Hope Magazine - Issue 85

www.hope-mag.com

MARCH - APRIL 2018 ISSUE 85

TELLING RWANDA’S STORY

MAGAZINE

First BK Group Financial Report shows

a company stronger than ever

In this Issue CONTRIBUTORS

March - April 2018 Issue 85

Iradukunda Anime

Rumanzi Abraham

PUBLISHED BY HOPE HOLDINGS LTD

COPYRIGHT 2013

Allan Migadde

Keith Ntagozera

Saul Butera

ADVERTISING & GENERAL INQUIRIES

Reserved by Hope Magazine, a monthly

Bob Thuku

Kobusingye Bonitah

Erwin Winkler

Manzi Joseph

Himbana Alexandre

Mbanda Claude

Ishimwe Yvonne

Mucyo Rodrigue

HOPE TEAM

ADVERTISERS MTN Rwanda

1

BPR ATlas Mara Group

2

Airtel Tigo Rwanda

3

Bourbon Coffee

4

Mobisol Limited

5

Davis and Shirtliff

8

BRALIRWA Limited

9

Rebero Daniel

P.O. Box 6176 Kigali-Rwanda +250 788 524189 / 788 404138

DESIGN & LAYOUT

info@hope-mag.com

Dani K.

www.hope-mag.com

The opinions expressed in the magazine and publishers of Hope Magazine.

CONTENTS 14

SERENA HOTEL 7 BANK OF KIGALI At 50 years young,

21

19

Cogebanque Rwanda

22

Safintra Limited

23

MTN RWANDA

Galaxy Hotel

26

Vision Fund Rwanda

27

KCB Bank Rwanda

29

Engen Rwanda Limited

33

The Court Boutique Hotel

35

Sinotruk Rwanda Limited

39

Herocean Enterprise Ltd.

40

MTN Rwanda

43

WAKA Fitness Group

45

The Arts & Gimco Real Estate

46

Sinotruk Rwanda Limited

47

BK Techouse

48

HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

BK is just entering its golden age

10 BK GROUP Financial Report shows

a company stronger than ever

12 COGEBANQUE and cycling,

a partnership made in heaven

24-25

14 KIGALI SERENA HOTEL staffs Pay

tribute to Genocide victims

18 UAP RWANDA holds commemoration

discussions for 24th Kwibuka

12

COGEBANQUE

32

ACCESS BANK

20 MTN RWANDA partners with

RwandaOnline to promote Irembo self-service

21 MTN RWANDA launches MoMo Pay

to improve electronic payment

Development Bank of Rwanda 41

6

Magazine published by HOPE HOLDINGS LIMITED. All rights reserved. are not necessarily those of the editors

16-17

UAP Group Rwanda

Akagera Business Group

Sindayirwanya Isabelle

15

Serena Hotels & Resorts Airtel Rwanda

Shema Ignace

28 KCB BANK commemorates with

donations to Muhazi Genocide Memorial and Avega Health Centre

36 CWNK

30 KENYAN WOMEN Celebrate Women’s

38

SINOTRUK RWANDA

Day with disadvantaged girls

32 ACCESS BANK encourage women

to share ideas

Editorial VISIT HOPE WEBSITE

www.hope-mag.com

At 50 years young, BK is just entering its golden age

COVER First BK Group Financial Report shows a company stronger than ever

HIGHLIGHTS “In order to cherish the Rwandan identity, we should promote unity and reconciliation... “We have an obligation to continue protecting our peaceful country and sustain achievements already attained by our people...

"We should root out genocide ideologies to not let this tragedy happen again.., “This is a new history Rwanda is building, we have to pass it onto our descendants and the younger generation...

UAP RWANDA

EDITOR'S WORD

18

32

KCB BANK RWANDA

34 RIDERS LOUNGE for a mouth- watering experience 36 CWNK holds ‘Ishyaka’ fundraising gala dinner 38 SINOTRUK RWANDA bringing superior Chinese

truck technology to the heart of Africa 42 MTN RWANDA STAFF remember Genocide

victims in Nyarubuye 44 YEGOMOTO commemorates Genocide

with visit to a moto driver/survivor

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

2017 has been a historic year for Bank of Kigali, and for more reason than one. In the first place, the financial services company celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and that in itself is no mean feat, especially given Rwanda’s turbulent history during those 50 years.

I

ndeed, in the early years of BK, the political environment in the country was for from stable, and shortly after the bank celebrated its 25 years , Rwanda went through its darkest days with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.

The bank registered a 12.5% increase of its net income, not least thanks to the fact that it still has a lot of appeal, as evidenced by an increase in both its retail customers and corporate clients.

Yet not only did BK get back to its feet rapidly, as one of only a handful operational banks in the second half of the 1990s, it played a pivotal role in helping other companies to get going and provided a safe haven for the many Rwandans who returned to the country, willing to invest.

Thus, BK played a significant role in the post-Genocide reconstruction and kickstarting of the economy.

The second reason why 2017 was a special year for Bank of Kigali is that it branched out into other sectors. Indeed, the 2017 financial report was the first report of the BK Group, which consists of Bank of Kigali, BK General Insurance, and BK TechHouse.

In the first place, this is reassuring for the company’s shareholders, as shocks in one sector (just remember the global financial crisis of 2008) can be absorbed by the other companies in the group.

And once it became clear that Rwanda wasn’t the failed state that many international observers feared it would become, but instead nothing short of an economic miracle thanks to the government’s sound policies, BK faced the challenge of cutthroat competition in the financial sector due to regional and international banks flocking to the market.

