Hope Magazine Ltd May 2016 Edition (Issue 64)

www.hope-mag.com

MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

TELLING RWANDA’S STORY

MAGAZINE

Hotel des Mille Collines is a

Rwandan landmark

Denis Wollner, General Manager

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MEDIHEAL DIAGNOSTIC & FERTILITY CENTRE KIGALI

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KAMONYI VOCATION CENTRE

CONTENTS 24 SCANAD RWANDA Advertising is a serious business Know it from people at Scanad Rwanda 28 AIRTEL RWANDA & RwandaOnline in partnership to

Provide Online Payment Solutions

30 URWEGO BANK School Improvement Loans 32 TURKISH AIRLINES INSTANBUL At the heart of History

Religion, Culture & Architecture

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35 ENGEN sponsors 10 children under Imbuto

BRALIRWA LIMITED

Foundation’s Scholarship program

36 UAP RWANDA Celebrate World Diversity Day

COVER PAGE

Hotel des Mille Collines is a Rwandan landmark Denis Wollner

7 EDITORIAL Let’s Polish Hospitality skills as we explore more MICE opportunities 10 HOTEL DES MILLE COLLINES is a Rwandan landmark

and will remain so”

Advertisers

14 BRALIRWA launches plastic soft drink packaging 16 ENGEN RWANDA STAFF Pay tribute to Kicukiro

Genocide Victims

Ruliba Clays

18 MONACO CAFÉ prides in of quality service 20 SONARWA General Transforming with Rwanda

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TURKISH AIRLINES

38 MEDIHEAL Diagnostic & Fertility Centre-Kigali Cutting Edge Medical Centre of Excellence 40 VISION FUND promises to reach more of the

un-banked population

42 BRD filling the financing gap in Agriculture sector 46 KAMONYI VOCATION CENTRE holds first graduation

ceremony

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AIRTEL RWANDA

MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

52 ORIENTAL Gourmet Giving you the perfect taste of

Asian Cuisine

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Turkish Airlines

3

Airtel Rwanda

5

Hotel Des Mille Collines

6

Akagera Business Group

8

Popconn Rwanda

9

Sonarwa Insurance

21

Safintra

27

Urwego Opportunity Bank

31

UAP Insurance Group

37

Paint House

45

Konka Products

50, 51, 54, 55

Oriental Papyrus

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internet

30RWF IS WHY EVERYONE IS WHATSAPPING. Browse and enjoy non-stop whatsapp with Unlimi-Net

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PUBLISHER'S WORD

TEAM Albert Ndata Armand Muganga Benigne Mugwaneza Gahima Vital Manzi Joseph Matthew Rwahigi Murangira Janet Rumanzi Abraham Sandra Nyakato Sharon Umunyana Shema Leonard Rebero Daniel

DESIGN & LAYOUT Dani K.

PUBLISHED BY Hope Magazine Ltd,

ADVERTISING & GENERAL INQUIRIES P.O. Box 6176 Kigali-Rwanda +250 788 524189 / +250 788 404138 info@hope-mag.com Website: hope-mag.com

COPYRIGHT 2013 Reserved by Hope Magazine Hope Magazine a monthly Magazine is published by Hope Magazine Limited.

All rights reserved.

The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers of Hope Magazine.

Let’s Polish Hospitality skills

as we explore more MICE opportunities

T

he services sector in Rwanda today is registering eloquent scores with performance getting better, mega-hospitality projects in completion stages and skills being polished and honed to march with international standards, improve efficiency and let local and international visitors enjoy services with fervent gusto. All this has been deliberate. As Rwanda positions herself as an international hub for tourism, a new strategy for the sector focusing on the nascent area of meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) has been accelerated which will see a good exploration and exploitation of the immense economic potential therewith.

Leisure tourism is, of course, a very vibrant platform of national tourism strategy, but statistics indicate that business tourists do spend up to three times more than leisure visitors. The International Conference and Congress Association (ICCA) projects Rwanda to enter Africa’s top 10 MICE destinations by the end of 2016. With this growth in MICE tourism , Tour Operators, Hotels, Restaurants, Professional Conference Organizers (PCO’s) and Event Managers, - who form part of the nationwide tourism value chain, will be required to enhance their product offering— quality and diversification—to service delegates demands. Success of the recently concluded World Economic Forum is a significant show of MICE management prowess that Rwanda has accumulated with time and capability in exploring new potentials.

The upcoming Africa Union Summit is yet another opportunity for the country to demonstrate our strength in MICE. The presence of such international brands as Serena Hotels, Mariott, Kempiski, among others should be optimally utilized in giving a new impetus and visibility of Rwanda’s MICE industry. Our own Kigali Convention Center completion is a clear demonstration of the government commitment towards MICE promotion. As private players, the onus is upon our shoulders to polish the skills, improve the infrastructures and exploit the good will that has been generated in the recent past.

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!

ReberoDaniel

Care is taken to ensure accuracy, 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 any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission by Hope Magazine. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts with the purpose of fair review. © 2013

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“Hotel des Mille Collines is a

Rwandan landmark and will remain so�

Denis Wollner, General Manager

ffThe best analogy of the hospitality, if one was to find it, is a living room in a home. It is the place with all the heartwarming decoration, firm furniture to bold every weight and sooth the wary bodies, stress relieving lighting that gives a visitor the feeling of homeliness and familiarity..

Faces and Swimming Pool 10

MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Swimming Pool area

H

otel des Mille Collines (a thousand hills hotel) derives her name from Rwanda's own synonym, the land of a thousand hills; in other words using the metaphor, it is the living room of the land of a thousand hills. But beyond sharing this nomenclature that relates to Rwanda and Hotel des Mille Collines, the country and hotel's history are very much intertwined.

With a history spanning 43 years of serving the people of Rwanda and the country's visitors, Hotel de Mille Collines is the oldest facility of its kind that

continues to stand to date and which has braved and defied the tests of time.

A consistent landmark Throughout the times that Rwanda has been through, both good and bad, Hotel des Mille Collines has been an outstanding landmark of the nation and despite the changing hands of management, additions to its names and several other developments that happened to the facility over the years, it has continued to nobly serve Rwandans and Rwanda's guests. And upon this

rich history and diverse legacy, the hotels new management with Denis Wollner at the helm as the facility's General Manager looks to reinforce and further sustain Hotel des Mille Collines a Rwandan landmark.

In light of the previous developments at the hotel, including the arrival and departure of Kempinski hotels in a span of two years, the appointment of Denis Wollner by Mickor Holdings as the hotel's General Manager hardly three months ago, Hope Magazine visited the hotel and had a lengthy chat with its manager excerpts of which are shared below.

Kivu Gala Dinner

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Classic Room Panorama View

Hope: It is now three months since you took over the duty of managing this hotel, what is your impression on its current position in the market?

The first important element for me is the history of the hotel. Hotel des Mille Collines has a direct link to the country and this is what gives me the impetus to work hard. The first impression I got when I arrived was that here is a very beautiful hotel but which was not in the limelight as it should especially because its lighting seemed deem. It seemed like the hotel was known but it was not in the spotlight as the landmark that it is.

I transmitted this to all the management team expressing for instance my shock that the genocide monument with the names of our former employees killed during the genocide was almost invisible. That was my first engagement, ensuring that this monument had ample lighting to remind everyone of Rwanda’s history which is our history too. Then more lighting was added to the rest of the facility so it stands out for all to see.

Hope: Now that you are at the helm of this hotel with its popularity in and out of Rwanda, what will the focus of your management be?

Linked to what I have already said, when I took over management I begun with something less of a renovation plan but rather a cleanup plan. I told all the Heads of departments that yes the hotel was clean but it surely needed to be cleaner.

So with austere measures ensuring that we do more with less cost, we cleaned up the gardens, the restaurants, actually the entire facility. In 12

MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

short, what not just me but the entire Hotel Des Mille Collines’ team is focused on is giving quality service to the customer in a quality environment.

Hope: Rwanda’s hospitality industry has attracted some globally big names in the recent past. Wouldn’t having Kempinski as part of Hotel de Mille Colline’s own brand be an added value in the increasingly competitive market? What effect will the change of name have on the hotel’s brand image in this notably very competitive market?

To my understanding, Kempinski is not the first management group to have managed Hotel des Mille Collines. These will come and go depending on what the hotel needs because it is not they that seek but we. So it is the hotel’s management and ownership’s role to decide whether there is need for a certain group to manage the facility. Answering whether this will affect our brand image, I say no. our brand is Hotel des Mille Collines and we are here; the “by which management company” matters less. As long as we satisfy the customer, then we will compete in the market just fine.

Hope: A lot of refurbishment on the rooms, the lobby and the restaurants was promised in the past and many people are still waiting to see whole new changes at this most popular facility in Rwanda and among the country’s visitors. What has been done so far and what remains to be done? Are there additional renovations of the facility that you look to see take hold?

And indeed, a lot of renovation has been done in

the recent past only that most of what we have done so far is in the back end so it is not visible for all. We have for instance acquired new washing machines, improved air conditioning, among others. Another important development that is taking place however that will soon be visible to all is the painting. We are now repainting the entire facility because it has not be painted in a very long time. Also, we have redecorated all the restaurants to bring out a straight pattern of quality that many will no doubt love. This goes hand in hand with the fact that we have revised our menus at the panorama restaurant, poolside restaurant and that of the terrace restaurant not forgetting that we have a new drink’s menu.

Also, our traditional executive lunch served in not more than 15 minutes has been revamped. If anyone comes and their meal lasts longer than this period, the hotel will meet their lunch cost.

Concerning what is planned in the near future, I can only say this is just a beginning. Since two months ago, architects have been on site recollecting the missing parts of the hotel’s original design which we unfortunately have not been able to retrieve in whole. Also, they are drawing the refurbishment plans on the rooms, the corridors, to say the least, the entire hotel.

What we plan to do is have refurbishments done in phases meaning that we will not have to close.

The hotel’s original structure allows for one side to be under construction while in the other side, uninterrupted services continue. This is the plan that the ownership of the hotel looks to complete in two to three years. From my part

as the manager, all I can say is this will not be the first hotel refurbishment I am overseeing. I have much experience of similar work that I have done in several parts of the world in my many years of hotel management.

Hope: We will certainly hear more on this background and the story of who Mr. Denis Wollner is in a while. But before we get there, it seems the plan is entirely transform the hotel and present an almost new facility to customers?

Not necessarily. Yes the plan is to revitalize the structure and improve the conditions of the facility to better suit present times. However, you will surely see the 43 years of Hotel des Mille Colline’s existence and its deep-rooted Rwandan history.

For instance, we are still contemplating the idea of having one of the lobby areas decorated with photos of the hotel from over these years of its existence.

Also, I should remind you that no other hotel in Rwanda supports the conservation of the country’s culture and history like Hotel des Mille Collines. We know the responsibility that we as the “hotel of a thousand hills have in the land of a thousand hills” which is why we host events such as live Gakondo (traditional) music every Friday.

Through all this and our hotel’s design which is rooted into Rwanda’s culture we will surely remain close to our roots in all planned refurbishments and developments.

