Hope Magazine - Issue 86

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APRIL - MAY 2018 ISSUE 86

TELLING RWANDA’S STORY

MAGAZINE

BRALIRWA maintains strong revenues in 2017 despite reductions in production volumes

In this Issue CONTRIBUTORS

March-April 2018 Issue 85

Iradukunda Animée

Rumanzi Abraham

PUBLISHED BY HOPE HOLDINGS LTD

COPYRIGHT 2013

Allan Migadde

Keith Ntagozera

Saul Butera

ADVERTISING & GENERAL INQUIRIES

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Bob Thuku

Kobusingye Bonitah

Erwin Winkler

Manzi Joseph

Himbana Alexandre

Mbanda Claude

DESIGN & LAYOUT

info@hope-mag.com

Ishimwe Yvonne

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CONTENTS

MTN Rwanda

1

ITM Africa Limited

2

Airtel Tigo Rwanda

3

10 BRALIRWA maintains strong revenues

Bourbon Coffee

4

13 SONARWA General renovates houses

BPR ATlas Mara Group

5

Hope Holdings Limited

6

Hope Magazine

6

Safintra Limited

6

Shema Ignace

8

BRALIRWA Limited

11

Cogebanque Rwanda

15

UAP Group Rwanda

23

Mobisol Limited

25

Galaxy Hotel

30

Vision Fund Rwanda

31

KCB Bank Rwanda

33

Davis and Shirtliff

36

Herocean Enterprises

44

Akagera Business Group

45

Court Boutique Hotel

47

Engen Rwanda Limited

50

Sinotruk Rwanda Limited

51

BK Techouse

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HOPE APRIL - MAY ISSUE 86

7 BRALIRWA'S strong performance

good news for the economy

9 ACCESS Bank commemorates Genocide

of Rwamagana genocide survivors

14 COGEBANQUE commemorates

genocide against Tutsis

16 BK TECHOUSE gives Rwf 1m support

to the boy who made cardboard radio

18 SERENA Maisha Gym & Spa.

26

20 AIRTEL and Tigo seamless

communication, thanks to merger

22 UAP Rwanda pays tribute to victims

BRALIRWA

20

AIRTEL

42

16

SINOTRUK

BK TECHOUSE

24 MOBISOL partners with Startimes,

bringing the FIFA World Cup to its clients

26 BRALIRWA " never again to genocide"

18 SERENA HOTEL

28 BRD UK and Rwandan students team

40

ROYAL TOUR

up for BRD - social enterprise initiative

32 KCB Vocational training for the youth 34 ONOMO Hotels business lodging

Editorial VISIT HOPE WEBSITE

www.hope-mag.com

A strong performance from BRALIRWA is good news for the economy

COVER BRALIRWA maintains strong revenues in 2017 despite reductions in production volumes

HIGHLIGHTS In While a business hotel might conjure up images of a place where practicality trumps comfort or aesthetics, a visit to ONOMO Hotel Kigali will quickly dispel this notion.

The hotel, located in the central business district in Kiyovu, Kigali and the first in East Africa. it’s an upper 3-star hotel targeting business clients, and features 109 modern and comfortable rooms, including 10 suites with separate lounge areas and kitchenettes.

ONOMO HOTELS

EDITOR'S WORD

34

BRD

28 37 THE ARTS Professional management for real estate demands 38 RIDERS LOUNGE'S meat platters Perfect for any occasion 39 RDB details new Doing Business Reforms 40 ROYAL TOUR President Kagame is guide on tour of the country 41 GROFIN partners with Mastercard in youth employment initiative 42 SINOTRUK fuel-efficient, low maintenance, customisable...

46 COURT BOUTIQUE Hotel luxury and tranquility in a bustling city 48 WAKA FITNESS Right exercise thanks to the Physiotherapist 49 YEGOMOTO’S call center ease operations for taxi-moto drivers

Hope Magazine assume no liability for error or omissions in this publication. All Advertisements are taken in good faith, opinions and views contained herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. All copyrights and trademarks are recognized. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission by Hope Magazine. Exemption is hereby granted for extracts with the purpose of fair review. © 2013

As one of the oldest companies in the country, Bralirwa – which is among just a handful of Rwandan enterprises to celebrate their Golden Jubilee in recent years – remains as vital as ever, as is shown by its latest annual report, which we detail elsewhere in this magazine.

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n 2017, Bralirwa’s results from operating activities increased by 21.3% to Rwf 14.7 billion, and its profit and total comprehensive income increased by 263.3% to Rwf 5.1 billion.

Yet as the other companies which have been operating in Rwanda more than half a century, Bralirwa has seen the realities in the country change and has had to adapt. In 1994, at around the time those companies celebrated their Silver Jubilee, the country plunged into its darkest abyss, only to rise again like a phoenix and become one of the fastest growing economies on the continent.

At the same time, the country’s regional business ties shifted from West to East which, from Bralirwa’s perspective, meant increased competition from East Africa’s flourishing beverage industry. Last but not least, the continuously improving business climate in Rwanda also created increased domestic competition, with new players entering both the beer and the soft drinks/juice market.

Yet while Bralirwa may have felt the pinch, its performance has remained strong, and the company has never ceased to invest and innovate, both with regards to its production processes and

its products. Only in the past decade, the company has inaugurated a new, costefficient bottling line at its Rubavu brewery, and a PET bottling line at its soft-drinks plant in Kigali.

It has expanded the range of volumes in which its beverages are available, and particularly in its beer portfolio has come up with new brands to respond to local tastes, such as Turbo King, Legend, Mutzig Lite, the 2017 addition Primus Citron and earlier this year Amstel 100% Pure Malt.

Bralirwa’s longevity and continued vitality are based on two pillars: first, as detailed above, its knowledge of the local market and its ability to adapt to changing demand, and second, the fact that it is rooted in the Rwandan economy both upstream (local suppliers, particularly farmers) and downstream (distributors). It is safe to say that there is no other company in the country with such an impact concerning job and income creation.

Therefore, Bralirwa’s latest annual report is good news not just for the company, but also for the national economy and the country at large. And based on its performances in the past two decades, we can expect more good news from the beverage manufacturer for the next half century.

Erwin Winkler We appreciate your feedback. Please keep sending more on info@hope-mag.com or visit www.hope-mag.com, to post your comment on any published story.

We shall pick it and respond to you asap! www.hope-mag.com

7

Genocide Commemoration

Access Bank Employees at the Commune Rouge memorial site

Access Bank Rwanda

commemorates Genocide in Rubavu donates cows to survivors

ff Employees of Access Bank Rwanda have participated in the 24th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis by visiting the Commune Rouge memorial in Rubavu district and donating cows to survivors.

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Five cows were given to survivors of the 1994 Genocide

He also called upon Rubavu residents to live in peace and harmony and develop the country. Access Bank Rwanda also donated five cows to survivors of the Genocide. “I pledge we will continue to remember and work for the development and growth of the country,” Rugiramaza said.

he bank’s staff and residents of Gisenyi sector paid tribute to the more than 4,000 victims buried at Commune Rouge, a former cemetery where they were massacred.

“Every year, staff of Access Bank Rwanda remember together with the rest of the country and the world. We thank the Rwanda Defense Forces for stopping the Genocide and maintaining the peace we enjoy today and making sure these atrocities will never happen again,” said Access Bank Rwanda’s Chief Financial Officer, Gilbert Rugiramaza.

Gilbert Rugiramaza Access Bank Rwanda's Chief Financial Officer

The Executive Secretary of Gisenyi Sector, Vedaste Uwimana, also thanked the RPF army for its sacrifice in stopping the Genocide and rescuing many people. “I remind the youth here, there are no excuses: everything has been put in place, it’s up to you to protect, preserve and build this nation. I challenge you to be as brave as the young men and women who picked up arms to save this country,” Uwimana said. www.hope-mag.com

9

Business

BRALIRWA maintains strong revenues in 2017

despite reductions in production volumes

BRALIRWA co-owns a high-tech maize farm Bramin in Rwanda's Eastern Province, part of the brewery's efforts to increase local sourcing of raw materials.

ff As a publicly listed company, BRALIRWA Ltd announced its 2017 full year results on 23rd April, 2018 with good news of strong performance despite an economically turbulent year.

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he leading beverage manufacturer’s financial results for 2017 signaled resilience in its operations amidst growing domestic competition from local beer and soft drinks producers and regional brands benefiting from the East African Community common market. Among other indicators of strong financial performance for the brewery in 2017 was a 263.3 percent increase in net profit from Rwf1.398 billion in 2016 to 5.079 billion.