Secondly, it allows each of the companies to offer more comprehensive services than they would be able to do on their own. For instance, BK TecHouse has developed the Urubuto school management system, the most comprehensive version of which also comes with an advantageous insurance and bank accounts offer.

Yet BK weathered the storm, and as its financial report for 2017 shows, has been more than able to hold its own against the bigger multinational competitors.

So it is clear that while Bank of Kigali has every reason to be satisfied about the past half century, it seems that the company’s golden age is only just beginning.

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

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

7

Banking

BANK OF KIGALI

SPECIAL FEATURE

First BK Group Financial Report shows a company

stronger than ever “2017 was an important milestone for the bank, marking its 50th anniversary,” said Diane Karusisi, CEO of the BK Group. “This was ushered in with great celebration as the bank grew into a financial group which includes an insurance arm, BK General Insurance, and an innovative arm, BK TechHouse.

ff The BK Group has presented its report for the 2017 financial year, during which it reported a net income of Rwf 23.3 billion, an increase of 12.5% year-on-year (Y-o-Y)

T

his was the debut report of BK as a group, as it transformed into a broad group of companies including BK bank, BK General Insurance and BK TecHouse. The report showed that the total assets Increased by 13.9% Y-o-Y to Rwf 727.2 billion, and net loans and advances increased by 22.3% Y-o-Y to Rwf 471.7 billion.

The group realised a net Interest income increase of 14.7% Y-o-Y to Rwf 63.9 billion, while net noninterest income amounted to Rwf 28.6 billion, an

We are very pleased to publish our results indicating growth performance across all key metrics. This has been another great year for the bank: our net income grew by 12% Y-o-Y and total assets by 13.9%. We managed to grow our net loan book to Rwf 471.7 billion, a 22.3% increase Y-o-Y.”

Diane Karusisi CEO of the BK Group

increase of 34.6% Y-o-Y, significantly impacted by an increase in non-interest income. Net fees and commission income increased by 23.8% Y-o-Y to Rwf 16.6 billion, and the total operating income was Rwf 92.5 billion, up 20.2% Y-o-Y. Total operating costs also increased by 14.6% Y-o-Y to Rwf 41.8 billion.

By 31st December 2017, the bank served over 257,000 retail customers and 24,000 corporate clients, compared to the previous year when they served 244,000 retail customers and 23,000 corporate clients. Retail clients’ balances and deposits reached Rwf 113.7 billion while the corporate clients’ balances and deposits were Rwf 240.8 billion.

L-R Regis Rugemanshuro CEO BK TecHouse Alex Bahizi CEO BK Insurance, Diane Karusisi CEO BK Group Desire Rumanyika Chief Operating Officer BK Vincent Gatete Chief Commercial Officer BK

10 HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

BANK OF KIGALI

Popularising insurance and tech solutions BK General Insurance achieved Rwf 4.5b worth of premiums with only Rwf 500m going to settling claims which represents 29% of the whole.

“The need to be incurred has seen us come up with affordable policies for all and this ensures our mutual consistent growth and benefit with our clients” said Alex Bahizi, BK General Insurance’s Managing Director.

As for that banking arm of the group, its sight is firmly set on the future with more inclusivity and the move towards a cashless economy with mobile banking services soon to be launched.

The insurance arm of the group also wants to use the renown of the ‘Bank of Kigali’ brand name to popularise insurance, and create policies friendly to the clients’ wallets while addressing difficult moments in life. In the near future, BK General Insurance will also provide life and education insurance while staying affordable for all. In the meantime, it already has a policy costing as low as Rwf 600 per month targeting group insurance.

It is clear that, while Bank of Kigali has always been a prosperous company, the widening of its activities has only made it more attractive and, indeed, profitable. That is why at the group’s annual general meeting, which will be held on 18th May in Kigali, the Board will propose a dividend pay-out of 40% of the bank’s net income.

BK TecHouse, for its part, has in its short time of existence focused on big issues such as education, smart farming and real estate.

Bank of Kigali Head Office

the Board will propose a dividend payout of 40% of the bank’s net income. This translates into an annual divid-end of approximately Rwf 13.87 per share, or an approximately 4.7% dividend yield based on the current share price of Rwf 295.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Dividend pay-out

This translates into an annual dividend of approximately Rwf 13.87 per share, or an approximately 4.7% dividend yield based on the current share price of Rwf 295. ”Our shareholders and investors will be happy with the sustainability of the bank’s results and financial

Journalists at the presentation of the financial results

Its Urubuto Education System, for example, provides a comprehensive school management solution aligned with the BK TecHouse concept of ‘smart school and cashless campuses.’

result,” commented the board chairman of the BK Group, Marc Holtzman. “The bank has diversified its growth by venturing into other finance-related services in line with the universal financial services model.”

In January, the company co-organised a robotics camp in which American experts came to Kigali to train secondary school students on making and programming farm robots. As the robots were only models, the journey is still long but the first steps to a Rwandan robotics industry to tackle socioeconomic problems have been made.

One area of concern however is the low appetite among the public to invest in the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), on which the BK Group is listed. To remedy this, the company is planning a sensitisation campaign to underscore the importance, and profitability, of collective investment in the capital market.

In real estate, BK TecHouse has developed property-management software in a package that also ties in the bank of the BK Group to offer interesting mortgage packages.

