Radio show I Uruhare rw’Ibigo by’Ubucuruzi Buto mu Rugendo rwo Kuzahura Ubukungu

Uruhare rw’Ibigo by’Ubucuruzi Buto mu Rugendo rwo Kuzahura Ubukungu

Kuwa 18 Werurwe 2021,  SME Response Clinic yatangije ubukangurambaga bwa Twiteze Imbere bugamije kwishimira uruhare Ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse bifite mu rugamba rwo kuzahura ubukungu bwazahajwe n’Icyorezo cya COVID-19 mu Rwanda. Ubwo bukangurambaga bwatewe inkunga n’abafatanyabikorwa ba SME Response Clinic n’abatanga serivisi z’iterambere ry’ubucuruzi harimo Ikigo cy’igihugu gishinzwe amakoperative, kwihangira imirimo, n’ibigo by’imari iciriritse (RICEM).

Muri ubwo bukangurambaga, hakozwe  ikiganiro cyaciye  kuri radiyo gitangwa na Esperance Niyitegeka, ukuriye gahunda y’amahugurwa muri RICEM na Angelique Uwimana, rwiyemezamirimo ukora mu kigo cy’ubudozi  cyanyuze muri gahunda y’amahugurwa ya RICEM. Esperance yasobanuye mu buryo burambuye ibijyanye n’ubukangurambaga anashimangira uruhare ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse bigira mu kazahura ubukungu bwazahajwe na COVID-19 mu Rwanda harebwa uruhare rwa byo mu misoro igihugu cyinjiza.  Angelique kandi yashishikarije ba rwiyemezamirimo b’abagore kugira uruhare muri ubu bukangurambaga bagerageza amahirwe yabo yo kubona igihembo cyabafasha  kongera imari yabo; izabafasha guteza imbere ubucuruzi bwabo.

Kanda hano maze wumve icyo kiganiro!

The role of SMEs in the road to recovery

On 18th March 2021, the SME Response Clinic launched the Twiteze Imbere campaign to recognize and celebrate the role SMEs play in Rwanda’s road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign was supported by the partners of the SME Response Clinic and business development service providers, including the Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship, and Microfinance (RICEM) 

During the campaign, a radio show was conducted featuring Esperance Niyitegeka, a lead trainer at RICEM and Angelique Uwimana, an entrepreneur involved in the tailoring business that had gone through RICEM’s training program. Esperance gave a detailed overview of the campaign and highlighted the role SMEs play in Rwandas recovery from COVID-19, sighting their contribution to taxes. Angelique also encouraged women entrepreneurs to participate in the campaign to stand a chance to win and increase their capital, which would help them develop their businesses.  


Leta y’u Rwanda yashyize ahagaragara ibyemezo bishya byo kurwanya COVID-19.

Leta y’u Rwanda yashyize ahagaragara  ibyemezo bishya byo kurwanya COVID-19.  

Kuwa 14 Mata 2021, Leta yashyize ahagaragara ibyemezo bishya byo kurwanya COVID-19. Ingendo  hagati ya Kigali n’izindi ntara n’uturere bizakomeza harimo Bugesera, Nyanza na Gisagara. Ingendo zirabujijwe hagati ya saa tatu z’ijoro na saa kumi za mu gitondo usibye mu Ntara y’Amajyepfo mu turere twa Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru na Nyamagabe aho ingendo zibujijwe hagati ya saa moya z’ijoro na saa kumi za mu gitondo kubera izamuka ry’ubwandu bw’icyorezo cya COVID-19.

Serivisi za Leta zizakomeza gukoresha gusa abakozi ba ngombwa batarenze 30% by’abakozi bose zishobora gukoresha. Ibigo by’ubucuruzi by’abikorera nabyo bizakomeza gukoresha abakozi ba ngombwa batarenze 50% by’abakozi bose bishobora gukoresha. Amasoko akorera mu mazu manini kimwe n’amasoko asanzwe azakomeza gukora ; abayacururizamo bagurisha  ibicuruzwa by’ingenzi kandi ntibagomba kurenga 50% by’abemerewe gucururiza muri bene ayo masoko banditse. Amaresitora n’aho bafatira amafunguro bizakomeza gukora kugeza ku kigero cya 50% cy’ubushobozi bw’abakiriya bishobora kwakira kandi bigomba gufunga saa mbiri z’ijoro,  naho gutwara ibintu bizajya bikora kugeza saa tatu z’ijoro.

Imodoka zitwara abagenzi n’izitwara abantu ku giti cyabo zizakomeza gukora ariko za bisi ntabwo zemerewe gutwara abantu barenze 50% by’ubushobozi bwazo. Ba nyir’amabisi basabwa kubahiriza amabwiriza yo guhana intera hagati y’umuntu n’undi kandi bagatwara mu mabisi yabo gusa abantu bambaye udupfukamunwa. Inama zihuza abantu zizakomeza kujya zikorwa ariko abazitabira ntibagomba kurenga 30% by’ubushobozi bw’ahantu izo nama zikorerwa. Ku bijyanye n’inama zihuza abantu barenze 20, abazitabira bagomba kuba baripimishije COVID-19.

Ubukerarugendo buzakomeza hubahirizwa cyane ingamba zo kwirinda COVID-19, harimo amahoteri, abatembereza abantu mu gihugu na serivisi zo gutwara abantu zifasha abashyitsi. Ba mukerarugendo n’abatanga serivisi bagomba kumenyesha  RDB ibijyanye n’inzira bazanyuramo. Ikibuga cy’indege mpuzamahanga cya Kigali kizakomeza gukora, ariko abagenzi binjira mu gihugu bagomba kwerekana ibisubizo by’ibizami bigaragaza ko batanduye indwara ya COVID-19 byafashwe  hakoreshejwe ibizami bya PCR mu masaha 72 mbere y’uko bahaguruka mu bihugu baturutsemo kandi bakagomba kubahiriza amabwiriza yo kwirinda ubwandu. Abagenzi bava mu Rwanda bagomba kwerekana  ibisubizo by’ibizami bigaragaza ko batanduye indwara ya COVID-19 byafashwe  hakoreshejwe ibizami bya PCR mbere yo kugenda.

