

appreciate the opportunity to add a pleasure leg to it.

Programme, a group of 40 private sector, public sector

They expect fast transport and reasonable hotels, with

Tourist office in Kigali

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda business amenities and reliable telecommunications to

• creating boating and water sports facilities on Lake

stay in touch with their base.

Kivu; • creating theme parks and other cultural and entertain-

Rwanda’s natural assets include six volcanoes, 23 lakes

ment centres in key regions;

and numerous rivers. Spectacular volcanoes and dense

• offering training in leisure and hospitality, in key areas

tropical forests dominate the north of the country, while

such as hotel management, tour guiding, customer ser-

there are hills and valleys, lakes and rivers, and savannah

vice, etc., for which there is a substantial demand.

as well as tropical vegetation in the rest of the country. The Parc National des Volcans in northern Rwanda is home to the world’s largest number of endangered

FDI STORY – INVESTING IN HOSPITALITY

mountain gorillas, who live in a protected area and can be viewed in their natural habitats at a fairly close range.

Novotel in Kigali is a three-star hotel owned by Soprotel,

670 different bird species have been recorded in Rwanda,

a holding company that is majority-owned by the

as have 100 orchid species in the Nyungwe Forest

Government of Libya (60%) in conjunction with the

National Park.

Government of Rwanda (40%). It is managed by the French company Accor, which operates some 4,000

The third park in Rwanda, the Akagera National Park, is

hotels around the world, with a presence in 90 countries.

a savannah park with typical wildlife – lion, giraffe, ele-

Accor hotels come in many categories, ranging from

phant, hippopotamus, hyena, impala, gazelle – but it has

Sofitel at the top through the mid-level Novotel and Suite

suffered from the resettlement of populations and the

Hotels to the two-star Ibis. Novotel in Kigali has been

wildlife is less plentiful than it once was. There are also

managed by Accor since 2001. It had a turnover in 2005

water bodies ideal for water sports and fishing, particu-

of approximately RWF 2.5 billion (around US $5 million).

larly Lake Kivu in the west and Lake Muhazi in the east.

The number of employees is currently 197, with only the

Lake Kivu also offers beautiful beaches, jutting penin-

general manager and the chef being expatriates. The

sulas and islands.

company makes a special effort to have its senior employees trained abroad.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Accor came to Rwanda in response to the management • Building new high-standard hotels, lodges and guest-

contract bids invited by the Government in 2001. The

houses in the six key tourism destinations outside Kigali

company assesses the investment environment as gene-

(Butare, Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, Muhazi, Nyungwe and

rally positive. It particularly values the Government’s

Akagera) with a capacity to handle over 100 visitors, in

commitment to creating an investment-friendly environ-

particular the construction of an eco-lodge that blends

ment. Like most foreign companies in Rwanda, however,

well with the forest environment at Nyungwe;

Accor is concerned at the lack of improvement in the

• refurbishing and upgrading the existing hotels, lodges

energy sector, with consequent need for expensive back-

and restaurants in all the key tourist destinations, in par-

up generators, and the inadequacies of training in the

ticular the Kibuye Guest House, strategically located at

workforce. Taxation is one area in which the company

the shores of Lake Kivu;

has seen notable improvement, although tax administra-

• building a modern hotel at Nyanza, where the Nyanza

tion continues to be a problem. The biggest challenge for

Royal Palace, the seat of the former kings, is situated, to

the company has been dealing with the high cost and

cater to tourists who wish to understand the traditional

unreliable supply of electricity.

ways of life during pre-colonial Rwanda; • creating zoological and botanical gardens in major

As for future plans, the company is interested in privati-

urban centres such as Kigali, Butare, Ruhengeri and

zation opportunities. It would also be interested in bid-

Gisenyi, targeting the general public as well as tourists;

ding for some of the Government’s share in Soprotel if it

235

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

were to come on the market. Rwandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership of

The company operates three brand new Robinson (R44)

the East African Community is viewed positively by

helicopters with an approved maintenance organization

Accor, as it expects that EAC membership will have a

(AMO) facility and flight crews with extensive air force

positive impact, for example on tax rates.

and charter flying experience.

MAIN COMPANIES

Akagera Aviation provides a wide range of services from fast, efficient, comfortable and convenient transport for

AKAGERA AVIATION

business trips, to incomparable tours over the land of a thousand hills, providing unrivalled views for aerial pho-

Mr Innocent Mupenzi

tography that would delight multimedia professionals, to

Managing Director

original social events such as an affordable, high-

Kigali International Airport

powered wedding, or even flight training to fulfil your

PO Box 6619, Kigali

adventurous dreams or even to open up a lifetime of

Tel: +250-520927

opportunities with a career in commercial aviation.

Fax: +250-520928 Email: office@akageraviation.com

An essential activity of the company is flight training,

Website: www.akageraviation.com

which provides students with the highest standards of compatible training available internationally. Akagera is

Activity: Transport

regionally recognized as a first-class training organization.

Akagera Aviation was established in 2004, taking its

Akagera Aviation offers a diverse range of pilot training

name from the splendid region of Akagera National Park,

catering for all levels of flying interests. It has full-time

which is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty.

dedicated instructors who maintain excellent rapport

The company stands out as the pioneer company in

with the individual students, from introductory lessons,

Rwandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s civil aviation industry, providing business and

by the hour building, hobby and professional licences as

tourist travel, as well as professional flight training ser-

well as advanced training based on an approved syllabus

vices at Kigali International Airport.

that leads up to a commercial licence. It is proud to say

Whether it is for business or pleasure Akagera Aviation can get you anywhere around in no time and enjoying Rwanda's breathtaking landscapes

236

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda that some graduates now fly business people, tourists,

AKAGERA GAME LODGE

photo-journalists and corporate customers throughout the region.

Hatari Saidi Sekoko Principal Director

Kigali International Airport is equipped with modern navi-

Jean Paul B. Nsengiyumva

gation facilities including ILS, VOR, NDB and DME and is

Acting Managing Director

open 24 hours a day assuring the perfect environment

East Province,

for training.

PO Box 2280, Kigali

Whether the customer desires to fly with a private pilot’s

Fax: +250-567808

Tel: +250-567805

licence or turn flying into his or her new business path,

Email: akagelodge@rwanda1.com

the company’s main objective is to achieve customers’

Website: www.rwanda-akagera-game-lodge.com

aspirations in a friendly and professional atmosphere guaranteeing that flying with Akagera will always be

Activity: Hotel resort

flying for pleasure.

Date of Creation: 1978 Employees: 60

“Whenever you arrive in Rwanda, even if you have a

Turnover: RWF 168 million

short stay, contact us to discover the virgin country on a tour of the thousand hills in helicopters with Akagera

The Akagera Game Lodge is located in the north-east of

Aviation!”

Rwanda within the breathtaking 90,000ha of the

Mr Innocent Mupenzi, Managing Director

Akagera National Park and the Ihema Lake, overlooking the Tanzanian border. Established nearly 30 years ago,

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

the hotel is entirely owned by local businesspeople and

of top local personalities as well as a Government mee-

managed by a young experienced manager whose back-

ting point for its yearly retreat week.

ground in Intercontinental and Serena hotels ensures the highest international standards.

The hotel is additionally improving its services and is soon

The hotel has a wide range of accommodation with 60

can also enjoy sauna facilities and massage services, a

to open a fully equipped gymnasium, where customers

rooms and studio suites, private apartments and new cot-

brand new bar alongside the swimming pool, and is

tages with state-of-the art facilities that rival the world-

already offering boat trips around the lake from its brand

recognized Kenyan country houses. Akagera Hotel pro-

new pier and modern boat.

vides customers with all facilities: the Shoebill Restaurant and its international cuisine as well as the Elephant Bar

As if the hotel facilities and comforts were not enough,

and Lounge offer visitors a comfortable atmosphere,

the surrounding location within the Akagera National

whether they prefer the indoor lounge or enjoy the wide

Park places visitors in the purest nature, sharing the

terrace overlooking the just renewed outdoor swimming

breathtaking environment with wildlife such as giraffes,

pool and the lake.

elephants, hippopotamus, buffalos, zebras, and so much

Furthermore, the Game Lodge is an idyllic environment

ching, with over 500 species to discover.

more, including the most favourite activity, bird wat-

for companies and groups looking to organize meetings, conferences or private events, for which three types of

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you come to Rwanda do not miss the great opportu-

conference rooms are available, ranging from a capacity

nity to come to Akagera: we have all you may need to

of 50 people or 20 people to a board room for 10 people;

rest in the African savanna!â&#x20AC;?

it is no surprise that the resort is the selected destination

Hatari Saidi Sekoko, Principal Director

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

HOTEL CHEZ LANDO

There are also bungalows especially for travellers and

Kantengwa Anne Marie

Chez Lando offers free shuttles to and from the airport

Manager

for hotel guests.

consultants looking for a quiet place to work from. Hotel

PO Box 1519, Kigali Tel: +250-582050

It offers two restaurants to choose from, a popular local

Fax: +250-584380

dance club, a children’s playground and business centre

Email: info@chezlando.com

with Internet connection and printing. Enjoy the serenity

Website: www.hotelchezlando.com

and privacy of your quarters, tucked away in a remote area of the Chez Lando gardens, or step into the social

Activity: Hotel

life of its popular dining and dance areas.

This quaint garden-style hotel is located just five minutes

Hotel Chez Lando is the quietest place to work from for

from Kigali International Airport and is right on the way

consultants, businesspeople, and others needing to work

to the heart of town.

in a quiet and convivial place

Hotel Chez Lando has 52 quaint rooms with individual

HOTEL DES MILLE COLLINES

patios. Whether you stay in one of the bungalow-style villas or in the main building with views of the gardens or

Mr Patrick Knipping

of the rolling hills of Kigali you will feel at home and

General Manager

surrounded by beauty.

Avenue de l’Armée PO Box 1322 , Kigali

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

Tel: +250-576530

Fax: +250-501716

Fax: +250-576541

Email: gorillahotel@rwandatel.com

Email: info@millecollines.net

Website: www.hotelgorillas.com

Website: www.millecollines.net Activity: Hotel Activity: Hotel Date of Creation: 1973

Hotel Gorillas is between a three- and four-star hotel. It

Employees: 137 and 20 trainees (Dec. 2006)

is situated in Kiyovu in the heart of the embassy district. The hotel is only 1km from the centre of Kigali. Set

The Mille Collines is a four-star hotel with a fine setting

amidst the pristine and splendid hills of Kigali, Hotel

and personalized service situated in a large exotic garden

Gorillas is the dream destination of the discerning trave-

in downtown Kigali. Since 15th September 2005 the Hotel

ller. Majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, lush green

has been part of Mikor Hotels and by the end of 2006 it

forests, wildlife sanctuaries and the unique mountain

will have undergone renovations in all the rooms, the

gorillas give Rwanda its exclusive charm and beauty.

extension of the lobby with a lobby jazz bar and a disco. Hotel Gorilla’s perfect location is extremely advantageous The 112 exclusive rooms and executive suites with balcony

to every business or leisure traveller. For the corporate

all have a private bathroom, electronic safe, direct tele-

flyer, it is the right altitude to have a bird’s eye view into

phone, satellite and movie channels, mini-bar and PC

the future. Just as appealing are the elegant and well-fur-

hook-up. Four fully equipped conference rooms offer the

nished rooms – complete to the smallest detail, for com-

optimum conditions for seminars and banquets for up to

fort at its finest.