A critical analysis of the numbers places the group as one of the strongest and most promising stock on the RSE. The diversity in business, a good and wide asset base and innovative and forwardlooking leadership should assure any investor of good returns.

Innovation - Speed - Agility www.hope-mag.com 11

Sports

COGEBANQUE SPECIAL FEATURE

Cogebanque and cycling

a partnership made in heaven

Riders

pose with Cogebanque delegates before race kick off

ff If anything symbolises Rwanda’s transformation over the past decades, it must be cycling. From a poorly organised and cash-strapped organisation, the Rwanda Cycling Federation (Ferwacy) has risen like a phoenix to become a strong institution capable of managing major events such as the Tour of Rwanda, which in recent years has attracted global participants and media attention.

T

eam Rwanda has also produced cyclists who are head-hunted by international cycling teams, and who have been able to win major races on the continent and in even such renowned events as the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy).

To d a y, R w a n d a i s r a n k e d b y t h e International Cycling Union (UCI) as the second best cycling nation in Africa, and Joseph Areruya is the first Rwandan to be named best African cyclist.

12 HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

Areruya, by the way, matured as a cyclist at the club Les Amis Sportifs, which is sponsored by Cogebanque.

While this is of course in the first place the result of the vision, organisation and hard work within Ferwacy, what is also important is the support of partners who believed in the project from the beginning.

Foremost among them is Cogebanque, which is a long-time sponsor of Ferwacy, be it through the now international Tour of Rwanda, or the more local Rwanda Cycling Cup, which aims at grooming local cycling clubs and riders.

Cogebanque's

Huye branch manager

rewards one of the riders"

COGEBANQUE SPECIAL FEATURE

It is no surprise therefore that Cogebanque is again the main sponsor of the Rwanda Cycling Cup 2018 (together with Skol), which kicked off recently with the Memorial Lambert Byemayire, and will continue until December with ten more races around the country. It is the fourth edition of the Rwanda Cycling Cup, and for the fourth time, Cogebanque is one of the main sponsors.

The Business Development Director of Cogebanque, Montfort Mujyambere, said it is a pleasure for the bank to partner with Ferwacy again.

“It’s the fourth partnership between Cogebanque and Ferwacy. As a bank we want to do something for society, and cycling has become a flagbearer for the country and we’re proud to be part of that,” he said.

That was echoed by George Ndizihiwe, the Head of Branches at Cogebanque, who was in Huye together with thousands of spectators to witness the arrival of the Memorial Lambert Byemayire.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm, because cycling in Rwanda has really made great strides,” he said.

“And when you say cycling, you say Cogebanque as we are the biggest sponsor of the sport with the Tour of Rwanda and the Cycling Cup. So for us it’s a great honour, as Rwandan cycling is becoming very successful on the continent and even globally.”

“It’s also an opportunity for us to get closer to our customers, and to show that Cogebanque is more than banking, it’s a company that cares about society and the wellbeing of Rwandans,” he added.

The races that constitute the Rwanda Cycling Cup, which take place all around the country, also constitute a great platform for Cogebanque to inform a broad audience about its products, especially some that are not yet very well known. “As the Cup goes around the country, Cogebanque will be informing the public about its products, notably agency banking, the new mobile wallet Coge mBank and our different cards,” Mujyambere said.

Business Development Director of Cogebanque, Montfort Mujyambere with Ferwacy president Aimable Bayingana and a representative of Skol at the presentation of the Rwanda Cycling Cup

Rwanda Cycling Cup 2018 24/03

Memorial Lambert

Byemayire, Kigali - Huye

19/05

Farmers Circuit

Kayonza - Gicumbi

09/06

Race to remember

23/06

National Championships

ITT/Nyamata

24/06

National Championships

Road race

07/07

Race for Culture

Nyanza Rwamagana

21-22

Tour of Rwanda

preparation races

06/10

Kivu Race

Musanze - Rubavu

28/10

Karongi Challenge

Karongi circuit

10/11

Kigali

Kigali - Musanze - Muhanga

15/12

Rwanda Cycling Cup

Closing race, Kigali Circuit

“Cogebanque is in full expansion,” the Head of Branches Ndizihiwe remarked in Huye. “We have just moved into our new headquarters, which is a significant step. But we expand everywhere: in addition to our 25 branches, we also have a growing network of agents who offer a range of services, so you don’t always have to go all the way to the branch.”

“We are also expanding our digital platforms, with the new Coge mBank e-wallet, which allows people to manage their accounts without going to the bank at all,” he said. And Cogebanque is dedicated to support cycling at all levels, and not only through Ferwacy, Montfort Mujyambere indicated.

“We work with the cycling club Les Amis Sportifs, which is going to organise different races during the year,” he said.

George Ndizihiwe

Cogebanque's Head of Branches hands over a cheque to one of the cyclists www.hope-mag.com 13

Genocide Commemoration

SERENA HOTELS

SPECIAL FEATURE

Kigali Serena Hotel staffs Pay tribute to Genocide victims Epimaque Tuyisenge, another survivor, told how as a six-year-old he survived the killings that took his parents’ lives in Rwamagana District in the Eastern Province near lake Muhazi, going for days on his own without food or shelter.

While presiding over the event, Lt. Colonel Sostene Kabayiza, who fought with the RPF in the Liberation struggle, shared the journey they went through to save the country from entire devastation. “It tells you much when you see someone who was six years old at the time recounting everything as it happened.