After six years, BRALIRWA in 2017 issued new product pricing increasing consumer prices in response to changes both at the macro and microeconomic levels that took hold over the last half decade in Rwanda. “An increase in prices was bound to affect our total volumes given the nature and complexities of the Rwandan market. We expected the year to be a challenging one at least on this front,” Victor Madiela, BRALIRWA’s Managing Director and Vice Chairman of its Board noted at the presentation of the 2017 full year results.

“Total volume declined by 12.4 percent due to the negative impact on pricing on both soft drinks and beer in what remains a competitive market,” the company’s Managing Director noted. Despite doubledigit reduction in the beverage manufacturer’s total volumes, the company managed to maintain a good revenue position suffering only a 2.8 percent reduction.

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“In 2017, overall business performance improved substantially compared to 2016, despite the challenging business environment. Revenue management combined with a focus on cost savings as well as operational efficiencies and the benefit of lower finance costs, positively impacted the results” Madiela explained regarding how the company managed to maintain good business performance.

Besides the changes in product pricing witnessed in 2017, the good management mix referred to by the BRALIRWA’s Managing Director included the company’s diversification of product portfolio remain a favorite to divergent market tastes.

New products winning over new consumers On its beer portfolio that consisted Primus beer, Mutzig, Mutzig Lite, Turbo King, Amstel beer, Legend Extra Stout, and Heineken, BRALIRWA added Primus Citron and Amstel 100% Malt.

Primus Citron is yet another of the new additions that is gaining popularity in Rwandan happening places

“Primus Citron and Amstel Malt have been doing well and significantly boosted our appeal to the ever more youthful Rwandan market,” BRALIRWA management noted during the presentation of the 2017 results. And true to the thought, a quick trip in various bars in Kigali will reveal that there are more youthful consumers enjoying both Primus Citron and Amstel Malt with ladies becoming fonder with the Citro beverage.

One consumer found in KGL, a popular fast food and bar joint in the Kacyiru suburb in Kigali acknowledged his growing loyalty to Amstel Malt first wondering “why hadn’t BRALIRWA given us something as good as this before?” He added “I think they (BRALIRWA) are responding more to our needs because I am personally a loyal consumer now,” with a wide infectious smile as he pointed on the green Amstel Malt bottle tightly gripped by his hand.

Speaking of consumption, 2017 also saw BRALIRWA reaffirmed its commitment to quality as revealed at the presentation of the full year results. “In line with the new Heineken policy on returnable packaging material, we reassessed the useful life of bottles and crates, reducing it from 7 to 6 years for bottles,” the full year statement released at the end of April read in part.

Dividend per share to increase by 275 percent Thanks to the good performance in 2017 the BRALIRWA management announced that they will be proposing for a 275 percent increase in dividends per share at the upcoming Annual General Assembly slated for the 23rd of May to be paid to the its shareholders. If approved, this will see BRALIRWA shareholders earn Rwf3.75 per share up from 1Rwf paid in 2016.

The proposed dividend if approved will be paid on 22 June 2018. The dividend payment will represent 75.9% of the company’s net profit for the year 2017.

“The book close date for BRALIRWA shares will be 16 May 2018, such that the final dividend will be paid to all shareholders, whose names appear in the Register of Shareholders at the close of business on 16 May 2018.”

According to Rwanda’s taxation regime, dividend payments are subjected to a withholding tax.

BRALIRWA Ltd is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since 2010 and was the first company to list on the Rwandan bourse.

Business BRALIRWA

SPECIAL FEATURE

(L-R) Bralirwa Senior Executives Godfrey Kamukunde Company Secretary Marcel Oosterveld Financial Director Victor Madiela Managing Director and Corporate Affairs Freddy Nyangezi Communication Manager

O n t h e s i d e l i n e s o f B R A L I RWA’s presentation of the full year results, Rwanda Stock Exchange CEO Celestin Rwabukumba said that the increase in dividend is good news for shareholders who have over the years enjoyed steady cash-ins on their investments in BRALIRWA stock since its listing on the Rwandan bourse. With the Rwf3.75 proposed dividend per share, stock investors especially long term holders of stock are hoping that this will be a return to past ranges of dividend payment.

Outlook for 2018 Looking at what the future holds, BRALIRWA predicts sustained growth in 2018 despite ongoing uncertainties and resulting volatility in the global economy which are expected to continue to impact African economies.

The expected top line growth in 2018 according to BRALIRWA’s Managing Director will be supported by the brewery’s new product introductions in the market and a further focus on cost management and reducing debt.

Within this same context, the company hopes to continue boosting its local sourcing strategy to counter inflationary cost pressures on its raw materials purchase.

One such strategy will be to sustain efforts to boost productivity at BRAMIN farm, a state-of-the-art maize farm in Rwanda’s Eastern Province co-owned with local maize miller MINIMEX. “Despite Rwf2.4 billion impairment suffered in its financials, we continue to believe in the importance of the farm and the various positive contributions which this brings to the company. We remain focused on improving the yield of the existing crops and are testing promising new crops in order to bring profitability to the farm.”

Mr. Madiela confirmed that BRALIRWA will continue to invest in building its local sourcing capacity through the farm and other initiatives.

www.hope-mag.com

11

Genocide Commemoration SONARWA GENERAL

SPECIAL FEATURE

SONARWA GENERAL commemorates employees

killed in the Genocide

The CEO of Sonarwa General, Tony Twahirwa, said it is the company’s tradition of assisting the less fortunate. “We decided to help these people who were affected by Genocide against the Tutsis. It is part of our obligations to support vulnerable survivors,” he said.

ff In the context of the 24th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis, staff of Sonarwa General has held a remembrance ceremony for the nine of the company’s employees who perished in 1994.

Tony Twahirwa

The CEO of Sonarwa General, said it is the company’s tradition of assisting the less fortunate

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uring the ceremony, which took place at the company’s headquarters, wreaths were laid at the memorial plague in which with names of the murdered employees are engraved.

The event was punctuated by solemn chants by a choir and edifying speeches by religious leaders and Genocide surviros.

Among them was the widow of Innocent Karangwa, a Sonarwa employee killed in the genocide.

“After the death of my husband, I had a hard time raising my kids; it left us devastated,” she said.

“I can only thank God for saving us and strengthening our hearts; at some point there was no hope since we were hunted day and night by the militias. It is my wish this never happens again.”

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She also expressed her recognition to Sonarwa General which, over the years, has taken several initiatives to assist the relatives of their staff which fell victim of the Genocide, and each year, they invite them to the commemoration ceremony at the company’s headquarters.

Before the commemoration ceremony, the company’s staff went to Rwamagana district to support vulnerable survivors of the genocide with two refurbished houses.

The widow of Innocent Karangwa

one of the Sonarwa employees killed in the Genocide, flanked by Sonarwa General staff

Genocide Commemoration SONARWA GENERAL

SPECIAL FEATURE

Sonarwa staff at the home of one of the beneficiaries

SONARWA GENERAL renovates houses of Rwamagana genocide survivors ff Sonarwa General in collaboration with Sonarwa Life has brought has brought comfort to two genocide survivors in Rwamagana District by renovating their houses, in the context of the 24th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis.

“We do this to fight genocide ideologies in the country because it shows a nation that cares, loves and works together to uplift each other on the path of development, this is something that Rwanda should continue doing,” he added.

“Now, Sonarwa not only brings me hope but also shows me love.” “I am delighted and honored to benefit from this great initiative that continues to show that our country moves forward without leaving anyone behind,” Karukundo remarked.

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upporting vulnerable families, especially Genocide survivors, is part of the country’s commemoration programs and Sonarwa felt that supporting needy Genocide survivors and joining them in paying tribute to their lost loved ones, is a shared responsibility with all Rwandans,” remarked the CEO of Sonarwa General, Tony Twahirwa.

This lady with her family is among the beneficiaries

Tony Twahirwa CEO of Sonarwa General plasters a wall as Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju Sonarwa

Life Insurance CEO, (left behind him) looks on

Olive Karukundo, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to Sonarwa. “I am a widow and a mother of two, these last months with lots of rain have been hard because the roof has been leaking and the floor was in a bad shape,” she said.

“Today is a sign for light and hope for a better future ahead of us as Rwandans who work together to build a nation that was once named as fallen,” noted the vice-Mayor for Social Affairs in Rwamagana, Jean Mutoni. “We thank Sonarwa for bringing such happiness and comfort to us.” www.hope-mag.com

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Genocide Commemoration COGEBANQUE

SPECIAL FEATURE

Cogebanque commemorates

genocide against Tutsis

� Staff of Cogebanque has travelled to Bugesera District to visit Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorial sites in the context of the 24th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis. Later, the bank’s staff held a night vigil at the Kigali Memorial site.

Philibert Rutagengwa

advisor to executive secretary of CLNG

“I would like to thank CNLG for the work they do, they have contributed a lot to Rwanda’s development and healed hearts, especially genocide survivors,” he added. “I also ask everyone here to strongly support and engage in any advancement projects in the country; be the ambassadors of the Rwanda we want, everywhere you go.”