Siporo zikorwa n’umuntu ku giti cye n’izikorerwa hanze abantu badakoranaho zizakomeza ariko hubahirizwa amabwiriza ya Minisiteri ya Siporo. Amazu akorerwamo siporo, ibikorwa bijyanye n’imikino, ndetse n’ibigo byo kuruhukiramo bizakomeza gufungwa.

Leta y’u Rwanda izasohora ingamba nshya zo kwirinda COVID -19 mu minsi 15.

April 14th 2021

On 14th April 2021, the government announced new preventive measures for COVID-19. Movement between Kigali and other provinces and districts will continue, including Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara. Movements are prohibited between 9 pm-4 am except for south region in the districts of Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe, where movements are prohibited between 7pm-4am due to a rise in the cases of infection.  

Public offices will continue to operate with only essential staff not exceeding 30% capacity. Private businesses will also continue to work with only essential staff not exceeding 50% capacity. Malls and markets will continue with vendors providing critical products and will not exceed 50% mall and market capacity of registered vendors. Restaurants and cafés will continue operations with a 50% occupancy limit, closing by 8 pm with deliveries operating till 9pm.  

Public and private transport will continue with not more than 50% capacity for buses. Bus operators will be required to maintain social distancing and only allow passengers with masks. Physical meetings will continue not exceeding 30% venue capacity. Physical meetings of more than 20 people will require participants to have been tested for COVID-19. 

Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health measures, including hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests. Tourists and service providers must inform RDB of itineraries. Kigali’s international airport will remain open, but arriving passengers must present a negative PCR within 72 hours before the first departure and must comply with health guidelines. Departing passengers must show negative PCR results before departure.  

Individual and non-contact outdoor sports will continue while following the Ministry of Sports guidelines. Gyms, gaming activities, and recreational centers will remain closed. 

The government of Rwanda will update COVID-19 preventive measures after 15 days. 

March 29th 2021

On 29th March 2021, the government announced new preventive measures for COVID-19. Movement between Kigali and other provinces and districts will continue including Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara. Movements are prohibited between 9pm-4am except for south province in the districts of Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe where movements are prohibited between 7pm-4am due to a rise in the cases of infection.

Public offices and private business will resume with only essential staff not exceeding 30% capacity. Malls and markets will continue with only vendors providing essential products and will not exceed 50% mall and market capacity of registered vendors. Restaurants and cafés will continue operations with a 30% occupancy limit, closing by 8pm with deliveries operating till 9pm.

Public and private transport will continue with not more than 50% capacity for buses. Bus operators will be required to maintain social distancing and only allow passengers with masks.

Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health measures, including hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests. Tourists and service providers must inform RDB of itineraries. Kigali’s international airport will remain open but arriving passengers must present a negative PCR within 72 hours before the first departure and must comply with health guidelines. Departing passengers must present negative PCR results before departure.

Individual and non-contact outdoor sports will continue while following guidelines from the Ministry of Sports. Gyms, gaming activities, and recreational centers will remain closed.

The government of Rwanda will update COVID-19 preventive measures after 15 days.

March 15th 2021

On 15th March 2021, the government issued new preventive measures for COVID-19. Movement between Kigali and other provinces and districts has been resumed except for Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara with curfew starting from 9pm-4am. Specific guidelines will be issued for the three districts by the Ministry of Local Government.

Public offices and private business will resume with only essential staff not exceeding 30% capacity, closing at 6pm. Malls and markets will continue with only vendors providing essential products and will not exceed 50% mall and market capacity of registered vendors. Restaurants and cafés will continue operations with a 30% occupancy limit, closing by 8pm with deliveries operating till 9pm.

Public and private transport will continue with not more than 75%% capacity for buses. Bus operators will be required to maintain social distancing and only allow passengers with masks.

Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health measures, including hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests. Tourists and service providers must inform RDB of itineraries. Kigali’s international airport will remain open but arriving passengers must present a negative PCR within 72 hours before the first departure and must comply with health guidelines. Departing passengers must present negative PCR results before departure.

Individual and non-contact outdoor sports will continue while following guidelines from the Ministry of Sports. Gyms, gaming activities, and recreational centers will remain closed.

The government of Rwanda will update COVID-19 preventive measures after 15 days.

February 19, 2021

On 19th February 2021, the government issued new preventive measures for COVID-19. The issued measures will take effect nation-wide effective 23rd February 2021. Movement between Kigali and other provinces and district remains restricted with curfew starting from 8pm-4am. Public offices and private business will resume with only essential staff not exceeding 30% capacity, closing at 6pm. Malls and markets will open with only vendors providing essential products and will not exceed 50% mall and market capacity of registered vendors. Restaurants and cafés will resume operations with a 30% occupancy limit, closing by 6pm and deliveries operating till 8pm.

Public and private transport will continue with not more-than 75% capacity for buses. Bus operators will be required to maintain social distancing and only allow passengers with masks. Motorcycles and bicycles will also resume operations while observing strict hygiene.

Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health measures, including presenting a negative COVID-19 test for traveling tourists and informing RDB of itineraries. Kigali’s international airport will remain open but arriving passengers must present a negative PCR within 72 hours before the first departure and self-quarantine for seven days, taking a PCR test at the end of this period. Departing passengers must present negative PCR results before departure.

Individual and non-contact outdoor sports will resume while following guidelines from the Ministry of Sports. Gym, gaming activities, and recreational centers will remain closed.

The government of Rwanda will COVID-19 preventive measures after 15 days.

February 2, 2021

On 2nd February 2021, the government issued new preventive measures for COVID-19 with specific measures for the city and Kigali and different measures for the rest of the districts. The current lockdown in the city of Kigali will prevail till 7th February 2021, after which movements are permitted only between the hours of 4 am and 7 pm. Private businesses will resume with only 30% capacity of employees working from offices while other employees working from home, closing at 5pm. Malls and markets will open with only vendors providing essential products and will not exceed 50% mall and market capacity. Restaurants and cafes may provide takeaway services only.

Public and private transport in Kigali not 50% capacity for buses. Bus operators will be required to maintain social distancing and only allow passengers with masks. Motorcycles and bicycles will also resume operations while observing strict hygiene.

Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health measures, including presenting a negative COVID-19 test for traveling tourists and informing RDB of itineraries. Kigali’s international airport will remain open but arriving passengers must present a negative PCR within 72 hours before the first departure and self-quarantine for seven days, taking a PCR test at the end of this period. Departing passengers must present negative PCR results before departure.

Preventive measures for the rest of the country include the prohibition of movements from 4 am to 7 pm. For the hospitality industry, social gatherings and events are all prohibited, and public gyms and swimming pools are restricted from the public.

The government of Rwanda will COVID-19 preventive measures after 15 days.

January 20, 2021

Given an increase in COVID-19 cases, the government of Rwanda has issued new preventive measures to curb its spread. Preventive measures for Kigali include the prohibition of movements of unnecessary movements including visits outside of homes except for essential services including medical/healthcare, food shopping, and banking. All other movements will require an approved permit from the Rwanda National Police. Travel between Kigali and other provinces and districts has been restricted with for the exception of travel for essential services and tourism, whereby tourists must possess a negative COVID-19 test.

Public transport has been halted with exception of transportation of food and other essential services. Businesses involved in farming will continue to operate for the ongoing agricultural season while observing COVID-19 control measures. All businesses must be closed except those selling food, pharmacies, cleaning products, which may operate at 30% capacity and close by 6 pm. Restaurants and cafes may provide takeaway only.

Preventive measures for the rest of the country include the prohibition of movements from 4 am to 6 pm. For the hospitality industry, social gatherings and events are all prohibited and public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public.

COVID-19 preventive measures are reviewed every 15 days.

To read more about the Cabinet’s communication, visit: Cabinet Communique 18TH January 2021

January 7, 2021

With an increasing number of COVID-19 infections, the government of Rwanda has issued new preventive measures. Key measures introduced include the prohibition of movements of persons from 8 pm to 4 am. The cabinet also resolved that business establishments including shops, restaurants, markets, and malls must close business operations by 6 pm. Public and private transport between Kigali and other districts is prohibited except for domestic and international tourists that present negative COVID-19 test results and vehicles transporting goods with not more than two people on board.

Specifically for the hotel/hospitality industry, social gatherings and events including hosting of wedding ceremonies, receptions, meetings, and conferences have been prohibited. Public gyms and swimming pools are restricted from public use with the exception of hotel guests with negative COVID-19 test results.

COVID-19 preventive measures are reviewed every 15 days.

To read more about the Cabinet’s communication, visit: Cabinet Communique 4th January 2021


Menya Ubukanguramabaga bwa Twiteze Imbere na SME Response Clinic

Menya Ubukanguramabaga bwa Twiteze Imbere na SME Response Clinic

Kuwa 26 Werurwe 2021, SME Response Clinic yatangije ubukangurambaga bwa  Twiteze Imbere bugamije kwemera no kwishimira uruhare ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse bigira mu rugamba rwo kuzahura ubukungu bwajahajwe n’Icyorezo cya COVID-19. Ubwo bukangurambaga bwatewe inkunga n’abafatanyabikorwa ba SME Response Clinic, barimo Ikigo Nyafurika cy’Icungamutungo (AMI), kizatanga amafaranga yo guhitamo abazahatanira igihembo gihabwa ikigo cy’ubucuruzi muri ubu bukangurambaga kugira ngo kibashe kwitabira Gahunda yayo ya Komeza Utere Imbere (Survive to Thrive). Gahunda iha abafite ibigo by’ubucuruzi ubumenyi ngiro, ibikoresho, n’ingamba zo guhangana n’ingorane no gutera imbere mu bihe bikomeye.

Umuyobozi w’AMI mu rwego rw’igihugu, Bwana Malik Shaffy Lizinde, yahawe umwanya kuri Radiyo Rwanda wo gukora ikiganiro cy’iminota 30 kuri gahunda y’Amahumbezi. Bwana Malik yavuze muri make ibijyanye n’ubwo bukangurambaga anasobanura mu buryo bwimbitse  uburyo ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse bikwiye kwitabira iyi gahunda kugira ngo bibashe kubona miliyoni imwe y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda na serivisi z’ubujyanama bizahabwa n’inzobere.

Get to know the Twiteze Imbere Campaign and SME Response Clinic

On 26th March 2021, the SME Response Clinic launched the Twiteze Imbere campaign to recognize and celebrate the role SMEs play in Rwandas road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign was supported by the partners of the SME Response Clinic, including the African Management Institute (AMI), which will be providing sponsorship to select runners-up of the campaign’s Business Awards competition to participate in its Survive to Thrive programme. The programme equips business owners with the skills, tools, and strategies to navigate challenges and thrive in difficult times.   

AMI’s country director, Malik Shaffy Lizinde, was featured on Radio Rwanda for a 30-minute discussion on the Amahumbezi program. Malik gave a detailed overview of the campaign and highlighted how SMEs could engage with the campaign to stand a chance to win 1 million Rwandan Francs and expert advisory services.  


Uburyo butatu bwo kumenyereza umukozi akazi 

Uburyo butatu bwo kumenyereza umukozi akazi  

Nk’umuntu ufite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito, uhora ushakisha buri gihe uburyo bwo kunoza ibikorwa byawe no kongera umusaruro. Niba ufite abakozi, ni kimwe mu bintu by’ingenzi bigize ubucuruzi bwawe kandi ukumenyera akazi kwa bo ni ingenzi cyane kugira ngo ubwo bucuruzi  burusheho kugenda neza. Uhereye kuri ibyo ngibyo, dore uburyo butatu bwagufasha kumenyereza abakozi bawe akazi  

1. Koresha politiki y’urugi rufunguye 

Politiki y’urugi rufunguye bisobanura ko uganira n’abakozi bawe nta mbereka. Ganira n’abakozi bawe mu buryo butaziguye, ubabaze icyo batekereza n’ibigomba gukorwa kandi nawe ushyireho akawe. Ibi bituma abakozi barushaho gushishikarira gukora (morale) kandi bakabasha no kuvuga ibitekerezo byabo mu bwisanzure. Bashobora no kukungura ibitekerezo byatuma ubucuruzi bwawe burushaho kugenda neza. Ibi bizana umwuka mwiza mu kazi bigatuma abakozi bongera umusaruro ari nako bishimangira umubano mwiza ku kazi  