The survivors went through a lot given that the killers had the intention of finishing off all the Tutsis in the country,” he noted.

Kigali Serena staff led by country manager Daniel Sambai paid tribute to the victims at Ntarama

ff Staff of Kigali Serena Hotel has paid tribute to the over 1 million Rwandans that died in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis as part of this year’s 24th commemoration activities.

A guide at Ntarama Memorial explains how events unfolded there in 1994

L

ed by their country manager, Daniel Sambai, the staff visited the Ntarama Genocide Memorial Site in Bugesera District, where over 5,000 victims have been buried.

In a somber ceremony, the Kigali Serena staff laid wreaths on the mass grave and made a donation for the maintenance of the site. After the visit, the delegation returned to the hotel for testimonies and discussions.

Sambai noted that the events that took place before and during the genocide were horrific and that it is unimaginable that human beings can commit such atrocities onto each other. “We need to keep this dialogue going so it never happens again,” he told the staff. Two survivors, who today work at the hotel, shared their stories at the gathering after candles were lit to remember the victims.

14 HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

Daniel Sambai (Lt.) Kigali Serena country manager, Colonel Sostene Kabayiza and a staff member light candles to remember the victims of the Genocide

Jean Philbert Nyabutsitsi narrated how he survived while battling to ensure the safety of his two one-month old young sisters by crossing over to Kibagabaga Sector in Gasabo district where soldiers of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) were stationed. First they had sought refuge in a church in Gihogere in the same district, but they fled the place and it later emerged that many Tutsis were slaughtered there.

Ismael Bakina from the survivors’ association Ibuka Rwanda, thanked the RPF led by President Paul Kagame for bringing the massacres to a halt; if wasn’t for them, Rwanda would today be a failed state, he said. “The killers were filled with hatred to kill the Tutsis in barbaric ways and would go on to even fight amongst themselves for the properties the victims had left behind,” he explained.

He thanked the management of Kigali Serena Hotel for organizing the commemoration event as it was important for the hotel’s staff to know what happened in1994, especially the youth who were not in the country at the time, so that it never happens again.

Kigali Serena country manager, Daniel Sambai, Lt. Colonel Sostene Kabayiza and a staff member light candles to remember the victims of the Genocide. Kigali Serena staff lay wreaths at Ntarama Genocide Memorial.

Genocide Commemoration

UAP RWANDA SPECIAL FEATURE

UAP Rwanda

holds commemoration discussions for 24th Kwibuka ff In the context of the 24h commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis, UAP Rwanda has held a 3-day series of discussions at its headquarters to understand and share knowledge of Rwanda’s history and particularly the event of 1994.

Calisto Ogaye

Managing Director of UAP Rwanda, said that open dialogues had allowed the Rwandan people to rise

Edouard Bamporiki,

chairman of the National Iterero Commission, talking to UAP Rwanda staff

T

“It’s through open dialogues like these that, 24 years later, the Rwandan people have managed to rise from ashes to a rapid development,” observed Calisto Ogaye, the Managing Director of UAP Rwanda. “We should root out genocide ideologies to not let this tragedy happen again.”

“This is a new history Rwanda is building, we have to pass it onto our descendants and the younger generation,” he added.

hese discussions involved officials like Edouard Bamporiki, the chairman of National Itorero Commisssion (NIC), who had a lot to share regarding the uniqueness of Rwanda in handling the consequences of the Genocide with regards to the political level, the judicial system and the fight against genocide denial and trivialization.

“In order to cherish the Rwandan identity, we should promote unity and reconciliation,” Bamporiki said. “We have an obligation to continue protecting our peaceful country and sustain achievements already attained by our people”.

The discussions also addressed how the genocide was conceived, the fight against genocide ideologies and the social welfare of genocide survivors with special attention to treating trauma.

18 HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

The discussions

went on for three days

Business MTN RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

MTN Rwanda partners with RwandaOnline to promote

Irembo self-service “Throughout the Byikorere Campaign, our teams will hit the streets to further understand our users and the difficulties limiting self-service, to improve the design of our technology in a way that incorporates insights from citizens,” Uwajeneza added.

Guests at the launch of the joint campaign

ff MTN Rwanda has joined hands with RwandaOnline, the company powering the Irembo digital platform for government services, in a campaign to promote self-service among citizens in accessing online government services.

T

he 90-day campaign called ‘Byikorere ku Irembo, Birangize na MoMo” (Do it with Irembo, finish it with MoMp) will reach out to thousands across the country to create awareness and encourage self-service through eGovernment and digital payments.

Kayisime Nzaramba, Nyarugenge Mayor receives the award for best Irembo district

The campaign’s launch took place in Nyarugenge district, due to its outstanding performance in delivering Irembo services to citizens in 2017, and was attended by Mayor Kayisime Nzaramba.

MTN Rwanda was also crowned the ‘Overall Top Payment Partner’ in 2017 for controlling over 30% of all payments through the Irembo platform.

“Platform statistics indicate that over 80% of the applicants continue to require assistance from the third party while applying for services,” pointed out the Managing Director of Irembo, Clement Uwajeneza.

MTN Executives at the launch 20

HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

“We are extremely honored and delighted to be able to contribute to the Government mandate of delivering an inclusive digital economy through partners such Irembo,” said the CEO of MTN Rwanda, Bart Hofker. “As a market leader in digital payments, we wish to remain the most preferred mode of payment for government services.”