Cogebanque executive management and Miss Rwanda Liliane Iradukunda, flanked by staff members lay a wreath at Ntarama

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he delegation visiting Nyamata and Ntarama memorials consisted of board members, employees and stake-holders of the bank, as well as a representative from the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) and Miss Rwanda Liliane Iradukunda.

Cogebanque board members and staff lay a wreath in tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsis

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Cogebanque staff at the memorial

“Today feels like genocide happened yesterday,” said Philibert Rutagengwa, advisor to executive secretary of CLNG. “It’s a knife through our hearts, but we show solidarity give strength to each and every person who lost their loved ones to the tragic ordeal of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.”

“Today, we visited Nyamata and Ntarama memorial sites and what they told us reminded us not to forget where we came from and where we need to go,” remarked Ernest Rwagasana, a member of Cogebanque’s board of directors.

“As we remember, renew and re-unite, I encourage everyone to pursue the goals of re-building our country,” he remarked. “I also thank Cogebanque for engaging during this commemoration period.”

“The Rwanda we want doesn’t take steps backward, it takes steps forward. Therefore when we come here, we should keep in mind that this signifies something that happened and join the fight of not letting something as tragic as this to happen again.”

Cogebanque’s commemoration continued with a night vigil at Kigali Memorial during which Jean Dusabeyezu, a survivor of the Genocide, shared his testimony.

innovation

BANK OF KIGALI SPECIAL FEATURE

Isaie Turikumana surrounded by family members, receives his rewards from Regis Regemanshuro BK TecHouse CEO, in front of fellow students

BK TecHouse gives Rwf 1m education support to the boy who made cardboard radio ff In line with its mission to empower innovation, BK TecHouse has given a Rwf 1 million token of support to 16-year-old Isaie Turikumana from Rwamagana District to ensure he pursues his secondary education. The youngster caught the firm’s attention after fabricating a radio with recycled parts mounted on a motherboard made of cardboard.

Regis Rugemanshuro BK TecHouse CEO encourages Rwamagana students to be innovative

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Isaie Turikumana

proudly shows the radio he made

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urikumana, who is a student at Groupe Scolaire Rubona, spent just three months collecting parts from old radios and turning them into a functioning radio, without anyone’s guidance. “Our system at BK TecHouse allows us to identify innovative learners and follow up on them to see what assistance they need boost their innovative spirit,” said the CEO of BK TecHouse, Regis Rugemanshuro.

“It’s the responsibility of all Rwandans to look out for youngsters who have unique innovation skills and give them a hand to develop their capacities.” “This type of initiative is aimed at encouraging young Rwandans who have unique capacities in technology to explore their innovative capabilities and take them to another level, especially because technology in Rwanda is moving at a rapid pace,” Rugemanshuro said, adding that BK TecHouse will follow up on Turikumana to identify ways to further develop his capacity and studies.

Receiving his reward in front of fellow students, Turikumana himself remained modest despite this unexpected attention and stroke of luck.

“During the weekends and after school, I would all the time work on the recycled parts, finishing up the radio and making sure it could make really work; that took me three months,” he explained.

“When I bought it to school, everyone marveled at it,” he added. “I hope this encourages other students to start looking for opportunities and being innovative. I thank BK TecHouse very much for their support and encouragement.”

Genocide Commemoration

BK TecHouse and Bank of Kigali donate cows to genocide survivors in Karongi

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taff of the sister companies later also held a ceremony and night vigil at the group’s headquarters to pay tribute to the 15 employees of BK who were killed during the Genocide.

“In this commemoration period, we also remember the genocide survivors because they fought hard and have been contributing to the country’s development,” remarked Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali and of the BK Group, in Gitesi. “We shouldn’t wait to be reminded to reach out and help them, so today, we are fully honored to be in Karongi and celebrate them as heroes.”

Employees of Bank of Kigali and BK TecHouse in Karongi

ff Two companies of the BK Group, Bank of Kigali and BK TecHouse, have commemorated the Genocide against the Tutsis by donating cows to 15 families of genocide survivors in Gitesi sector, Karongi district.

Diane Karusisi CEO of Bank of Kigali and BK Group, with one of the beneficiaries

“Our gesture today intends to remind you that we are here for you and we really care because we are concerned with your situation after the genocide,” Karusisi told the survivors. “May you not be hostage of the dark past but strive to develop. That’s our message for you today.”

Esther Nyirangamije, a genocide survivor and one of the beneficiaries, was overwhelmed by the gesture. “The gift I’ve received today is like a ray of light; I never thought I would ever have a cow,” she said. “We will always remember this day, and on behalf of all other survivors, I thanks Bank of Kigali for being thoughtful and giving us hope.”

Regis Rugemanshuro CEO of BK TecHouse hands over a cow to one of the beneficiaries

“Over the years, it has been difficult for me to provide milk to my children, this is a big relief,” Nyirangamije added.

Innovation - Speed - Agility www.hope-mag.com

17

Hospitality

Relax, Refresh, Recharge at the

Maisha Gym & Spa.

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ne of the best ways to relieve stress after a long busy week is a spa treatment, and none provides that better than Maisha Gym and Spa at Kigali Serena Hotel, with its state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified instructors who will treat you in a way that makes it emotionally therapeutic.

Maisha is designed as a wellness center with an exceptional gym and spa. The gym has world-class equipment fully fitted with I-Pods for you to enjoy as you work out. The ambiance is tranquil with natural light beaming in due to the glass wall overlooking the pool outside. Expert trainers with a wealth of experience are also usually available in case any client needs assistance. This is coupled with various classes including aerobics, dance and Zumba for the interested members.

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The Spa, for its part, is much more than a simple massage parlor. With its staff having almost a decade worth of experience, a steam bath, smoke saunas and a jacuzzi, the experience is heavenly. A massage there is really relaxing and a total escape. The feathery spoiling will help in getting you to lose tension and stress.

The architectural theme of Maisha is Moroccan which gives it an African feel. Antique doors and furniture give the health hub a unique, beautiful look. The centre’s location next to the pool also allows for aqua-gym and relaxation.

Membership is structured to suit individual needs, taking into consideration the physical

and health particulars of each client. Dermatological diseases and conditions are treated and managed with the help of experienced therapists and Elemis products.

Once a client walks in the premises they are welcomed warmly and given high-end personalized care. While working out or spending time in the sauna, juice, tea of choice and water is available for rehydration.

At Maisha each client has a customized program to ensure they always receive the best services. For a much-needed and well-deserved wellness boost, Maisha Gym and Spa is the place to be.

www.hope-mag.com 19

Business AIRTEL TIGO RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

Airtel and Tigo customers now enjoying eamless

s

communication thanks to merger

FOLLOWING THE RECENT ACQUISITION OF TIGO RWANDA BY AIRTEL Rwanda, MIXED REACTIONS WERE DRAWN FROM IT BY the PUBLIC ON WHAT NEXT FOR THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SUBSCRIBERS.

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ince its completion, the user experience transition for subscribers of both telecoms has been a smooth sail, with the family of now over 5 million enjoying one network.

In an exclusive interview this month, Philip Amoateng, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director explained a number of facets that had now changed for the better at the telecom, from Airtel’s new expanded network to having similar products and a one brand experience for Airtel and former Tigo subscribers.

“From the merger, we enhanced the Tigo 3G user experience and at the same time matched Airtel’s user experience in order to provide a ONE Network experience to esteemed customers,” he explained.

He noted that with the network upgrade, customers are now able to benefit from the wide network coverage such that where Airtel initially didn’t have network coverage and Tigo had, Airtel customers will be able to enjoy mobile services riding on Tigo’s network and vice versa seamlessly.

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Phillip Amoateng Airtel Rwanda Managing Director

On the aspect of SIM Card registration integration, Airtel Agents are now able to register numbers beginning with 072xxxx while the now-former Tigo Agents are able to register Airtel numbers.

growing Rwanda’s internet penetration levels, especially through the use of smartphones, Amoateng said;

That’s not all, The telecom has remained committed in delivering value to customers by offering convenient plans and affordable tariffs.

“Internet is an essential part of our everyday life. As a user, one wants FAST and affordable internet so as to remain connected to loved ones, work efficiently and get updated with local and international news and events. We want to enable our subscribers to remain connected to their social and professional networks without worrying about data running out.”

With access to one menu by dialing *255#, Airtel subscribers can choose the voice and internet packs that suit them. With a specific focus on

He said this as Airtel launched an offer under which subscribers can purchase 30 Giga bytes (GB) of data at only Rwf 10,000 this month.

In addition to that, Amoateng said that new subscribers are all getting the same welcome offer on both networks.