2. Imenyereze kujya uhindura imitunganyirize y’akazi igihe bibaye ngombwa. 

Gutunganya akazi mu buryo bushobora guhinduka igihe ari ngombwa bigenda biba uburyo bukurikizwa mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi byinshi mu nzego zose. Udukorwa dusanzwe nko gufata ikiruhuko abantu basangira ikawa cyangwa kubaha ikiruhuko kugira ngo babashe gukemura ibibazo byihutirwa cyangwa ibibazo byo mu muryango bishobora gutuma imiterere y’ubuzima bwo ku kazi bw’umukozi ijyana neza n’ireme ry’ubuzima. Gutunganya akazi muri ubwo buryo bituma gusiba ku kazi bya hato na hato bigabanuka, umusaruro ukiyongera ndetse n’abakozi bakarushaho kuba indahemuka  

3. Bwira abakozi bawe icyerekezo nyamukuru cy’ubucuruzi bwawe 

Nk’umuntu ufite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito, uhora buri gihe ushakisha uko ubwo bucuruzi bwakwaguka. Ganiriza abakozi bawe ibyerekeranye n’imigambi y’ibihe biri imbere ufitiye ubucuruzi bwawe  kandi utege amatwi wumve ibitekerezo byabo. Nutega amatwi ibitekerezo byabo, bazumva bahawe agaciro, ibyo bikazatuma barushaho kwitangira akazi kabo  

Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi hafi ya byose biri hafi yo kongera gukora mu Rwanda; shaka uburyo bwo gushyira izi nama mu bikorwa maze harusheho kuza umwuka mwiza mu kazi; ibyo bizatuma abakozi bawe bumva bafite agaciro noneho bafashe ubucuruzi bwawe gutera imbere!   


e-Commerce Webinar Kwinjiza Ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse byo mu Rwanda mu bucuruzi bukoresha ikoranabuhanga: Amahirwe n’inzitizi zirimo

Kwinjiza Ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse byo mu Rwanda mu bucuruzi bukoresha ikoranabuhanga: Amahirwe n’inzitizi zirimo. 

Kuwa 30 Werurwe 2021 saa cyenda z’amanywa  

Utumiwe mu kiganiro nyunguranabitekerezo kizakoreshwa na SME Response Clinic  hifashishijwe  ikoranabuhanga kikazakorwa hamwe n’abafatanyabikorwa b’ingenzi bakomoka mu nzego za Leta n’iz’abikorera zifite uruhare mu bucuruzi bukoresha ikoranabuhanga mu Rwanda.  Icyo kiganiro kizakorwa hakoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga kizaba kigamije  kungurana ibitekerezo ku bikorwa biriho byo kwinjiza ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse mu mahuriro y’ibigo bikora ubucuruzi bikoresheje ikoranabuhanga kikazibanda ku mahirwe ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse bifite muri urwo rwego , inzitizi bihura nabyo, ndetse n’ibisubizo bishoboka bijyanye no gukuraho izo nzitizi.    

Icyo kiganiro kizanyura kuri paji ya Facebook ya SME Response Clinic; abazakitabira bakazabasha  kubaza ibibazo no gutanga ibitekerezo byabo kuwa 30 Werurwe saa cyenda z’amanywa mu rurimi rw’ikinyarwanda ahanini  

Uzayobora ikiganiro: Christophe Nkurunziza: Umuyobozi wa IHUZO PROJECT 

Abatumirwa 

  • Alex Ntale: Umuyobozi Mukuru wa ICT Chamber 
  • Albert Munyabugingo: Umuyobozi Mukuru wa Vuba Vuba 


SME Response Clinic yatangije ubukangurambaga bwo gushyigikira no kuzirikana uruhare rw’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito mu kuzahura ubukungu bw’u Rwanda bwazahajwe n’ icyorezo cya COVID-19

Itangazo rigenewe abanyamakuru - Ririhutirwa

Kigali, Rwanda – kuwa 18 Werurwe 2021

SME Response Clinic yatangije ubukangurambaga bwo gushyigikira no kuzirikana uruhare rw’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito mu kuzahura ubukungu bw’u Rwanda bwazahajwe n’ icyorezo cya COVID-19.

Ibitewemo inkunga na Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX, Urugaga rw’Abikorera mu Rwanda (PSF), Ishyirahamwe ry’Ibigo by’Imari Iciriritse Bikorera mu Rwanda (AMIR), Ikigo Nyafurika Kigamije Guteza Imbere Imiyoborere (AMI), New Faces New Voices Rwanda, n’Ishyirahamwe ry’Amabanki mu Rwanda, SME Response Clinic yatangije ubukangurambaga bugamije gushyigikira no kuzirikana uruhare rw’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito byo mu Rwanda mu rugendo rwo rwo gusohoka mu bibazo byatewe n’icyorezo cyugarije isi cya COVID-19. SME Response Clinic ni ihuriro ryashyizweho muri 2020 kugira ngo rifashe ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse gukemura ibibazo byatewe na COVID-19 bihabwa ibyangombwa bikeneye n’amahirwe yo kwiyungura ubumenyi.

Binyuriye kuri ubu bukangurambaga buzamara ibyumweru bitatu bwiswe ‘Twiteze Imbere’, buzaba bukumiyemo gusangira inkuru z’uburyo ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto byabashije guhangana n’ibihe bikomeye turimo. Nanone, ba rwiyemezamirimo na ba nyir’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bitandukanye bazashishikarizwa kwitabira gahunda za SME Response Clinic, hanatangwe agashimwe ku bigo by’ubucuruzi byagaragaje ubudasa.

Mu gihe cyose ubu bukangurambaga buzamara, abantu bose muri rusange hamwe n’abafite ibigo by’ubucuruzi bazahabwa umwanya wo guhitamo ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito bizahabwa agashimwe na SME Response Clinic. Ibigo bizatoranywa bigomba kuba biri mu cyiciro cy’ibigo biyoborwa n’abagore, icy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bikiyubaka cyangwa ibifite udushya hamwe n’ibigo byamaze gukomera. Gutanga amazina y’ibigo bizatoranywamo ibizahembwa bizatangira kuwa 18 Werurwe bisozwe kuwa 2 Mata 2021.

