SheTrades Hub, a new resource for women entrepreneurs in Rwanda, will launch September 2nd - join an upcoming webinar to learn more!
SheTrades Hub, a new resource for women entrepreneurs in Rwanda, will launch September 2nd – join an upcoming webinar to learn more!
The SheTrades Hub, a business resource for women-owned businesses in Rwanda, will launch on September 2nd 2021. The SheTrades Hub will provide access to 100+ trade-related resources that women entrepreneurs can use to improve their competitiveness and connect to new markets and will also provide direct access to markets and investment opportunities.
The SheTrades Hub is being launched by the International Trade Center in partnership with the Rwandan Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Private Sector Federation Women Chamber of Entrepreneurs. This hub will join a network of more than 10 SheTrades Hubs across Africa, Asia and Latin America and is part of the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) SheTrades Initiative.
To learn more, join an upcoming webinar on September 2nd 2021, at 10 am CAT. Sign up here: SheTrades Hub Launch Rwanda
Four tips to help you to manage your business with the ongoing curfew.
Four tips to help you to manage your business with the ongoing curfew.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created much uncertainty, and an ongoing challenge is the curfew implemented as a preventative measure. Currently, the curfew starts at 8 pm and ends at 4 am. This has dramatically changed the working hours and consumption patterns of customers. This can create challenges for you as a business owner, so here are some things to keep in mind:
- Communicate changes in work schedules to your customers, employees and business partners like suppliers. Consider opening a bit earlier and closing sooner to allow both customers and employees to have more time to get home, and if you do, make sure you get that message out across various channels Call some of your main customers, or communicate through WhatsApp or social media.
- Tap into delivery services for your products. Your customers may not get time to visit your shop since they are also busy managing work, family and household needs, and looking our for their health. Provide an option of delivering your products to their workplaces or homes where it is safe to do so.
- If you can, think about having employees come in to work in shifts. Have all or some of them work from home and support them to adjust to their new working environment. Consider providing them with work tools such as internet to facilitate their work and also communication.
- Get active on social media. People are spending more time on the internet than ever, so there is a growing opportunity to reach new and existing customers through this channel. Here are a few tips to kick start your social media marketing
New ideas? Feedback for us? Feel free to share with us s at musa.kacheche@consumercentrix.com.
Inama 4 zagufasha gucunga ubucuruzi bwawe mu gihe hakiriho ingamba zo kuba abantu bategetswe kugera mu rugo mu masaha runaka
Icyorezo cya COVID-19 cyateje ibibazo byinshi, none imbogamizi zikiriho zifitanye isano n’ingamba zo kuba abantu bategetswe kugera mu rugo mu masaha runaka mu rwego rwo gukumira ikwirakwira ryacyo. Muri iki gihe, abantu ntibaba bemerewe kugenda kuva saa yine z’ijoro ukarangira saa kumi za mu gitondo. Ibi byahinduye cyane amasaha y’akazi n’imiterere y’uburyo abaguzi baguramo ibicuruzwa. Iyi ngamba ishobora kugutera ingorane nk’umucuruzi. Dore rero ibintu ugomba guhora wibuka:
- Menyesha abakiriya bawe, abakozi bawe, n’abafatanyabikorwa bawe nk’abakugemurira ibicuruzwa impinduka zigenda ziba muri gahunda z’akazi kawe. Shaka uburyo wajya ufungura ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi mbere kandi ubifunge hakiri kare kugira ngo abakozi n’abakiriya bawe babashe kugerera imuhira ku gihe kandi ibyo ni ubikora,ugomba kubibamenyesha wifashisije uburyo bunyuranye bw’ihanahana makuru. Hamagara bamwe mu bakiriya bawe b’ingenzi, cyangwa utange ubutumwa ukoresheje Whatsapp cyangwa imbuga nkoranyambaga.
- Koresha neza serivisi zawe zo kugeza ku bantu ibicuruzwa byawe. Abakiriya bawe bashobora kutabona umwanya wo kuza ku iduka ryawe kubera ko baba nabo bahuze bacunga akazi kabo, imiryango yabo n’ibikenewe mu ngo zabo, banita ku buzima bwabo. Shyiraho uburyo bwo kugemura ibicuruzwa byawe aho bakorera cyangwa mu ngo mu gihe kubikora bidahungabanya umutekano.