250 people. There are 31 charming rooms and all the modern faciliEnjoy culinary delights and international cuisine in the

ties associated with a three- to four-star hotel. Each room

top floor restaurant Le Panorama with its magnificent

has a phone with direct international dialling, satellite

view over Kigali. The Pool Bar is the daily meeting place

television and hot water 24 hours a day. A courteous and

for local residents and international travellers. At Stan’s

efficient shuttle service to and from the airport is avai-

Bar you can choose from a wide range of international

lable upon request. The room rates vary from US $55 for

drinks and cocktails. A live band will entertain you with

the single standard to US $85 for the double deluxe

all styles of music on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Pool

room.

Bar and in Stan’s Bar on Fridays and Saturdays. Together with personalized, proficient and warm service, The hotel offers the world-famous swimming pool, a fit-

the hotel also has an elegant and popular restaurant and

ness room as well as a floodlit tennis court. A few minutes

grill called Le Dos Argente (or Silverback).

from the hotel is the golf club Source du Nil. The hotel has

book from anywhere with an Internet connection.

KENYA WINE AGENCIES LTD (KWAL) / RWANDA DUTY FREE

HOTEL GORILLAS

Gerald Makau Masila

developed an online booking service that will allow you to

Managing Director Dimitri

Jeremia Kamencu Mung’athia,

Manager

Rwanda Duty Free Executive

Rue des Parcs

PO Box 40550-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

PO Box 1782, Kiyovu

Kigali International Airport, PO Box 7280, Kigali

Tel: +250-501717/8

Tel: +254-20530566 / +250-519763

240

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda Fax: +254-20652045 / +250-519763 Email: masila@kwal.co.ke jeremymungathia@yahoo.com

Activity: Travel retail – duty free shops Date of Creation: 1996 – Kenya, 2003 – Rwanda

KWAL, established in 1996 as a majority Governmentowned company shared with over 100 private investors, has already started the privatization process, identifying new prospectors and partners. Known in Rwanda for its subsidiary Rwanda Duty Free at Kigali’s International Airport, this Kenyan company has also developed its own factory in order to produce its own brand products. Furthermore the company imports worldwide products, which it bottles in its plant, as well as Tetrabrik

packa-

ging, trading over 90% of the products produced in the region and manufacturing them, such as the recent packaging contract with Coca-Cola. Likewise KWAL’s distribution centre covers the entire Kenyan territory as well as Uganda, and is now opening up Rwanda and is soon to enter Tanzania, expanding throughout the region and the COMESA area.

For KWAL to enter Rwanda’s market was an opportunity since there was no duty-free outlet and its strategic location as travel hub in the Great Lakes region offered a dual consumer market reaching travellers and diplomats on a consumer basis.

The Rwanda Duty Free Shop, located at Kigali International Airport departure lounge, is open seven days a week to departing passengers, the diplomatic community in Rwanda and the duty-free privileged personnel. This duty-free outlet has the single-minded objective to promote Rwanda as the travel destination in the

Rwanda has 12 species of higher primates, including the mountain gorilla

Great Lakes region by providing the finest, most elegant and economical duty-free shopping in the world compa-

“Rwanda’s location opens up a tremendous regional

rable to the best in Europe and the world.

market that is still to expand within the COMESA and

Rwanda Duty Free offers a wide range of different types

structure and is already providing investors a safe envi-

of duty-free items, which include perfumes, electronics,

ronment: it’s an undeniable opportunity.”

chocolates, confectionery, souvenirs, cigarettes, cigars

Gerald Makau Masila, Managing Director

EAC area. The country is rapidly developing all infra-

and a selected wide range of wines and spirits among a variety of many other offerings.

241

TOURISM

KIGALI SERENA HOTEL

eBizguides Rwanda The Kigali Serena Hotel is located in Kigali city centre, at the ambassadorial and commercial heart of the city, and repre-

Mr Mugo W. Maringa

sents the meeting point for diplomats and businesspeople.

Country Manager Rue de la Revolution,

The facilities of the hotel include 104 air-conditioned

PO Box 7469, Kigali

rooms, ranging from deluxe rooms and luxury studio suites

Tel: +250-597100

to the presidential suite, a gymnasium, the outdoor swim-

Fax: +250-597101

ming pool surrounded by the hotel’s garden and the open-

Email: mmaringa@serena.co.rw

air Banana Jam Restaurant–Bar, a business centre, a hair-

Website: www.serenahotels.com

dresser and a press and gift shop. Furthermore, the Diplomat’s Restaurant offers an elegant ambiance for all-

Activity: Tourism

day business meals, and the Lounge Bar, whether in the terrace, the lounge or the bar, delivers the perfect atmos-

Since February 2007 Serena Group of Hotels has incorpo-

phere for breakaways, entertained all evenings by live

rated the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel in its group, owned

piano music.

and operated by the Tourism Promotion Services (TPS), an arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development

Moreover, the hotel offers modern business facilities,

(AKFED), with over 37 years of experience in hotel busi-

ranging from two conference rooms, accommodating

ness and aiming to contribute to Rwanda’s economic

400 to 600 delegates each, and meeting rooms to an

growth in an environmentally and culturally sensitive

executive boardroom, all of which is supported by admi-

manner.

nistrative and business services, including Wifi Internet access within the hotel area.

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda Expansion plans for this paradise hotel in the country of

Email: donieki@serena.co.rw

the thousand hills include the construction of 50 addi-

Website: www.serenahotels.com

tional guest bedrooms, a modern health and fitness centre, as well as a general upgrade of the overall hotel

Activity: Tourism

facilities. Lake Kivu Hotel is the second Rwandan hotel incorpoThe integration of the Kigali Serena Hotel to the Serena

rated to the Serena Group of Hotels in 2007. It is located

Group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well known in the hotel industry for being res-

in the countryside by the city of Gisenyi, on the shores of

ponsible hotel operators who care for the physical, social

Lake Kivu, the sixth-largest lake in Africa, close to the

and economic environment of the areas where it is ope-

border with Democratic Republic of Congo and nearby

rating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will be a catalyst for increased investment in the

Virunga Volcanoes.

industry and traditional partners of the group will continue to partner with Serena in this new virgin and flourishing outstanding country.

The hotel, ideally situated on a sandy beach, offers a wide range of accommodation possibilities, with 66 airconditioned rooms, of which 36 are superior rooms, 23

LAKE KIVU SERENA HOTEL

family rooms, 6 luxury suites, and 1 room fully equipped for disabled guests.

Mr Dixon Ondieki Managing Director

The resort facilities include the Kivu Sands open-air res-

PO Box 7469, Kigali

taurant, where every meal can be enjoyed facing the pea-

Tel: +250-541101

ceful view of the lake, the Lake View bar and terrace, ser-

Fax: +250-541102

ving light meals and entertained with live music on the

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

weekends, an outdoor swimming pool, two tennis courts

Fax: +250-582957

and a gym. Furthermore, Lake Kivu Serena offers busi-

Email: h3410@accor.com

ness facilities as well as a board room and three confe-

Website: www.novotel.com

rence rooms, offering the possibility to hold business meetings, cocktails and banquets.

Activity: Hotel

Expansion plans for this haven of peace include the deve-

This four-star hotel is placed on top of one of the nume-

lopment of the resort into a top-quality spa facility, maxi-

rous hills in Kigali, and it is surrounded by a nice botanical

mizing its scenic lakeside location while implementing

garden, 5km from Kigali city centre and 7km from the

the Serena Group eco-awareness policy.

international airport.

The Serena Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental policy enhances the

The hotel features 98 rooms and 4 meeting rooms as well

corporation as the acknowledged leader of the hotel

as a terrace, shuttle and car park. Novotel rooms provide

industry, integrating business strategies within nature

modern comfort, a unique feeling of spaciousness and

and community developments, including: the use of local

contemporary decor for both business and leisure travel.

materials, skills and labour, eco-friendly architecture,

The four meeting rooms have a maximum capacity of

waste recycling, pollution reduction and non-CFC use,

300 people.

solar and wind generation, low energy devices and heat recovery systems.

Additionally the hotel offers a business centre and a bank. Among the shops, the gift shop specializes in arts

NOVOTEL KIGALI UMUBANO

and crafts, and the bakery offers a wide range of French pastries as well as home-made jams. The wide range of

Mr Marc Bessodes

dishes of the daily buffet enables its customers to choose

Managing Director

from different combinations and different prices, as well

Boulevard de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Umuganda,

as the well-known Sunday Brunch. In the Jambo Jambo

PO Box 8740, Kigali

Bar people can have a snack while they enjoy some

Tel: +250-582179/176/177/178

musical entertainment. View from Serena Lake Kivu Hotel

244

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda The hotel claims to have the best fitness centre in town,

The office is a parastatal with administrative and financial

but customers can also choose to go for a swim in the

autonomy, guided by six board members and a chairman.

swimming pool or enjoy some time in the sauna. For tennis lovers there are a number of tennis courts and les-

The Board Secretary also serves as the Director General of

sons available for beginners to more experienced players.

ORTPN and all board members are appointed by

ORTPN (OFFICE RWANDAIS DU TOURISME ET DES PARCS NATIONAUX)

• national parks management and conservation; • the promotion of tourism and cultural heritage;

Ms Rosette Chantal Rugamba

ments.

Parliament. Its key responsibilities are:

• the development and management of sites and monu-

Director General 1 Boulevard de la Revolution,

Park fees, Government subsidies and grants from part-

PO Box 905, Kigali

ners and donors finance the running of the Office.

Tel: +250-576514

ORTPN pursues its tasks in close collaboration with its

Fax: +250-576515

NGO partners and the private sector, in matters of con-

Email: rosetterwandatourism@rwanda1.com

servation and in promoting tourism.

Website: www.rwandatourism.com / www.ortpn.gov.rw Given the growing importance of tourism at both Activity: Tourism office

national and international levels, the Government is currently in the process of restructuring ORTPN in order to encourage a more focused and dynamic approach to tourism promotion and conservation management.

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

PRIMATE SAFARIS LTD

time workforce of 22 employees including 10 profes-

Mr Joseph Birori

sizeable fleet of specially converted 4x4 jeeps.

sional driver-guides and 2 gorilla trackers, all backed by a

Managing Director Avenue de la Paix,

Primate Safaris and other stakeholders are involved in the

PO Box 4156, Kigali

promotion of eco-tourism activities to help develop

Tel: +250-503428/9

revenue for local, national and regional economies after

Fax: +250-574513

so many years of turmoil. It strongly believes that Rwanda

Email: primatesafaris@rwanda1.com / office@primatesa-

has a bright future ahead as a major tourist destination

faris-rwanda.com

and wants to invite tourists from all around the world to

Website: www.primatesafaris-rwanda.com

come and enjoy its natural beauties: its mysterious jungles filled with rare flora and fauna and the world of free-

Activity: Tourism

living primates.

Employees: 22 Date of Creation: 2000

Primate Safaris caters for the traveller bored with mass tourism, seeking an exclusive, highly enlightening and

An owner-managed company, Primate Safaris was

enjoyable eco-tourism experience. Primate Safaris invites

founded in 2000 by Mr Joseph Birori upon his return

you to meet the mountain gorillas, our ancestors sharing

from a long political exile in Kenya. He is now operating

some 97% of our DNA, in their natural habitat, the ver-

in Rwanda, his homeland, and is a highly experienced,

dant jungle and misty mountains of Rwanda. The specia-

multilingual tour operator with a combined experience of

list eco-friendly trekking safaris, led by professional

over 30 years in Eastern Africa. Mr Birori now has a full-

guides and with no detail overlooked, provide the ulti-

For once in a lifetime experience Primate Safaris will provide you a time you will never forget. Primate Safaris equipment and team will definatly get Rwanda to your heart

246

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda mate once-in-a-lifetime experience. The company offers

Silverback’s Adventures is owned and operated by John

eight-, five- and four-day itineraries, but alternative

Kayihura, former director and co-founder of Primate

options can be tailored to suit individual needs.