Hope: As a great household name, what do you see as Hotel de Mille Collines contribution to the growth of the hospitality industry and Rwanda’s social life?

I look at the contribution to the hospitality industry in several ways including the training of many people who are at times taken up by incoming facilities. This is something we are always happy about; knowing that the people we train and introduce into the industry go on to become great contributors to the sector. Also, our contribution is ensuring that guests get quality services every time. A happy guest is credit to Rwanda and this is something we place great emphasis on.

Concerning social responsibility, the first we owe to the people of Rwanda particularly survivors of the genocide some of who have strong memories around this facility.

In this regard, we every now and then get time to gather and reminisce the hard times that people who were in this hotel in 1994 went through.

This is always a family gathering with all kinds of people from every category of society but with no protocol but just love. But besides this, we support several community groups that empower the society and all this will continue going forward. Last as a hotel, we have vowed that no matter what star of ranking we are, the cost of our services should remain within reach to majority Rwandans. And this to us is important so that this is not only the hotel of the land of a thousand hills but also of the people of the land.

About Denis Wollner

Born in a hotel raised in a hotel and lived all his life in the hotel business would be the shortest way to describe the life of the 58 year old General Manager that is currently at the helm of Hotel des Mille Collines.

He is a third generation of hotel managers from both his mother and father’s family.

Both Denis’ parents were in the hotel business and their parents too (Denis’ grandparents). From the age of two, Denis lived with his parents in a hotel that they were running and it is from this tender age that the young boy begun his journey in the industry.

At the age of fifteen (15), he completed his diploma in culinary art that later made him an executive chef in several restaurants. He then took hotel management school and this started his long career in hotel management work that spanned on almost all continents from Europe in Spain where he began, to Ecuador, Jordan, Iraq, several countries in Africa.

The last 20 years in the run up to his appointment as manager of Hotel des Mille Collines three months ago were largely filled with constructing and opening hotels across the globe, giving him ample experience in both refurbishing and building new facilities.

Perhaps, this is the underlying factor why Mickor Holdings (Hotel des Mille Collines owners) chose him to lead the hotel in its next phase of renovations.

Le Panorama restaurant

A h a n d s - o n m a n a ge r w h o i s m o st times going from one office to the next exhorting his team and working through all developments together to attain set goals, the door to Denis Wollner’s office is always open and this highlight has been his policy throughout his hotel management career.

“Everyone on the team has to be convinced as is the case that they can reach me any time with whatever challenge and we work it together to find solutions”. www.hope-mag.com

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Bralirwa Limited launches plastic soft drink packaging

ffIn a bid to offer a variety of choices to its customers, beverages manufacturer, Bralirwa has launched Coca-Cola soft drinks plastic packaging line. The soft drinks will from now be produced through the multimillion polyethylene terephthalate (PET), joining the extensive soft drink portfolio under the flagship Coca-Cola brand.

T 14

his investment made in PET shows the clear commitment of Bralirwa Ltd in putting the consumer at the center of our thinking and our ambition to address evolving consumer needs, in

this case, convenience. In addition, we believe that this innovation will create substantial additional business opportunity for Bralirwa and for our business partners,� said Jonathan Hall, the Managing Director of Bralirwa Ltd at the launch

in Bralirwa’s Kigali factory last week. Over the past four years, Bralirwa has invested heavily in both the soft drinks plant in Kicukiro in Kigali and the brewery located in Gisenyi, Rubavu District.

This has been mainly to satisfy the growing demand for beverages in the country. This can be shown by the 9.5% increase in 2015 revenues Bralirwa registered, that was mainly attributed to the increase in sales and volumes for the soft

drinks.

Total sales volume equally increased by 7.6% with beer sales growing by 5.3% and soft drinks by 14% during 2015. Hall noted that the new PET plant will be offering an expanded assortment of flavors which include Fanta Orange, Fanta Citron, Fanta Fiesta, Sprite, Coca-Cola, Coke Zero and Vital’o, in 3 different bottle sizes: 30cl, 50cl and 1.5L. The 30cl bottle will be sold at Rwf 400 while the 50cl will go for Rwf 600 and the 1.5 liter for Rwf 1,500 only. Coca-Cola is the world’s most valuable brand that has been operating for 128 years and sold over 200 countries. Coca-Cola has been operating in Rwanda for the past 41 years with its products served in glass bottles of 30cl.

ABOUT BRALIRWA BRALIRWA Ltd is a Rwandan company producing and selling beers and soft drinks. The Company beer portfolio includes Primus, Mützig, Legend, Amstel and Turbo King produced in our Gisenyi brewery and Heineken beer which is imported.

We produce Primus beer, our main brand since 1959 and our soft drinks plant started operating in 1974 in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company.

We produce Coca-Cola brands; Coca-Cola, Fanta Orange and Fanta Citron, Fanta Fiesta, Sprite, Krest Tonic and own brand Vital’ O.

The company was founded in 1957 with the construction of a brewery in Gisenyi, located at Lake Kivu. Since 1971, BRALIRWA Ltd is part of the internationally renowned Group Heineken which holds 75% of BRALIRWA Ltd shares while the 25% remaining shares are hold by independent shareholders.

As a socially responsible company Bralirwa Ltd supports a variety of projects from Education to Health and Environment.

Hall takes a tour of the new PET plant

Fabulous prizes were awarded at the PET launch

Bralirwa Managing Director, Jonathan Hall cuts a ribbon inaugurating the firm's new PET line last month

"We produce Primus beer, our main brand since 1959 and our soft drinks plant started operating in 1974 in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. We produce Coca-Cola brands; Coca-Cola, Fanta Orange and Fanta Citron, Fanta Fiesta, Sprite, Krest Tonic and own brand Vital’ O".

Some of the guests at Bralirwa's PET bottles launch

Coca-cola brands attire showcased at the launch

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Engen Staff Pay tribute to Kicukiro Genocide Victims

ffStaff of Engen Rwanda Limited, a fuel marketing company, last week visited Nyanza Memorial Site to pay tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi buried there.

T

he Engen staff laid a wreath in honour of the 11,050 victims that are buried at the site after which they were taken through the tragic events that happened in the area as the April 1994 systematic killing were triggered off.

In 1994, over 3,000 Tutsi refugees from different Kigali suburbs including Kicukiro and Kanombe camped at ETO Kicukiro under the protection of the Belgian UN troops which formed the backbone of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). The troops, however, pulled out of Rwanda on April 11 1994, following the killing of ten Belgian soldiers by Government

forces. A total of 97 Belgian peacekeepers based at ETO Kicukiro were ordered to fly back home, leaving the refugees at the mercy of the marauding militia.

“Some of the youth refugees tried to block the way by forming a human barricade in front of the vehicles, pleading with them to stay. But the troops shot in the air and drove off in their jeeps. Their departure meant the genocidal government forces and Interahamwe militia who had surrounded the place for a couple of days now had the green light to enter and kill,” narrated Venuste Karasira, one of the less than 100 survivors on the fateful day.He narrated how

they were then taken by the Interahamwe militia to Sonatube to be murdered but the then mayor of the city, Lt. Col. Tharcisse Renzaho, ordered that they instead be taken to Nyanza and killed from there because Sonatube was too visible as it was along the road to the airport.

“We were then forced to walk, all the way to Nyanza, amid a heavy downpour. Many of us had not eaten for a couple of days. Those that were too weak to walk were killed on the way including children. When we arrived at Nyanza, the militia asked us to present our IDs to ensure that no Hutu were among the group,” he explained. Mass killings then began and many of us were killed

Engen Rwanda staff lay a wreath at the site as they paid homage last month

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MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Venuste Karasira, a survivor of the place narrates how he and a few others survived the massacre

“We will do whatever we can to support the welfare of Rwandans to assist those in overwhelming situations deserving humanitarian attention as responsible corporate citizens” Sarah Doukoure Managing Director Engen Rwanda

fight against the genocide ideology. “We will do whatever we can to support the welfare of Rwandans– to assist those in overwhelming situations deserving humanitarian attention as responsible corporate citizens” Doukoure said.

Last year, the company staff visited genocide survivors in Kamonyi District in the Southern Province where donations were made of new mattresses, blankets, basins, buckets, soaps and money to support them.

About Engen Sarah Doukoure signs on the visitors' book at the Nyanza Memorial Site

using bullets, grenades, machetes and clubs. “By around 9pm, after hours of killing, the militia was tired and decided that they would come back in the morning to kill the few surviving ones.” The next morning, as the killers attempted to finish off those who were still alive, the Rwandan Patriotic Army soldiers arrived and rescued the few who had survived the massacre.

mood-drenched Engen staff. She said it is difficult to know how many people were exactly killed and their details which show how gruesome the genocide was. “This memorial site was put in place so as to restore the honor of the people who died here” she said. She thanked the Engen staff for visiting the site as it shows their stance towards fighting genocide and its ideologies.

Sophie Musabeyezu, in-charge of maintaining the site noted that had the UN troops remained, the victims wouldn’t have been killed. “Even if UN didn’t have the capacity of stopping the genocide countrywide, they should have stopped it in places they were positioned in such as ETO Kicukiro given the international backing they had. They just didn’t have the will to do it” she told the sombre-

With most of the Engen staff being youths, she gave them a message that they are the future of the Country and should do all in their power to fight any genocide from happening again in the future.Sarah Doukoure, the Engen Rwanda Managing Director said the 1994 events were very tragic and assured Engen’s continued support to the survivors and participation in the Country’s

Engen is an Africa-based oil marketing company focusing on the downstream refined petroleum products and related businesses with a presence in 17 African countries. Engen commenced operations in Rwanda in November 2008 acquiring the assets of TOTAL and thus becoming one of the market leaders in the Rwandan petroleum business. This acquisition complemented Engen footprint in the region with existing interests in neighboring countries; Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The company is excited about Rwanda’s fast growing economy and expansion of the energy sector and continues to invest to deliver high quality products and services. The Rwanda power supply program is one of the most ambitious in the region and Engen is proud to be part of this progress by providing a full range of lubricant products across the entire energy value chain.

Engen, with us you are number one. www.hope-mag.com

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Monaco cafĂŠ An exceptional brand that prides itself of quality service

monaco contoire

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Display of tasty confectionary products

ff One of Kigali’s most favorite coffee shops! Lovey vibe, decor and the food is amazing. With an indoor amusement children’s park, the service are fantastic. It is actually the first of its kind in the city.

P

opular with the locals, Monaco coffee restaurant is a cozy place with daily specials and a smaller but sufficient menu. Meals are tasty enough and good portions, both with a decent side salad. The ‘nyama choma’ is just too good to pass un-noticed. The Monaco coffee brand made in

Rwanda , that Monaco restaurant now serves is a less pricey and the selection is great and the coffee really does go down well. Anybody would love to have breakfast here every morning before work. Their Italian Kitchen does the best and is just good. The staff is very friendly and efficient.

It’s a perfect place to have lunch and just take a break from the day.

Monaco Cafe is a great place to relax over hot drinks with friends in the evening. It’s not an ostentatious place, but it is cozy and quiet and has a few couches where people can relax a little. In my experience the service is very good and the food has yet to disappoint. The Internet

connection is consistent and is the quality of Internet in Rwanda. The bar brings a new touch to Kigali night goers with a state of the art mood and elegant atmosphere. A refreshing addition to the main menu, the Bistro Bar’s convivial atmosphere will liberate you from the ordinary.