Ikigo cy’ubucuruzi kizatsinda muri buri cyiciro kizahabwa igihembo cy’amafaranga y’u Rwanda angana na miliyoni imwe (1,000,000) yakwifashishwa mu bucuruzi bwabo, hakiyongeraho guhabwa serivisi z’ubujyanama n’inzobere mu bijyanye n’ubucuruzi nta kiguzi. Icyiciro cy’ubucuruzi buzatsinda ku mwanya wa kabiri kizahabwa inkunga yo gukurikirana amahugurwa atangwa n’Ikigo Nyafurika Kigamije Guteza Imbere Imiyoborere (AMI), yiswe “Komeza Utere Imbere – Survive to Thrive”. Binyuze kuri ayo mahugurwa, ba rwiyemezamirimo bazunguka ubuhanga, bahabwe ibikoresho byabugenewe, bige n’ingamba zabafasha guhangana n’ibibazo bagakomeza gutera imbere muri ibi bihe bikomeye byatewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19. Nanone, bazahahurira n’abandi bacuruzi bo mu Rwanda no muri Afurika.

Mu gusobanura iby’ubu bukangurambaga, Jean Bosco Iyacu, umuyobozi wa Access to Finance mu Rwanda, aragira ati: “Ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito ni urutirigongo rw’ubukungu bw’u Rwanda kandi biha akazi abantu hafi ya bose mu Rwanda hose. Ubukangurambaga bwiswe ‘Twiteze Imbere’ bugamije kuzirikana icyo kintu no gushyigikira uruhare rwa byo mu gufasha u Rwanda kwikura mu bibazo by’ubukungu byazanywe n’icyorezo cyugarije isi cya COVID-19. Ndashishikariza Abanyarwanda bose guhitamo ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito byujuje ibisabwa bityo bizahabwe ibihembo byagenewe na SME Response Clinic nk’uburyo bukomeye bwo kugaragaza ko bishyikigiwe mu ruhare bigira mu buzima bwacu bwa buri munsi.”

Naho Anna Gincherman, umufatanyabikorwa wo muri ConsumerCentrix aragira ati: “Tunejejwe no gutangiza ubu bukangurambaga bugamije kwishimira uburyo ba rwiyemezamirimo bo mu Rwanda bakoze iyo bwabaga ntibaheranwe n’ibihe bikomeye turi gucamo. Ibihembo bizatangwa na SME Response Clinic ni uburyo bumwe bwo guha icyubahiro no gutera ingabo mu bitugu ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito byabereye abaturage inkingi ya mwamba mu gihe cy’icyorezo cya COVID-19.”

Ku bindi bisobanuro kuri ubu bukangurambaga n’uko watora ikigo cy’ubucuruzi gito gikwiye guhabwa agashimwe, jya ku rubuga www.smeresponse.clinic/awards cyangwa uhamagare 0781024420.

Ibyerekeye SME Response Clinic

Muri Gicurasi 2020, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) yafatanyije na Consumer Centrix hatangizwa icyiswe SME Response Clinic; ihuriro rifasha ba rwiyemezamirimo bagerageza guhangana n’icyorezo cyugarije isi cya COVID-19. SME Response Clinic igenera ba rwiyemezamirimo bo mu Rwanda bagerageza kumenyera imiterere y’ubucuruzi bwazanywe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19, amahugurwa, ubujyanama ku bigezweho, n’uburyo bw’icungamari. Ku bindi bisobanuro, wasura urubuga smeresponse.clinic

Ibyerekeye Access to Finance Rwanda

AFR yatangiye ibikorwa byayo muri 2010 ifite intego nyamukuru yo guteza imbere urwego rw’imari mu Rwanda. AFR igamije gukuraho inzitizi zo muri sosiyete tubamo zibuza abantu kubona serivisi zijyanye n’imari hibandwa ku bantu binjiza make, cyane cyane abatishoboye n’abagore bo mu cyaro. AFR ishyigikira iterambere n’itangwa rya serivisi z’imari zirimo ubwizigame, gutanga inguzanyo, ubwishingizi, ubwishyu, no guhererekanya amafaranga. Ushobora kubona amakuru kuri AFR unyuze ku rubuga rwa afr.rw

Aho wabariza amakuru

Niba hari ibyo wifuza kubaza cyangwa ukeneye andi makuru, andikira musa.kacheche@consumercentrix.ch cyangwa wandikire Emile Ndayambaje, Umuyobozi ushinzwe ihererekanyamakuru muri AFR kuri emile@afr.rw.page2image18272192 page2image18182528

SME Response Clinic Launches Campaign to Recognise the Role of Small Businesses in Rwanda’s COVID-19 Recovery

The SME Response Clinic, a platform powered by Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX in collaboration with the Private Sector Federation, the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda, African Management Institute, New Faces New Voices Rwanda, and Rwanda Bankers’ Association, has today launched a campaign to recognise and celebrate the role of small businesses in Rwanda’s road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The SME Response Clinic is a platform launched in 2020 to support small and medium-sized enterprises to overcome challenges brought about by COVID-19 through resources and learning opportunities.

The three-week campaign is called ‘Twiteze Imbere’ (Let’s Move Forward Together) and will share stories of small business resilience, encourage entrepreneurs and business owners to utilise SME Response Clinic resources, and celebrate exceptional businesses through the inaugural SME Response Clinic Business Awards.

Over the course of the campaign, the general public and other business owners will be invited to nominate their favourite small businesses for a SME Response Clinic Business Award. Nominations are open in the categories of women-owned businesses, start-up or innovative businesses, and established businesses. The winner in each category will receive a cash prize of one million Rwandan francs to invest in their business as well as expert advisory services. Nominations are open from 18 March until 2 April 2021. Selected runners-up will be sponsored to participate in the African Management Institute’s Survive to Thrive programme. Through this programme, business owners will be equipped with the skills, tools, and strategies to navigate challenges and thrive in difficult times, and network with other entrepreneurs in Rwanda and across Africa.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Rwanda’s economy and employ the vast majority of people across the country. The ‘Twiteze Imbere’ campaign celebrates this and recognises their contribution to Rwanda’s recovery from the pandemic. I encourage all Rwandans to nominate their favourite small business for the SME Response Clinic Business Awards as a great way to show support for local business and the role they play in our day-to-day lives,” said Jean Bosco Iyacu, Country Director, Access to Finance Rwanda.