Safaris, who brings to the Rwandan tourism industry expertise in promotion and execution of tourism services,

“Rwanda has an amazing potential as a tourist destina-

vast knowledge and experience, especially in ground

tion. I would tell investors to come and make the most

handling operations.

of these great investment and business opportunities and help us show the world our beautiful country.”

He has had a life-long passion for travel and adventure

Mr Joseph Birori, Managing Director

and a successful career in the travel and tourism industry in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. In Silverback’s

SILVERBACK’S ADVENTURES

Adventures he is backed by a highly qualified and expe-

John Kayihura

the flora, fauna and the regional culture.

rienced staff of drivers and guides who are familiar with

CEO Avenue des Mille Collines,

Silverback’s Adventures is a member of the Rwanda

PO Box 3852, Kigali

Tours and Travel Association (RTTA), a national associa-

Tel: +250-08304066 / 08520103 / 08483555

tion currently also led by Mr Kayihura and committed to

Email: info@gorillatrackers.com

maintaining the highest possible standards in tourism,

Website: www.silverbacksadventures.rw

transportation and guiding services.

Activity: Travel and adventure

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda Silverback’s offers a large variety of tours and itineraries,

VOLCANOES SAFARIS

mainly through the Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park.

Boaz Tumwesigye

“Come to Rwanda, learn about reconciliation and see a

C/o Hotel des Mille Collines,

Manager

country come back to life.”

PO Box 1322, Kigali

John Kayihura, CEO

Tel: +250-502452 / 76530 ext. 2513 Fax: +250-576541

THOUSAND HILLS

Email: salesrw@volcanoessafaris.com

Jacqui Sebageni

Activity: Travel

General Manager Hotel des Mille Collines,

Volcanoes Safaris is a unique safari company that has

PO Box 3090, Kigali

been creating magical journeys to the very heart of Africa

Tel: +250-504330 / 08351000 / 08301616

since 1997. Its wildlife safaris explore the forgotten trea-

Fax:+250-504354

sures of the Great Western Rift Valley on the borders of

Email: Jacqui@thousandhills.rw

Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Congo. In these stun-

Activity: Travel

some of the great game of Africa and hundreds of ama-

ning areas live the mountain gorilla, the chimpanzee,

zing birds. Thousand Hills is a Rwandan-owned company. Its directors have extensive experience in the travel and tourism

Today Volcanoes is one of the best gorilla safari compa-

industry in countries as far apart as Kenya, US, Germany

nies in the world. Its expertise and knowledge of moun-

and Canada. But the intimate knowledge of their

tain gorilla safaris is unrivalled. The journeys revolve

common country, Rwanda, is what makes the difference

around the unique eco-lodges it has created near three

on the ground.

gorilla parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda.

This company is at the forefront of tourism revival in Rwanda and is totally committed to its preservation and

Volcanoes will also offer safaris to see the great apes in

conservation. Thousand Hills has the product knowledge,

the neighbouring Congo Basin countries as these open

a highly qualified team, and a love for the country that

for tourism.

makes the company a reliable travel organizer. The company is very concerned with the protection of These are the main tours offered by Thousand Hills:

the primates in Africa and is initiating partnership pro-

• Lake Kivu combined with gorilla tracking;

jects to contribute to protect the apes.

• birdwatching excursions; • 18-hole golf course in Kigali, 9-hole golf course in Ruhengeri; • Kigali City tour and Genocide Memorial; • Nyanza Palace and National Museum; • Akagera National Park; • golden monkey tracking in the Volcanoes National Park; • Crater Lake picnic, Ruhengeri; • tailor-made tours.

249

TOURISM

eBizguides Rwanda

250

LEISURE

The rich man never dances badly Rwandan proverb

251

LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda

OVERVIEW

will play a pivotal role in fostering the economic infrastructure and prosperity that will nurture future political

Rwanda today is a renascent nation, a country in an

stability.

advanced stage of rehabilitation, and one looking to a brighter future. The high level of political stability and

CULTURE

peace since 1995 has encouraged the repatriation of millions of refugees, while the main instigators of the

FOOD AND DRINKS

genocide are being tried at the Arusha Tribunal in Tanzania and in the Gacaca courts in Rwanda. The vic-

Rwandan food is neither spicy nor hot. People eat simple

tims of the genocide have been laid to rest in mass graves

meals made with locally grown ingredients. The

whose frank austerity affirms the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to

Rwandan diet consists mainly of sweet potatoes, beans,

openly confront the recent past without extracting undue

corn, peas, millet and fruit. A traditional breakfast con-

political mileage from its role in ending the genocide.

sists of sweet potatoes and porridge, which is a mixture

During its tenure in power, the RPF has placed strong

areas such as Kigali, people usually have bread and tea

emphasis on reconciliation, and has largely succeeded in

for breakfast. Rwandans add lots of milk and sugar to

forging a sense of national, rather than ethnic, identity in

their tea.

of sorghum, corn and millet, mixed with milk. In urban

Rwanda. The autocratic and divisive political structures that formerly denied minorities a meaningful political

Lunch and dinner may consist of boiled beans, bananas,

voice have been replaced, for instance with the imple-

sweet potatoes or cassava. Umutsima (a dish of cassava

mentation of cellular councils that involve local commu-

and corn), isombe (cassava leaves with aubergine and

nities in important decisions at grassroots level.

spinach) and mizuzu (fried plantains) are common dishes.

Furthermore, although poverty remains endemic to

Dinner is the heaviest meal. Between meals, Rwandans

Rwanda, as it does to most other African countries, eco-

often snack on fruits. Tropical fruits such as avocados,

nomic liberalization and civil stability have stimulated a

bananas, mangos and papaya are abundant in Rwanda.

consistently high annual economic growth rate since

Roadside vendors in urban areas sell roasted corn and

1995, and today there is a tangible economic buzz about

barbecued meat.

Rwanda that bodes well for its long-term future. Tourism

252

LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda Rwandans who live in rural areas rarely eat meat. Some families have cattle, but since cattle are considered a status symbol, people seldom slaughter them for meat. Many Rwandans in rural areas eat meat only once or twice a month and some Rwandan children suffer from protein deficiency. In urban areas meat is more plentiful. The most popular meats are beef and chicken. People who live near lakes may catch and eat fish. Tilapia and sambaza are raised on fish farms.

Many Rwandan men enjoy drinking beer, but women rarely drink alcohol in any form. Although Rwanda has a large commercial brewery, many people make their own beer and alcoholic beverages, using sorghum, corn or fermented plantains. Ikigage is a locally brewed alcoholic drink made from dry sorghum and urwarwa is brewed from plantains. Traditionally, people drink beer through straws from a single large container

Music and dance play an important role in the traditions of all Rwanda's peoples

women as well as emulating the movement of cattle.

As in all African countries, be careful with ice. Try to always get

Cattle are a form of wealth in Rwandan and Burundian culture.

your drinks chilled, so ice is not Rwandan dancing was first introduced to the Western

necessary.

public through the movie King Solomon’s Mines (1950). Soon after, a dance craze called ‘The Watusi’ loosely

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

based on the Intore swept America. Rwandan dancing, however, is performed by all three of Rwanda’s ethnic

Music and Dance

groups: Hutu, Tutsi and Twa.

The music of Rwanda largely consists of African folk

From the Ikinimba through the Imishayayo to the Intore,

music sung by its people. Due to socio-military unrest and

men dance to show courage and authority, while women

violence, many Rwandans have moved overseas in recent

dance to show love and care.

years, bringing their country’s music to cities like Brussels. The ikinimba is probably the most revered musical tradi-

Ikinimba is part of the traditional courtship ritual. It is

tion in Rwanda. It is a dance that tells the stories of

danced by men and unmarried women. When a woman

Rwandan heroes and kings, accompanied by instruments

marries, she may no longer participate in the dance, but

like ingoma, ikembe, iningiri, umuduri and inanga. The

men may perform the dance after they are married.

inanga, a lyre-like string instrument, has produced many of Rwanda’s best-known performers internationally,

Art and Literature

including Sentore, Maitre de Rujindiri, Kirusu, Sebatunzi, Rwandans produce many beautiful crafts. Women weave

Sophie and Victor Kabarira.

baskets and mats from banana leaves, grasses and papyThe male dance, known as Intore in the Kinyarwanda lan-

rus fibres. Geometrical designs, usually in black, white

guage, was traditionally a dance of warriors. The female

and red, are often woven into these objects. It is conside-

dance, on the other hand, is often compared to ballet. It

red a sign of wealth and status to own many decorated

is meant to show the grace and beauty of Rwandan

baskets and mats. In addition to these objects, women

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eBizguides Rwanda

make practical items from banana leaves, such as pot

Very little literature has been written in Kinyarwanda, but

holders and the coils that they put on their heads to sup-

a number of authors have written books in French. Alexis

port burdens. Men do woodcarving and make drums,

Kagame (1912–81) was a clergyman, historian, ethnolo-

pipes for smoking, stools, knife handles, bowls and jugs.

gist and philosopher who researched the oral history of Rwanda and published several volumes of poetry and

Many traditional musical instruments are played in

Rwandan mythology. J. Saverio Naigiziki wrote an auto-

Rwanda. Stringed instruments such as the lulunga (an

biography, Escapade rwandaise (Rwandan Adventure)

eight-stringed instrument similar to a harp) accompany

and a novel, L’Optimiste (The Optimist), about the

singing and dancing. The mbira or kalimba is a thumb-

marriage of a Hutu man and a Tutsi woman. Yollande

piano. Flutes are made from reeds. Drums are very impor-

Mukagasana, a Rwandan writer who survived the geno-

tant in Rwandan music and drummers often play in

cide and now lives in Europe, has written two books, La

groups of seven to nine. The drums are of different sizes

mort ne veut pas de moi (Death Doesn’t Want Me) and

and each produces a distinct tone. Together, the drum-

N’aie pas peur de savoir (Don’t Be Afraid to Know), about

mers produce a complex rhythm.

her experiences.

Rwanda also has a rich tradition of stories and folklore.

Sports and Recreation

Storytelling and public speaking are much admired and good storytellers are honoured. Many stories have a mes-

Football is very popular in Rwanda. The top three teams

sage and were once used to teach values such as coope-

are Rayon Sport, Kiyovu Sportif and the Rwanda Patriotic

ration or generosity. Other stories tell of the exploits of

Army team. Rwandans keenly follow football games,

heroes or the suffering caused by evil spirits.

either by attending the matches or by listening to them on the radio. Men get together for informal games and

Basket weave

children enjoy kicking and running after balls made of leaves held together with twine. There are a few football clubs for adult women in cities such as Kigali.

Some Rwandans are very fast runners. From a young age, children compete in running and high jumping. Recreational wrestling is another favourite pastime. Some Rwandans who live near the lakes enjoy swimming. Rwandan children play games such as hide and seek, skipping and hopscotch.

Mancala is a traditional board game enjoyed by Rwandans. It is played with 48 dried peas and a specially made board, with two rows of six hollowed-out cups. Some boards have a cup at each end for keeping captured peas. At the beginning of the game, all the peas are distributed in the cups. In turn, each player picks up the peas in one cup and distributes them sequentially in the other cups. Players try to capture as many peas as possible during this process, but the rules of capture vary. Igisoro, a more complex version of the game, uses a table with 32 hollowed-out cups, in four rows of eight.