- Niba ubishoboye, tekereza uburyo abakozi bawe bajya baza ku kazi basimburana. Kora ku buryo bose cyangwa bamwe muri bo bakorera mu ngo zabo kandi ubafashe kujyana n’uburyo bushya bwo gukora. Shaka uburyo wabaha ibikoresho by’akazi nka murandasi kugira ngo iborohereze akazi no guhanahanamakuru.
- Koresha cyane imbuga nkoranyambaga. Abantu bakoresha murandasi muri iki gihe kurusha mbere, bityo rero hari amahirwe agenda arushaho kwiyongera yo kugera ku bakiriya bashya n’abasanzwe ukoresheje uyu muyoboro. Dore zimwe mu nama zagufasha gutangira iyamamazabikorwa rikoresha imbuga nkoranyambaga
Ibitekerezo bishya? Bitumenyeshe? Bitugezeho mu bwisanzure unyuze kuri imeyili ikurikira: musa.kacheche@consumercentrix.com.
Have lots of downtime in your business? Use that time to build your skills and learn more about your customers
Have lots of downtime in your business? Use that time to build your skills and learn more about your customers
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected businesses in Rwanda in many ways. Disruptions due to lockdowns and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus have meant that many businesses are pausing operations or seeing a strong downturn in the number of customers. Business owners the SME Response Clinic spoke with shared that they (and their employees!) are facing more downtime between customers.
Use that time to build your skills and learn more about your customers!
- Learn a new skill that will benefit your business. Many business owners are using this time to learn about social media marketing or customer relationship management. This will keep your mind occupied and give you new tools to reach customers now and when business picks back up again.
- Think about new ways to market products or to deliver. As physical gatherings are discouraged, create social media accounts for your business. Showcase your products and request your friends and family to share them with their networks. Provide an option of delivery if you can.
- Survey your customers. Business owners often forget to ask customers for feedback. Think of a few questions that would help you better plan your inventory or marketing campaigns and reach out to your customers to ask for answers. You can give them a call or ask a few questions via WhatsApp. Their feedback may give you new ideas or expose gaps in the product or service you are providing.
- Research new potential products for your business. Reach out to your suppliers and see if they have a new product or service. Ask your customers what they might want when business picks back up again. Then, test these new ideas on your social media accounts or via phone with your network.
Engage your employees in these strategies as well – working together enhances teamwork and can provide a sense of progress despite the restrictions that may be in place. Share any tips or feedback you have with us here: musa.kacheche@consumercentrix.ch.
Are you a young entrepreneur with a business that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals? If so, apply now for the Accelerate2030 Program!
Are you a young entrepreneur with a business that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals? If so, apply now for the Accelerate2030 Program!
Accelerate2030 Rwanda, a scale-readiness program, seeks to support entrepreneurs from emerging and developing markets to scale up their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) solutions. Through the program, entrepreneurs will receive support that aims to shape and help them implement their scaling strategy. Entrepreneurs will be taken through a bootcamp and have access toworkshops, coaching, and online support as well access to strategic connections to investors, international organizations, and corporations.
The Accelerate2030 program seeks innovative youth-led businesses whose solutions are related to the following SDGs:
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
- SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on land
Selection of business to participate in the program will be based on:
- Impact on the SGDs: Your solution must demonstrate effectiveness in addressing substantial issues linked to the SGDs.
- Scalability: Your solution must have s
- the potential to be replicated and scaled to other contexts.
- Growth stage: Your innovation must show traction and demonstrate impact.
- Team skills: Your team must demonstrate ambition and skills to scale your solution.
.
Accelerate2030 Rwanda will kick off with online sessions and an in–person bootcamp. After the bootcamp, up to 12 ventures will be selected to continue to the next stage, where participants will receive personalized coaching, online support and connections to experts and partners. The program will culminate in a Demo Day , where up to 3 ventures will be selected a to represent Rwanda ioKn the global scaling program. Applications close on the 3rd of August 2021.
To apply for the program, visit: Accelerate2030 Rwanda
COVID-19 prevention tips to ensure a safe workplace.
COVID-19 Prevention Tips to Ensure a Safe Workplace.
With the discovery of the COVID-19 Delta variant in Rwanda, which spreads faster and with different symptoms, it is more important than ever to reinforce our hygiene efforts to protect ourselves and clients from infection.