“The idea is that a do-it-yourself process reduces time and significantly improves the experience for citizens, giving them enough control on our platform.”

MTN Rwanda CEO Bart Hofker receives the Overall Top Payment Partner award by Irembo MD Clement Uwajeneza

The Irembo platform offers over 85 services including basic identification certificates, land services, driving licenses and health insurance. As it also allows digital payments, citizens are able to complete an entire transaction online.

The latest additions on the platform include applications and payments for Mutuelle de Santé, permits for tourism destinations, and soon also the registration for national exams.

MTN RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

About MTN Rwanda Since 1998, MTN Rwanda has continuously invested in expanding and modernizing its network and is now proudly Rwanda’s No 1 Network.

MTN Rwanda offers superior services to its subscriber base, including innovative propositions such as personalized voice and data offers with MTN Irekure.

Bart Hofker MTN Rwanda's CEO and Norman Munyampundu

MTN Chief Business Officer introduce MoMo Pay

MTN launches MoMo Pay to improve

The company is also the front runner in Mobile Financial Services in Rwanda with Mobile Money, Tap&Pay and MoKash Loans and Savings.

Bart Hofker

MTN Chief Executive Officer

electronic payment ff In line with the government’s vision of a digital and cashless economy, MTN has launched its Mobile Money electronic payment platform called MoMoPay at Kigali City Market.

This will help their clients and subscribers to pay for goods and services at no extra charge.

Norman Munyampundu

MTN Chief Business Officer explains MoMo Pay

F

or a Merchant to use the service, he/she must be an MTN Mobile Money subscriber and have a TIN number to register. After registering on the platform, these Merchants are given a MoMoPay code to use in the payment process.

For payments, a customer simply dials *182*3# and follows the prompts, including filling in the code of the Merchant and the price of the product. “Cash payments are very risky as the money can be stolen. It’s also time consuming if one must pay huge sums of money or when a trader has no change.

What customers need to note though, is that when they use MoMoPay there are not extra transaction charges incurred. What they purchase is what they pay for,” said MTN Chief Business Officer, Norman Munyampundu, adding that a service provider can also easily

calculate their balance or returns for the day while using MoMo services. MTN targets over 1.5 million Mobile Money subscribers to use the system and the firm is working to attract more users throughout the country.

“The MoMoPay system will be driven across the country soon, ensuring that Rwandans, including traders and clients, are able to use secure means of business transactions,” said MTN CEO, Bart Hofker. Those who have already tested the system are really satisfied.

“This service is extremely affordable because I’m only charged 1% when withdrawing and it also saves me from frequent visits to the bank to deposit money,” commented Vieira Muzora, a pharmacist at Cure Pharmacy in Kigali City Market and who is one of the Merchants that have already registered for the MoMo payment services.

For more information, please contact: MTN PR Desk Teta Mpyisi pr2.rw@mtn.com

www.hope-mag.com

21

BANK

SPECIAL FEATURE

KCB Bank commemorates

with donations to Muhazi Genocide Memorial and Avega Health Centre ffFor the 24th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, staff from KCB Bank Rwanda have visited Kigabiro Genocide Memorial site in Rwamagana district and through the KCB Foundation Donated medical equipment worth 5 Million to Avega Health centre in Rwamagana and contributed towards construction of Muhazi genocide Memorial site in the district.

According to the World Health Organization, NCDs are one of the main causes of death, today with over 36 million people dying from them annually. The common NCDs in Rwanda are cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. As early detection is key in finding a permanent cure, the biochemistry equipment donated to Avega health centre will allow early screening.

“Rwanda’s revival will always be a lesson to the world on resilience, humanity and self-reliance,” said George Odhiambo, Managing Director of KCB Bank Rwanda.

“We empathize with all the families that suffered this great loss and commend them for standing strong and making significant progress both socially and economically.”

With regards to the support to the health centre, he said: “It is our hope that initiatives of this nature provide sustainable health solutions to the community, which will enable people to focus on improving the quality of their lives.”

Staff from KCB Bank Rwanda and Avega held a Walk to Remember

K

C B B a n k s t a ff h e l d a Wa l k to Remember from Kigabiro Genocide Memorial to Avega Health Centre in Rwamagana where they listened to testimonies from members of Avega.

The bank donated Rwf 1 million to the construction of Muhazi Genocide Memorial and donated biochemistry medical equipment to the health centre for the screening and treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

George Odhiambo

George Odhiambo

KCB Bank Rwanda MD and Mujawayezu Xaverine AVEGA Board Member, lead staff members at Kigabiro Memorial Site 28 HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

MD KCB Bank Rwanda gives the biochemistry equipment to Mukabayire Valerie the Legal Representative of AVEGA

At a time when we remember those who lost their lives, it’s important that we continue to honor their legacy by creating a healthier, sustainable, and economically viable future.” he remarked.

Theme Events KENYAN WOMEN IN RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

Kenyan women living in Rwanda

Celebrate Women’s Day with disadvantaged girls ff Kenyan women living in Rwanda have for the third year celebrated International Women’s Day with a charitable activity supporting girls and women. This year they identified Marembo Centre, an organization that takes care of street girls, orphans, pregnant young girls and teenage mothers.

The women shared a drink with the girls at the Marembo center

30

HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

J

ackline Ng’anga’ of Techgalore Events Ltd, the driving force behind the annual event, led a group of over 50 women accompanied by representatives from the Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda, the Kenyan High Commission and other well-wishers, who got a warm welcome at the home.