All you should expect when you come to Monaco Cafe is a non-compromised quality service. We pride ourselves of giving our guests services that are above their expectations. We always forestall and are pro-active as we service the actual needs of a guest as they would have expected and sometimes even ensure we outdo these expectations.

The indoor childen's amusement park

www.hope-mag.com

19

Sonarwa General

Transforming with Rwanda, a land of a thousand innovations Making people financially secure

S

onarwa embracing technology as it develops strategic value prepositions, tie-ins to cost effective customer service. For the last four decades Rwanda’s insurer of choice is still arguably the market leader in the insurance industry, now providing innovative insurance services to its selected market segment.

Interestingly SONARWA General Insurance has continued to ascend as a founding insurance company, also well credited for mentoring the best in the industry.

Through its core values of accountability, excellent service delivery, teamwork, proactiveness and empathy, SONARWA General Insurance has emerged as the undeniable leader in the industry.

Which is demonstrated by a recent awarding of quality management systems certification (ISO 9001: 2008 Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS-UK branch).

This is well echoed by SONARWA General commercial director Alex Ruzigura, “Much as we have had several challenges here and there, apparently we have the biggest net assets and are still a significant player in the market,” he adds. He further points out that. “We are also a respected institution which has guided among the finest underwriters in the market, with some merrily associating us to an insurance

college, in their compliments,” Experience is SONARWA’s big asset and this has been the main reason for its continued success in staying competitive despite, entry of several foreign players in the industry. “We believe this heathy competition will bring more innovation and quality offering plus better service delivery,” he further adds. We on other hand are embracing new strategies and migrating to IT service based solutions in order to address current demands, through improvement in research and development and strategic alliances.

It’s time for the stakeholders now to focus on something even bigger in the industry known as re-insurance which is a service we unfortunately lack in the country yet. “The way to go now is to consider re-aligning the country’s growth with the actions of the insurers, currently the government’s policy is to position Kigali as a financial hub in the region, therefore the long term solution is to have an insurance institution owned and managed by locally.”

According to Ruzigura, Rwandans have been losses a lot of money when a policy is re-insured, approximately 70% of the money leaves the country and goes to the re-assurer. “The market is bigger than it is projected today I believe general insurance business is valued at over Rwf 90 billion annually, the challenge why this can’t be realized is the unfortunate practice of price under cutting

Alexis Ruzigura Commercial Director at Sonarwa

among some of the players, coupled with negative perception of the masses in acquiring insurance services commonly associated with only the rich, this is due to lack of trust, inclusion in decision making and of similar limited product offers,” he says.

Some of the other these challenges solvency a c ros s b o a rd , fr a u d u le n t c l a i m s, s h a m facilitators-(con men) and late settlement of claims these are being addressed amongst others.

“In my opinion, the future of the sector depends on the cooperation among players, through embracing our umbrella association (ASSAR) by lobbing policy makers, government institutions and mass sensitization on benefits for insurance and the rights of policy holders across board.”

As a parting shot, Ruzigura recognized some of its stakeholders such as Bralirwa, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), University of Rwanda, National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), MTN Rwanda, Civil Aviation, MININFRA, BK, EDCL and many others, who have continued to support us throughout the transformation, as we aim for the better.

We are covered around the country with over 20 branches and agencies

Are you in the center of Kigali, you may access our services at Kigali’s Union Trade Center (UTC) or Our Remera branches or better call +250 252 573 350 or email us at info@sonarwa.co.rw

Services offered at our branches are: Motor, Fire, Burglary, Money, Fidelity Guarantee, Group Personal Accident, Personal Accident (Individual), Employer’s Liability, House Holders, Goods In Transit, Professional Indemnity, Various Noella Ibahezagire Sonarwa Executive Assistant attending to a client at UTC branch in the city

20 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Risks, Bid Bond, Marine Cargo & Marine Hull, Contractors All Risk, Electronic Equipment, Public And Product Liability and Travel.

Q&A with Tigo Rwanda CEO

Philip Amoateng

At Tigo we believe in innovation and providing products that our customers need.

Q A

How would you describe Tigo’s role in uplifting the Rwandan economy?

Q A

How is Tigo propelling the idea of financial and digital inclusion in Rwanda?

Q A

The majority of businesses in Rwanda can be categorized as SMEs. What products does Tigo have that can help these SME’s become more competitive and profitable?

Q A

As Rwanda moves towards its ambition of becoming a middle-income nation, how will Tigo remain relevant in that new reality?

As a business, Tigo Rwanda is one of the biggest taxpayers in the country. Last year we paid over USD 11 million in taxes to Rwanda Revenue Authority. These taxes are then used to build the roads, schools and hospitals that allow the country to prosper. Secondly, by helping Rwandans to do business, we help create a larger tax base. So, in terms of the generation of taxes for development, Tigo plays a big role.

Tigo is a huge employer of Rwandans, whether directly or indirectly. Along with our own permanent staff, Tigo provides employment for the thousands of freelancers that you see selling airtime and Tigo Cash services as well as those who sell our products wholesale.

Through our network, Tigo Rwanda has provided connectivity to millions of Rwandans. The ability to communicate within and outside the community has created opportunities for economic development that would have simply been impossible before. This connectivity is one of the biggest catalysts for the development that we see today and we at Tigo are proud of the role we play in this.

We believe that digital and financial inclusion is an essential aspect of development. Firstly, Tigo has ensured that we provide coverage to almost one hundred percent of the Rwandan population. Secondly, what we have done is provide data and voice products that have allowed Rwandans to enjoy the digital lifestyle.

Furthermore, through our partnerships with commercial banks as well as SACCOs, we have brought interoperability to the financial sector; today, someone can move money from their bank account to their Tigo Cash wallet in a seamless manner. This has increased financial inclusion.

Through our extensive network of Tigo agents, who number over 11,000, we have guaranteed that our services are able to be enjoyed by every Rwandan. In terms of access to 3G and 4G LTE enabled handsets, through our 4G Festivals across the country and as well as our partnership with Bank of Kigali, Tigo is helping to provide affordable handsets. All this has lessened the digital divide in the country.

Whereas previously we concentrated on providing specific services to big, corporate firms, today we have a dedicated team and special products that aim to increase SME productivity and profitability. For example, our Easy Biz product, which is aimed at SMEs, reduces the costs of communication by allowing businesses to enjoy CUG (Closed User Group) facilities. Through the CUG, SME employees are able to call and text each other for free. This can reduce communication costs by up to 80% for many businesses.

As Rwanda moves forward towards its ambition of becoming a middle-income country, what I believe that we will see is increased mobile phone usage. People will use their phones to make payments, access government services and enjoy online content; and all this at high data speeds. At Tigo we believe in innovation and providing products that our customers need. What we shall do is to continue to provide innovative products that provide solutions for our customers’ needs.

Advertising is a serious business Know it from people at Scanad Rwanda

ffScanad is a 34 year old agency network that grew within Africa and became the integral agency in the WPP Scangroup ecosystem. WPPScangroup (listed on Nairobi Stock Exchange) is the largest marketing services & communications network in Sub-Sahara Africa and is a subsidiary of the global industry leader – WPP (listed on London Stock Exchange).

24 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

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eing a part of this vast network comes with a lot of knowledge, trends, industry best practices and also the responsibility in terms of ethics and code of conduct.

They use all this information, knowledge and expertise for its clients to deliver effective communication that boosts their sales and improves their brand perception.

In Rwanda, Scanad set up its offices in 2012 and are a strong team of 14 people and many partners. They provide clients with advertising, media, PR, and digital services.

They also get huge support from its Africa head office in Nairobi when it comes to regional insights, market research & Regional clients expanding their services to Rwanda.

Hope Magazine was able to meet with Ankur Gupta, the Scanad Rwanda Country Manager last month who shared some insights on how they at Scanad take advertising as a serious business and how they are changing the advertising landscape in Rwanda.

Below are the excerpts from the interview;

But, in professional advertising, one must realize it is a serious business t h a t ne e d s s pe c i a li z e d t a le nt w i t h immense amount of focus fuelled by self belief. This is what we need to push our tale-nted young people to focus their energies on.

Some people say that clients do not want to pay.

How do you tackle that?

This is a factor of performance. Many take ‘creative jobs’ very lightly. Advertising is not just creative.

Advertising needs to be effective and entertaining. Subjective advertising like “I don’t prefer that pink” is a gamble and as any gambler will tell you, the chips may come your way but most often they do not.

Advertising involves a lot of strategic thinking which starts from the business objective and goes all the way to behavioral analysis of the target audience, product relevance, media consumption habits and then brand positioning.

What do you think about the advertising market in Rwanda?

Advertising & communications development is still at a nascent stage, and that is the exciting bit in Rwanda like many other industries. Clients are enthusiastic about fresh work. Consumers are responsive to new concepts. So on the whole, these are exciting times.

What is the challenge you face in Rwanda?

Some of the challenges are common across the world like talent. In our region it’s a big gap that needs to be filled. However, it is encouraging to see enthusiasm among those who are willing to learn.

In Rwanda the challenge gets compounded with the fact that some creative people want to do ‘everything’ under the sun.

The enthusiasm of doing ‘everything’ is awesome; as a hobby, it feels fantastic to be a part of a million projects at the same time.

Creativity is subjective.

How do you measure that?

Advertising needs to be effective and entertaining. Subjective advertising like “I don’t prefer that pink” is a gamble and as any gambler will tell you, the chips may come your way but most often they do not.

I t ’ s a d i s c i p li ne d fo r m of c re a t i ve communication which needs a lot of strategic thinking and on time delivery. Our business is based on ‘human insight’ that needs to be harnessed in a specialized form. The biggest brands that we know of have been built on a simple human insight derived through a complex process of insight mining.

Advertising involves a lot of strategic thinking which starts from the business objective and goes all the way to behavioral analysis of the target audience, product relevance, media consumption habits and then brand positioning.

Once you bring discipline in your work, the clients can see it/ feel your enthusiasm.

Only then can they understand the value you bring, what you add to their business and are more than willing to pay as they see a business impact.

The aspect of creativity comes in ideation, after which is the execution phase. All the great ad-men in the world have been strategic thinkers/ solution providers and are not referred to as artists.

What is a brand?

That’s a million dollar question, and every ad professional will have a different view on it.

www.hope-mag.com

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The simplest definition I read was this: A brand is the gut feeling you have about a person, place, object, or a product.

How important is it to localize content?

Any form of advertising done in Rwanda or for that matter anywhere in the world has to be locally relevant. One cannot expect an ad created in South Africa or UK or US to work in Rwanda as the motivations, challenges and cultures of people are different.

I have been in Rwanda for over 15 months, and I learn local nuances and human insights on a daily basis. I would not do justice to ads if I was working from South Africa and creating ads for Rwanda.

Several international brands acknowledge that, and they create communication locally. They have seen the benefit of this in their sales numbers.

Do you have training and workshops in advertising?