Business AIRTEL TIGO RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

enterprise solutions in the market lay in providing integrated solutions (voice, data, Value Added Services (VAS) and hardware).

“We have seen a growing demand within large enterprises and government institutions for providers to offer unified solutions comprising of hardware, connectivity, applications, VAS and managed services (technical support).

Our ability to enter into strong partnerships with network integrators, application developers and MS suppliers shall define how we approach and shape the new market demands.” He said that they have integrated the distribution channels to bring the products closer to customers and that the existing customer service shops (for Airtel and erstwhile Tigo) can seamlessly service clients.

On new products in the pipeline, Amoateng said Airtel has a plethora of enterprise solutions that are already offered in markets similar or a bit advanced to the Rwanda market.

Airtel Rwanda Agent

Airtel launched an offer under which subscribers can purchase 30 Giga bytes (GB) of data at only Rwf 10,000 this month. Worth noting after the merger was how both telecoms’ enterprise businesses would continue running.

Worth noting after the merger was how both telecoms’ enterprise businesses would continue running. What was certain was that the service delivery would not be affected, and the merger of the two companies, would not impact on customers in any negative way.

Tigo Business customers continue to enjoy the offered services uninterrupted while the change came as an opportunity for Airtel to now better serve the combined subscriber base with a wider network and bring further innovation to the telecommunications market as well as further consolidate the company’s successes in the B2B market in Rwanda.

Through its cost effective and reliable microwave broadband data solution, Airtel enterprise has made it possible for large corporate and public institutions to ease their operations in the remotest part of the country where fiber is not available as the case with clients such as Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) tax collection agencies,

BPR part of Atlas Mara and utility company, Water and Sanitation Authority (WASAC) among others.

It has also made it possible for small and medium enterprises to adopt high bandwidth connectivity solutions replacing the mobile data bundles which were the only within their budget.

Airtel has also eased communication within corporate and government employees through the extension of Closed User Group (CUG) services to programs such as ministry of Justice’s mediators program (ABUNZI) and the EASYBIZ products which is “pay as you” CUG targeting SME’s (with no contractual obligation requirements).

Amoateng said that with Airtel and Tigo Rwanda now merged, the larger mobile network coverage shall enhance the quality of both voice and data services provided to the enterprise segments adding that the future of corporate

“We have a roadmap covering a number of enterprise solutions that will be introduced in the market in short and medium term,” he closed.

About Bharti Airtel Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 16 countries across Asia and Africa.

Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers.

In India, the company’s product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed home broadband, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers.

In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G, 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had

over 394 million customers across its operations at the end of December 2017.

To know more please visit,

www.airtel.com

www.hope-mag.com

21

Genocide Commemoration Theme UAP RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

UAP staff

and agents at the Walk to Remember

UAP RWANDA pays tribute to victims of Genocide against Tutsis ff Staff and agents of UAP Rwanda on Friday 20th April held a Walk to Remember from the insurance company’s headquarters in Kigali to the Genocide Memorial Site in Gisozi to pay their respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, and express their support to staff members who lost loved ones during that tragedy.

C

alisto Ogaye, the Managing director of UAP Rwanda, led a delegation of over seventy people in a march evoking peace and the spirit of unity among the Rwandan people, carrying a banner with the Kwibuka 24 theme ‘Remember, Unite, Renew.’

UAP Rwanda MD Calisto Ogaye signs the visitors' book

At the Gisozi Memorial, they were taken through an informative tour showing the pre-genocide era, how the Genocide was planned and executed and the postgenocide recovery.

The UAP delegation group also laid a wreath on one of the mass graves at the memorial to honor those who lost their lives, and made a donation to the maintenance of the site. Ogaye then signed the visitors’ book on behalf of the team with a goodwill message to all affected by the Genocide in one way or another.

The MD and staff place flowers on one of

the mass graves at Gisozi

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HOPE APRIL - MAY ISSUE 86

“The main reason of coming here was to acknowledge what happened, to look back and reflect on the consequences and say this should happen never again,” he said.

He also lauded the government for building a united nation that focuses on developing sustained solidarity.

Sports

MOBISOL RWANDA

Mobisol partners with Startimes, bringing the

FIFA World Cup to its clients ff Mobisol Rwanda, one of the country’s biggest providers of solar home solutions, has partnered with StarTimes Media to enable its customers to access StarTimes’ pay television platform with an all-in-one entertainment offer. The deal gives Mobisol an opportunity to make its clients a better offer by directly providing StarTimes subscriptions when purchasing a Mobisol Solar Home system.

Patrick Mugabe COO of Mobisol Rwanda (R) with Jess Jing CEO of Star Africa Media (L)

T

he new Mobisol entertainment package includes the pay TV hardware at a 20% reduction and a 3-month free StarTimes subscription. The hardware includes a starTimes satellite dish or antenna and a built -in energy efficient decoder. The embedded technology ensures not only high signal coverage and smooth user experience, but also allows for less energy consumption and longer TV run-time. Just as with Mobisol’s other packages, customers can pay in installments to purchase the hardware. “ We v a l u e t h e p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h StarTimes as a strategic step to increase our integrated service offering and enhancing our customer’s overall experience,” said the Head of Sales at Mobisol Rwanda, Blaise Butoyi.

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HOPE APRIL - MAY ISSUE 86

SPECIAL FEATURE

“From now on our customers will be able to choose for more entertainment, informative and educative content via Mobisol directly.”

“The partnership also underlines our commitment to bring the ‘best life to East Africa’s off grid population.’

People may live in rural areas but they too want to understand what is going on in the world. They want a modern lifestyle, and we are here for that,” he added.

Blaise Butoyi Head of Sales at Mobisol Rwanda,

“We are delighted to have joined with Mobisol to have more Rwandan households access our pay television platform,” remarked the CEO of Star Africa Media Co, Jess Jing. “With StarTimes being the official broadcaster of this year’s World Cup, this deal comes at a perfect time for Mobisol customers, since they will be able to enjoy this prestigious tournament through our joint partnership efforts.”

“We have always taken pride in developing and offering reliable, energy efficient products of superior quality to our customers and this will continue to remain our core strength,” observed the COO of Mobisol Rwanda, Mugabo Patrick.

A Mobisol employee showing how

a Mobisol TV accesses Startimes

Mobisol has successfully installed more than 10MW capacity and electrified over 500,000 people in East Africa via affordable, high quality solar systems for home and business usage of larger size. With solar solutions ranging from 40W to 200W, Mobisol caters for electricity needs beyond lighting and mobile phone charging, enabling customers from 40W to access critical appliances including entertainment systems such as HiFi-stereos and large LED TVs (up to 32”).

Genocide Commemoration

Freddy Nyangezi

talking to Rubavu residents after doing the monthly communal work

BRALIRWA SPECIAL FEATURE

BRALIRWA reiterates never

again to genocide pledges continued contribution to Rwanda’s prosperity ff In memory of over a million lives lost to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s biggest beverage manufacturer BRALIRWA voiced its commitment to promulgating the message of “never again to genocide” and its happiness for being part of reconstructing a new prosperous Rwanda during events to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the genocide.

Rubavu residents doing umuganda

C

ommemoration was done in a series of events to pay tribute to victims who included a number of the company’s own employees. Also, the events were geared towards educating its staff young and old on the truth about the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda and to propagate a commitment to reconstruction and a brighter future of the country.

At a lecture on the genocide hosted at BRALIRWA’s Kigali plant, Senator Antoine Mugesera narrated the history of planting the seed of hatred between the Tutsi and Hutu in Rwanda, a plant that bore many evil fruits worst among which was the apocalypse that unfolded on Rwanda’s hills and valleys in 1994 when all hell went loose.

Victor Madiela Bralirwa MD laying flowers on Bralirwa Rubavu memorial site at the plant.

Bralirwa staff in Rubavu Walk to Remember from town to Commune Rouge memorial site in Rubabvu 26

HOPE APRIL - MAY ISSUE 86

Co.Logo

BRALIRWA SPECIAL FEATURE

Promise of continued support to Rwanda’s socioeconomic transformation Answering to this call of contributing to reconstruction and transformation, B R A L I RWA’s e m p l o y e e s j o i n e d residents of Rubavu during the monthly community work in Gitebe1 Estate to clear bushes and level roads that had been damaged by heavy rains and floods.

Freddy Nyangezi handsover dummy of Rwf5million to Rubavu district authorities

Mugesera explained how the Hutu were taught to hate the Tutsi from as early as the 1950s, the marginalization of Tutsis from acquiring proper education or jobs and the different struggles by Tutsi refugees who were in neighboring countries to return home. He also took time to explain the difference between genocide and war, clearing a confusion of the two oftentimes deliberately used by apologists of genocidaires in efforts to neglect and deny the mayhem.