Theme Events KENYAN WOMEN IN RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

Jackline Ng’anga is the driving force behind the annual event

The centre relies on well-wishers and its two-and-ahalf hectare farm for the upkeep.

The farm project coordinated by Girumugisha has 500 chickens for egg production to boost the nutrition for the children, 6 cows and fields with fruits and vegetables.

Some of the Kenyan women at Marembo Centre

They were received by Ildephonse Niyongana, the assistant director of Marembo Centre, and Chanel Girumugisha, the monitoring and evaluation officer.

The centre was established in 2003, initially caring for boys and girls but was turned into an exclusive girls’ centre in 2012 as there are over 10 boys’ centres in Kigali. Currently, the director is Nicolette Nsabimana, one of the three founding members, and it is home to 48 children.

could identify with the plight of the girls at the centre and gave an insightful message on how to ‘Press for Progress’ (the theme of this year’s Women’s Day) in a ruthless world.

Rosemary Karangwa the treasurer said they are looking for opportunities to do this more often

Among them is one senior girl who goes to university in Kenya, while the others (including the children of the resident teenage moms) are at various levels of education. 16 girls have already been reintegrated into their families, rehabilitated or provided with other solutions.

The centre relies on well-wishers and its twoand-a-half hectare farm for the upkeep. The farm project coordinated by Girumugisha has 500 chickens for egg production to boost the nutrition for the children, 6 cows and fields with fruits and vegetables.

Carol Bongo, a Kenyan agronomist and entrepreneur who was part of the visit’s organizing committee, encouraged the girls by sharing her life experience. Having been in an abusive relationship for four years, she

She is the author of ‘In the Arms of a Stranger,’ which chronicles her experience of violent relationships as a way to liberate others going through the same. Her successful and happy life after such an ordeal greatly inspired the girls.

Virginia Wambui Mwangi, the director of the Kigali International Montessori School and the event coordinator, expressed gratitude to all who contributed donations to the centre, which included sanitary towels, diapers, food stuff, clothes and many other items.

Rosemary Karangwa, the treasurer, said they are looking for opportunities to do this more often and address other challenges faced by girls.

Later in the day, the women met at the restaurant of Legend hotel in Kacyiru for dinner and were joined by a visiting delegation from the Kenyan Parliament. There was also a talk by Kenyan pastor Tony Gobanga. As a life coach, he addressed women’s issues with an address entitled ‘Scented Petals’, a moving personal true story about relationships. The bottom line was that women are a treasure worth fighting for and each one ought to carry the worth to be fought for. www.hope-mag.com

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Banking

SPECIAL FEATURE

Access Bank Celebrates

Women’s Day at FAWE Girls’ School

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ccess Bank has celebrated International Wo m e n ’s D a y ( I W D ) a t FAWE Girls School with the Minister of Youth, Rosemary Mbabazi.

loans and also give financial education to young girls,” he added. The girls were also given an opportunity to share how they envisage their careers, and among them were future pilots, doctors, surgeons and many others.

Building on the IWD slogan ‘Press for Progress,’ Access Bank took the opportunity to mentor and engage with young girls about their challenges, give career guidance and words of encouragement with regards to their future.

“Our role here is to remind you that today, women should know that they are capable of achieving anything that they focus on,” responded the Minister of Youth, Rosemary Mbabazi. “I also thank Access Bank for this initiative to engage with and mentor you.”

The festivities also included the cutting of a cake to celebrate the empowerment of young girls to discover and explore their full potential.

“ I t ’s v e r y i m p o r t a n t f o r u s t o c e l e b r a t e Wo m e n ’s D a y w i t h FAWE Girls’ School because it’s an opportunity to extend our support to girls and be able mentor you to know that women are capable of doing anything they focus on ,” said Jean Claude Karayenzi, the Managing Director of Access Bank Rwanda. “

“It is a delight for me and my team at Access Bank that we can be able to hold such an educative session, we are grateful that FAWE Girls’ School administration allowed us to take a few hours of their time and engage with them,” Karayenzi remarked.

The visit to FAWE included the cutting of a cake to celebrate the empowerment of young girls

Access Bank particularly caters for women’s needs through basic training for women, teach women on how to access

Access Bank Rwanda in partnership with Peace Through Business (PTB) has

launched the Women Connect Program

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imed at helping Women Network to share their experiences and enhance their entrepreneurial skills, mobilizing finances and highlighting the empowerment of women. This program intends to train and mentor women life for a period of three months about business, mobilizing finances, record keeping and financial advisory and connect with other already established entrepreneurial women to share their experiences and skills.

The program is part of the ‘W initiative’ through which Access Bank Rwanda wants to play a leadership role in promoting the well-being of women through the provision of innovative banking solutions that address the needs of women through training, workshops, financial advisory and a maternal support scheme.

32 HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

Building onto the theme of the launch, ‘Connect and network with empowered women to inspire the nation,’ the Head of Personal & Business Banking at Access Bank Rwanda, Gloria Bwiza Asiimwe observed that women constitute 50% of the global population and play a vital role in the economic development of the country as mothers and workers.

“We are delighted and honored to work with Peace Through Business as it’s an institution that works to empower and equip women with entrepreneurial skills as they contribute to the economic development of the country.” “PTB is in its 11th year as an association offering business training and mentorship program for women entrepreneurs in Rwanda and it’s

A panel discussion at the launch of the Women Connect program

PTB Country Facilitator, Chantal Munanayire.“As partners, Access Bank and PTB understand this and we intend to provide an environment that connects women to work and mentor each other as they improve their entrepreneurship skills,” Bwiza said.

implemented through education and leadership,” remarked PTB Country Facilitator Chantal Munanayire.