The main investment in our industry is on human capital, and if we do not groom the people we have, then we will suffer in the long run. We come across a lot of raw talent in Rwanda as there are no professional schools teaching about our profession.

This talent needs guidance and training, be it in the area of strategic communication, creative concepts, or media landscape.

As pioneers in the advertising industry in Sub-Sahara Africa, it is our responsibility to provide the youth with proper training and that is something we put a lot of time and effort in.

research and good content. Gone are those days when clients would invest in media based on word of mouth. They ask for proof on how good the content is and how popular the media house is.

"Advertising Beyond social media, there is a lot happening in the digital world. From creating real time ambassadors, to content partnerships with real consumers, engagements across different channels, getting real time feedback and being the source of customer feedback.

In Sub-Sahara Africa, we are doing quite a lot more than just display ads or respond to Twitter feeds. I think it is quite exciting times ahead for us in the digital world..

How does the Media Landscape look like in Rwanda?

Media, just like advertising, is gearing up for better local content, which in turn will boost their advertising revenue. The entertainment industry will play a huge role in this, and we are excited to see some great collaboration between artists and media houses.

The media houses have started to understand the importance of authentic

What are your view on Digital advertising?

26 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Digital advertising is currently being understood as ‹social media’. The manner in which social media promotion has been structured by Facebook, Twitter among other platforms relies heavily on good content and effective/insightful advertising.

Let me give you an example. If you boost a post on Facebook, the social media platform will promote your ad, but the ad will have an organic growth only if the content/ad is liked by people.

If the ad is just another ad then Facebook will meet its basic obligation of increasing the view and you will get only the paid reach exposure and not organic reach.

Organic reach happens only with those advertisements which are liked by people and are shared by them.

Beyond social media, there is a lot happening in the digital world. From creating real time ambassadors, to content partnerships with real consumers, engagements across different channels, getting real time feedback and being the source of customer feedback.

In Sub-Sahara Africa, we are doing quite a lot more than just display ads or respond to Twitter feeds. I think it is quite exciting times ahead for us in the digital world.

Finally, what is the role of research in communication?

Research is knowledge. One cannot have enough of it. And doing advertising or product development without research means that you are shooting in the dark and therefore bound to miss your target.

Research cannot be done casually.

There is a method to this madness, and research companies across the world have invested a lot of time to create processes and methods which can help in assembling raw data into meaningful conclusions that can be of immense help in connecting with the target audience.

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Airtel Rwanda & RwandaOnline in partnership to Provide Online Payment Solutions for Government Services Via Irembo Platform ffKigali, Rwanda. May, 2016 – In a bid to advance efficient digital payments Airtel Rwanda and RwandaOnline Platform Limited (ROPL) have partnered to make payments for government services simpler through the Irembo e-Government platform.

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rembo, (irembo.gov.rw) is the one-stop portal for e-Government services. Its role as a platform is the provision of Government services online with ease, efficiency and reliability. The partnership will enable Airtel customers who use Airtel Money accounts to make payments for all government services available on the Irembo platform (www.irembo.

28 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

gov.rw) or via USSD by entering short code *909#. While launching the service at the Public Awareness Campaign on e- payments, organised by Ministry of Youth and ICT in Rubavu, Airtel Commercial Director, Indrajeet Singh said that the service will help foster government’s efforts toward promoting a cashless economy.

“Customers always seek to make payments

easily without any difficulty for whatever kind of payment. Airtel Rwanda subscribers will save time while paying for e-government services on Irembo. Technological innovation is dynamic to Airtel’s existence and significant for the growth of Airtel Money solutions, we are glad to continuously provide instant, safe and secure payment processes that harness the latest in

mobile technology”, noted Indrajeet Singh.

Jules M. Ntabwoba, from RwandaOnline Platform Ltd, says that partnering with Airtel on this e-payment system will help citizens of Rwanda to reduce the cost and time of transactions.

Through Airtel Money, Rwandans will now be able to pay for Irembo services directly from their mobile phones for services like birth certificates, Renewal of driving license, Birth certificate, Application for definitive driving license, Application for National ID, Conference visa-Single entry.

In order to use the platform, a person who successfully applies for an e-government service from the Irembo Portal, receives a code which they use on their mobile phones for confirmation of payment.

"In order to use the platform, a person who successfully applies for an e-government service from the Irembo Portal, receives a code which they use on their mobile phones for confirmation of payment".

How to use the Irembo platform for application leading to payment?

Step (1): Dial *909# or Visit www.irembo.gov.rw and create your own account

Step (2): Follow the instructions to get a code for payment.

Step (3): Pay via Airtel money

How to use the Airtel Money for Irembo Payment

Step (1): Dial *182#

Step (2): Select option 4 (Paybill) from the Menu

Step (3): Select option 1 (Utilities)

Step (4): Select option 4 (RwandaOnline)

Step (5): Enter the Bill ID (this is got from the portal irembo.gov.rw)

Step (6): Enter the PIN (to confirm)

About Bharti Airtel Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa.

About RwandaOnline Platform Ltd RwandaOnline Platform Limited is a technology solutions provider that enables services critical to citizens and businesses.

With our nation continuously striving to become a “knowledge based” economy as well as its high involvement in the ICT field, ROPLs VISION is to become the catalyst of the transformation of Rwanda through technology.

The company mission to “Build and operate a platform that enables the automated and online provision of services to citizens and businesses”. Its flagship product, Irembo (irembo.gov.rw), is the single portal to accessing Government of Rwanda services online.

Currently 28 services are available on Irembo Platform. For more info call Toll Free 9099.

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 DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers.

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

Bharti Airtel had over 353 million customers across its operations at the end of January 2016.

To know more please visit, www.airtel.com .

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How Bamurange used Urwego School Improvement Loan to provide Rusheshe children with a school ff “Socially impacting lives doesn’t come easy especially when you set off to do it but when you have a vision and the commitment to attain it, you will definitely find ways of reaching your final destination” said Ms. Beatrice Bamurange, the founder of the ever-growing Rise to Shine School in Rusheshe village, Masaka sector in Kicukiro district.

Ms. Bamurange (Center) poses with some of her primary and nursery students

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his was during an exclusive interview with The Hope Magazine last month on how she benefitted from Urwego Opportunity Bank’s School Improvement Loans to impact the lives of children and women in the area she chose to socially transform.

“I had a vision to intervene in the rural areas of Rwanda because it was noticeable that there were some places which needed to be exposed to good quality education” explained Beatrice.

She further expressed that many children are hindered from becoming future leaders due to lack of access to quality education. My heart, therefore is set upon rescuing those children, opening a door for them to enable them become what they are meant to be,” she explained.

30 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Ms. Bamurange, beneficiary of Urwego's School Improvement Loans poses with her Rise to Shine Tailoring students

How she did it Ms. Bamurange started out by interviewing d i ffe re nt p a re nt s i n t he a re a d u r i n g t he communal cleaning (Umuganda), asking them if there was any nursery and primary school in the area only to be told there was none. This small research gave her the basis for making the decision to start Rise to Shine school in Rusheshe. “The parents were happy when we told them we were going to open a nursery and primary school in the area as it would give the children focus, purpose and discipline as it eliminated improper behavior and trained them in the ways of life”, she explained.

However, the whole idea of establishing a proper school remained a challenge as she didn’t have any school premises to use, leave alone the capital to start a school. Beatrice was very determined though, so to register the first intake, they had to improvise and at the Rusheshe Cell offices where she had been given a small room to host her office while things got sorted out. Beatrice later staged her registration desk under a tree but with time, the growing number of students made it insufficient to accommodate the students and by the end of the first year (2011), the school had 55 students.

“In 2012, I and some well-wishers were able to buy land here and started building a block of classrooms for nurseries on our own with our limited resources”, said Beatrice. The struggle to set up a school on her own continued until December 2013, when the block was almost

finished that they completely ran out of resources, despite the need to move into the rooms in January 2014. “Around this time is when we met people from Urwego Opportunity Bank miraculously,” she said. Walking in town one day, I met a lady I knew from a certain microfinance and on asking her if they have any education financing products, she declined but directed me to Urwego which she said was offering the product. So she gave me a contact from the bank who sounded promising even via the telephone” she shared her experience.

The project was now clearly a growing success but Beatrice still faced a challenge of inadequate rooms so Beatrice continued with the system that had earlier started of having nursery classes in the morning and primary in the afternoon. “This way, we could accommodate students up to primary 3 level. During their client follow-up visits, Urwego evaluated our usage and payment of the loan and they were impressed, encouraging them to add another loan worth RWF 15 million which was used to build a new classroom block”, she noted.

“On meeting, I described my needs to him and he took me through the necessary steps at the bank, asked for requirements from me, and promised to revert in not more than two weeks. Sure enough, two weeks later, after we visited my premises, I received a worth of Rwf 10 million loan which was enough to finish the structure we had earlier began”, she narrated.

“In 2015, Urwego loaned us another RWF 20 million for an extra block and for lavatories.

Urwego loans helped us overcome the challenge of having children study in shifts, and this improved their productivity. Currently, we have a total of 219 well performing students. This journey would have been very difficult without Urwego’s consistent support and availability”.

About Urwego School Improvement Loans

Private schools owners desiring to provide quality education as well as premises expansion intentions.

Eligibility

Own a private School in need of expansion.

Be in compliance with national regulatory framework for education plus school’s bylaws and school’s board resolution;

Application letter and approval of the loan purpose

Provide financial statements of the school.

Accept visit by staff and interview on site.

Construction compliance from government in case of construction loans.

Affordable Interest rate

Flexibility on payment terms.

Contact us on our toll free number 5151 if you need any further information or visit our nearest branch. www.hope-mag.com

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INSTANBUL At the heart of History Religion, Culture & Architecture

goods, with special areas for leather, goldjewelry and the like. The bazaar has been an important trading center since the year 1461 which was constructed by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.

� Istanbul is a city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the

Bosphorus Strait. The Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races.

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st a n b u l i s a h u ge c i t y w i t h s eve r a l districts with a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, dinning, nightlife and with a rich history, culture with a mix of religion and architecture. Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city as well as its cultural and financial hub. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Istanbul’s population is estimated to be between 17 million people, making it also one of the largest cities in Europe and the world.

History 660BC- Greeks established the Byzantine empire with sea trade an commerce. 2nd century BCRoman Empire helped Greeks guard city and Emperor Constatine orders great growth and

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque

expansion and building of the city walls which are present to this day and also introduced christianity to the area. The city becomes capital of the eastern Roman Empire and is renamed constatinopole in the 4th century Ad, 15th century- Ottoman Empire conquers the Romans and sultan Ahmed changed the city to Istanbul and it consequently became a Muslim city, 1922ottomans defeated by the British 1923- Attatuk leads war of independence and republic of turkey is established

Must- see places

Basilica Cistern

32 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Ancient Waters The Basilica Cistern, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. One of the magnificent historical monuments of İstanbul, The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. The cistern is located near South West of the Hagia Sophia. It was founded in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The cistern began to be called by the public ‘the Sinking Palace’.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, is the most important historical sights of Istanbul. For the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior, it is called Blue Mosque. The mosque is considered to be the last example of Ottoman classical architecture. It is a masterwork of Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, apprentice under Mimar Sinan.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople

built as a horse-racing track in about 200 AD.by the Romans. It was originally used for chariot racing and other public events, and the stadium surrounding the track held over 100,000 people.