This site today is home to a memorial of the many murdered innocents. “Remembering is everyone’s responsibility for it is prerequisite to ensuring that such tragedy never happens again in this country or elsewhere in the World,” BRALIRWA’s Managing Director, Victor Madiela noted.

Upholding the promise of “never again” to genocide

He added that the culture of remembering and lessons on the fight against genocide and its ideology should be taught more to young children at school.

“This will give us confidence that the commitment to ‘genocide never again’ is understood and made from a young age.” The brewery’ management pledged to continue supporting surviving families of their employees and other genocide survivors whom they have in the past supported through education financing, access to healthcare and jobs.

Following the visits and lectures on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, BRALIRWA staff traveled to Rubavu in the former Gisenyi Prefecture and had a “walk to remember” that took them from Gisenyi town to Commune Rouge where over 4,000 people were killed and buried during the Genocide.

Rugomboka Daniel the advisor to the Mayor of Rubavu district who participated in BRALIRWA’s commemoration event reminded that in remembering the genocide, Rwandans ought to work together and build a great nation.

To give BRALIRWA staff better grips of the events of 1994, a tour to the genocide memorial at Rwanda’s Parliamentary house was conducted followed by more testimonies from survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi.

“Community work among others shows that Rwandans can respond to their own problems. BRALIRWA is excited to contribute to Rwanda’s recovery and we encourage these efforts of locals in addressing their own problems without waiting on external support,” Freddy Nyangezi BRALIRWA’s Corporate Affairs Manager remarked.

The beverage manufacturer also supported access to universal health insurance to most vulnerable families in the district, donating Rwf5million to the cause.

Rwanda’s Community Based Health Insurance scheme popularly known as Mutuelle de santé covers health needs for over 80% of the population.

Families in socioeconomic categories 1 and 2 who are Rwanda’s lowest income earners get their health insurance through government and other partner support.

BRALIRWA’s donation in Rubavu too comes to support in meeting the health needs of these most vulnerable families. www.hope-mag.com

27

Investment Banking DEVELOPMENT BANK OF RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

UK and Rwandan students team up for BRD-supported

social enterprise initiative

The teams then took a few days in a mini boot camp to finalise their concepts, develop business models and write each group’s plan summary, before having to pitch it to a panel of judges on the 27th April. The panel was chaired by Prof. Jon Pike and consisted of the CEO of BRD, Eric Rutabana; the president of the Rwanda Cricket Association, Eddie M. Balaba; the acting principal of the College of Business and Economics of the University of Rwanda, Dr. Faustin Gashija; the head of Business Development and Incubation at BRD, Claude Ngarambe; and the only woman on the panel, BRD’s Fund Mobilization Officer, Malaika Ilibagiza Rousseau.

A group picture of students, lecturers, judges and others involved in the project

ff The Social Enterprise Initiative Rwanda, organized jointly by the University of Rwanda, the University of Westminster in the UK and the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD), is in its final stretch as ten teams of students refine their projects for a social enterprise.

T

he project is the brainchild of Darrell Kofkin, the course leader for the undergraduate marketing degrees at University of Westminster and also Director of the Social Enterprise Initiative Rwanda. It is meant to bring together undergraduate students from the two universities and have them birth viable business ideas for Rwanda. BRD accepted to sponsor the initiative, and offer other support, as it is in line with the bank’s objective of supporting economic projects with a social impact in the priority sectors which are exports, agriculture, energy, affordable housing, education and special projects & infrastructure.

“When the University of Westminster approached us, BRD got interested in the partnership as the bank is committed to the development of the country, and supporting social entrepreneurship is one of the ways for the country to achieve its goals,” explained BRD’s Head of Marketing and Communication, Herbert Muhire Kato.

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The project kicked off last year with more than 200 candidates from the Universities of Rwanda and Westminster, out of which 40 were selected at each institution. The selection was based both on academic performance and personality, as 4 students would team up with four colleagues from the other university to form 10 groups. The project is truly multicultural as participants come from Romania, Germany, the Philippines, Italy, Rwanda and the United Kingdom.

In November last year, the two groups first met through video conferencing, and the 10 teams subsequently started to work on their concepts, staying in touch through e-mail and WhatsApp. Six months later, the Westminster students, led by Prof. Jon Pike, the director of Internationalization at Westminster Business School and accompanied by lecturers Deborah Rose and Irene Brew Riverson, came to Kigali in April and the students met face to face for the first time.

The panel of judges that assessed the proposals

Darrell Kofkin coordinated the process of pitching, in which the teams had only five minutes to present their project, followed by five minutes of questions. After each presentation, the panel gave immediate feedback to the students and marked their concepts. While the project is not meant to be a competition, these marks allowed to identify the best projects. Coming on top was a project involving cosmetology, followed by proposals with regards to science and technology, hospitality and agriculture.

The ten teams now have about two months to improve their concepts and come up with an extensive business plan to be presented on 22nd June, after which they will get advice on funding and implementation. “BRD will identify industry mentors for the 10 projects, and we also plan to build expertise and oversight to the social enterprise plans that will be developed, as long as they are bankable and based upon sound business principles,” said BRD’s Muhire.

Genocide Commemoration DEVELOPMENT BANK OF RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

BRD holds discussions and vigil to commemorate Genocide against Tutsis

Herbert Muhire Kato

BRD’s Head of Marketing and Communication

Among others, BRD will contribute to prizes for the best projects, support Rwandan students to attend the University of Westminster and may potentially fund the winning projects.

“We will also seek partnerships with relevant payers in the sectors concerned to ensure that the best projects are actually implemented,” indicated RDB CEO Eric Rutabana, adding that he was pleased to see that about half of the projects were related to agriculture.

ffThe management and staff of the Rwanda Development Bank have held an evening of discussions and testimonies and a vigil to comme- morate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis at their headquarters with Diogene Bideri, the Principal Legal Advisor of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) and surviving families of the staff and clients of BRD and Caisse Hypothecaire who were killed in the Genocide.

“This will help improve the lives of many Rwandans,” he said. He added that the bank intends to continue to support the Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, or similar ones, in the future. “We will give more support to innovation-oriented projects, like the ones presented by the students, in the future,” Rutabana said.

Eric Rutabana BRD CEO and

Darrell Kofkin, who

Diogene Bideri

initiatied the Social Enterprise Initiative

of CNLG light a remembrance flame

Participants in the BRD Kwibuka vigil light candles

T Deborah Rose and

Irene Brew Riverson Lecturers of the Westminster Business School

Maria Yohana sang commemorative songs

he evening was interspersed with poetry and performances by Mariya Yohana who sang commemoration songs as the staff and family members in attendance remembered the former employees.

The participants also lit candles and laid wreaths at the commemorative monument built at the bank’s headquarters to pay tribute to all the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsis and in particular BRD’s employees and clients.

“We are here to help and extend our assistance and love to the people we lost and to the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis,” remarked BRD CEO Eric Rutabana. “We remember the staff and beloved ones we lost, but this day also reminds us to continue rebuilding our country together as one.”

“We appreciate the strength and unique roles BRD plays in supporting and helping vulnerable people that have been affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” CNLG’s Bideri said. “Today’s event is a commemoration of what happened 24 years ago and a strong reminder of what we should fight against.” www.hope-mag.com

29

BANK

remarked the managing director of KCB Bank Rwanda, George Odhiambo.

KCB Bank Rwanda launches

Vocational training program for the youth

“Over the years KCB Bank has been involved in multiple community development initiatives.

This however is one that we believe will have the greatest impact as we expect it to have a ripple effect for development for years to come,” he added.

While 500 students applied, the 100 selected students will be encouraged to prepare project proposals in the course of their training, and the best five projects will be given seed capital.

Officials with some of the selected students at the launch

ff KCB Bank Rwanda in partnership with the National Youth Council has launched a youth scholarship program named ‘KCB Igire’ in which 100 youth will receive intensive vocational training. The program is sponsored by the KCB foundation.

T

he launch follows the signing of an MoU between KCB Bank Rwanda and the National Youth Council enter a collaboration with the aim of turning youth into job creators and increase their employability.

The KCB Foundation made available Rwf 45 million to provide six months of accelerated training in culinary arts, domestic electrical installation and ICT to 100 selected youth. The disciplines were identified as crucial to fill the skills gap in the country as well as according to the personal preference of the applicants.

The program’s launch held at IPRC Kicukiro campus was presided over by the Hon. Minister of Youth Rosemary Mbabazi, the executive secretary of the National Youth Council Robert Mwesigwa, the principals of IPRC Huye, Ngoma and Kigali, KCB Board Director Speciose Ayinkamiye, KCB staff and the selected candidates.