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda Other traditional pastimes include reciting poetry and

KIGALI AREA

telling stories. Poetry recitations are generally held at wedding ceremonies. Most Rwandan stories tell of the

Located at Rwanda’s geographical heart, the rapidly gro-

heroism of kings and ancestors.

wing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country’s most important business centre and main

Special events, such as births, weddings and harvests, are

port of entry. Serviced by an efficient international airport

occasions for music and dancing. Rwanda has a national

and connected to neighbouring Uganda, Tanzania and

radio station and most people have access to a radio.

Burundi by surfaced roads, Kigali City boasts a range of

Rwandans enjoy listening to American rock music,

hotels catering to all tastes and budgets, and an assort-

Caribbean reggae, and Zairian and Kenyan pop music.

ment of fine restaurants whose menus reflect the country’s historical links with Belgium – while also embra-

Cinema

cing numerous other international cuisines.

Welcome to ‘Hillywood’! The Rwanda Film Festival,

Despite such concessions to modernity, Kigali City retains

which is celebrating its fourth year in 2007, is the work

the feel of a garden city, with a satisfyingly organic shape

of Rwandan young people who work around the clock to

dictated by the verdant slopes over which it sprawls. The

make films that not only create a positive platform of

compact, low-rise city centre surrounds a busy, colourful

‘enlightment and infotainment’ but also one that contri-

market, and is studded with souvenir stalls displaying a

butes to capacity-building and the sociocultural and eco-

wide range of lovingly executed local crafts. The atmos-

nomic development of Rwanda. The Rwanda Cinema

pheric Muslim quarter abutting the city centre is well

Centre supports this wonderful idea and hopes that these

worth a visit, and you can also explore the network of

efforts will continue for the brighter future of Rwanda,

leafy avenues that wind out of the town centre into the

the young people and the Rwandan community.

surrounding residential suburbs.

Among the safest and friendliest of African capitals, Kigali City is blessed with a moderate high-altitude climate that

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eBizguides Rwanda

belies its tropical location, and is conveniently located

the Okapi Hotel, a short walk from the market square.

within three hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive of the main tourist sites. The

Close to the airport and slightly cheaper is Hotel Chez

Rwandan capital provides both a comfortable and welco-

Lando, which offers very pretty and comfortable chalet-

ming introduction to this land of a thousand hills and an

style accommodation. The Hotel Beau Sejor, newly ope-

ideal springboard from which to explore this magical

ned, is already earning a reputation for great service at a

country.

competitive price. Be aware that since late 2005,

KIGALI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY PLAN (KEDS)

business in Kigali has picked up, there are a lot of conferences being held in the city and tourism has also accelerated strongly, the-

This plan was devised to reduce poverty and create a framework to implement specific programmes and projects, as the last master plan in Kigali is over 20 years old. In

refore we do recommend that you book your hotel room in advance, well before arriving in Kigali, as you risk not finding one.

order to reduce poverty, jobs must be created. Inevitably, Kigali must build a foundation to be competitive in the global economy. The plan outlines a number of areas for

Hotel Intercontinental

development and investment: womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in

PO Box 7469, Kigali

the economy, land reform, infrastructure, small business,

Tel: +250-597100

industry, tourism, and information technology. KEDS also

Fax: +250-597101

outlines the need to create key agencies, such as an

Email: adminich@rwanda1.com

Office of Economic Development, and identify stakeholK igali Se rena Hotel

ders.

PO Box 7469, Kigali

WHERE TO STAY

Tel +250-597100 Fax: +250-597101

There are two top hotels in Kigali, the Novotel Umubano Hotel situated in the administrative quarter and the Hotel

Hotel des Mille Collines

des Mille Collines in the centre of Kigali. Both have out-

PO Box 1322, Kigali

door swimming pools, tennis courts and money changing

Tel: +250-576530

facilities. Recently the Gorillas Hotel has been opened

Fax: +250-576541

with a more family atmosphere. Also in the city centre is

Email: info@millecollines.net

Kigali city centre

Hotel Windsor Umubano PO Box 874, Kigali Tel: +250-582176 / 582177 Fax: +250-582178 Email: umubano1@rwanda1.com

Hotel Chez La ndo PO Box 1519, Kigali Tel: +250-582050 / 84328 Fax: +250-584380 Email: lando@rwanda1.com / chezlando@hotmail.com

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda Hote l Baobab

Kiga li Hotel

PO Box 1406, Kigali

Tel: +250-575643

Tel: +250-575633 / 573281

Fax: +250-574542

Fax: +250-571408 Email: baobabhot@rwanda1.com

Guest Hous e Ituze Tel: +250-584289

Hote l Gorilla s PO Box 1782, Kigali

Volcano Hotel

Rue des Parcs, Kiyavu, Kigali

PO Box 479, Kigali

Tel: +250-501717 / 501716

Tel: +250-572452

Email: gorillashotel@hotmail.com Hotel Panafrique Hote l Isimbi

Tel: +250-572082

PO Box 1163, Kigali Tel: +250-572578 / 572581

Hotel La Mise

Fax: +250-575109

Tel: +250-578369

Email: isimbi@hotmail.com Motel Ik aze Hote l Ninzi Hill

PO Box 2365, Kigali

Tel: +250-587712 / 587713

Tel: +250-573655

Fax: +250-587716 Email: ninzi@rwanda1.com

Motel La Vedette Tel: +250-573575 Kigali Serena Hotel is located in the commercial heart of Kigali

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda

Aube rge La Regence

quoise waters of Lake Muhazi. The Boulevard is an exclu-

PO Box 3400, Kigali

sive lakeside residential domicile with an 18-hole golf course; an exclusive members only golf and country

Tel: +250-586819

resort is planned in phase II. The total area is 250 acres. Hotel Alpha Palace

This is the first lakeside residency in Rwanda, and indeed

PO Box 2632, Kigali

in Central Africa as a whole.

Tel: +250-582981 Fax: +250-584134

For more information contact:

Email: alphapalace@inbox.ru

Ms Natasha Mutai â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Director Tel: +254-20-4440174/5/6

Hotel Oka pi

Email: natasha.mutai@ke.knightfrank.com

PO Box 1775, Kigali

Website: www.knightfrank.com

Tel: +250-576765 / 58143

WHERE TO EAT

Fax: +250-574413 Email: okapi@rwanda1.com

For a taste of the Orient, Flamingo Restaurant serves the

Golf and Relaxation

best Chinese in town, and in the recently opened Exotica you can find the best of India. For an Italian taste, do not

Lake Muhazi Boulevard is located just 30 minutes from

miss Cactus with a selection of salads, wood-fired pizzas

Kigali. It is ideally sited on the shores of the sparkling tur-

and pasta dishes, Iris for truly tasty homemade pasta, and

English is one of the official languages of Rwanda

LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda Sole Lune with an impressive view of the city. In the high range many good restaurants can be found in the city: Caprices des Palais and Karisimbi, both offering a very nice atmosphere; Le Panorama, the rooftop restaurant at Hotel des Mille Collines; and the restaurant at the new Gorillas Hotel.

For a more local taste, there are many bars to get some goat brochettes, tilapia – the local fish – and banana beer.

There’s an NGO-satisfying array of restaurants clustered around Place de l’Independence that serve up everything from regional African fare to upmarket French dishes to

Tourist buses operate 6 days a week with all the major sights covered

Italian, Greek, Indian and Chinese cuisines. Sprinkled among these are numerous bars and a batch of night-

Hôtel de s Mille Colline s Le Panora ma

clubs of the please-stay-and-watch-the-sun-come-up

Avenue de l’Armée 2,

variety, frequented by a sometimes beguiling mixture of

PO Box 1322, Kigali

locals, expatriates and folk for hire.

Tel: +250-573530 Fax: +250-576541

Gorilla s Hotel

Email: info@millecollines.net

Kigali

Website: www.millecollines.net

Tel: +250-501717 Fax: +250-501716

Karisimbi Re staurant

Beijing Chines e Restaura nt

Mobile: +250-08517073

Tel: +250-575128

Kigali Tel: +250-573652

WHERE TO GO OUT

Cactus Re sta urant

The nightlife in Kigali is accessible with a fair degree of

Kigali

safety, though just like most other African cities it still

Tel: +250-572572

pays to be cautious and taxis are recommended after dark. The largest nightclub is Cadillac, a spacious conver-

Restaurant Gabiro

ted warehouse that boasts several pool tables, two bars

PO Box 1823, Kigali

and the latest in pop, traditional Rwandan and

Tel: +250-572887

Congolese tunes. Maxim’s at Novotel Umubano Hotel is currently very popular with Kigali’s smart set. Cercle

Aux Ca prices du Palais

Sportif has a truly energetic feel as it is a sports centre by

PO Box 132, Kigali

day and a club by night. The latest one, Planet, is a very

Tel: +250-575573

trendy place.

Restaurant Helle nique Alexak is PO Box 132, Kigali Tel: +250-583731

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WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Hotel Rwanda

Gisozi Genocide Memorial

Hotel des Mille Collines was the setting for the film Hotel

Located on a hill opposite downtown, the grounds of the

luxurious place with great views over the city at sunset.

Rwanda and has become a landmark overnight stay. A

centre offer great views over Kigali. The sombre atmosphere on entering the beautiful gardens and mass rebu-

Nyarimbo: Muslim Quarter

rial site on the forward terrace attempts to revere the 256,000 who died in Kigali alone. The entrance is free

This is one of the main mosques in Kigali located in the

but a donation is expected after visiting. The museum

Muslim Quarter of Nyarimbo. All through Rwanda the

starts with the Rwandan genocide in chronological

faith of Islam is present and the green moon and star

sequence. It is very well portrayed, the exhibits are emo-

make picturesque compositions. It is easy to walk along

tionally charged and the memorial to children that

the huddled streets of Nyarimbo and experience the life

follows is equally overwhelming. The downstairs exhibit

of Kigali.

is of world genocides throughout history from Armenia to Nazi Germany and Bosnia. It distils the reality of tribal

The Parliament

human nature yet does not dilute the plight of Rwanda. The gardens are a welcome retreat after your visit. The

The Parliament building can be visited with careful prior

entire visit can take two to three hours.

arrangement but the external facade is already extremely interesting. It was shelled in the troubles of 1994 as the

After the genocide, children are the main concern of many international organizations

opposition were housed here. Missile and bullet wounds are clearly visible. The inside is refurbished and in safe working order.

Nyabugogo Market The large Nyabugogo Market is open every day but is bigger on weekends. Anything and everything can be bought and, unlike Rwandan towns and cities, it is located in a valley. It is safe to walk around but a bit far from the centre so a minibus or motorcycle taxi should get you there for no more than 40 US cents. Another interesting market is Nyarugenge, also in Kigali.

Avenue du Commerce The main shopping drag in Kigali. In and around the centre you can have safe, hassle-free strolls soaking in urban Rwanda.

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Nyarugenge market in Kigali

NORTHERN RWANDA

human visitors – defies verbal description. Nor are there words to convey the thrill of recognition attached to sta-

Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park)

who share some 97% of their genes with humans.

When visiting the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, you should

An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of

not miss out on the magnificent opportunity to visit

the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then,

ring deep into the liquid brown eyes of these gentle giants,

Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans (PNV) consisting of

abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing

125 sq. km of mountain forest and home to the six Virunga

trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive

volcanoes and the world-famous mountain gorillas.

with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the

Mountain Gorillas

mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.

The Virungas are the last outpost of the endangered

peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the hig-

mountain gorilla, and their lush slopes provide an appro-

hest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.

Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent

priately dramatic natural setting for what is perhaps the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experience to be had

‘In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver

in Africa. Nothing can prepare the visitor for the impact of

more than you sweat,’ wrote the eminent primatologist

encountering a troop of gorillas munching bamboo in their

Dian Fossey, ‘are great, old volcanoes towering up almost

unfenced natural habitat. The sheer physical presence of

15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainfo-

an adult male silverback – three times as bulky as the ave-

rest – the Virungas.’ Situated in the far north-west of

rage man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of

Rwanda, the Parc des Volcans protects the steep slopes

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eBizguides Rwanda

of this magnificent mountain range and the rich mosaic

ries, where you will continue your trip on foot. Vehicles

of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and

can be hired for this purpose in Ruhengeri town.

bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Ruhengeri is also only a 45-minute drive away from Gisenyi and the stunning Lake Kivu.

That mountain gorillas survive today is largely thanks to Dian Fossey, who is buried at Karisoke, her research cen-

The bustling market town of Ruhengeri has a memorable

tre in the Virungas, alongside some of the animals to

setting at the base of the Virungas. On the outskirts of

which she dedicated her life. Fossey became a household

town, the natural bridge at Musanze – a solidified lava

name following the release of the biographical film

flow – is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that

Gorillas in the Mist, which was set in the Parc National

shaped this scenic area. Also within easy day-tripping dis-

des Volcans, and shot on location there. Critical and

tance of Ruhengeri are the seldom-visited but lovely

public acclaim ensured that the film also served to raise

Lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Karago.

international awareness of the plight of the mountain gorilla, whose numbers have increased from an all-time

WHERE TO STAY

low of 250 in the 1970s to almost 400 in 2001. Roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas are resident on the

Ruhengeri offers a good selection of reasonably priced

Rwandan slopes of the Virungas, where four habituated

small hotels and guesthouses, including the newly reno-

groups – ranging in size from 7 to 37 individuals – can be

vated hotel Gorilla’s Nest. Visitors could also base them-

visited by up to 32 tourists daily. Permits to visit the gori-

selves in Gisenyi or Kigali and – with an early start – head

llas are issued by ORTPN, The Rwanda Tourism Board, in

to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day trip. The

Kigali or Ruhengeri.

Kinigi Guest House at the foot of Mount Sabyinyo was recently fully refurbished and is now open. It offers very

In the Volcanoes National Park there are also now fully

comfortable accommodation in cottages for two, four or

habituated golden monkeys and they are accessible to

eight people. It also offers a good restaurant and bar.

tourists since June 2003.

Hotel Muhabura in Ruhengeri town also offers comfortable accommodation in reasonably priced single and dou-

Visiting Fees

ble rooms. The hotel also features a reasonable restau-

For foreigner visitors: US $75

rant and bar and fax and telephone facilities.

For Rwandans visitors: RWF 2,500 Gorilla’s Nes t Hote l

HOW TO GET THERE

The hotel has single and double rooms

Parc National des Volcans is managed and protected by

PO Box 79, Ruhengeri

as well as apartments.

Tel: +250-546954

the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). Access begins in the lively town of Ruhengeri,

Fax: +250-546955

situated at the base of the entrance to the park.

Email: gorillanest@yahoo.fr

Ruhengeri has long been the base point for gorilla visits and entertains a stunning backdrop of Karisimbi, Visoke,

Hotel Muhabura

Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.

PO Box 118, Ruhengeri Tel: +250-571511

Ruhengeri is a 90-minute drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. You can get to Ruhengeri from Kigali either

V illage T ouristique de Kinigi

by private vehicle or by public taxi minibus. If you intend

PO Box 565, Kigali

to make a gorilla visit, you will need to organize your

Tel: +250-586394 / 08533606 / 08301260

own transport from Ruhengeri town to the park bounda-

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda

Gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park

Hote l Urumuli

WHAT TO DO

PO Box 89, Ruhengeri Tel: +250-546702

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Centre dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Accue il Diocesain

four hours through the forest, led by experienced trac-

A gorilla visit can entail a trek of anything from one to

PO Box 45, Ruhengeri

kers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to

Tel: +250-546606

the forest. Your trek will be enchanting as you weave through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees

Home dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Accueil Mode rne

and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate. You

PO Box 22, Ruhengeri

may spot golden monkeys or see buffalo, bush duiker

Tel: +250-546525

and a wide variety of bird life. But the high point, of cour-

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda

se, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, will

Gorilla Guide line s

be spending an hour with the gentle giant gorillas as they

• To minimize possible transmission of human diseases,

go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting, raising

visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22

their young. At the end of your visit you will understand

feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or

what kept conservationist Dian Fossey living in this same

other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.

forest for 18 years protecting these wonderful animals.

• Viewing time is limited to one hour. • Maximum 8 visitors per group.

For a really unique experience, go out trekking for golden

• Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.

monkeys. Fully habituated now and only open for visitors

• Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn

since June 2003, enjoy a rare treat watching these uni-

away from the gorillas.

que primates play and perform in the forest. Permits,

• When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.

which cost US $75 for foreign visitors and RWF 2,500 for

• Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the

Rwandan citizens, are available at the ORTPN offices in

gorillas.

both Kigali and Ruhengeri.

• If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow

Mountain Gorilla Permits

your guide’s directions.

All permits to visit the mountain gorillas and golden mon-

• Do not litter.

keys are booked through the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Ruhengeri.

To enhance your enjoyment:

Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux

• The climate in Ruhengeri is changeable and you can

(ORTPN) / The Rwanda Tourism Board

generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day.

• There is no need for concern about personal security.

1 Boulevard de la Révolution, PO Box 905, Kigali Tel: +250-576514 / 573396

Ruhengeri, at 1,700m above sea level, is generally quite

Fax: +250-576515

cold, particularly in the evening, so warm clothing is advi-

Email: reservation@rwandatourism.com

sed. Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings. Sturdy walking

On the day you are scheduled to trek you must present

shoes or hiking boots are essential. You may find rain-

yourself at the ORTPN offices situated at the prefecture

gear useful.

offices in Ruhengeri at 0730. ORTPN currently has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak

Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating,

French or English.

drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.

The fee for gorilla visits is US $375 per person for non-

Photography is permitted, although you may not use

nationals and RWF 10,000 for Rwandan citizens. It is

flash. Porters are available to help you carry your daypack

advisable to organize your own transportation to take

for a small charge.

you up to the park boundaries. ORTPN can sometimes provide transportation, but you should contact them prior to making your visit.

Mountain gorillas live at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should pace yourself, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel

Gorilla permits can be arranged by a travel operator, or

deterred from making this trip.

can be purchased directly through ORTPN at the headquarters in Kigali or at their office in Ruhengeri.

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eBizguides Rwanda

SOUTHERN RWANDA

Hotel Ra yon D’Or PO Box 557, Butare

HUYE (BUTARE)

Tel: +250-530647

Butare (now renamed Huye) was the largest and most

Hotel Ineza

important city in Rwanda prior to 1965, when it lost out

PO Box 170, Butare

to the more centrally located Kigali, 135km to the north,

Tel: +250-532060 / 530987

as the capital of independent Rwanda. Today the site of several academic institutions, including the country’s lar-

Motel Gratia

gest university, Huye (Butare) is still regarded to be the

PO Box 684, Butare

intellectual and cultural pulse of Rwanda. It is also an

Tel: +250-530278

attractively compact and sedate town of shady avenues emanating from a main street lined with comfortable

Motel aux Bea ux Arts

small hotels and breezy terrace restaurants.

PO Box 262, Butare Tel: +250-530584

The most prominent tourist attraction in Huye (Butare) is the superb National Museum, which houses perhaps the

Motel Urugwiro

finest ethnographic collection in East Africa. Absorbing

PO Box 597, Butare

displays of traditional artefacts are illuminated by a fasci-

Tel: +250-530454

nating selection of turn-of-the-century monochrome photographs, providing insight not only into pre-colonial

Motel au Coin Magnifique

lifestyles, but also into the subsequent development of

PO Box 370 Butare

Rwanda as a modern African state.

Tel: +250-532095

The cultural significance of the Huye area is further

Procure d’Accueil

underlined by a visit to nearby Nyabisindu, formerly

PO Box 224 Butare

known as Nyanza, the traditional seat of Rwanda’s feudal

Tel: +250-530993

monarchy. The impressive Royal Palace at Nyanza, an enormous domed construction made entirely with tradi-

Guest Hous e Centre Dia conal

tional materials, has been painstakingly restored to its

PO Box 225, Kigali

19th century state and is now maintained as a museum.

Tel: +250-530165

WHERE TO STAY

Re sta urant Ba r Igisaza PO Box 529 Butare

Butare

Tel: +250-532082

Hote l Faucon

Hotel Credo

PO Box 366, Butare

PO Box 310

Tel: +250-532061

Tel: +250-530201 / 530201 Email: credohotel@yahoo.fr

Hote l Ibis PO Box 103, Butare Tel: +250-530335 / 532160 Fax: +250-530335 Email: campionibis@hotmail.com

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Cyangugu

eBizguides Rwanda Auberge la Sa ve ur PO Box 350, Cyangugu

Hotel de s Chutes PO Box 235, Cyangugu

Bar Rubavu

Tel: +250-537405 / 577688

PO Box 131, Cyangugu

Hotel du Lac Kivu

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

PO Box 235, Cyangugu Tel: +250-537405 /5 77688

Nyungwe National Park

Home Sa int Francois

Extending for 1,000 square kilometres across the majestic

PO Box 97, Cyangugu

hills of south-east Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is the

Pea ce Guest House

Africa, and one of the most ancient, dating back to befo-

largest block of montane forest in East and Central

PO Box 52, Cyangugu

re the last Ice Age. A uniquely rich centre of floral diversity, the forest has more than 200 different types of tree,

Centre de Pas toral

and a myriad flowering plants including the other-worldly

PO Box 5, Cyangugu

giant lobelia and a host of colourful orchids.

Tel: +250-561404 Fax: +250-561404 Rwanda National Museum in Butare

LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda Nyungwe is most alluring for its primates: 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colobus. The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe harbours almost 300 bird species, of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift. The avian highlight of Nyungwe is the great blue turaco – an outlandish blue, red and green bird that moves from tree to tree like a procession of streamlined psychedelic turkeys.

An extensive network of well-maintained walking trails leads through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points. A comfortably rustic resthouse and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can readily be visited as a day trip from the towns of Butare and Cyangugu. Nyungwe does, however, deserve more time: anybody who wants to track chimps and see several varieties of smaller primate will need two days there – and dedicated birdwatchers might never want to leave!

EASTERN RWANDA Akagera National Park Set at a relatively low altitude on the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park could scarcely be more different in mood to the breezy cultivated hills that characterize much of Rwanda. Dominated scenically by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River, the most remote source

Akagera National Park is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds

of the Nile, this is archetypal African savannah landscape

sebe and the world’s largest antelope, the statuesque

of tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open

Cape eland.

grassland. Camping alongside the picturesque lakes of Akagera is a Akagera is, above all, big game country. Herds of ele-

truly mystical introduction to the wonders of the African

phant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at

bush. Pods of 50 hippopotami grunt and splutter

the lakes, while lucky visitors might stumble across a leo-

throughout the day, while outsized crocodiles soak up

pard, a spotted hyena or even a stray lion. Giraffe and

the sun with their vast jaws menacingly agape. Magically,

zebra haunt the savannah, and more than a dozen types

the air is torn apart by the unforgettable high duetting of

of antelope inhabit the park, most commonly the hand-

a pair of fish eagles, asserting their status as the avian

some chestnut-coated impala, but also the diminutive

monarchs of Africa’s waterways. Lining the lakes are

oribi and secretive bushbuck, as well as the ungainly tses-

some of the continent’s densest concentrations of water-

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda

birds, while the connecting marshes are the haunt of the

WESTERN RWANDA

endangered and exquisite papyrus gonolek, and the bizarre shoebill stork â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the latter perhaps the most eagerly

LAKE KIVU

sought of all African birds. Lake Kivu is an extraordinarily beautiful inland sea enclo-

WHERE TO STAY

sed by steep, green terraced hills along the Congolese

Hotel Akagera

Cyangugu, stand on its coastline, connected by a wild

border. Three resort towns, Gisenyi, Kibuye and

Hotel Akagera is a modern lodge overlooking Lake Ihema

roller-coaster road that tumbles through lush plantain

with 54 double rooms and six apartments with private

fields and relic patches of misty rainforest to offer swee-

facilities and private terraces, video and swimming pool.

ping views over the blue water. It is one of the classic

Akagera National Park

road journeys in all of Africa. There is also a charter boat

Tel: +250-67250

service on the lake connecting the three towns.