“We’re delighted to launch this campaign to celebrate the tremendous resilience of entrepreneurs in Rwanda. The SME Response Clinic Business Awards are one way we hope to honor and further support the small businesses that have been pillars of the communities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Anna Gincherman, Partner, ConsumerCentriX.

Learn more about the campaign and nominate your favourite small business at www.smeresponse.clinic/awards or by calling 0781024420.

About the SME Response Clinic

In May 2020, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) partnered with ConsumerCentriX to launch the SME Response Clinic – a platform that supports entrepreneurs in Rwanda struggling in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SME Response Clinic provides access to training, industry insights, and financial management advice to entrepreneurs in Rwanda struggling to adjust to the economic realities of COVID-19. Access the platform at smeresponse.clinic

About Access to Finance Rwanda

AFR began its operations in 2010 with the core objective of stimulating the development of the financial sector in Rwanda. AFR’s intention is to remove the systemic barriers that hinder access to financial services by putting low-income people particularly the rural poor and women at the centre of its interventions. AFR supports the development and provision of financial services including savings, credit, insurance, payments, and remittances. Learn more at afr.rw

Media Contact

For any enquiries or more information, write to musa.kacheche@consumercentrix.ch or reach out to Emile Ndayambaje, AFR Communications Manager, at emile@afr.rw.page2image18544704 page2image18544896


Guteza imbere ubumenyi mu micungire y’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi mu gihe u Rwanda rwongeye gufungura ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi

Guteza imbere ubumenyi mu micungire y’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi mu gihe u Rwanda rwongeye gufungura ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi

Kuwa 18 Gashyantare , 2021, saa cyenda  z’manywa

Itabire ibiganiro nyunguranabitekerezo bya  SME Response Clinic bizahita ako kanya bizibanda ku batanga serivisi z’iterambere ry’ubucuruzi mu Rwanda. Menya amahirwe ahari yo guteza imbere ubumenyi bwo gucunga umutungo mu gihe ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi byongeye gufungurwa mu Rwanda. Ibyo biganiro bizanyura ku rubuga rwa Facebook rwa SME Response Clinic kuwa 18 Gashyantare saa cyenda CAT; bikazakorwa mu rurimi rw’Ikinyarwanda.

Umuyobozi w’ibiganiro : Eric Musizana, Umukozi wa  Agriculture & Rural Finance Project, Access to Finance Rwanda

Abatumirwa:

  • Mukulira Olivier, Umuyobozi wa Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship, and Microfinance
  • Sarah Rukundo, umuyobozi wa Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali
  • Malik Shaffy Lizinde, umuyobozi wa African Management Institute, ishami ry’u Rwanda


AMI igiye guha ba rwiyemezamirimo 100 b’abagore bo muri Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs amahugurwa ku bumenyi ngiro mu bijyanye n’ubucuruzi.

AMI igiye guha ba rwiyemezamirimo 100 b’abagore bo muri Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs amahugurwa ku bumenyi ngiro mu bijyanye n’ubucuruzi.

Afican Management Institute (AMI) igiye guha ba rwiyemezamirimo 100 b’abagore amahugurwa ku bumenyi ngiro n’ibikoresho  mu bijyanye n’ubucuruzi binyuze mu masezerano y’ubufatanye azamara umwaka yagiranye na Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs  ikorera mu Rugaga rw’Abikorera. Ayo mahugurwa azaba agamije gufasha ba rwiyemezamirimo b’abagore kuva mu ngorane  ubucuruzi bwabo bwatewe n’icyorezo cyugarije isi cya coronavirus binyuze mu mahugurwa na serivisi z’ubujyanama. Amahugurwa azahabwa ba rwiyemezamirimo b’abagore b’abanyamuryango ba Chamber of women entrepreneurs. Abazemererwa kujya muri ayo mahugurwa bazitabira gahunda z’amahugurwa y’AMI 2  ni ukuvuga amahugurwa yo gukomeza ibigo by’ubucuruzi n’amahugurwa ya gumya ubeho maze ukunguhare,ayo mahugurwa  akazibanda ku bumenyi bushya bwongereweho bwo gukemura ingorane zihariye ba rwiyemezamirimo b’abagore bahura nazo.

Kugira ngo wiyandikishe, sura urubuga:  https://www.africanmanagers.org/rwandabusinessbootcamp/

Niba ukeneye ibindi bisobanuro, ohereza ubutumwa bugufi (SMS) cyangwa ukoreshe Whatsapp kuri nomero ya telefoni: +250 787 339 435

Niba ukeneye andi makuru ku bijyanye n’abanyamuryango ba Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs, saba ibisobanuro ukoresheje imeyili aderesi : marieolga@gmail.com cyangwa womenchamber.psf@gmail.com

AMI to offer 100 Female Entrepreneurs from Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs with free business skills training.

The African Management Institute (AMI) is set to provide 100 female entrepreneurs with training in business skills and tools through a one-year partnership agreement signed with the Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs operating under the Private Sector Federation. The training will aim to support female entrepreneurs to bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their businesses through training and advisory services. The training will be accessible to women entrepreneurs who have a membership with the Chamber of women entrepreneurs. Successful applicants will have access to two AMI training programs, Business Survival Bootcamp, and Survive to Thrive with new learning content added to address specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs.

To apply, visit: https://www.africanmanagers.org/rwandabusinessbootcamp/

For more information, please contact: +250 787 339 435 via SMS or WhatsApp

For more information about the Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs membership, contact: marieolga@gmail.com or womenchamber.psf@gmail.com


Westerwelle Startup Haus iha imfashanyo ba rwiyemezamirimo mu Rwanda.      

Westerwelle Startup Haus iha imfashanyo ba rwiyemezamirimo mu Rwanda.      

Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali ni ikigo cyo guhanga udushya cyagiyeho muri Kanama 2018;  kikaba giterwa inkunga n’umuryango udaharanira inyungu w’Abadage witwa Westerwelle. Uwo muryango washinzwe muri 2013 ukaba ugamije guteza imbere urwego rwa ba rwiyemezamirimo, iterambere ry’imibereho myiza n’ubukungu, no guhanga imirimo mu Rwanda. Westerwelle Startup Haus itanga serivisi zinyuranye zifasha ba rwiyemezamirimo bahanga udushya bafite ibitekerezo bishya mu bucuruzi bwabo ikabafasha kubigeza kuri bagenzi babo no guteza imbere ubucuruzi bwabo. Ibikorwa byayo birimo kubafasha gushyiraho uburyo bwo gukorera hamwe, gukora ibikorwa bibahuza nk’abakora akazi kamwe, gushyiraho ibiro by’abikorera, aho gukorera, kimwe na serivisi z’ubujyanama n’amahirwe yo kubahuza n’abandi ba rwiyemezamirimo mu rwego mpuzamahanga.

Westerwelle Startup Haus   itanga ubwoko bunyuranye bw’aho gukorera burimo uburyo bwo gutanga aho gukorera umunsi ku wundi ku bantu ku giti cyabo, ameza yo gukoreraho afungwa cyangwa atimukanwa ku bantu bakodesha buri kwezi ahantu hakorerwa n’abantu benshi n’ibiro byihariye ku masosiyete ahakorera buri  kwezi. Kuba umunyamuryango bijyana n’ibikorwa byo kubasha kwitabira ibikorwa bihuza abantu benshi bakora ibintu bimwe byemererwa abantu ku giti cyabo bakodesha ameza yo gukoreraho afungwa cyangwa atimukanwa na sosiyete zikodesha ibiro byihariye. Westerwelle Startup Haus yacumbikiye  abanyamuryango 178  mu bikorwa remezo byayo n’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigitangira na sosiyete 54. Muri iki gihe, icumbikiye gusa 50% by’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigitangira bitewe n’ingamba zo kwirinda COVID-19 zashyizweho na Leta y’u Rwanda.

Westerwelle Startup Haus imaze imyaka ibiri ikorera mu Rwanda ifasha ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigitangira mu nzego zinyuranye kandi ihuriza hamwe abanyamuryango barenze 150. Usibye kandi serivisi zimaze kuvugwa, Westerwelle Startup Haus yashyizeho  kandi gahunda ifasha  amatsinda y’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigitangira 20 kwiyandikisha nk’abanyamuryango bayo mu gihe cy’amezi 10 bikanabasha kubona ibikoresho byiza by’ikigo hamwe na serivisi z’iterambere ry’ubucuruzi nko kwiga ibibazo ibigo by’ubucuruzi bifite, ibiganiro by’ubujyanama, inama nyunguranabitekerezo ku bijyanye n’ibikoresho byifashishwa mu bucuruzi, n’ibikorwa byo gushyiraho amatsinda. Binyuze muri gahunda yo gufasha ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigitangira, Westerwelle Startup Haus  yafashije ibyiciro 3 by’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bigitangira byagize uruhare muri gahunda.

Niba ukeneye ibindi bisobanuro, sura urubuga rwa  Westerwelle Startup Haus cyangwa wandikire ikigo mu buryo butaziguye wifashishije imeyili info@westerwelle.haus.

The Westerwelle Startup Haus offers support for entrepreneurs in Rwanda.     

The Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali is an innovation hub established in August 2018 and it is supported by the Westerwelle Foundation, a German-based non-profit organization. The Foundation was established in 2013 and aims to promote entrepreneurship, social-economic growth, and job creation here in Rwanda. Westerwelle Startup Haus offers a unique mix of services to help entrepreneurs with innovative new business ideas to exchange with peers and develop their businesses. These include access to a co-working space, networking events, private offices, and a makerspace as well as advisory services and opportunities for networking internationally.

Westerwelle Startup Haus offers working space packages, which include a day pass option for individuals, flex and fixed desks for individuals renting on a monthly basis in a co-working environment, and private offices for companies offered by the month. Membership, which includes access to networking events, is available to Individuals renting fixed and flex desks and companies renting private offices. Westerwelle Startup Haus has had over 178 members and 54 startups and companies hosted at their premises. Currently, they only host 50% of the startups due to COVID-19 preventive measures put forward by the government of Rwanda.

The Westerwelle Startup Haus has been operating in Rwanda for two years, supporting startups from a variety of sectors and garnering a membership of more than 150 members. In addition to the above-mentioned services, Westerwelle Startup Haus also offers an incubation program that provides cohorts of 20 startups a 10-month membership subscription with access to the organization’s wide range of amenities along with business development services such as business diagnostics, mentorship sessions, workshops about business tools, and team building activities. Through the incubation program, Westerwelle Startup Haus has had 3 cohorts with 40 startups participating in the program.

For more information, visit Westerwelle Startup Haus or contact the organization directly via email at info@westerwelle.haus.


U Rwanda rushyizeho Politiki yo Guteza imbere urwego rwa ba Rwiyemezamirimo (Entrepreneurship Development Policy)

U Rwanda rushyizeho Politiki yo Guteza imbere urwego rwa ba Rwiyemezamirimo (Entrepreneurship Development Policy)

Leta y’u Rwanda yashyizeho Politiki yo Guteza Imbere urwego rwa ba Rwiyemezamirimo (EDP) kuwa 30 Ugushyingo 2020 hagamijwe kunoza urwego rwa ba rwiyemezamirimo mu gihugu. Iyo Politiki yashyizweho nyuma yo kubyunguranaho ibitekerezo n’abahagarariye Leta kuva ku rwego rwo hejuru kugera ku nzego z’ibanze, Urwego rw’Abikorera (PSF), ibigo by’imari ndetse na ba rwiyemezamirimo baturutse mu bigo by’ubucuruzi kuva ku bigo bito n’ibiciriritse kugeza ku binini no kuva ku bigo by’ubucuruzi bigishingwa kugeza ku bimaze igihe kirekire ku bufatanye n’abashoramari baba abo mu gihugu cyangwa abakomoka hanze, inzobere, ibigo bya za kaminuza, n’abafatanyabikorwa mu iterambere. Iyo politiki igamije guteza imbere   uburyo bukwiye bwo gufasha urwego rwa ba rwiyemezamirimo, ishyiraho urubuga rukenewe  kandi ifasha  ba rwiyemezamirimo b’abanyarwanda  kugaragaza ubushobozi bwabo nka ba rwiyemezamirimo no gushinga ibigo by’ubucuruzi bikora neza kandi bishobora guhiganwa ku isoko bizabasha guteza imbere ubukungu bikanahanga imirimo.