“Women don’t feel inclined to join business because they are not fully supported, but our doors are open to empower and advise more women. We are also happy and honored to be working with Access bank.”

Hospitality SPECIAL FEATURE

RIDERS LOUNGE

According to Muia, at Riders there is a secret behind how dishes are prepared. And while he remains tight-lipped about it, he does mention that the foundation consists of fresh ingredients that are delivered daily by carefully selected suppliers – whether it’s herbs, meats, vegetables or other ingredients.

For a mouthwatering experience,

Riders Lounge

During the preparation of the food, the highest standards of hygiene and retention of nutrients are observed. And what makes the Riders Experience truly special is the speed of service; snacks will be on your table within 10 minutes and main courses in 15 minutes.

The assistant executive chef at Riders Lounge Kigali, 28-year-old Japan Shaban Gahwita, has already 7 years of solid experience.

Having worked in Europe and Asia, he brings a highly creative touch to the Lounge’s kitchen. For him, food has to be prepared from the heart, and his secret lies in the spicing and marinating.

is the place to be ff If food is what makes a place, you could argue that Riders Lounge Kigali is paradise, with its mouth-watering steaks, grills, pizzas and other platters. Behind all this deliciousness are two chefs who are on top of their game.

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uncan Muia, the executive chef at Riders Lounge, has an experience of over 12 years in culinary arts.

He has worked in 5-star hotels like the Stanley and Norfolk in Kenya, alongside the best chefs in the industry.

Duncan Muia the Executive Chef

at Riders Lounge Kigali

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He holds diplomas in food and housekeeping management from Kenya Polytechnique and the prestigious Kenya Utalii College, and has participated in international competitions in culinary arts in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, winning several of them.

Japan Shaban Gahwita preparing a

burger, paying special attention to presentation

He also says great meals are those made in the right temperature and for the right duration, while he also pays special attention to presentation.

Riders Lounge’s signature dishes are steaks and grills, and everything comes in sumptuous portions that will leave anyone satisfied. And not only does it come at affordable prices, but they also have special offers for burgers and pizza where you buy one and get one free.

In the near future, Riders Lounge plans a special family weekend with exceptional offers. For those who haven’t yet discovered this culinary paradise, it will be a great occasion to do so.

Theme Women CAREER WOMEN'S NETWORK KIGALI

SPECIAL FEATURE

Career Women’s Network Kigali

holds ‘Ishyaka’ fundraising gala dinner � FOR THE SECOND YEAR, THE CAREER WOMEN’S NETWORK KIGALI (CWNK) HAS HELD A GALA FUNDRA ISING DINNER IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED ON 8 MARCH.

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eld at Kigali Marriott, it is a way to secure the network’s future and raise funds to achieve its mission of connecting and empowering career women in Rwanda and beyond. This year, the theme was ‘Ishyaka’ (determination)

Guests at the 'Ishyaka' fundraising gala dinner

and it was aligned to the general International Women’s Day theme ‘Time is now: rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives,’ intended to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women in the workplace as they move up the career ladder, and get people to invest in this cause by raising funds for CNWK to achieve its mission.

Founder and Chair of CWNK Lucy Schalkwijk 36

HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

“When women commit to empowering and uplifting each other, they can really shatter those ceilings and have a true impact on women at all levels in the work place or economy,” said CWNK Founder and Chair, Lucy Schalkwijk.

Theme Women CAREER WOMEN'S NETWORK KIGALI

SPECIAL FEATURE

“We consider ourselves urban activists for the cause of women in the workplace and are therefore determined that the time to address gender imbalance at higher levels of management in the work place is now.” She also quoted President Paul Kagame, who said: “Any place that does not make gender equality a priority, is probably getting other important things wrong too.”

The 'Ishyaka' fundraising gala dinner was well attended

Some of the members of Career Women’s Network Kigali

The Career Women’s Network Kigali is

a professional network of senior career women in Rwanda, created in 2015 with a mission to ‘connect and empower women in Rwanda.’

“There is no doubt that the unwavering commitment and passion for the work CWKN is doing will continue to help women unleash their full potential and implement our country’s overarching goals,” she added.

The gala dinner raised funds through financial pledges by participants and auctions from CWNK members like Inzuki Designs and Waka Fitness as well as other supporting organizations, all while the guests enjoyed a mesmerizing dinner from Kigali Marriott’s chefs.

The Career Women’s Network Kigali is a professional network of senior career women in Rwanda, created in 2015 with a mission to ‘connect and empower women in Rwanda.’ Its vision is to create a global community of professional women, committed to empowering each other in the pursuit of excellence to positively impact the world. By connecting senior career women, women can collaborate to share job opportunities, business opportunities as well as news and information.

Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, The Minister of Public service and Labour, was the guest speaker

The guest speaker at the gala dinner was Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, the Minister of Public Service and Labor.

“To sustain the trend of 64% of women in parliament, it is important for women to continue to make a meaningful contribution to our organization’s mandate and ensure a balance between the various roles of career, leaders, mothers and others,” she said.