Camping

As you would expect at a lake, there are lots of water

Several sites are located within the park. Permits have to

sports at Lake Kivu to keep the energetic and the poseurs

be obtained in advance from the Rwanda Tourist Office

happy, and beer-laden boat trips to the nearby Primus

in Kigali.

Brewery to finish off a long hard day. Further afield, the In westen Rwanda, overlooking Lake Kivu

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda 6km walk or drive to Rubona port offers some lovely lake

air of a slightly down-at-heel tropical beach resort. Given

views, while at Rubona itself you can easily arrange to

its relatively high altitude of 1,500m, it has a refreshing

explore the immediate vicinity in a dugout canoe or piro-

climate at odds with its tropical appearance.

gue. Meanwhile, to the south of town is the impressive 328ft-high (100m-high) waterfall, Les Chutes de Ndaba.

In contrast to the pine-covered hills around Kibuye, Gisenyi at the northern shore is a truly tropical place with

Lake Kivu is the largest of numerous freshwater bodies

swaying palm trees, a lakeside boulevard and colonial-era

that shimmer in the valleys of Rwanda. Lakes Burera and

hotels. Nicknamed the ‘St Tropez of Africa’, the town is

Ruhondo, close to the gorilla-tracking centre of

reminiscent of the formerly Mediterranean flair that was

Ruhengeri, are oft-neglected gems, deep blue waters rin-

neglected and almost got lost during the years of conflict

ged by steep hills and tall waterfalls, with the nearby

and war. Nevertheless, with several restoration efforts

Virunga Volcanoes providing a spectacular backdrop.

carried out including the reconstruction of the high-stan-

Away from the main resorts, Rwanda’s lakes offer visitors

increasing numbers of a variety of visitors.

dard Meridien Hotel, the town will soon again attract

rewarding glimpses into ancient African lifestyles. Here, fishermen ply the water in dugout canoes unchanged in

The main attraction of Gisenyi is its relaxing atmosphere.

design for centuries, while colourfully dressed ladies

Wealthier Rwandans, expatriates and travellers looking to

smoke traditional wooden pipes and troubadours strum

splurge often go for the weekends to the lakeside of this

sweetly on stringed iningire (traditional ‘guitars’). The bir-

resort town. It is an interesting place to wander around,

dlife is fantastic: flotillas of pelicans sail ponderously across

too, whether your interest lies in the prolific birds that

the open water, majestic crowned cranes preen their gol-

line the lake shore, the fantastic old colonial buildings

den crests in the surrounding swamps, while jewel-like

that dot the leafy suburban avenues, lazing around on

malachite kingfishers hawk silently above the shore.

the beach, or mixing in to the hustle of the market area.

GISENYI

Where to Stay

Gisenyi, the most developed of these resorts, lies less

Hotel Izuba

than an hour’s drive from the Parc des Volcans, and is set

PO Box 252, Gisenyi

on a sandy beach lined with swaying palms and colonial-

Tel: +250-561319 / 083227772

era hotels that exude an atmosphere of tropical languor. At Kibuye, to its south, tourist activities are centred on a

Hotel Palm Beach

modern lakeshore guesthouse overlooking pine-covered

PO Box 347, Gisenyi

hills seemingly transplanted from the Alps. Different

Tel: +250-08323111

again is Cyangugu, close to Nyungwe Forest, whose more subdued tourist development is compensated for

Auberge de Gisenyi

by a stirring setting of curving inlets winding into narrow

PO Box 318, Gisenyi

valleys.

Tel: +250-08513474

Situated on the eastern shore of the enormous Lake Kivu,

KIBUYE

Gisenyi is split into an upper and lower town. The former is a grid of busy roads centred around a small market

Kibuye is becoming more and more popular with both local

area and the upper part is an atmospheric conglomera-

and international visitors as it is the most quickly accessible

tion of banks, government buildings, old colonial homes-

resort town from Kigali. The landscape around Kibuye is

teads and hotels. The waterfront, with its red sandy bea-

rather unusual and unexpected because numerous hills

ches and shady palm-lined avenues, has the captivating

planted with pines and eucalyptus offer a pristine, almost

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda

Alpine, and certainly not tropical, atmosphere. Accordingly,

gic incident are still largely visible, and a walk through the

the town is one of the most relaxing and romantic places

city offers stunning views of buildings that are covered

in the country, and definitely an ideal surrounding for a

with lava up to the second floor. Lately, remarkable efforts

couple of days of lakeside recreation with comfortable

by the poor population led to the reconstruction of many

resort accommodation and a range of activities on the lake

buildings on top of this lava stream, and the threateningly

and its many islands. Apart from modern water sport faci-

fuming volcano in the background provides an unforgetta-

lities, traditional boats can be used for exciting nature dis-

ble and extremely saddening experience.

covery tours and interesting experiences with local life. Major attractions include Napoleonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hat Island where

Where to Stay

thousands of bats darken the sky, or the Island of Peace where a cool drink, a refreshing swim or a quick game of

Guest House K ibuye

beach volleyball further sweeten the breathtaking sunset.

PO Box 1924, Kigali Tel: +250-568554

It is now possible to cross the border to Goma in the

Fax: +250-568555

Democratic Republic of Congo from here. Goma was the

Email: guesthouse@rwanda1.com

city where hundreds of thousands of Rwandans found refuge after the genocide, but it was the venue of its own

Centre Be thanie

disaster in 2002. The nearby volcano Nyiragongo erupted

Tel: +250-568235

and entirely buried parts of the city centre under a stream of up to seven metres of lava. Traces of this extremely traThe view from the cabins of Akagera Game Lodge beyond Rwanda into Tanzania

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LEISURE

eBizguides Rwanda

TOP ITINERARIES

Spend 3 nights at ORTPN Resthouse (full board & activities)

These are some of the exciting itineraries, organized by

often frequented by inquisitive vervet monkeys. Opt for

tour operators, that are recommended by eBizguides:

strenuous treks to see chimpanzees, or more relaxed gui-

This very simple lodge is an ideal base for the park, and

ded walks in search of some tropical birdlife, from regal

12-DAY ITINERARY

sunbirds to strange weavers, and a variety of primates (grey-cheeked mangabeys, colobus and l’Hoest’s mon-

Day 1: Kigali

keys are all common).

Visit bustling local markets, get an overview with a city tour, relax by the hotel’s pool, or head to the Kigali

Day 5: Lake shore

Memorial Centre, a moving and highly informative

After breakfast, leave Nyungwe and drive north-west to

monument to the country’s genocide. You can stay the

the town of Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu where you

night at Novotel Kigali Umubano (bed & breakfast).

spend one night. The lakeshores are covered by pine and eucalyptus trees, which lend an alpine air to the region.

Days 2–4: Nyungwe Fores t National Park

With panoramic vistas of the lake, your accommodation

Stop in Butare to look at the national museum, en route

for the night could be Bethanie Guesthouse (bed & bre-

to Nyungwe Forest National Park – probably the largest

akfast). If time allows, take a boat trip out to nearby

tract of montane forest in Central Africa. This feels like a

Napoleon’s Island (so-called as it is shaped like his hat),

rainforest and is home to more than 11 different primate

which is host to a colony of fruit bats!

species. Forest walks are the attraction here; they last from one to seven hours, depending on your energy.

Day 6: Volca noe s National Pa rk Leave Kibuye, either via Kigali or along the scenic road,

Akagera's National Park allows visitors to be side by side with wild live animals

to reach Volcanoes National Park. Made famous by Dian Fossey, this park is home to six active and three extinct volcanoes. Tracking through its forests can be challenging: the air is a little thin, due to the altitude, the tracks can be steep in parts, and the foliage is usually thick.

Spend 4 nights at Mountain Gorillas Nest (full board & activities) The lodge is close to the start of the gorilla treks and has en suite rooms and hot showers. The facilities are fairly good and there is even a nine-hole golf course alongside the lovely garden! The restaurant is notable for its large, pre-trek breakfasts.

Day 7: Volca noe s National Pa rk After breakfast, spend your first morning tracking the endangered golden monkeys. These beautiful primates live in bamboo thickets on lower mountain slopes, below the forest line. They can be elusive, but the search is good practice to acclimatize you to the altitude before you start on higher treks to find gorillas.

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eBizguides Rwanda

In the afternoon, you can choose to explore the area with

Alternatively (for a supplement – booked in advance)

your private guide and vehicle, perhaps visiting nearby

head out for another morning tracking gorillas or golden

lakes and villages, go for a walk on your own in the farm-

monkeys.

land around the hotel, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Days 10–11: Akagera National P ark Day 8: Volcanoe s National P ark

Continue your safari, driving east to Akagera National

Another early start as you head to the park’s headquar-

Park, which borders Tanzania and encompasses areas of

ters for a briefing on the mountain gorillas. An experien-

low-lying grasslands, woodlands and swamps. It is

ced park ranger leads you up into the forest to view a

named after the Akagera River, home to an enormous

troop of these playful primates, led by a huge male silver-

concentration of hippo and crocodiles. Due to its diverse

back. You have an unforgettable hour to observe them

landscapes, the birdwatching here is particularly good.

from close quarters – one of Africa’s most amazing wilStay for 2 nights within the park at Akagera Game Lodge

dlife experiences.

(full board & activities) Because of the close contact between gorillas and visitors

Base yourself here with panoramic views over Lake

(often as little as 7m), and the risk of passing on infec-

Ihema. It is possible to organize boat rides or arrange for

tions that are fatal for them, travellers who are ill will not

a national park guide to accompany you in your private

be allowed on gorilla-tracking trips. Again, you decide

4WD vehicle during game drives through this interesting

with your guide what to do during the afternoon.

national park.

Day 9: Volcanoe s National P ark

Day 12

On your final day at Volcanoes National Park, you can

After your last morning on safari, drive west through

choose what you do. Nature walks last from two hours to

Rwanda’s lovely hills and rural towns for roughly two

a full day, and can include a visit to stunning crater lakes,

hours to Kigali Airport. On arrival, your private guide lea-

Dian

ves you to continue your journey.

Fossey’s

tomb

and

the

gorilla

cemetery.

Fruits give a taste of the Rwandan flavour

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eBizguides Rwanda

LEISURE

6-DAY ITINERARY

remaining single tract of montane forest in East and

A short six-night safari, led by a private guide using a pri-

richest in terms of biodiversity in Africa. It is home to 13

Central Africa. This jungle (1,000 sq. km) is probably the

vate 4WD vehicle, focusing purely on the stunning

types of primate, several species of large mammal e.g.