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Rosemary Mbabazi

Youth Minister talking to the youth at IPRC kicukiro

“KCB Igire was created primarily to equip youth with vocational skills that will enable them to be competitive in the labor market today. Hopefully we will see these students go on to become successful and provide extra income for their families,”

George Odhiambo

The managing director of KCB Rwanda, said he hopes the students go on to become successful

“There are more university graduates annually in Rwanda than there are jobs available,” said Minister Mbabazi. “So we want to encourage youth through programs like ‘KCB Igire’ to become job creators rather than job seekers. We appreciate, and support, KCB Bank for their work.”

Hospitality Terrace next to the pool

with a breath-taking view of Kiyovu valley

ONOMO Hotels T making business lodging quirky and responsible � While a business hotel might conjure up images of a place where practicality trumps comfort or aesthetics, a visit to ONOMO Hotel Kigali will quickly dispel this notion.

The Hotel lobby is designed to give visitors a distinctive feeling

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he hotel, located in the central business district in Kiyovu, Kigali, opened its doors on 26th March and is the tenth establishment of ONOMO Hotels in Africa, and the first in East Africa. As the others, it’s an upper 3-star hotel targeting business clients, and features 109 modern and comfortable rooms, including 10 suites with separate lounge areas and kitchenettes.

ONOMO Hotel Kigali also offers three meeting rooms, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar, swimming pool and terrace with a breath-taking view of the Kiyovu valley. With all these amenities, it feels more like a 4-star establishment.

“We’re not targeting the leisure market, we’re very corporateoriented,” explains Samantha Annandale, Regional Operations Director at ONOMO Hotels. “We keep our focus very selective, and I think it’s a business model that has more endurance. Therefore it’s always pitched in the upper 3-star market, so we keep it affordable because travel is part of business, and companies can’t always afford the high-end. It’s a good model, and it’s worked well for ONOMO in West Africa, it certainly has.”

Yet at the same time, ONOMO makes sure it has a distinctive feeling. “It’s certainly different, you don’t get that hotel feeling when you walk in,” Annandale points out. “I think people want to experience something different, and something cost-effective too. So there are no over-the-top bells and whistles that you’re going to pay extra for. It’s clean, safe, convenient, lovely, a good location, and we also focus a lot on the employees, the friendliness.”

ONOMO HOTELS

SPECIAL FEATURE

ONOMO Hotel Kigali as others in the group, is located in the central business district

Choosing Kigali While the hotel in Rwanda is part of an expansion plan by the ONOMO Group to have over 20 hotels by 2023 in Africa’s major cities, it is no coincidence that Kigali was chosen as the location for the first one in East Africa. “It was a very good first perspective into East Africa for various reasons. It is still a young market, and a lot has happened in a quick time in the country,” Annandale explains. “The growth trajectory is very positive, and it certainly is one of the most stable economies and countries as well.”

“I have travelled across Africa, and there’s no doubt that Kigali is one of the most beautiful cities on the continent,” Annandale added.

“So it appealed from that perspective, and it fit the business model, and also the values and the mission statement that the company stands for.” Those values and mission are what makes ONOMO Hotels stand out, and they aren’t empty statements but concepts that are applied in each of their establishments.

One of those concepts is ‘Africa’s Finest,’ through which the group integrates the best of the creativity and talent of African craftsmen within the walls of its hotels. By putting local resources first, ONOMO Hotels aims to drive regional economic development. Africa’s Finest focuses on environmentally-friendly projects and social responsibility. “As part of our vision, there’s a huge focus on development into Africa,” Annandale remarks. “And we have a responsibility to report back to our shareholders not just on return on investment, but also on what we have achieved in terms of development. So there’s an onus of responsibility; it’s not just making statements but living by them.”

Clay-brick wall That can also be found in ONOMO Hotel Kigali, and even in subtle elements such as a clay-brick wall.

“The clay-brick wall is very important to ONOMO as a concept, and we’ve kept that from the first hotel in Dakar, – it means that the hotels are built from the natural resources from the country they’re in,” Annandale explains. “In Kigali we couldn’t do that as it’s a protected resource, so we could only do a small piece of wall. But the wallpaper in the rooms evokes the same idea.”

“We have double glazing which means it’s sound-proof, and we also have heat regeneration,” she says. “Hot water is on demand, we harvest rainwater which we purify and use for irrigation and we have solar panels. So we protect all the resources, and it’s economically viable to operate in that way.

And the big focus is also on the health of the occupants of the building, the guests but also the employees who work here every day – so fresh natural light as much as possible, fresh ventilation, …”

Particularly attractive is ONOMO’s attention to and support for the local arts scene – the Imigongo art that decorates the façade of ONOMO Hotel Kigali wasn’t chosen by chance. Through the ONOMO Visual Art label, the group promotes creativity and bears witness to the diversity of art across the continent, gives a voice to contemporary African artists and develops partnerships with important players in the cultural life of the continent. “It adds authenticity to business,” Annandale remarks. “And it makes us something new, something quirky.”

While ONOMO targets a corporate clientele, that doesn't mean they don't offer some luxury and

comfort

One of the Rooms at ONOMO Hotel Kigali, with a wallpaper picture of the clay-brick wall at ONOMO Hotel Dakar the company uses a clay-brick wall in all its hotels to evoke the use of local resources www.hope-mag.com

35

Real Estate

THE ARTS & GIMCO LTD SPECIAL FEATURE

Grand Pension Plaza

The Arts

Up Close Side View

Professional management for your real estate demands HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, AND AT THE ARTS REAL ESTATE, THEY MAKE SURE THAT YOU WILL LOSE YOUR HEART TO THE PROPERTIES THEY MANAGE OR BUILD. LEADING IN PERSONALIZED CARE FOR PROPERTY HAS BEEN THEIR STRENGTH FROM THE START.

Grand Pension Plaza

RSSB Towers

F

or mid-class career people seeking to have a long-term partner when it comes to a mortgage or rental property, The Arts is the perfect companion.

They are not only a real estate management company, but also construct buildings on request. They are dedicated to provide affordable housing and office space for career individuals, SMEs, corporations and institutions.

Besides that, they also help manage tenants, renovate and get clients for any property, and the Arts’ agency department

ensures that both the tenant and the property owner are satisfied.

Kacyiru Executive Apartments

This also applies to those who are looking to build their own property, and The Arts does it all at competitive rates. With as the basic strategy looking for affordable plots of land at convenient locations all across the country, they have been building low-cost but quality housing for the past five years.

And with clients including the Rwanda Standards Board and the Rwanda Social Security Board, among others, The Arts has proven it can handle the highest demands.

Let and Managed by

THE ARTS REAL ESTATE & GIMCO LTD

CONTACT : +250 787 300 221 www.hope-mag.com

37

Hospitality

RIDERS LOUNGE SPECIAL FEATURE

Riders Lounge's

mouth-watering meat platters, Perfect for any occasion � For a lot of people, a good meal is not complete without a juicy piece of meat. And in Kigali, no place serves meat better than Riders Lounge. Whether it is beef, chicken, pork, goat or fish, served as skewers, steaks or ribs with fresh ingredients, a meat platter at Riders is an extraordinary experience.

Riders' steaks are cut in-house to perfection

A

nd to ensure that the happy moment is shared, these platters come in portions for four to six people with kachumbari and Sukuma wiki on the side. While you are spoilt for choice with Riders Lounge’s meat platters, one irresistible meal is the supreme of chicken – grilled chicken breast served with mushroom sauce and rice, making it both healthy and a good fill. Lovers of fish should certainly try the spicy tilapia fillet served with French fries and fresh garden salad.

A platter of assorted meat

And if you can’t choose between the previous two, take the combo of marinated fish fillet and chicken breast grilled to perfection. Top it with one of the many fine white wines served at Riders Lounge, and you have a lunch or dinner that will leave you more than satisfied.

Lovers of red meat are of course not forgotten, as the goat ribs at Riders Lounge are something to remember. Served with ugali and kachumbari, they are delicious and a seriously good fill. Another option are the sumptuous pork loin chops served with mushroom sauce, which will make you lick your fingers literally and figuratively.

All meat at Riders Lounge is prepared at the right heat and with fresh spices

All that is without forgetting the goat ribs, beef brochettes, chicken drumsticks and wings and, for those looking for something even more special, the grilled Atlantic salmon served with creamy Buerre Blanc sauce. All grills are served with chips, rice or roast potato wedges, and organic vegetables.

Riders Lounge at Kigali Heights, home to extraordinary meat platters

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HOPE APRIL - MAY ISSUE 86

Whichever type of meat you choose, rest assured that at Riders Lounge you will only get the best quality. The in-house cutters ensure that every type of meat is cut to perfection which, coupled with the right heat and spices, and served with fresh produce, results in meal that won’t be easily forgotten. Especially when you combine it with one of the amazing wines available at Riders, where the staff will be happy to help you select the perfect meat-wine pairing.