We know that the lockdown is ongoing, so fewer businesses are open; however, it is still very important to keep a few things in mind as you shop for essentials or run a business that provides essentials:
- Wear a mask, and, if you are a business owner, ensure that everyone (customers, suppliers, and employees) is wearing masks at all times.
- Wash your hands, and, if you are a business owner, provide handwashing or sanitizing facilities at the entry of your business premises or shop. If possible, disinfect places where your business partners and customers frequently convene, such as counters and reception desks.
- Avoid touching your face because the virus can enter your body through the nose, mouth and eyes. Since it may be hard to ignore that disturbing itch in your eye, try to wash your hands regularly before touching your face.
- Maintain distance, and, if you are a business owner, ensure that your employees and clients maintain distance (preferably 1.5-2meters) while interacting. This is because the virus can travel through respiratory particles at a shorter distance from one person to another.
- If your business has many employees, assign their duties to be performed in shifts and offer different periods for breaks (tea and lunch) to avoid many people gathering in one place.
- Encourage your employees to monitor their health. If one notices COVID-19 symptoms, do not allow them to work from the business premises unless they provide negative COVID-19 test results. Regularly check on them and ask how they are doing.
- When accepting payment from clients, provide an option for digital payment to avoid contact with money to reduce chances of infection.
We can only stop the pandemic if we all join efforts in preventing COVID-19 infection in our homes and businesses.
Managing Through Uncertain Times
Managing Through Uncertain Times
The SME spoke with Ruzindana Gerald, a nutritionist from Amazon Nutrition Cabinet, a business supporting people with healthy nutritional practices to promote physical and mental wellness. Gerald shared some of the common challenges entrepreneurs have faced in recent months due to the pandemic and tips entrepreneurs can use to mitigate those challenges. These include:
- Disruption to normal routines for example lesser operating hours due to curfew. This may make it hard to meet deadlines, find time to efficiently and productively serve your clients or even take breaks for re-energizing.
- Rising anxiety and stress from situations you cannot control. For example, irrespective of the current situation, you still have to deal with expenses such as rent, salaries, and taxes.
- Lack of concentration or a sense of not knowing what to focus on next due to lesser interactions with clients and suppliers.
- Negative effects on our health or state of mind such as
-
- Loss or increase of appetite and craving
- Changes in our mood due to loneliness at the workplace or working remotely
- Inability to sleep arising from stress and anxiety
-
- Decrease in physical activity due to periodic lockdowns
To mitigate these challenges, Gerald suggested tips that would help entrepreneurs make better decisions, lead employees and make changes to survive the pandemic and ongoing lockdown. They include:
- Try to rise at the same time each day and organize your day including time for work, meals, light exercise, and family obligations. Try to go to sleep at the same time each night.
- Carve out time for exercise – even 20 minutes of light stretching, a short walk, or even dancing at home can help clear your mind.
- Make sure you make time for meals and try to eat healthy foods when you can. Some examples of healthy foods are vegetables and fruits. These can help boost your immunity, giving you more energy to run your business.
- Reach out to your networks. Send messages, make calls, or video chat when you can with your friends and family. Checking in with your clients, employees, and suppliers to see how they are doing will also go a long way! Share your own thoughts and experiences so that they feel connected, too.
These are just a few tips – different things work for different people, so try things out and see what works for you.
For more information contact: Tel: +250 784 465 520
Email: ruzindanagerald@gmail.com
Apply for Google for Startups Black Founders Fund Africa today!
Google for Startups invites applicants for the Black Founders Fund Africa. The program aims to support early-stage black founded startups that are benefitting the black community on the continent and specifically seeks to bridge the existing fundraising gap for black startup founders in Africa’s fast-growing technology landscape. Up to $3 million is available to support 50 successful investable startups in Africa.
How will successful applicants benefit?
Successful startups will access the following:
- Receive seed funding of $50,000 or $100,000 depending on the startup product development stage.
- Mentorship support and access to Google platform credits to accelerate business growth.
- Opportunity to connect with Google for Startups Accelerator & Partner program alumni.
Who should apply?
The Black Founders Fund Africa is intended for startups in Africa seeking seed-stage funding that meet the following criteria:
- Have an existing product or service for Africa and the global market
- Are creating jobs, have the potential to raise more funding, and are making an impact
- The founding team has at least one black C-level founding member
- Operating as a technology startup or a business where technology is a core for the ability to scale
- Proposed startup products/services are compatible with Google products
Eligible countries
The program is accepting applicants from the following countries in Africa: Botswana, Cameroun, Cote D’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
How to apply
Eligible startups can apply online here.