The Hippodrome was the center of life in Byzantine Constantinople for over 1,000 years and of Ottoman life in Istanbul for over 400 years.

There are spectacular monuments set on this area representing the glamour of the Hippodrome. The Bosphorus is lined with palaces, ruins, villages, and gardens, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery in Turkey. The best way of seeing the Bosphorus in all its beauty is to take a trip on one of the coastal boats. You can also stay in some of the best hotels or eat in some of the best restaurants along its shores during your stay in this magnificent city.

TURKISH AIRLINES

truly a Global Airline Turkish airlines for many years has been synonymous with world class services, timely arrivals and departures and quite favorable ticket pricing. This success story comes from a history of the commitment of the Turkish people to serve, the enormous investment, technology and training in the industry, hard work and through experience.

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n an interview with Mr. Said Samil Karakas , the Turkish Airlines Vice President of Sales in the sub Saharan Africa explains the journey to the top of the global airline industry.

Turkish Airlines has over the last 80 years grown to become one of the worldís best airlines, categorized among the star alliance member airlines. He reveals that the secret behind this success is understanding that each customer has different value, behavior and needs with customer profiling and satisfaction at the heart of their operations. Turkish Airlines has capitalized on expanding its network, human capital, fleet and passenger numbers. The airline flies to more countries than any other in the world.

Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier airline of Turkey. As of August 2015, it operates scheduled services to 290 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making it the fourth-largest carrier in the world by number of destinations. THY has been a member of the Star Alliance network since 1 April 2008. Turkish airlines currently owns a fleet of over 240 aircraft which will grow to over 400 in the next five years making it the 13th largest fleet in the world with over 30,000 employees. As of 2015, the airlines transported a staggering 61 million passengers worldwide. Mr. Said Samil Karakas says that a high level service concept, flight destinations increasing every day, world famous catering, on board entertainment and experienced personnel have made Turkish Airlines one of the best airlines in Europe and around the world.

Our main objective is to become the best airline in the world as long as it takes. We try to attain this by providing the best services to all our clients and ensure customer satisfaction. This is why we put a lot of emphasis on employing highly trained staff members who can deliver. Turkish Airlines has scored a resounding success, with air travellers once again recognizing the airline as the «Best Airline in Europe», for the fifth year running. The awards mark a continued period of success for the airline, which has seen a significant passenger numbers rise compared to the same period last year. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines Headquarters Turkey

it became internationally recognized in the training services arena in 2012 and continues to supply training given by approximately 60 highly experienced instructors, who are experts in their respective fields. The company has offered professional aviation training since 1982 under the Turkish Airlines roof, and is the most important aviation training center in Turkey. The Academy is located on an 8,600 m2 enclosed space, containing 28 classrooms, a conference room with 125 seat capacity, two simulation classes and an examination room.

continues to consolidate its position as one of the world’s leading airlines by significant investments made in recent years, the awards received, impressive growth figures, large-scale aircraft orders, a continuously expanding route network and innovative approaches The airlines brand ambassadors include and Lionel Messi, Famous basketball player Kobe Bryant, Didier drogba, Tiger woods, Dortmund football club, Olympique de Marseille as well as sponsorship deals with Euroleague Basketball lasting until 2020. The airline also and signed a sponsorship agreement with UEFA as the “first official airline sponsor” of the UEFA 2016, which will take place in France in 2016.

Flight Simulation

Atatürk Airport Istanbul Atatürk Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, and the biggest airport in Turkey by total number of passengers, destinations served and functions as the main hub for Turkish Airlines which constitutes about 5.9% of turkeys GDP. It was Europe’s 4th busiest airport in 2014. The first quarter of 2015 saw 15 million people visiting Turkey attracted by business, shopping, history, art, culture, food and nightlife as well as religion and this established the city as 3rd favorite in Europe and 5th favorite in the world.

Aviation

Turkish

Airlines Aviation Academy

Providing service training for its personnel,

At the Academy simultaneous training can be given to 800 people. The Flight Training Center has been the responsible unit for all flight-related training provided to the Company’s cockpit and cabin personnel with six full flight simulators (FFS), two cabin emergency evacuation trainers (CEET), one flight and navigation procedures trainer (FNPT II), three Flight Training Devices (FTD), two Door Training Devices (A320 DT, B777 DT), one Real Time Fire Fighting Trainer (RTFFT), two cabin services trainers (CST), and three computer based trainers (CBT); this in addition to 34 classrooms, one Ditching Pool and an auditorium. In short, it has become a professional training facility that serves national and international customers, while also providing ongoing flight training to Turkish Airlines personnel. www.hope-mag.com

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The meal tray passes through a specializes processes to reach the passenger on-board.

These processes are operated within the “Catering Service System” between the airline, catering companies and suppliers. turkish airlines aims to offer a restaurant experience and taste to passengers.

With the partnership of Turkish Airlines Inc. and DO&CO A.G., meals are always prepared with fresh products with an understanding and principle of boutique production where the unique menu concept is introduced to the passengers via Flying Chefs who gives professional support to cabin crew during the meal preparation to show Turkish hospitality to the world.

Istanbul lounge

Turkish Airlines Istanbul Lounge

TURKISH AIRLINES

service at its best Over 60 national and international airlines are catered from these locations. While Turkish Airlines represents 85% of the sales, Air France, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Pegasus Airlines are also among its wide range of customer portfolio.

The company also operates Turkish Airlines’ business class lounges, one of the largest in the world as well as high profile sports events like Formula one racing, UEFA football and masters tennis. Flying chefs are now part of the Turkish ailines experience since 2010 operating on long-haul flights.

Turkish DO & CO

ffCatering company based mainly in Istanbul which is jointly owned by DO & CO and Turkish Airlines

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ince 2007, Turkish DO & CO has been operating nine gourmet kitchens all over Turkey and 27 kitchens in different restaurants and hotels around the world.

34 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Turkish Airlines Flying Chef

The lounge is operated by Turkish Airlines’ catering partner, TURKISH DO&CO, a group that has repeatedly won awards for providing Turkish Airlines’ passengers with the best meals in the sky.

The lounge is exclusive to Business Class travellers or Miles&Smiles Elite Plus members, arriving on a Turkish Airlines international flight.

It’s refurbished and expanded lounge which offers the wide range of activities and services transforms preflight or connecting time into its own special experience, unique to Turkish Airlines.

This earned the flag carrier the top spot in the category, “World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge”. It’s excellent catering service that has been a hallmark of guest comfort in its worldrenowned lounge. The lounge occupies about 6000 square-meter area and provides seating capacity for 1000 people at a time.

Besides all the comforts and modern technological facilities you might need, awaiting you as soon as you enter the lounge are delicious catering offerings.

The lounge provides many services such us an always-current local and international magazine and newspaper section, fee Wi-Fi connectivity, media walls, power outlets for your electronic devices, Printers and computers, private resting and showering areas, media wall, cinema, a play area for children, a prayer room, a teleconference hall, meeting room and massage service.

There is also a wide range of food and beverages.

Also available are Billiards room, Suit rooms, Golf simulator , Electronic diversions among others to provide a truly memorable stay at the airport.

Engen sponsors 10 children under Imbuto Foundation’s Scholarship program

ffLeading fuel marketer, Engen Rwanda has partnered with Imbuto Foundation to sponsor 10 vulnerable but brilliant students to continue their secondary school education under the Foundation's 'Edified Generation' scholarship program.

Sarah Doukoure Engen Rwanda's MD, (L) signs the sponsorship agreement as the Imbuto Director General, Urujeni Bakuramutsa (R) looks on

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peaking after the signing of the partnership agreement, Engen Rwanda’s Managing Director, Sarah Doukoure said “as conscious corporate citizens, we were sensitized by the good work being done by Imbuto Foundation in support of Education in Rwanda and we wanted to contribute to this initiative in a meaningful manner”.

"After discussions with the Imbuto Foundation management, we decided to support the “Edified Generation” scholarship program where we will contribute to support ten (10) children, located across the country, for a period of five (5) years, from senior 2 to senior 6 for a total contribution of RWF 12,000,000” she explained. She noted that the sponsorship will enable the students go to the next level and reduce school dropout rates in Rwanda.

“For us, it was not about a once-off sponsorship but more to have a sustainable impact in these kids’ lives so that one day they can become successful business people and contribute to the growth of

Imbuto Education students receive life lessons during a recent holiday camp

Imbuto Education student beneficiaries in Nyabihu district celebrate their graduation of their 12 year education program last year

the Economy. To ensure this, we commit to closely follow up on the students until they successfully finish school,” she said. Urujeni Bakuramutsa, the Imbuto Foundation Director General, said that they are happy to have Engen as a partner in their “Edified Generation” program designed to achieve their mission which is to support the development of a healthy, educated and prosperous society. “For us to get there we know that education is key and we command Engen for choosing to give back to the community,” she said.

was paramount in contributing to the country's development. In 2007, the work of PACFA was built on and carried forward under the new name of Imbuto Foundation to reflect its evolution and new fields of activity. Literally translated Imbuto means “seed”. A seed well planted, watered, nurtured and given all the necessary support successfully grows into a healthy plant – one that reaches high and stands tall. Imbuto Foundation envisions this for all its current initiatives and those in the future.

About Imbuto Foundation

About Engen

In 2001, the Protection and Care of Families against HIV/AIDS (PACFA) was established – as a project under the Office of the First Lady - to mobilize resources desperately needed in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Through PACFA, there was hope and renewed value to the lives of thousands of women traumatized by genocide and deliberately infected with HIV/AIDS. The project activities committed to improving the quality of life for families affected by HIV/ AIDS and providing health care to vulnerable groups.

Engen Rwanda Ltd is part of Engen Petroleum Group, a leading African-based energy group focused on the refining and marketing of petroleum and petroleum-based products, and the provision of retail convenience services, through an extensive network of service stations across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Over the years, PACFA embraced new programs and initiatives, involved more people and cultivated a sense of greater purpose.

This organisation understood that providing access to good health services, quality education, youth and economic empowerment to the most vulnerable communities

Engen is 80% owned by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s national oil company, and 20% by Pembani Group, a black-owned South African company. Since its formation in the early 1970s, PETRONAS has grown to be included on the Fortune 500 list of the world’s biggest corporations. Through this association, Engen has leading global support in all areas of our business, coupled with the freedom to pursue the African dream.

Engen operates in 18 African countries (Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, DRC, Gabon, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mauritius, Reunion, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland).

www.hope-mag.com

35

UAP Insurance Rwanda Celebrate World Diversity Day

the benefits such as driving innovation, creativity increment and broader service range to mention but a few. After Rwandan dances performance, on this celebration day, Mrs. Wanjohi, closed by urging the UAP Team to embrace diversity with its positivity. She reminded them that the Rwandan Culture is a rich culture with positive social and professional values matching with the group’s vision of delivering unique services with integrity.