So whether it’s a joyous night out with friends, or a romantic dinner to which the décor lends itself perfectly, with Riders’ meat platters you can’t go wrong.

Business

ORIGIN SPECIAL FEATURE

RDB details new Doing Business Reforms ff RDB CHIEF Operating Officer Emmanuel Hategeka: ‘Through strong leadership and consistent commitment to reforming the business environment, Rwanda implemented numerous business reforms over the last ten years.’

Getting an electricity connection is also made easier and reduced from 34 days to 20. The recently launched automated system also records and monitors power outages, improving transparency in the reliability of supply of energy in Rwanda.

Credit In 2017 Rwanda was ranked as the 6th easiest place to get credit globally. Now, a recently launched mobile application provides credit history and information of a person or company within eight days.

Credit coverage for the adult population was recently increased from 19.5% to 22.4% as an increase in the number of student loans are covered by credit reference bureaus.

Emmanuel Hategeka RDB Chief Operating Officer presenting the reforms at a media breakfast

T

he Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has presented some new big reforms to the business environment to decrease bureaucracy in construction, ensure timely electricity provision for investors, reduces the amount of time exporters spend at customs and reduce legal backlog.

“Ten years ago in 2008, the government embarked on a strong agenda to transform our business environment to boost increased investment and private sector growth,” said RDB Chief Operating Officer, Emmanuel Hategeka. “One of the key tools is the World Bank’s Doing Business global report, which measures the relative ease of doing business across 190 economies using a set of 10 indicators that track the entire lifecycle of a business.”

“Through strong leadership and consistent commitment to reforming the business environment, Rwanda implemented numerous business reforms over the last ten years,” he noted.

New measures With regards to paying taxes, software that can be installed on any computer device has been introduced, to replace the electronic billing machines (EBM) to process value added tax (VAT) invoices. This system will eliminate the cost of buying an EBM, as the software is free and easy for the end user.

In dealing with construction permits, buildings are now categorized according to the nature and magnitude of the anticipated risk, which determines which projects must undergo a full or partial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Geotechnical studies for buildings that fall in category DB (not exceeding 200 square meters and 2 floors) has been eliminated, as well as topographic surveys for all types of buildings.

Another reform in dealing with construction permits is the removal of the requirement to fill a form notifying the One Stop Center at RDB of the commencement date of the project. Water connection now takes two weeks, down from the previous 30 days.

In paying taxes, it now takes five hours to file for VAT since the introduction of the automatic VAT reconciliation online process. This advancement comes with the reduction of tax audit procedures and the opportunity to correct erroneous information entered after the deadline date.

Reforms such as the issuance of an online certificate of origin, the introduction of a risk-based approach in inspection of exports, joint inspection of both exports and imports by agencies, and extension of working hours at Gatuna and Rusumo borders were introduced to reduce time and cost implications for investors.

In enforcing contracts, a new law on civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedures was passed with a provision for small claims procedures. Another r e fo r m i n c l u d e s a l a w l i m i t i n g t h e grounds for adjournment for unforeseen and exceptional circumstances. Lastly, on resolving insolvency a new law particularly in relation to out of court voluntary mechanisms and individual bankruptcy was passed. www.hope-mag.com

39

Tours & Travel

In Rwanda

The Royal Tour

President Kagame is guide on tour of the country

President Kagame and Greenberg on a jet-ski tour at Lake Kivu

ffThe documentary film ‘Rwanda: The Royal Tour,’ which shows CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg travel around the country with President Paul Kagame as his guide, has premiered on Rwanda Television on 27th April.

F

or the occasion, various businesses and institutions organised special evenings showing the film on big screens. The film’s global premiere took place earlier in Chicago, followed by screening at the famous Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.

President Kagame and Peter Greenberg at the screening of the film at the

Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Both events were attended by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, as well as the documentary’s creator Peter Greenberg. The two engaged in a question-and-answer session with the audience after film’s screening.

President Kagame

drives Greenberg around Akagera National Park

The documentary follows Greenberg’s weeklong travels through Rwanda, led by President Kagame showcasing the visual diversity that Rwanda has to offer. Together, the two went gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, jet-skied in Lake Kivu, explored Nyungwe Forest National Park on an elevated canopy walkway, and went on safari in Akagera National Park.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to be Peter Greenberg’s guide in this film, and to show a wider audience what Rwanda has to offer,” Kagame told a packed house at the Guggenheim on Tuesday.

“The goal of tourism and conservation in Rwanda is not only to increase visitor and revenue numbers but also to ensure that the benefits are both sustainable and shared by all our people.”

“What an amazing transformation Rwanda has had as a country, and what a special opportunity for me — and my audience – to see Rwanda through the eyes of its President,” Greenberg noted.

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Business

GROFIN RWANDA SPECIAL FEATURE

GroFin partners with Mastercard Foundation

in youth employment initiative PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT finance institution GroFin has partnered WITH THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION TO extend business development SUPPORT AND catalyse INVESTMENT TO SMALL AND growing businesses IN THE tourism and hospitality SECTOR IN Rwanda.

About the Mastercard Foundation The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. The Foundation’s work is guided by its mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion for people living in poverty.

One of the largest foundations in the world, it works almost exclusively in Africa. It was created in 2006 by Mastercard International and operates independently under the governance of its own Board of Directors.

A young woman participating in the Mastercard Foundation Hanga Ahazaza initiative gains hands-on training

The Foundation is based in Toronto, Canada. For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit www.mastercardfdn. org. Follow the Foundation at @ MastercardFdn on Twitter.

About GroFin

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roFin is joining the Mastercard Foundation’s Hanga Ahazaza initiative, a $50 million, 5-year initiative focused on increasing employment opportunities for young people while expanding the tourism and hospitality sector in Rwanda.

Hanga Ahazaza (Create the Future) will equip 30,000 young people with the skills they need to transition to employment and increase access to financial services and business development skills for small businesses in this thriving sector. The initiative aligns with GroFin’s focus on increasing employment opportunities for youth and women.

“Working together, we will support small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector and ensure the sector can find qualified young people with the skills needed to be successful employees or entrepreneurs,” says Guido Boysen, the CEO of GroFin. Over the next three years, the GroFin-managed Small and Growing Businesses Fund will invest in 12 small enterprises operating in the tourism and hospitality sector of Rwanda.

GroFin will screen and identify 120 small and growing businesses in this sector to provide pre-finance business development assistance. Of these, 12 are expected to go on to qualify for GroFin’s investment and post-finance business support.

These businesses will be chosen based on their potential to impact economically disadvantaged individuals, with focus on small enterprises that employ a substantial proportion of youth and women, as well as those that are owned by women. Using this approach, GroFin’s activities will sustain a total of 1,200 jobs and support 4,500 livelihoods for economically disadvantaged individuals. Two-thirds of these jobs will be created and sustained for youth and women.

“We look forward to collaborating with GroFin as part of the Hanga Ahazaza initiative” said Rica Rwigamba, Program Manager at the Mastercard Foundation.

“Their unique approach to providing a combination of appropriate finance, tailored business support and market linkages will help small businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector reach their full potential and generate more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.”

Hanga Ahazaza is led by a consortium of partners from the education, development, and private sectors.

Working together, they will support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the tourism and hospitality sector through increased access to financial services and training, and by connecting them to young people with the skills needed to be successful employees.

GroFin is a pioneering private development finance institution specialising in the finance and support of small and medium enterprises.

Since its inception in 2004, GroFin has established a wide network of local offices in 15 countries across Africa and the Middle East covering Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, Egypt, Oman, Jordan and Iraq.

As at close of 2017, GroFin had undertaken 675 SME investments and sustained 86,191 jobs across healthcare, education, agribusiness, manufacturing, water, energy and waste services, food and accommodation, construction, wholesale and retail, and professional services. www.hope-mag.com

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Motoring SINOTRUK RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

SINOTRUK fuel-efficient, low maintenance, customisable, and affordable

A Sinotruk concrete mixer

ff Buying a truck is a major investment for any company, so when you purchase one you want a vehicle that doesn’t break down easily and for which maintenance and repairs can be done locally with genuine spare parts.

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nd that is exactly the package you get with Sinotruk Rwanda, with the added advantage that their state-of-the-art trucks are reasonably priced, fuel-efficient, and low maintenance. So they’re a great return on investment What is more, the trucks are delivered straight from the factory on order, which means each truck can be customized according to the clients’ needs.

Sinotruk Rwanda also has a group of senior engineers from the factory who will help you to efficiently plan maintenance for optimised performance.

Motoring SINOTRUK RWANDA

Sinotruk Rwanda is able to serve the East African region for truck purchase, maintenance and repair. Its smooth procurement process will ensure that buying one of its vehicles is easy and efficient, and established organizations across the region can even pay in instalments.