Deadline: 7th July 2021
For more information, visit https://campus.co/africa/black-founders-fund/.
Building resilience for your small business through challenging times
Building resilience for your small business through challenging times
As Rwanda faces an uptick in COVID-19 infections and the government mandates new measures aimed at preventing a third wave, the SME Response Clinic wants to take a moment to recognize the challenges you face as a small business owner. Entrepreneurs like you have come so far in navigating the unchartered waters of a truly unprecedented health and economic crisis, but new developments indicate that there is further yet to go.
Micro-, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) make up 97% of businesses in the country, contributing to 55% of total GDP and employing over 40% of Rwanda’s population (Microsave Report, 2017). The start and stop of operations for many if not most businesses over the past year and a half has had a tremendous impact on the economy but also importantly on the financial health of individual entrepreneurs like you and, importantly, your families. In addition to and often caused by the significant negative economic impact resulting from the pandemic, we are all struggling with challenges that affect our wellbeing. Increased levels of stress and anxiety make our day-to-day even tougher. Studies of entrepreneurs in Rwanda (as well as globally) undertaken in recent months indicate that business owners are facing high levels of anxiety caused by uncertainty about the future.
This uncertainty is not surprising as you work to navigate new and rapidly evolving regulations, make changes to your business operations to work to stay afloat, and manage relationships with your suppliers and customers remotely rather than face-to-face. You do all of this while working to ensure your families are healthy and safe.
Since our launch in May 2020, the SME Response Clinic has sought to provide you with updates and tips relevant to managing your business through the various challenges that have arisen and continue to arise as a result of the pandemic. Now, we want to offer you the opportunity to also focus on yourself so that you can in turn better manage your business, positively impacting your family, your employees, and your community at large.
Over the next few months, we will be providing simple tools to support you in building business resilience. These will include short videos, articles, and audio recordings that you can use to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook in the months ahead.
Stay in touch with us at smeresponseclinic@gmail.com and remember to stay safe!
Kubaka ubushobozi bw’ikigo cy’ubucuruzi gito mu bihe bigoye
Mu gihe u Rwanda ruhanganye n’ikibazo cy’izamuka ry’ubwandu bwa COVID-19 na guverinoma ikaba iri gushyiraho ingamba nshya zigamije gukumira umuvuduko wa gatatu w’ubwo bwandu, SME Response Clinic irashaka gufata umwanya wo kwemera ingorane muhura nazo mwebwe nk’abantu mufite ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito. Ba rwiyemezamirimo nkamwe bageze kure boga mu nyanja itarigeze imenywa y’ikibazo cy’ubuzima n’ihungabana ry’ubukungu kitigeze kibaho, ariko ibigenda bigerwaho bishya biragaragaza ko hakiri intera igomba guterwa.
Ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’Ibiciriritse (MSME) bigize 97% by’ibigo by’ubucuruzi byose byo mu gihugu, bikagira n’uruhare rungana na 55% by’umusaruro mbumbe w’Igihugu (GDP) kandi bikanaba bikoresha abantu bangana na 40% by’abaturage bose b’u Rwanda ( Microsave Report, 2017). Itangira n’ihagarara ry’ibikorwa bya byinshi muri ibyo bigo mu mwaka umwe n’igice ushize byagize ingaruka nyinshi ku bukungu ariko cyane cyane ku buzima bw’urwego rw’imari bwa ba rwiyemezamirimo bikorera ku giti cyabo nkamwe no ku miryango yanyu. Byongeye kandi bitewe n’ingaruka mbi zo mu rwego rw’ubukungu, twese duhanganye n’ingorane zihungabanya imibereho myiza yacu. Agahinda no kugira impungenge cyane bituma imibereho ya buri munsi irushaho gukomera. Ubushakashatsi kuri ba rwiyemezamirimo bo mu Rwanda bwakozwe mu mezi ashize bugaragaza ko abacuruzi bafite impungenge nyinshi baterwa no kutamenya neza uko ejo bizaba bimeze.