Volcanoes National Park, tracking the agile golden mon-

leopards, golden cats, bush pigs and duikers. Among the

keys and spending two mornings tracking the famous

primates, chimps, black and white monkeys, colobus

mountain gorillas (more than half of the world’s popula-

mangabeys and blue monkeys have been habituated for

tion live here).

tourism. There are 275 bird species, 25 endemics, and the great blue turaco is a star attraction. This park also

Day 1:

boasts 250 species of tree and shrub plus an amazing

Arriving at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by

148 orchid varieties.

your driver/guide who will be with you for the rest of your stay. Begin drive to Akagera National Park, which is

Overnight – Gisakura Guesthouse

situated in the east of the country along the Tanzanian border, and is Rwanda’s answer to the famous savannah

Day 4: Spend part of the day tracking in the jungle. After

reserves of east and southern Africa. It supports an exten-

a late lunch at the guesthouse, continue to the nearby

sive network of wetlands, a complex of a dozen lakes lin-

Lake Kivu and take a boat trip to the lakeshore town of

ked by papyrus swamps and winding water channels fed

Kibuye.

by the mighty Akagera River, one of the main sources of the great River Nile.

Overnight – Kibuye Guesthouse

Overnight – Akagera Game Lodge

Day 5: After breakfast, there is the possibility of a boat

Day 2: Spend the whole day on game drives through

Gisenyi, the most northerly port on Lake Kivu. Gisenyi

some of the most scenic of wildlife reserves with lakes,

possesses a cool and agreeable climate by virtue of being

tall mountains and constantly changing vegetation. In

1,500m above sea level. It is also well situated as it lies lit-

trip to nearby islands before proceeding by road to

addition to game viewing, the Akagera also has pheno-

tle more than an hour by road to the gorilla-tracking base

menal birdlife. Ardent birdwatchers will be impressed not

of Ruhengeri.

only by the varieties of rare bird species but also the concentrations of big waterbirds.

Overnight – Kivu Serena Hotel

Overnight – Akagera Game Lodge

Day 6: After an early breakfast, take the drive up to Ruhengeri and Kinigi, the HQ for gorilla tracking. Gorilla

Day 3: Butare–Nyungwe

tracking is a peerless wildlife experience, and Africa’s

Drive from Akagera through the capital of Kigali to the

indisputable travel highlight. Tracking can last between

university town of Butare. En route to Butare, visit the

two to five hours depending on the movements of the

town of Nyanza, home to the ancient Kingdom of

gorillas, and once in their presence, you are allowed

Rwanda and one of the prime reasons for visiting the

strictly one hour before retracing your steps back out of

area. The traditional ancient palace of the king has been

the jungle.

reconstructed and is now part-time home of Rwanda’s national ballet, the Intore Dancers. Visit the National

A well-deserved lunch will be served at the Lodge and,

Museum, known as one of the best museums in East and

time permitting, various other activities will be arranged

Central Africa.

for the rest of the afternoon.

Begin drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park – the last

Overnight – Gorilla Nest Lodge or similar.

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eBizguides Rwanda

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eBizguides Rwanda

TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOUR OPERATORS Changa Travel Agency

Email: accessrwandaprimate@yahoo.com

PO Box 3246, Kigali

Web: www.access-rwanda-safaris.com

Tel: +250-577564 / 577103 Fax: +250-577669

African Ja ca na Tours and Travel

Concord Rwa nda S arl Interna tiona l

PO Box 3455, Kigali

Travel Bureau, SORAS Building, Boulevard de la Revolution,

Tel: +250-571131 / 518017

PO Box 4152, Kigali

Fax: +250-82572

Tel: +250-575566 / 575988

Email: ajtt31@yahoo.com

Avenue de la Paix

Fax: + 250-574452 Email: concord@rwanda1.com

Albertine Safaris PO Box 2755, Kigali

International T ours Age ncy

Tel: +250-08461256 / 08484813

PO Box 502, Kigali

Email: info@albertinesafaris.co.rw

Boulevard de la Revolution

Web: www.albertinesafaris.co.rw

Tel: +250-572113 Fax: +250-572113

Inte rnational Tours and Travel Ltd

Rwanda Travel Bureau

PO Box 924, Kigali

SORAS Building, Boulevard de la Revolution

PO Box 1395, Kigali

Tel: +250-574057 / 578831/2

Tel: +250-577777 / 578560

Fax: +250-575582

Fax: +250-578565

Email: itt@rwanda1.com

Email: rwtravel@rwanda1.com

Website: www.itt.co.rw

Travel Age ncy Services

Kiboko Tours & T ravel

PO Box 3859, Kigali

Avenue de la Paix, 1st Floor, Kigali Centre

Tel: +250-574990

Tel: +250-501741 / 520118 / 520119

Fax: +250-571138

Fax: +250-501741

Email: moniquemutesi@hotmail.com

Email: kiboko@rwanda1.com Website: www.kibokotravels.org.rw

Top Travel T ours 10 Boulevard de la Revolution,

Magic Safaris

PO Box 10, Kigali

PO Box 4152, Kigali

Tel: +250-578646 / 572552 / 08503606

SORAS Building, Boulevard de la Revolution

Fax: +250-573853

Tel: + 250-575566 / 575988

Email: bemaku63@hotmail.com / socor@rwanda1.com

Fax: + 250-574452 Email: rwanda@magic-safaris.com

Acce ss Rwanda Safaris Ltd

Web: www.magic-safaris.com

Contact: Ossy Kabbatende PO Box 6025, Kigali

Primate S afaris

Tel: +250-08744129 / 08524799

Avenue des Mille Collines, Kigali Tel: +250-501934

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eBizguides Rwanda

Fax: +250-574513

Email: salesrw@volcanoessafaris.com

Email: primatesafaris@rwanda1.com

Uganda Office:

Website: www.primatesafaris.com

Box 22818, Kampala, Uganda

Satguru Travel & Tours S ervice

Email: sales@volcanoessafaris.com /

Avenue du Commerce,

ukinfo@volcanoessafaris.com

PO Box 2111, Kigali

Website: www.volcanoessafaris.com

Tel: +256-41-346464/5 / +44-207-2357897

Tel: +250-572643 / 573079 Fax: +250-573853

Wild Frontiers

Email: stt@rwanda1.com

Halfway House 1685,

The Travel Company

Tel: +27-11-7022935

PO Box 3090, Kigali

Fax: +27-11-4681655

Tel: +250-505151

Email: wildfront@icon.co.za

Fax: +250-505251

Website: www.wildfrontiers.com

PO Box 844, South Africa

Email: rwtravel@rwanda1.com / World Wide Move rs BP

info@thetravelcompany.rw

Tel: +250-516221 Thous and Hills Expeditions

Email: wwmrwanda@rwanda1.com

PO Box 3090, Kigali Tel: +250-505151

Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Pa rcs Nationaux

Fax: +250-505252

(ORTPN) / The Rwanda Tourism Board

Email: info@thousandhills.rw

1 Boulevard de la RĂŠvolution,

Website: www.thousandhills.rw

PO Box 905, Kigali

Volcanoes S afa ris

Fax: +250-576515

PO Box 1321, Kigali

Email: reservation@rwandatourism.com

Tel: +250-576514 / 573396

Tel: +250-576530

BIBLIOGRAPHY & USEFUL WEBSITES The majority of the information compiled in this guidebook is first hand information collected by our team in the country through a number of interviews Sources: Deloitte & Touch eBizguides World Investment News Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA) Useful Websites: www.unctad.org www.virtualtourist.com www.rwandatourism.com www.winne.com www.expertafrica.com www.projectrwanda.org www.rwandainvest.com

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eBizguides Rwanda

BASIC VOCABULARY

Rwanda is a pretty unique case in Africa since all Rwandans have a common national language, Kinyarwanda. This is also spoken in the east of DRC and in the south of Uganda (Bufumbira area). English and French are also official languages, and many residents (particularly in urban areas) will speak one or the other in addition to Kinyarwanda. This trilingualism is an invaluable asset since Rwandans can communicate easily with their neighbouring countries, Frenchspeaking DRC and Burundi and English-speaking Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Everything here is in Kinyarwanda unless otherwise noted (written phonetically followed by the correct spellings in brackets).

Good morning

MooaramootZAY (Mwaramutse)

Welcome

MooRahKahZah NayZa (Murakaza neza)

Good afternoon

Mweereeway (Mwiriwe)

Welcome (Swahili)

KahReeBoo (Karibu)

Hello (anytime)

MooraHO (Muraho)

Feel at home

Hello (Swahili)

Jambo

MooReeSahnGah (Murisanga)

Excuse me

ImBahBahZee (Imbabazi)

How are you?

Amakooroo (Amakuru)

Have a good day

What’s up?

BEEtess? (Bitese?)

OoMooSee MweeZah (Umusi Mwiza)

I’m fine

Nee MAYza (Ni meza)

Have a good night

I’m not good

MayZay NahBee (Meze nabi)

EeJoro GweeZah (Ijoro Rwiza)

Money

AhMaFahRanGah (Amafaranga)

I don’t have money

INhaMaFahRanGah (Nta amafaranga)

There is no money

AhMaFahRanGah FeeTay (Amafaranga pfite)

How are you doing? OoMAYzay GOOtay? (Umezegute) I’m fine

MAYzay NAYzah (Meze neza)

Thank you

MooraKohZay (Murakoze)

Goodbye (afternoon) Meereegway ) Goodbye (evening)

MooramooKEYAY

Goodbye (general)

MoorahBAYho (Murabeho)

How much does this cost?

NahnGahHay?

Yes

YAYgo (Yego)

Where is the bank?

Oya (Oya)

EeBONGki Ni Hay Hay? (Ibanki ni he he?)

What’s your name?

WitWAHNday? (Witwande)

My name is _____

NEETwah _____ (Nitwa)

Good

MAYza (Meza)

Where are you going? OogeeayHAYhay? (Ugiye hehe?)

Bad

BeeBee (Bibi)

I am going to _____

No problem

Where is the currency Forex Ni Hay Hay? exchange? (Forex ni he he?)

Ngeeay ________ (Ngiye ___)

NAHkeyBAzoo (Nakibazu)

No problem (Swahili) Hakuna Matata or Hamna Shida

Where are you coming from?

Oovooeay hay? (Uvuye he?)

I am coming from ___ Nvooy ____ Where are you?

283

Ooreeay hay? (Urie he?)

eBizguides Rwanda

BASIC VOCABULARY

Numbers Where is ____?

Nee Hay Haree ___? (Ni he hari__?)

ReemWay (Rimwe)

To the city

MooMooGee (mumugi)

KahBeeRee (Kabiri)

To the house

MooRooGoo (murugu)

GahTahToo (Gatatu)

To the [x] hotel [name of hotel]

KooRee Hotelee (Kuri hoteli …)

KahNay (Kane)

Gahtahno (Gatanu)

Let’s go

TooGENday (tugende)

GahTahnDahToo (Gatandatu)

You guys go

MooGenDay (mugende)

KahRinDwee (Karindwi)

Go straight

KoMayZay EemBayRay (Komeze Imbere)

OoMooNahNay (Umunane)

EeCheeEnDah (Icyenda)

EeChooMee (Icumi)

Left

EeBooMoSo (Ibumoso)

100

EeJahNah (Ijana)

Right

EeBurgyo (Iburyo)

1000

EeGeeHoomBee (Igihumbi)

Backward, behind

EenYooMah (Inyuma)

1500

It’s here

Nee Hahno (Ni hano)

Where is it?

NeeHayHay? (Ni he he?)

It’s not far?

Nee HahFee? (Ni hafi?)

It’s far?

Nee KooRay? (Ni kure?)