SPECIAL FEATURE

When repairs are required, genuine spare parts are ordered from the factory in China and installed by the maintenance team here in Rwanda. Best of all, technicians at the company are available 24/7 for emergency repairs.

Sinotruk Rwanda is able to serve the East African region for truck purchase, maintenance and repair. Its smooth procurement process will ensure that buying one of its vehicles is easy and efficient, and established organizations across the region can even pay in instalments.

Sinotruck vehicles can easily be customized

WHY SINOTRUK? � Globally acknowledged as the best quality trucks and long term good performance. � Popular for the competitive prices � Quick return on investment � Can be acquired on instalments arrangements � 24/7 maintenance services on call anywhere by seasoned engineers

customizable Sinotruck vehicles

� Sinotruk Rwanda serves the East African region

www.hope-mag.com

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Hospitality

COURT BOUTIQUE HOTEL

SPECIAL FEATURE

luxury and tranquility in a bustling city magnificent view of the city

And if you really find it hard to end your stay at the hotel (“We loved it so much, we kept extending our stay,” reads one review on TripAdvisor), you can even buy a bottle of wine there. So that while sitting at your own place, you can take a sip a reminisce about your second home, that haven of tranquility that is The Court Boutique Hotel.

The hotel offers a magnificent view of the city, but without its noise

And just like home, you will bask in a sense of privacy and tranquility, as the hotel has only a limited number of standard and deluxe double rooms and junior suites, meaning there’s no constant coming and going of guests as you might experience in bigger establishments.

Dining area where you can savour the Italian cuisine

WHILE THESE days there might be no SHORTAGE OF LUXURY PLACES to stay at in KIGALI, IT is safe TO SAY THAT FEW offer the PEACE, TRANQUILITY, PRIVACY AND RELAXATION

The icing on the cake of a stay at The Court Boutique Hotel is its cuisine – which can of course also be enjoyed by non-resident guests. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, but the Italian cuisine stands out in particular.

While the bar and restaurant offer all kinds of beverages, wine lovers will appreciate the large choice of globally renowned French, South African and Italian wines.

Large choice of

excquisite wines

YOU CAN find at The Court Boutique Hotel.

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trategically located at Gishushu, hidden from the city’s hustle and bustle, this is a heavenly find for any business traveler who needs to unwind after a busy day. Designed to look more like a luxurious villa than a hotel, guests will immediately feel at home, and that is only reinforced by the welcoming but discreet staff, always at hand when you need them. The stylish décor and furniture add to make The Court Boutique Hotel a warm, hospitable place.

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One of the rooms

Health & Fittness WAKA FINTESS GROUP

SPECIAL FEATURE

At Waka

Fitness...

You get the right exercise thanks to the Physiotherapist

Anita Nkusi

the in-house physiotherapist at Waka Fitness

� The foundation of happiness and success in life is good health, and for that regular exercise is essential. While this can be done at home or in a gym, the important thing is to have a holistic approach to health and fitness, and that is exactly what Waka Fitness offers.

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or instance, in partnership with Innovative Healthcare, they have physiotherapists at the gym to ensure that each client has the option of consulting a physiotherapist to determine the right kind of exercises to do and in the right doses in accordance with their body and needs. Furthermore, a patient with an old injury or one who is recovering from an injury or surgery can receive treatment and advice and education concerning their exercise program.

to sedentary behavior e.g. the ’mobile phone and laptop culture’. More than ever before more people are working in seated positions for long durations and do minimal exercise. After an 8-hour job, some continue with sedentary behavior at home watching TV or engage in unhealthy eating habits or indulge in excessive alcohol consumption. This heightens the risk of getting non-communicable diseases e.g. diabetes.

Anita notes that the average office worker today needs some form of daily exercise therapy to stay healthy.

Therapists at the Gym? Yes! The biggest mistake you can make when exercising is to disregard your physiological strength and structure. Besides having an active lifestyle, it is paramount to do it right which is why therapists are a vital part of any wellness and fitness center. Anita Nkusi, the in-house physiotherapist at Waka Fitness, warns that once the body is injured, getting back to the original structural and functional state can be difficult without guidance from the appropriate health professional.

Anita is a specialist in musculo-skeletal treatment and says it is a growing concern that people’s joints are degenerating faster now compared to the previous eras due 48

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Anita Nkusi

the in-house physiotherapist at Waka Fitness

Physiotherapy can help an individual maintain an active lifestyle by correcting movement patterns and strengthening. Physiotherapists also treat any problems arising from exercise or old injuries. This will improve function at home, work and in sport. The physiotherapist, in addition to exercise, uses a variety of techniques including joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, neural mobilization, handson techniques and electrotherapy.

These complement the much needed basic principles which underpin f a healthy lifestyle: avoiding junk food, regular walks, drinking enough water, taking small breaks from the laptop for those who work long hours in sedentary postures, and having adequate sleep. It is not always obvious for someone working all week to know exactly how to exercise according to their body’s specific needs, hence the importance to come to the gym and be committed to a regular guided workout plan.

You have to train hard and work hard – both in the gym and outside it – to remain healthy and fit.

Transport YEGOMOTO

SPECIAL FEATURE

YegoMoto s call center ensures smooth operations for taxi-moto drivers ’

A taxi-moto

driver at the company's offices in Kimironko

AT YEGOMOTO, the service by Yego Innovision which equips taxi-motos WITH INTERNET- AND GPS-connected meters which among others help to CALCULATE THE FARE for the ride, communication is vital. THAT IS why THE COMPREHENSIVE LOGISTICS PLATFORM put in place by Yego Innovision INCLUDES A Customer CARE CENTER in Kimironko and a Call Centre at KIGALI HEIGHTS.

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t the Customer Care Centre, taxi-moto drivers can go for various queries related to the YegoMoto service and receive any form of assistance.

The call center is also on standby to help the riders get fast and reliable help in case of a challenge.

In that way, if a driver experiences mechanical problems, technical assistance can be sent within fifteen minutes.

Meanwhile, Yego Innovision is still in full preparations to put the fleet of meter-equipped taxi-motos to use for the delivery of goods and services to your doorstep. Here, the call center will also play a vital role as orders will also be placed by phone call.

The call centre at Kigali Heights

A YegoMoto driver is being helped at the

customer service center in Kimironko

YegoMoto has so far equipped more than 900 motorcycles with its meters, for which the company obtained a license from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA), and is hoping to have all registered taxi-motos in the city of Kigali covered in the near future. The meters are offered and installed for free, and the riders are also trained on customer service, hygiene and appearance and of course safe driving.

This system also makes it an interesting option for investors, as the meters allow YegoMoto to know exactly where the motorcycles are at any time, how much distance they have covered in a given period, how much money came in and so forth. It’s a level of transparency that has never existed before, and is still unique in the transport sector. www.hope-mag.com

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Lets make GREAT happen

Retail Dealership Opportunities Engen Rwanda Limited, a PETRONAS affiliated company is a successful, established and innovative company that provides a premium quality petroleum products and well-established convenience stores. ENGEN has been a partner in Rwanda’s exciting economic development for the past 10 years.

Exciting high profile, strategically located dealership opportunities are available at the following locations Kigali City Sopetrad, Kicukiro, Kabeza Upcountry Kibungo, Kayonza, Gicumbi, Cyangugu, Butare, Musanze, Rubengera.

Successful applicants should preferably possess the following attributes: Personal commitment to the winning ENGEN Values of Teamwork; Ownership, Performance, Integrity and Empowerment, with Safety as an overriding priority; Have at least 3 years’ experience in successful operating a business with traceable management. Experience in oil industry is an added advantage; A constant dedication to provide personal full time on-site management; Comply with Engen safety Rules and Policy (HSEQ).

The applicant must submit the following: A Letter requested to be a Dealer addressed to Managing Director of Engen Rwanda ltd with contact details on the Applicant Curriculum vitae of Applicant; ID photocopy or Passport of Applicant; Company Certificate of registration from RDB (Rwanda Development Board) with distribution of petroleum products as part of your business; Tax clearance Certificate from RRA; Proof of Financial capacity (bank balance, letter from the bank that can support a cashflow of 20 million minimum) Ability to provide a bank guarantee from 10 to 25 million depending on the volume;

Suitable candidates will be notified and be given a Retail pack with necessary information to compile their business plan. Interested dealers residing in areas advertised are highly encouraged to apply.

Applications in soft copy should be sent to this email address: info@engen.rw The Closing date for applications is: Friday 31st May 17:00hrs

HOWO TRUCKS NOW AVAILABLE IN RWANDA

ASIA MACHINERY INVESTMENTS LTD

SINOTRUK RWANDA SALES & SERVICES CENTER Mobile: +250 784 625 038, Gishushu area next to Accord hotel, KG628ST, Gasabo district, Kigali-Rwanda, Email. sinotruckrwanda@gmail.com