UAP Insurance Rwanda staff, flanked by their CEO, Mrs. Wanjohi (C) during this year's World Diversity Day last month

“The Key message the team shared is that being part of a large Insurance and Financial Services firm such as UAP enables them to engage a large number of markets, cultures, countries and people with their differences and uniqueness that the team has committed to take as advantages to better serve their respective communities. As result, it brings about more innovation and creativity to ensure UAP Services impact more lives,” she said.

ffOn Friday 20th May, 2016, staff members of UAP Insurance Rwanda took time off their busy schedules to celebrate this year’s World Diversity Day to encourage the insurance and financial services giant’s staff of the Rwandan cultural diversity.

H

eld under the theme “Find your greatness” UAP Insurance Rwanda’s staff joined their colleagues from ot h e r g ro u p j u r i s d i c t i o n s i n Botswana, China, Columbia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mexico, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe to share the Rwandan culture and its values.

associated to values as staff of a great African insurance group. While talking about diversity in the work place, Ms. Lydia Bizimana, Executive Assistant at UAP Insurance Rwanda, shared several challenges surrounding diversity at work before focusing on UAP Kenya staff pose in traditional Rwandan wear during the World Diversity Day last month

Speaking during the event, Ms. Pauline Wanjohi, the UAP Insurance Rwanda Chief Executive Officer noted that a diverse team is able to generate more ideas and gives organizations a unique competitive edge. The UAP Rwanda staff hosted conversations on diversity with the team and exchanged ideas on the role diversity plays in company productivity.

The team agreed that diversity advocacy must build and implement a customized strategy to maximize the effect of diversity in the work place.

Mrs Adeline Muhoza, UAP Insurance Rwanda’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, shared insights during the event, of the Rwandan culture with the staff. Her presentation emphasized on the Rwandan Culture and some of its values such as integrity, self-resilience, courage and dignity, UAP Group staff cut a cake during the World Diversity Day last month in Uganda

36 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

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3:30 PM

Your Health...

Mediheal Diagnostic and Fertility Centre-Kigali

Cutting Edge Medical Centre of Excellence ffSince its establishment in Rwanda in 2014, the health facility, also part of Mediheal group of hospitals, has maintained its position as a leading health service provider in the country. It is located on Plot No. 252, Kimihurura, Main Road, in Rwanda’s capital Kigali.

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e d i he a l G ro u p of H os p i t a ls, born in 2004 is a leading private healthcare provider with a Kenyan origin operating in the East African region with high focus on quality, cost effective healthcare and respect for human beings. The group chairman, Dr. S.R MISHRA, says that Mediheal has an objective of providing world class healthcare with state of the art technology.

This has prompted their participation in numerous charitable endeavors to assist the less fortunate in the society.

Such deliberate efforts have earned them massive respect from their trustworthy client-base drawn from as far as Southern Sudan, Southern Uganda, Eastern Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. We have six facilities in Kenya, two in Nairobi and two each in Eldoret and Nakuru, offering tertiary level, diagnostic and therapeutic services. Mediheal is envisioned to be the most responsive and innovative health care provider thus positively impacting communities in Africa and beyond.

“Our mission is to provide international standard medical care to within the reach of every individual, achieve and maintain excellence in health education, research and provision for the benefit of humanity, transcend the realm of curative care with a new

38 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

focus on preventive care and build the infrastructure that will create an environment that protects and nurtures future generations,” says Farooq Siddiqui, General Manager at Mediheal Kigali.The health facility offers internationally accredited health services to Rwanda, encouraging quality improvement in the country’s health sector.

DR.S.R.Mirshra Chairman of Mediheal Group of Hospitals

"Today we are proud to mention our success of over 45 babies born with the help of IVF,” Farooq says. We also deal with non-invasive pain management and cosmetic surgery, amongst others".

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine

“The group’s capacity comprises of operating theatres, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines and Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanners among other advanced equipment,” Farooq says. In addition, our innovative approach to healthcare provision enabled us to be Rwanda’s pioneers in the fields of Assisted Reproductive Techniques (also known as Test Tube Babies and IVF).

This has enabled us over the time to effectively serve thousands of patients.

“Today we are proud to mention our success of over 45 babies born with the help of IVF,” Farooq says. We also deal with non-invasive pain management and cosmetic surgery, amongst others.

More than 5000 different types of laboratory tests can be done, which includes bio -chemistry, immunoassays, clinical microbiology, hematology, cytology, serology, histopathology, etc. Mediheal has been able to maintain loyalty and good relationship with their clientele. “Our success at customer loyalty goes much deeper than having a great product or giving a nice discount.

Mediheal also provides Diagnostic Radiology services to patients with a wide variety of imaging techniques, including Digital x-ray, ultrasound, 1.5 tesla MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), 64 slice CT-Scan (computed tomography). At the facility, a patient will access the services of laboratory tests, a medical specialty that is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues.

Farooq Siddiqui, General Manager at Mediheal Rwanda

Dr. Eugene Ngoga, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology in the IVF laboratory

It’s about knowing how to create a continuous series of positive experiences that cultivate long-term customer loyalty and profitability,” says Dr. Eugene Ngoga, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Mediheal focuses on delivering patient centered care, with quality and timely services available at all times. “The way we receive our patients enables us get positive feedbacks that also help us identify areas of correction,” Dr. Ngoga says.

Mediheal hospital premisses

Customer feedback has played a key role in helping us ensure that whatever type of channel used, the customer receives a consistent, personalized and compelling experience every time. “The leadership in Rwanda has encouraged foreign investment and therefore, it is imperative for us to support all its endeavors in the growth and development of the state,” Dr. Ngoga notes.

Healthy people build a healthy nation; therefore Mediheal is here to ensure keeping Rwandans healthy. We bring services near to the communities which would require patients spending a lot of money and time to find them abroad, take for instance the IVF technology. In the future Mediheal plans to establish a Super Specialty Hospital and also intend to start practicing medical tourism and make the hospital a regional facility. www.hope-mag.com

39

Vision Finance Company rebrands to VisionFund Rwanda promises to reach more of the un-banked population �VisionFund Rwanda (VFR) is a part of VisionFund International and subsidiary of World Vision International operating in more than 40 countries. In Rwanda VFR is one of the largest deposits taking Microfinance Institutions whose mission is to provide financial and non-financial services to the most underprivileged with limited financial access in the rural communities and ensure Child Well Being.

VFR CEO, Ross Nathan at the microfinance's head office in Muhima, Kigali last month

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t was started in 1997 as a World Vision Micro finance program, and in 2004 became a Central Bank Regulated MFI in Rwanda. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ross T. Nathan noted that, as part of its global strategy to be known as one brand that reaches out to the financially excluded, VisionFund International is rebranding all its entities around the globe which was known by different names .

providing financial services to the under-privileged, VisionFund goes there. In Rwanda, we are one of the oldest and biggest networks of microfinance organizations serving the rural population. We started small in 1997 and in 2004, we acquired a deposit-taking banking license and are fully regulated by the central bank and governed by local and international Board of Directors,” he explained in an exclusive interview last month.

To that effect, its entity in Rwanda, Vision Finance Company has rebranded to VisionFund Rwanda Limited. “Wherever there is opportunity for

Balancing social development and sustainability

40 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Mr. Nathan noted, this is a challenging balance that we do strategically, and that there is indeed a thin line between being profitable, Sustainable and having social impact on people’s lives.

“When we say we are part of World Vision, it means that we are there to complement all programs when it comes to sustainability of communities economic and livelihood activities.

We do not carry out any charity or relief activities but provide sustainable financial and non financial services that include Loans and Savings services to communities.

Do you work with other NGOs and how sustainable is it?

We work with most NGOs and private sector partners, who are looking for a financial services provider for the underprivileged. We have linked most Village Savings Groups of Care International and World Vision and also Youth groups of Technoserve. Our primary objective is that wherever there is a need for financial Services or financial literacy in social development, we consider that as our opportunity.

Our biggest returns are child well being and social impact through our services done in a sustainable manner,” he explained. “At the same time, we want to be sustainable and as I said we are a deposittaking microfinance and registered as a for profit company, we need to safeguard depositors money and provide returns to them too, so we always have to strike a balance for us to sustain and survive.

To illustrate, We work with economically active groups and lend in groups, You can imagine the risk and cost of serving a loan of US$ 1,000 to 30 people, The returns most times do not match income, As a microfinance we serve people where they are and they do not come to us, this makes our operations cost high because, you need 30 applications, appraisals, training, collection of PPI data and more. But that US$ 1,000 is very easy and safe for us to give to an entrepreneur who is my neighbor that is running a successful /profitable electronic appliances shop.”

He said their objective is to serve the sector that is unbanked and underprivileged and once VFR becomes fully sustainable and can make profit, then they will look into expanding their activities all over Rwanda, providing more employment opportunities to clients’ children, and also look into how they will provide microfinance services more affordably. “Currently, we are nearly 80% sustainable without any grant funding to cover our costs. We do request donors to balance our costs with low cost funds. Globally, there are requests from many NGO’s who want us to go to more areas, where there are no bank branches or microfinance institutions; I would surely say Rwanda is an exception here,” he noted.

What do you have to offer Rwanda?

What we assure Rwandans is hope. VFR was started to protect the under-privileged from money lenders who exploit the poor, what we call banque Lambert in Rwanda.

What is the difference between an MFI such as VFR and a commercial bank?

The fundamental objective of microfinance is financial access and protecting the poor people from money lenders. We don’t compete with banks

About VisionFund Rwanda V i s i o n Fu nd R wa nd a ( VF R ) i s a p a r t of VisionFund International and subsidiary of World Vision International operating in more than 40 countries. In Rwanda VFR is one of the largest deposits taking Microfinance Company, whose mission is to provide financial and nonfinancial services to the underprivileged rural communities to ensure Child Well Being. It was started in 1997 as a World Vision Micro finance program, and in 2004 became a Central Bank Regulated MFI in Rwanda.

VFR primarily targets the vulnerable women with children and youth in rural areas and provides them with opportunities of economic empowerment so they lead a quality life. Our products and strategy are mainly focused on strengthening and providing financial services to the communities who are underprivileged and do not have adequate financial access.

Our loan sizes range from Rwf 5000 ($10) to Rwf 8million ($10,000,) depending on the poverty level of clients and region. Strategically we are one of the biggest partners for Village Savings and Groups loans Linkages to formal financial access especially groups of Care International in Rwanda, Techno serve and World Vision Rwanda.

Our goal is to help underprivileged people

because commercial banks do not go to very rural areas because it is not sustainable and cannot give return on Investments to shareholders.

How fast and convenient are your services?

For us, it takes a maximum of five days for customers to get loans, depending on the client’s capacity on financial literacy and ability to convincingly explain his cash flow. More so, we train them on finance and teach them how to save.

VFR mobile banking solution The VFR CEO noted that one of the major barriers that discourage many financial institutions from going to rural areas is the high cost of operations, given that some areas are not even accessible by road. “But we found that everywhere we go, people have mobile phones and a mobile money agent of one of the three telecoms; MTN, Airtel and Tigo.

We thought that we could develop a mobile banking technology to serve our clients, because we are also the microfinance institution in Rwanda that has linked most rural village savings groups in Rwanda.