The 'Ishyaka' fundraising gala dinner was well attended

www.hope-mag.com

37

Motoring SINOTRUK RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

SINOTRUK

bringing superior Chinese truck technology to the heart of Africa Sinotruk is the cradle and leading production base of the heavy-duty truck industry in China and has successfully been in Rwanda for several years. It is famous for developing and manufacturing the first heavy duty truck.

SITRAK One of Sinotruck's heavy-duty trucks

T

he headquarters of China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd. (CNHTC) is located in Jinan city, Shandong Province, P. R. China. Sinotruk is known for their good quality and durable product globally.

In Rwanda, Being one of the most competitive trucks and tractors suppliers they contribute largely to the infrastructure and construction industry.

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HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

They have a wide range of products like dump trucks, cargo trucks, semitrailers, cement mixer trucks, special vehicles and light trucks. Sintruk also offers services like product procurement guidance, maintenance and offering warranty on their trucks. Their production line is one equipped to ensure each product has the similar high level capacity and capability in performance.

Having being there long enough they have a wealth of exposure and experience to make trucks suitable for all weather conditions, roads and other factors affecting the strength of vehicles performance across the globe.

Worth noting is that from their ISO9001 certified manufacturing facility, Sinotruk produces

Motoring SINOTRUK RWANDA

... from their ISO9001 certified manufacturing facility, Sinotruk produces hundreds of thousands special purpose vehicles per year using more than 150 sets of manufacturing equipment, including the press brake, plate shear, NC plasma cutter, and the uncoiler.

SPECIAL FEATURE

A Sinotruk concrete mixer

HOWO TRUCKS NOW AVAILABLE IN RWANDA

hundreds of thousands special purpose vehicles per year using more than 150 sets of manufacturing equipment, including the press brake, plate shear, NC plasma cutter, and the uncoiler. They own and operate a modern truck manufacturing line, delivering reliable special-use trucks bearing CCC marks to Southeast Asia, Africa, North America, Russia, and the Middle East.

By leveraging more than 10 years of experience in serving the trucking industry and introducing groundbreaking special truck design, Haoruitong has been all the times taking the lead in technological innovation, product research and development, process improvement, manufacturing, and quality management.

The designated special-purpose vehicle research center is home to 36 senior professionals and 520 technical workers. The winning of over 30 national patents is a testament to our technical strength, which empowers Sintruk to continue upgrading the existing products and developing new technology suite for all.

ASIA MACHINERY INVESTMENTS LTD SINOTRUK RWANDA SALES & SERVICES CENTER

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

www.hope-mag.com

39

Genocide Commemoration MTN RWANDA

SPECIAL FEATURE

MTN Rwanda staff before Nyarubuye Roman Catholic Church

MTN Rwanda staff remember Genocide victims in Nyarubuye ff Staff of MTN Rwanda on Friday visited Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial Site in Kirehe District, Eastern Province, to commemorate the more than 58,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsis buried there.

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aving sought refuge at the Nyarubuye Catholic Church, men, women and children were killed indiscriminately when they were attacked. The church and houses of the nuns and priest where the victims took refuge are today the Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial Site.

MTN Rwanda CEO Bart Hofker signs visitors' book at Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial Site

Survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Nyarubuye hold a dummy check from MTN Rwanda to support them start projects beneficial to them and their families

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HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

Led by CEO Bart Hofker, the MTN Rwanda staff donated Rwf 2 million for the maintenance of the site and an additional Rwf 5 million for survivors of the genocide.

“We read about what happened here before visiting and being here to listen to the explanation of what happened makes it even more terrible,” said Hofker.

“It’s terrible in itself that people that came to seek refuge in the

church, thinking that it was safe, experienced such endings to their lives.”

Hofker commended the continued talks and dissemination of information to fight genocide ideologies and urged people to continue to remember the victims.

“I am afraid it is never enough. We need to keep the dialogue alive so that we preserve the history of what happened and ensure it never happens again,” he said.

Theme Commemoration Genocide

YEGOMOTO

SPECIAL FEATURE

Yegomoto commemorates Genocide

with visit to a moto driver/survivor ffStaff of taxi-moto services company Yegomoto have visited one its drivers, who is a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, as part of its commemoration activities this year.

Delegation

from Yegomoto which paid rent and other basic necessities for the driver

At some point in his basic education, his guardian failed school fees so Niyomuhoza decided to learn to drive a motorcycle with the hope of becoming a taxi-moto rider.

Upon receiving his riding permit in 2015, he moved to Kigali in search of work.

A delegation from Yegomoto visited him in his home in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District where he stays alone, and paid his rent for the next four months along with basic home items and food.

“I am grateful for the new family I have in Yegomoto, and I commend them for reaching out to us, survivors employed in the country’s informal sector,” Niyomuhoza said.

A

lgentin Niyomuhoza, who is 24 years old, is a Yegomoto driver who doesn’t own a motorbike but often borrows one from friends to earn a living.

As an only child living with his parents in the then Kibungo Prefecture (now Eastern Province), he was orphaned during the 1994 Genocide, and was subsequently raised by an aging distant relative in the area.

Algentin Niyomuhoza's Home

I am grateful for the new family I have in Yegomoto, and I commend them for reaching out to us, survivors employed in the country’s informal sector Niyomuhoza 44 HOPE MARCH - APRIL ISSUE 85

He added that there are many other survivors doing informal jobs who often need the kind of support he received from Yegomoto, and therefore urged other companies and individuals to follow the example.

HOWO TRUCKS NOW AVAILABLE IN RWANDA

ASIA MACHINERY INVESTMENTS LTD

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