It’s here

Nee Hahno (Ni hano)

It’s there

Nee HahReeYah (Ni hariya)

Stop!

HahGahRahRah (Hagarara)

Road

OoMooHAHNdah (Umuhanda)

EeGeeHoomBee Nah MahGahNahTahNoo (Igihumbi na magana atanu)

2000

EeBeeHoomBee BeeBeeRee (Ibihumbi Bibiri)

2500

EeBeeHoomBee BeeBeeRee Nah MahGahNahTahNoo (Ibihumbi bibiri na magana

Bus

BeeSee (Bisi)

Bus

MahTahToo (Matatu)

Taxi

TahGeeSee (Tagisi)

Bicycle

EeGahRay (Igare)

Car (motorcar)

EeMohDohKah (Imodoka)

Plane

EenDayGay (Indege)

Airport

EeKeyBooGah CheenDayGay

atanu) 5000

EeBeeHoomBee BeeTahNoo (Ibihumbi Bitanu)

(Ikibuga cy’indege)

284

eBizguides Rwanda

TOP COMPANIES (in alphabetical order) Aflink Afritel Agespro AIB (Alliance Insurance Brokers) Akagera Aviation & Silver Back Cargo Freighters Akagera Game Lodge Akagera Motors Artel Communications Avocat Maître Eugène Hodari Nsinga Bank of Commerce, Development and Industry (BCDI) Banque Commerciale du Rwanda (BCR) Banque de Kigali (BK) Banque la Confiance D’Or (BANCOR) Banque National du Rwanda (BNR) BCG (Business Communication Group) Bond Trading BRALIRWA (Brasseries et Limonaderies du Rwanda) BRD – Banque Rwandaise de Developement Brussels Airlines Bureau of Standards Caisse Sociale du Rwanda China Road and Bridge Corporation COGEAR (Compagnie Generale D’Assurance et Reassurance au Rwanda) COGEBANQUE (Compagnie Générale de Banques) Commission Nationale pour l´Unité et de la Réconciliation Commission Rwandaise des droits de l’homme Corar (Compagnie Rwandaise d’Assurances et de Reassurance) Deloitte & Touch DHL Electrogaz Espina Obras Hidraulicas, S.A. EU Commission Fina Bank Fond d’Entretien Routier de Rwanda Fox Construction International Hotel des Mille Collines Hotel Novotel Hotel Serena Kigali Identity Africa Ikirezi Bookshop Inch of Gold Intersec Security Inyange IRST – Institut de Recherche Scientifique et Technologie ISAE – Institut Superieure d’ Agriculture et d’ Elevage ISAR (Institut des Sciences Agronomics du Rwanda) KHI – Kigali Health Institute KIE – Kigali Institute of Education King Faisal Hospital KIST – Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management (KIST) KK Security

Kobil KP1 KWAL – Rwanda Duty Free Magasins Généraux du Rwanda (MAGERWA) Minimex MTN National Tender Board NDP – COTRACO NUR – National University of Rwanda OCIR-Café OCIR-Thé Office de l’Auditeur General des Finances de l’Etat Office National des Postes Office of the Ombudsman of Rwanda Onatracom ORTPN (Office Rwandaise du Tourism et des Parcs Nationaux) Primate Safaris Privatization Secretariat Real Contractors REDEMI (Régie d’Exploitation et de Développement des Mines) RIEPA (Rwanda Investment Promotion Agency) RITA (Rwanda Institute of Technology) Roko Construction RPSF (Rwanda Private Sector Federation) Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority Rwanda Flora Rwanda Metals sarl. Rwanda Networks Computers Rwanda Revenue Authority Rwandair Express RwandaMotor Rwandex SFB – School of Finance and banking Silver Back’s Adventures Société Nationale des Assurances au Rwanda (SONARWA) Société Rwandaise de Thé (SORWATHE) Société du Pyrethre de Rwanda (SOPYRWA) Société Industrielle du Café (SICAF) Soras Sorwatom SULFO Symposia Conference Management Tabacs du Rwanda (TABARWANDA)/British American Tobacco Rwanda Terracom / Rwandatel – Société Rwandaise des Télécommunications Thomas Piron Total ULK – Kigali Independent University UPEGAZ Urwibutso SG

285

eBizguides Rwanda

COMPANY INDEX AGRICULTURE ISAR (INSTITUT DES SCIENCES AGRONOMIQUES DU RWANDA) ................................................................PAGE OCIR CAFÉ ................................................................................................................................................PAGE OCIR TEA AUTHORITY - OCIR THÉ ............................................................................................................PAGE RWANDA FLORA ......................................................................................................................................PAGE RWANDEX ................................................................................................................................................PAGE SOCIÉTÉ RWANDAISE DE THÉ (SORWATHE) ..............................................................................................PAGE SOPYRWA ................................................................................................................................................PAGE

118 118 120 121 122 122 123

ENERGY ELECTROGAZ ............................................................................................................................................PAGE UPEGAZ ....................................................................................................................................................PAGE KOBIL ........................................................................................................................................................PAGE TOTAL ......................................................................................................................................................PAGE

134 135 136 136

FINANCE ALLIANCE INSURANCE BROKERS LTD (AIB) ................................................................................................PAGE 143 BANCOR ..................................................................................................................................................PAGE 144 BANQUE DE KIGALI ..................................................................................................................................PAGE 144 BANQUE CONTINENTALE AFRICAINE (RWANDA) - BACAR S.A ..................................................................PAGE 145 BCDI - BANK OF COMMERCE DEVELOPMENT & INDUSTRY S.A ................................................................PAGE 146 BCR - BANK COMMERCIALE DU RWANDA S.A..........................................................................................PAGE 147 BNR - NATIONAL BANK OF RWANDA ........................................................................................................PAGE 147 BRD - BANK RWANDAISE DE DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................PAGE 148 BUREAU OF STANDARDS ..........................................................................................................................PAGE 149 CAISSE SOCIAL- THE SOCIAL SECURITY FUND OF RWANDA (SSFR)............................................................PAGE 149 COMPAGNIE GÉNÈRALE DE BANQUE (COGEBANQUE) ..............................................................................PAGE150 CORAR S.A. - COMPAGNIE RWANDAISE D’ASSURANCES DE RÉASSURANCE ............................................PAGE 150 DELOITTE ..................................................................................................................................................PAGE 152 FINA BANK ................................................................................................................................................PAGE 152 NATIONAL TENDER BOARD ......................................................................................................................PAGE 152 OFFICE DE L´AUDITEUR GENERAL FOR STATE FINANCE (OAG) ..................................................................PAGE 154 PRIVATIZATION SECRETARIAT ....................................................................................................................PAGE 154 RWANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY................................................................................................................PAGE 155 SOCIÉTÉ NATIONALE DES ASSURANCES AU RWANDA (SONARWA) ..........................................................PAGE 155 SOCIÉTÉ RWANDAISE D’ASSURANCES (SORAS) ........................................................................................PAGE 157 UNION DES BANQUE POPULAIRES DU RWANDA........................................................................................PAGE 157

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MTN..........................................................................................................................................................PAGE RWANDA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUTHORITY (RITA) ......................................................................PAGE AFLINK ......................................................................................................................................................PAGE AFRITEL ....................................................................................................................................................PAGE ARTEL ......................................................................................................................................................PAGE BCS - BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS GROUP ............................................................................PAGE INCH OF GOLD INTERNATIONAL................................................................................................................PAGE RWANDATEL ............................................................................................................................................PAGE TELE 10 ....................................................................................................................................................PAGE

164 164 168 170 170 171 171 172 172

INDUSTRY & TRADE BRALIRWA S.A. (BRASSERIES ET LIMONADERIES) ......................................................................................PAGE INYANGUE ................................................................................................................................................PAGE MANGASINS GENERAUX DU RWANDA (MANGERWA S.A.) ......................................................................PAGE MINIMEX ..................................................................................................................................................PAGE

286

178 179 179 180

eBizguides Rwanda RIEPA - RWANDA INVESTMENT AND EXPORT PROMOTION AGENCY ........................................................PAGE RPSF - RWANDA PRIVATE SECTOR FEDERATION ........................................................................................PAGE SULFO RWANDA INDUSTRIES ....................................................................................................................PAGE SOFT GROUP ............................................................................................................................................PAGE URWIBUTSO ..............................................................................................................................................PAGE UTEXRWA ................................................................................................................................................PAGE

181 182 183 184 185 185

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORT BOND TRADING ........................................................................................................................................PAGE BRUSSELS AIRLINES ..................................................................................................................................PAGE DHL RWANDA ..........................................................................................................................................PAGE FOX CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL ......................................................................................................PAGE NDP-COTRACO ........................................................................................................................................PAGE ONATRACOM............................................................................................................................................PAGE REAL CONTRACTORS ................................................................................................................................PAGE ROAD MAINTENANCE FUND ....................................................................................................................PAGE ROKO CONSTRUCTION..............................................................................................................................PAGE RWANDAIR EXPRESS ................................................................................................................................PAGE RWANDA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY ......................................................................................................PAGE SILVER BACK CARGO ................................................................................................................................PAGE SOGERRWA ..............................................................................................................................................PAGE THOMAS & PIRON GRAND LAKES..............................................................................................................PAGE TOYOTA AKAGERA MOTORS SARL............................................................................................................PAGE WORLD FREIGHT (PANALPINA) ..................................................................................................................PAGE

192 193 194 195 196 197 197 198 198 200 200 202 204 204 206 207

PUBLIC SERVICES ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL AFRICA............................................................................................PAGE ESP - ECOLE SUPERIEURE PROFESIONNELLE ..............................................................................................PAGE IRST - INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH............................................................PAGE ISAE- INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ..................................................................PAGE KHI - KIGALI HEALTH INSTITUTE ................................................................................................................PAGE KIE- KIGALI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION ......................................................................................................PAGE KIST - KIGALI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY..........................................................................PAGE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA ........................................................................................................PAGE SCHOOL OF FINANCE AND BANKING ........................................................................................................PAGE ULK - KIGALI INDEPENDENCE UNIVERSITY ................................................................................................PAGE

218 218 219 220 221 222 222 223 224 225

CAMERWA (HEALTH/CENTRAL DE DISTRIB MEDICAM) ..............................................................................PAGE 226 KING FAISAL HOSPITAL ............................................................................................................................PAGE 227 AGESPRO ..................................................................................................................................................PAGE INTERSEC SECURITY ..................................................................................................................................PAGE KK SECURITY ............................................................................................................................................PAGE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN OF RWANDA ..............................................................................................PAGE

228 229 230 231

TOURISM AKAGERA AVIATION ................................................................................................................................PAGE AKAGERA GAME LODGE ..........................................................................................................................PAGE HOTEL CHEZ LANDO ................................................................................................................................PAGE HOTEL MILLE COLLINES ............................................................................................................................PAGE HOTEL GORILLAS ......................................................................................................................................PAGE KEBYA WINE AGENCIES LTD (KWAL) - RWANDA DUTY FREE SHOP ..........................................................PAGE KIGALI SERENA..........................................................................................................................................PAGE LAKE KIVU SERENA ..................................................................................................................................PAGE NOVOTEL ..................................................................................................................................................PAGE ORTPN - OFFICE RWANDAIS DU TOURISME ET DES PARCS NATIONAUX ....................................................PAGE PRIMATE SAFARIS......................................................................................................................................PAGE SILVERBACK ADVENTURES ........................................................................................................................PAGE THOUSAND HILLS ......................................................................................................................................PAGE VOLCANO SAFARIS ..................................................................................................................................PAGE

287

236 237 239 239 240 240 242 243 244 245 246 247 249 249