Am happy to acknowledge World Vision and Care International partly supported us in developing

in Rwanda, care for their children so they are provided with good social and economic environment to grow and become good responsible citizens of the country. Our microfinance services enable them to build the foundations they need to bring the families themselves out of poverty. Our clients use their loans and financial education to develop and expand their businesses. This leads to additional income for their families and the communities in which they live e.g. Child Well Being.

Our Savings products include Child Savings accounts to help rural population save for their children regularly and in process of developing products targeting the youth i.e. Mobile Banking.

We operate in all Regions of Rwanda through our 10 branch outlets, and are in the process of developing branch less solutions to serve the rural communities.

As a World Vision organization, our mission is to serve the under privileged in the deep rural areas whereby our partnership with CARE Rwanda, World Vision and Techno Serve of serving the VSLAs has helped us to reach the underserved groups or disadvantaged. Our field officers are our ‘heroes’ and have their work outlined out for them whereby 90% of their operations are in the fields/rural meeting potential clients/groups Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness; Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.

this technology, and today we have a very robust core banking system that can support our mobile banking Technology that we have kick started and in pilot phase.

Our mobile banking solution is called ‘M-hano’ and works on USSD irrespective of if a client has an MTN, AIRTEL or TIGO SIM card and no need for a smart phone. Our clients can check their account balances through their phones, get sms alerts whenever they deposit money, get a loan, repay their loan, pay their utility bills at the comfort of their homes or working place using their basic mobile phone. We are also working on enabling them to pay school fees through their mobile phone We also have the ‘e-wallet ‘ services whereby our clients can link their mobile e-wallet money accounts to their VFR bank accounts, enabling them to pull or push money from their bank account to mobile money account and vice versa, also this will help poor clients to save money in their Bank accounts without visiting a bank branch,” he explained. � As of now, VFR is the only microfinance institution working with all Mobile Network Operators on its mobile banking platform. www.hope-mag.com

41

BRD Playing key role in filling the

financing gap in Agriculture sector

In its expanded and refocused mandate – enshrined in the strategic plan 2016 – 2020, the Development Bank of Rwanda (RDB) has redesigned the Agriculture sector financing plan with focus on promoting agriculture transformation and modernization.

projects in the priority sectors. The leasing facility primarily focuses on agricultural plant and machinery for value addition, commercial, construction, industrial, finance, equipment and other leasing services.

Risk Mitigation Mechanisms Farming has continued to be seen by the financial services sector as a risky venture. From commercial banks to microfinance institutions and the insurance sector, most players jeopardize any dealings with agriculture. Kalema notes that the agro-industry risk is still too high to predict or for one to be able to make informed decisions, moreover the sector almost depends entirely on nature for its survival. “Therefore, it is important for policy-makers, farmers and other stakeholders to develop strong risk mitigations to enable the sector to attract investments and other forms of support,” he says. This will help to minimize and extenuate risks associated with the financing of agriculture projects.

An irrigation machine on a potato field.

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mong the several initiatives of the Bank, agriculture is the head priority in the BRD financing, says Juvenal Kalema, Senior Manager in charge of Agriculture Investments. In an exclusive interview, Kalema noted that the Bank’s intervention mainly focuses on helping the sector reach the annual growth rate of 8.5%, increase fertilizer application (kg/ha/annum), increase banking sector portfolio to agriculture and more land irrigated. Agriculture employs more than 70% of the total population in Rwanda, and is a key component under the Vision 2020 and EDPR II targets. In this context, BRD targets to invest over USD 170 million during the next five years (2016 – 2020).

Dedicated department to scale up access to agriculture financing Through the newly established department of Agriculture, BRD has identified three critical areas of intervention to deal with the restraints in the sector. “This is to increase agro business related activities and also unlock the agriculture financing ecosystem and maximize the potential of the sector,” Kalema notes.

The focus areas of the Bank’s intervention include;

Financing of Agriculture Mechanization and Modernization of the agriculture where funds will be allocated to irrigation investments with an increase from 5000 to 40000 hectares, 42 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

agriculture inputs, both locally manufactured and imported, lease mechanization machinery and equipments, etc.

Provide loans for risk mitigation projects like pesticides, fertilizers, insurance related costs, etc.

Support agro-processing industries through fostering contract farming, financing agroprocessing plants, and supporting modernization of the diary sector, etc.

Refinancing product to boost access to finance for micro-borrowers Under its refinancing product – BRD provides lines of credit to Micro-Finance Institutions and SACCOs – to boost access to credit and promote financial inclusion. Kalema explained that the through refinancing, the beneficiaries can easily access loans for capital related expenditures and working capital in form of direct investment loans, for short and long term investments, leasing of agriculture machinery.

“Through refinancing, MFIs and SACCOs are enabled to access cheap and sufficient funds to extend to micro borrowers that are closer to their communities”. In order to increase the production capacity of farmers in both quality and quantity, BRD provides capital to finance distribution of inputs which mainly include fertilizers, and are expected to contribute to the achievement of the national objective of fertilizer application (45kg/ha/annum) in 2020. The Bank provides leasing facilities to already existing clients with

Supporting the agro-processing industries Recently, it has been realized that agro-industry as a sector of the economy has multiple aspects and contributions to the course of development.

BRD is embarking on aggressive strategies to strengthen the Agro-processing sector in Rwanda.

The strengthening focuses on capabilities and linkages that improve opportunities for added value which will later serve as effective means of achieving economic transformation and sustainable livelihoods.

“We target the complete value chain, counting cooperatives of farmers and distributors of inputs and agro-processors, Kalema explains. Together with contract farming, the Bank also funds a set of value chain research activities, specific linkages initiatives and value addition projects initiated by farmers. This involves technical training, capacity building and advisory services to the farmers. K alema explains further that the scope of this funding goes beyond urban agro-industries to reach poor and marginalized rural populations as well as rural communities with services such as skill development, emergency supplies of agro-equipment, and the rehabilitation of food industries. This is attained through technical backing, counting direct interventions, and policy advice to augment the flexibility, productivity and effectiveness of agro-based industries.

BRD Commissions Rwinkwavu irrigation scheme

Juvenal Kalema, Senior Manager of Agriculture Investments

BRD staff demostrate irrigation during the commissioning (Hope Magazine)

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armers who cultivate in the over 1000 acres of wetland in Rwinkwavu Sector, Kayonza district have started irrigating their crops as a counter measure to the shortage of rain and preventing hunger. The program was supported by BRD to a tune of over Rwf12 million – extended to cooperatives – as part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts.

The Minister challenged residents saying that despite the prevailing drought, farming can still prosper through embracing irrigation.

Nsanganira commended BRD for the timely financial assistance which will enable the farming cooperatives to acquire modern irrigation materials, and also pledged the Ministry’s continuous cooperation with the Bank to increase its financing mandate to the sector.

As Rwanda targets to have at least 100,000ha of land irrigated by 2018, BRD has been at the forefront by providing debt financing to cooperatives and other stakeholders carrying out irrigation projects. Leading the BRD team that delivered the financial support, Kalema called upon the farmers to unite and form cooperatives, noting that it is the easiest way through which the Bank can reach and serve small holder farmers.

Nkurunziza Manuel, a member of Twisunganye cooperative that farms in the wetland where this function was held says irrigation is too tiresome, but with the new system and machinery provided it is going to be easy to save their crops from drought. Residents were grateful to the BRD, MINAGRI and the Government for conserving the water in the swamps, providing them with irrigation machines and the workers that will help in this program.

According to Foster Rugumaho, the president of Ndatwa cooperative, farmers will work together to make sure the irrigation program is successful.

“We will share the machines and irrigate our crops until we see rain again.” Rugumaho said. MINAGRI emphasized the need for farmers to learn and understand the various farming seasons, and also maintain and improve crop production even in the absence of rain. The Ministry noted that the best remedy to drought is to rely on irrigation programs especially in wetland areas and their neighborhood.

Tony Roberto Nsanganira, State Minister in charge of agriculture speaks to residents during the commissioning

While officiating at the handover held on Thursday 9th June 2016, the State Minister in charge of Agriculture - Honorable Tony Roberto Nsanganira – called upon the residents to work together as Rwandans, saying that though it is the responsibility of the government to fight drought and hunger; the residents also have a very big role to play by utilizing the little resources available.

“We have passed through more hardship than this (the persistent drought) and I believe together we can find solution to our own problems,” Nsanganira said.

A big number of excited residents that turned up during the commissioning, not minding the hot suuny day

www.hope-mag.com

43

Development Bank of Rwanda

secures $15m facility from BADEA

to increase its lending capacity to the private sector ff In the recent development, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has entered into a US$15 million facility agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to boost the Bank’s lending to the private sector.

offered by BADEA to BRD. The first facility granted was a US$ 5 Million concessional facility through the Government of Rwanda to BRD – which in addition to the US$15 million received – totals US$20 million financing extended to the Bank over three years. In line with meeting the Vision 2020 and EDPRS phase two targets, BRD has embarked on resource mobilization efforts to facilitate its ambitious target of achieving authorized loan portfolio of Rwf86 billion to finance private development projects during the year 2016.

Alex Kanyankole after the signing of the agreement

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he signing ceremony was held on Sunday 12th June 2016 in Khartoum (Sudan) at BADEA’s headquarters. The BRD’s Chief Executive Officer, Alex Kanyankole signed on the side of BRD. Speaking after signing, The Director General of BADEA, H.E Dr. Sidi Ould Tah recognized “BRD as well-known to BADEA as an important instrument of the Government of Rwanda in its effort to bring about socioeconomic development and prosperity to its people through implementing a well-thought development strategy and planning”.

In his speech, Kanyankole commended the consistent support from BADEA offered to BRD and also appreciated the existing excellent mutual cooperation between the two Banks.

“We are honored to receive this amortizing term loan facility which will be utilized and boost BRD’s efforts in providing long term financing to acceptable sub-borrowers engaged in development projects in Rwanda, particularly Small and medium enterprises”, said Kanyankole.

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He further stressed, “BADEA has consistently played a commendable role in strengthening the Development of SMEs in Africa, and this facility boosts our capacity enabling increased access to finance for Rwandan SMEs.” Kanyankole noted that from 2012, this is the 2nd facility

The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) was established pursuant to the resolution of the 6th Arab Summit Conference at Algiers (28th November 1973). It is a financial institution owned by eighteen Arab countries members of the League of Arab States (LAS) which signed its Establishing Agreement in 18th February 1974. The Bank is an independent International Institution enjoying full international legal status and complete autonomy in administrative and financial matters.

It is governed by the provisions of its Establishing Agreement and the principles of international law. It began operations in March 1975 and is headquartered in Khartoum (Sudan).

BRD’s Chief Executive Officer, Alex Kanyankole during the signing of the agreement

Acacia towers

Kigali heights

Proposed Marriot hotel

JasbirSigh Singh Managing Director Jasbir Managing Director

Paint House: We decorate your dreams!

Established in year 2005, Paint House has grown to a brand, which specializes in all type of painting supply and application jobs. We are located in Remera, Kimironko & Gisozi for active retail, wholesale of the entire paint products with 360* solution.