EDP ishaka gufasha ba rwiyemezamirimo gukuraho  ingorane nyinshi  zibugarije harimo izerekeranye n’imicungire, kubona imari, uruhererekane rw’agaciro, n’imikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga ndetse n’imiyoboro yaryo. Ibi bizashoboka binyuze mu ngamba za politiki zigamije gutanga ibisubizo kuri izo ngorane. Ba rwiyemezamirimo bazajya babasha kubona amakuru bifashishije urubuga rusange ruzwi nka Entrepreneurship Portal ruzaba ruriho amakuru ku mahirwe aboneka ku isoko, serivisi z’imari zihari, n’imirongo ngenderwaho rusange kuri ba rwiyemezamirimo. Urwego Rushinzwe Iterambere mu Rwanda (RDB) ruzakoresha amahugurwa y’igihe gito yerekeranye n’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi ku nkunga ya MINICOM, PSF na MINALOC. EDP kandi igamije kunoza uburyo bw’imitangire ya serivisi z’iterambere ry’ubucuruzi,  ireba ibikenewe mu rwego rwo kongera ubushobozi bw’abajyanama b’iterambere ry’ubucuruzi bariho ubungubu hagamijwe kunoza uburyo baha serivisi ba rwiyemezamirimo.  Ba rwiyemezamirimo kandi bazakura inyungu mu buryo no mu bikorwa  bishya kandi binoze byo gushyigikira urwego rwa ba rwiyemezamirimo  bizabafasha kubahuza n’ibigo byo mu karere n’ibyo ku rwego rw’isi bitanga ubufasha bwo mu rwego rwa tekiniki ku bigo by’ubucuruzi bivuka, Ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse (MSME), n’ibinini.  EDP irateganya kandi guha ba rwiyemezamirimo amahugurwa y’ibanze mu bijyanye n’ikoranabuhanga mu rwego rwo kubafasha kwitabira gukora ubucuruzi bukoresha ikoranabuhanga, gukora ibikorwa byo kwishyurana hifashishijwe ikoranabuhanga, kwamamaza ibikorwa byabo, n’imicungire y’umubano n’abakiliya ku buryo ba rwiyemezamirimo babasha kubyaza umusaruro no gukoresha amahirwe ariho.

Mu rwego rwo gukemura ingorane ijyanye no kubona imari, ba rwiyemezamirimo bazashyirirwaho  ikigega gitanga imfashanyo kizacungwa na MINICOM kandi kigaterwa inkunga na MINECOFIN, na RDB. Byongeye kandi, EDP izateza imbere iyandikishwa ry’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’ibiciriritse ku isoko ry’imari kugira ngo birusheho kugirirwa icyizere no kugira igihagararo cyiza mu rwego rw’imari. Biteganyijwe kandi ko ba rwiyemezamirimo bazakura inyungu mu buryo bunoze bwo kubika ibicuruzwa byabo buzatuma serivisi bakenera zihuta kandi n’igiciro cy’imikorere  kikagabanuka. Mu gusoza, ba rwiyemezamirimo bazashyirirwaho urubuga rw’ubucuruzi bazajya babasha gukuraho amakuru ajyanye n’amahirwe ariho ku isoko n’amakuru ajyanye n’isoko kuri ba rwiyemezamirimo bo mu karere n’abantu bashobora kuba abashoramari.

Hanyuma, EDP yashyizweho hagamijwe gushyiraho uburyo bwo gufasha ba rwiyemezamirimo gukomera  hatitawe ku kigero baba bariho cyose. Ba rwiyemezamirimo bazajya bahabwa amakuru  buri gihe cyose hazajya hagira ibikorwa mu rwego rwo gushyira mu bikorwa iyi politiki. Mu gihe waba wifuza gusoma iyi politiki yose uko yakabaye, ushobora kuyisanga aha hakurikira: Entrepreneurship Development Policy.

Rwanda Launches Entrepreneurship Development Policy

The government of Rwanda launched an Entrepreneurship Development Policy (EDP) on 30th November 2020 to improve the entrepreneurship sector in the country. The EDP was designed in consultation with representatives from central and local governments, Private Sector Federation (PSF), and financial institutions as well as entrepreneurs from MSMEs to large enterprises and from startups to long-standing businesses along with local and international investors, consultants, academics, and development partners. The EDP envisions the development of an effective entrepreneurship support ecosystem that creates the necessary conditions and enablers for Rwandan entrepreneurs to unleash their entrepreneurial potential and grow dynamic and competitive enterprises that will drive economic growth and job creation.

The EDP seeks to support entrepreneurs in addressing several challenges they face, including around management, access to finance, value chains, and the use of technology and digital channels. This will be done through various policy actions that aim to provide solutions to these challenges. Entrepreneurs will have access to information through a public facility known as the Entrepreneurship Portal, which will include information on available market opportunities, financial products, and general guidelines for entrepreneurs. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) will oversee short-term courses about business governance with support from MINICOM, PSF, and MINALOC. EDP will also aim to make improvements to the business development services ecosystem by identifying capacity building needs of existing business development advisors to improve their service delivery to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs will also benefit from new and improved entrepreneurship incubators and events to link them with regional and global institutions that provide technical assistance to startups, MSMEs, and large enterprises. The EDP also outlines plans to provide basic digital literacy training to entrepreneurs to drive adoption of local e-commerce, digital payments, marketing, and customer relationship management so that entrepreneurs can leverage and exploit existing opportunities.

To tackle the challenge of access to financing, entrepreneurs will benefit from the creation of a stipend/fellowship fund led by MINICOM and supported by MINECOFIN, RDB, and BRD. Additionally, the EDP will promote the listing of MSMEs on the Rwanda stock exchange to propel greater credibility and enhanced financial status of MSMEs. Entrepreneurs are also set to benefit from improved warehousing systems that will ensure quick processing and reduction of operational costs. Finally, entrepreneurs will also have access to a trade portal that will avail information about existing market opportunities and market data for local entrepreneurs and potential investors.

Ultimately, EDP has been formulated to create an environment where entrepreneurs at different level of growth can thrive. More information will be availed as there are developments regarding implementation of the policy. If you would like to read the full policy, you can find it here: Entrepreneurship Development Policy.