Paint House is not only in Decorative paints (Acrylic-Vinyl Silk, Weather Guard, Ceiling Vinyl Matt), Enamel Spray- Gloss & amp; Matt finishing, Texture/Wall Master/Ruff n’ Tuff/Marmoran, Spray paint with Multi Color-Dou Tone, Stone Finish, Special Effects but also in Automotive, Industrial, Metal Zink solution, Epoxy solutions, Bituminous solutions, Humidity solutions & Waterproofing solutions as well.

Vision – To be the most preferred Innovative & colorful brand Mission – Transforming Lifestyles by providing world-class application solutions for all types of surfaces.

Core Values – Integrity – Proactive Thinking – Innovation – Punctuality - Ownership

We decorate your dreams!

We are the proffered and main applicators for the major construction companies in Rwanda namely ROKO CONSTRUCTION, FAIR CONSTRUTION, CCECC, CJIC, BCEG, TIEC, Elcome etc…

We feel proud to share with you few big projects undertaken successfully by Paint House. Marriot Hotel, Zinc Plaza, Party Head Quarter (FPR), Kigali City Tower, Vision city (UDL) real estate, Dove Hotel – ADPER, Kigali Height Building, Hotel of Rwanda Tourism-Kibuye, Police Head Quarter, and many Individual houses.

Branches: Rwahama Road-Remera,Kimironko, Adarwa House-Gankingiro- Gisozi Contacts: +250 787 612 186/0787 612 185, E-mail: jasbir.jai@gmail.com

Kamonyi Vocation training centre holds first graduation ceremony ďż˝ 6th May 2016 Kamonyi vocation Center, founded by Strive Foundation Rwanda in 2015, held their first graduation ceremony where 56 trainees received their certificates in different disciplines.

The over 50 graduates pose for a group photo with their certificates

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trive Foundation Rwanda seeks to support the social and economic welfare of the vulnerable Rwandan people, SFR is local non-profit making organization founded by the end of year 2003 in line with the law that governs non-profit making associations n0 20/2000 of 26th /07/2000.

SFR main activities focus on capacity building, children right, poverty reduction, youth employment, informal youth education, supporting early childhood development, HIV/ AIDS and Gender and Women empowerment.

In 2014, SFR in partnership with the district authorities established a youth training centre in Kamonyi District. This was done in collaboration with the Ministry of youth and ICT and supported by the Workforce Development Authority (WDA.

46 MAY 2016 ISSUE 64

Mission and vision Strive Foundation Rwanda is dedicated to working with the most vulnerable members of society in Rwanda and committed to providing sustainable solutions out of poverty for them.

Our programs reflect this; focussing on women, orphans, vulnerable children and those affected by HIV/AIDS and implementing cooperatives, education and vocational training, as applicable, to provide a pathway towards opportunity and self reliance. The Kamonyi Vocational Training Center provides employable skills in forge welding, hair dressing and influence youth to indulge in new enterprises that reduce poverty through job creation, provide an alternative for migration to urban areas and yield an overall improvement in the wellbeing of youth through wealth creation.

Mr Bernard Muramira SFR Legal Representative

Students getting tailoring skills using sewing machines at Kamonyi Vocational Centre

“Today we are proud to see that we have successfully managed to train 56 students that have graduated today,” says Muramira Benard, Executive Director of Strive Foundation Rwanda.

done best since on a daily basis management of the whole organization have always been in collaboration with the Trainers at the center and it has proved sustainability and effective implementation of the project

Acheivements

Challenges

Since its establishment six months ago, the center has registered a lot of good practices including; Quality education in forge welding and now all our students are well acquainted with the skills of forge welding.

Easy Enrolment of students which led to a very big success in having students into the project, working hand in hand with the local leaders at the sector level, cell level and the Village level.

Monitoring and evaluation is what SFR has

There are more than 232 vulnerable young people who have come to the center craving for the enrollment into the program, but SFR has always been having a problem of limited resources to take up this big number of students. “The project has not really been faced with a lot of problems other than the fact of having so many students wanting to be enrolled and we cannot have the capacity to enroll them in the programs we have at the Kamonyi Youth Center,” Muramira says.

Students of Kamonyi Vocational Centre getting hair dressing skills

A student receive their certificate last month

www.hope-mag.com

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NPD LTD Building sustainable infrastructures for Rwanda fAs f a leader in Rwanda’s construction industry, NPD Limited has created its own in building sustainable infrastructures for Rwanda

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ith reliability as its strength, NPD aims to provide high quality civil engineering and construction solutions that are responsive to client needs and catalyse sustainable economic growth. Below are excerpts of a Question and Answer session that the Hope Magazine had with Charles Lwanga Gakwaya, the NPD Managing Director last month.

QN: Briefly describe NPD and its role in Rwanda’s construction industry today.

NPD Ltd. is Rwanda’s leading provider of civil engineering services and construction products.

Founded in 1966, NPD Ltd is a result of a merger between two giant engineering entities; COTRACO s.a.r.l. and Nyarutarama Property Developers (NPD) s.a.r.l. merged to form NPD Cotraco which recently in 2015 re-branded to NPD Ltd. Prior to the merger, COTRACO focused solely on the provision of prefabricated concrete products and NPD was a Kigali based property developer specializing in the development of housing estates.

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The combined expertise of these organizations has granted NPD Ltd. a profound understanding of civil engineering works. Focused on providing our clients with superior customer service, NPD Ltd intends to be the company of choice for civil engineering works, construction equipment leasing and precast concrete products.

Over the years, NPD Ltd with the combined expertise of the merged industry giants has expanded from Pre cast concrete and real estate development to full service Civil engineering and construction. We have ventured into other activities such as; Construction of roads, Bridges, dams, street lighting, carpeting of stadiums to mention but a few.

QN: How has NPD steered infrastructure growth in Rwanda over the years?

As a leader in the road construction industry, NPD Ltd has played an important role in the growth of the infrastructural docket as it is one of the predominantly developed areas in the Rwandan economy.

The kanogo Bridge after construction

Our history of growth and expansion over the past two decades has fostered sustainable growth through utilizing Rwandan made resources efficiently to expand product and service offering.

We are deeply committed to providing the quality products and expertise necessary to deploy sustainable infrastructure solutions.

For instance, NPD Ltd used the unmatched high quality synthetic turf to carpet some of the stadiums in Rwanda, for example Rubavu stadium and training pitch, Huye stadium and training pitch and the Kigali Regional stadiumNyamirambo which was one of the venues for the 2016 African Nations Champions football tournament (CAF). For more, please visit http:// npd.co.rw/2016/03/11/on-going-projects. Our commitment to quality, expert leadership, and dedication to our communities and environment has made us a leader in our industry.

QN: What are NPD’s plans on accelerating Rwanda’s economic growth by building more infrastructures such as roads?

communities we can achieve sustainable economic growth. We have accomplished this through our years of experience in civil works, construction and installation, our long-standing commitment to research and development and our unwavering commitment to complete customer satisfaction.NPD Ltd always makes sure to use durable construction materials “Made in Rwanda” to boost the domestic manufacturing capacity.

We believe that increased consumption of locally made materials further strengthens sustainable economic growth. We hire a big number of staff thereby fighting the level of unemployment in Rwanda. NPD LTD offers new business opportunities taking into account price and quality factors to determine the most economically advantageous bid.

development for small and medium enterprises thus creating a strong and resilient economy for Rwanda. NPD Ltd has been and will continue steering our country Rwanda to greater economic stability.

QN: Have you undertaken in some CSR projects in the past? If so, which ones are they?

Giving back to the community is a value highly cherished by NPD LTD under our Corporate Social Responsibility arm (CSR). We recognize that being a leader in our industry provides us the opportunity to make socially and environmentally responsible choices.

Over the years, NPD ltd has supported areas such as education, welfare, environment among others through extending a hand to the different groups of people in a bid to eradicate poverty and promote self-reliance in the society in which we live.

The completed Rusumo Bridge project by NPD last year

street-lights

We consistently participate in and often lead community improvement projects in accordance with the nationally recognized monthly days of service that fall on the last Saturdays of each month, ‘Umuganda’. This grants NPD LTD the opportunity to rehabilitate roads, provide housing and promote better public service funding through charitable initiatives over the lives of the people in the societies in which we live. For more, please visit http://npd. co.rw/about-us/social-responsibilit

QN: Lastly, any goals or plans you would like to share with our readers?

NPD LTD staff giving a cheque to the president of the corporative Impuhwe

NPD Ltd specializes in the conceptualization and realization of both urban and rural infrastructure to facilitate economic growth. We believe that through strong partnerships with clients and

We work with a big number of suppliers and subcontractors granting fair shake opportunities to every enterprise that bids not only the bigger enterprises creating room for economic

At NPD Ltd we are deeply committed to providing quality products and expertise necessary to deploy sustainable infrastructure solutions with a vision to become the most reputable civil engineering and construction company in East Africa driven by integrity, innovation, excellence and leadership.We aim at being the undisputed regional leader in road construction and civil engineering works and in the production and supply of better quality building materials through proving quality and complete solutions in roads and concrete products to our clients.

“Reliability is our strength” www.hope-mag.com

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Oriental Gourmet Giving you the perfect taste of Asian Cuisine ffLocated in Kimihurura, Kigali, on the top floor of Serge Ndekwe’s renowned Papyrus, Oriental Gourmet is your new home for the perfect Asian cuisines types to give our customers more choices to choose from,” she noted. Behind all these good foods is a Filipino chef who has 23 years of experience which include two years in Nairobi and his previous six years in Rwanda. He has trained a host of Rwandans who have now turned out to be highly skilled in preparing Oriental cuisines. “I am meticulous about everything.

I am so particular about details especially on discipline and proper attitude of my staff. The kitchen is flexible because we cater our foods to the needs and wants of our clients.

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anaged by a Filipino, Melanie Cordero, Oriental Gourmet brings a refreshing approach to oriental foods ranging from Thai, Japanese and Chinese foods. “We have tried to improve

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everything, especially the food, the services and the ambiance,” she told Hope Magazine last month. She said they are focusing on offering healthy new dishes. “We also have a wide variety of foods which include sea foods of different

Our clients’ needs and wants are our top priority.

Our dishes are cooked and prepared the way our customers want them. We see to it that the ingredients we use for main and minor dishes are fresh. The food and the service offered are worth the premium prices we charge,” she explained.“To do this successfully, we have to ensure that our image and client services are the best. It will take time but I am always there to assist my staff to strive harder and learn and become better from their good or bad work experience,” she closed.

Oriental Gourmet by Papyrus provides exquisite Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes.

Selecting the best to give you a pleasant and memorable dinning experience.

Our tasty dishes are a perfect blend of traditional taste modern innovation in a wide varriety Including; Dim sum, Sushi, Stir fry and Steamed dishes.

You are Welcome

Located on Street: KG 6745T Kigali Rwanda, Email: Orientalgourmet@papyrusrw.com, Tel: 0786700108

CONTACT US: Tel: 0783853277, Mobile: 731340421, Facebook: konkaproducts Add: 2000 House Quarter commercial, P.O.Box190 Kigali- Rwanda Web: www.konkaproducts.com / www.konka.com.hk

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