Uku kutamenya neza uko ejo bizaba bimeze ntibitangaje bitewe nuko mukora mwivuruguta mu mabwiriza mashya kandi agenda ahindagurika mu buryo bwihuse, mukagenda mukora impinduka mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi bwanyu kugira ngo mubashe gukomeza gukora, munacunga imikoranire yanyu n’abo muranguraho ibicuruzwa n’abakiriya banyu mu buryo bwa kure aho kubikora imbonankubone. Ibyo byose mubikora ari nako mukora ibisoboka kugira ngo imiryango yanyu irusheho kugira ubuzima bwiza kandi inagire n’umutekano.
Kuva twatangira muri Gicurasi 2020, SME Response Clinic yashakishije uburyo bwo kubagezaho amakuru ajyanye n’igihe n’uburyo bwo gucunga ubucuruzi bwanyu mu ngorane zinyuranye zavutse kandi zikomeza kuvuka bitewe n’icyorezo. Ubungubu, turashaka kubaha amahirwe yo kugira ngo mubashe kwiyibandaho mwebwe ubwanyu ku buryo namwe mubasha gucunga neza ubucuruzi bwanyu kurushaho, bikarushaho kugirira akamaro imiryango yanyu, abakozi banyu, n’abaturanyi banyu muri rusange.
Mu mezi macye ari imbere, tuzagenda tubaha udukoresho dusanzwe tuzabafasha kongera intege mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi byanyu. Ibyo bikoresho bizaba birimo, videwo ntoya, inyandiko, n’amajwi yafashwe ku byuma mushobora gukoresha murwanya agahinda, mukanagira icyizere cy’uko amezi ari imbere azaba ari meza.
Mureke tugumane kuri smeresponseclinic@gmail.com kandi mwibuke kuguma mufite umutekano!
Experiencing stress? Try this quick breathing exercise!
Experiencing stress? Try this quick breathing exercise!
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in all aspects of our lives. As a small business owner, you may be used to the stress and uncertainty that come from running an enterprise. The pandemic has added new challenges to this, and many of us are feeling the effects.
At the SME Response Clinic, we are offering a few tools for dealing with stress and uncertainty. The first is a short exercise that may help – less than five minutes, it is free, can be done anywhere, and does not require any special tools or know-how.
The short exercise involves focusing on your breath, which is a proven way to lower stress in the body. Below is a simple guide:
- Find a comfortable place to lie or sit down. Gently close your eyes and take two or three deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Allow the breath to return to its natural rhythm and feel the body’s weight press down where you are sitting or laying down.
- Notice how the body feels. Starting at the top of the head, think about how your body feels from head to toe. Do you feel peaceful? Are you moving around a lot? Are you comfortable? Are you uncomfortable?
- As you breathe in and out, allow thoughts to come and go. If you become distracted by a thought, return the attention to how your body feels.
- After a few minutes, slowly open the eyes again.
It may seem simple, but breathing exercises like these are known to help in challenging times. They can give you a short break from your sense of stress or feelings of uncertainty, which can in turn help you to think more clearly and make better decisions for yourself, your family, and your business.
Let us know if this works for you by emailing us at smeresponseclinic@gmail.com!
Ese wumva uremerewe n’ibibazo? Gerageza ukore uyu mwitozo muto wo guhumeka!
Icyorezo cya COVID-19 cyazanye ingorane zinyuranye mu buzima bwacu. Nk’umucuruzi muto, ushobora kumva uremerewe n’ibibazo cyangwa ukaba utabona neza icyo ugomba gukora mu micungire y’ikigo cy’ubucuruzi. Icyorezo cyazanye n’izindi ngorane nshya kandi abantu benshi muri twe biri kubagiraho ingaruka.
Muri SME Response Clinic turi gutanga inama nke zifasha umuntu guhangana n’ikibazo cyo kumva aremerewe n’ibibazo no kutabona neza icyo agomba gukora. Icya mbere ni umwitozo muto ushobora gufasha umuntu – iminota itageze kuri itanu, ntabwo usaba amafaranga, ushobora gukorerwa aho umuntu yaba ari hose, kandi nta bikoresho bidasanzwe umuntu akenera cyangwa ngo abe azi cyangwa atazi uko ukorwa.
Uyu mwitozo muto ukorwa umuntu yibanda ku buryo ahumeka; ibi bikaba ari uburyo bwagaragaye bufasha umuntu kubaganya ikibazo cyo kumva aremerewe n’ibibazo mu mubiri we. Dore mu buryo bworoshye uko bikorwa :
- Shaka ahantu heza ushobora kuryama cyangwa kwicara wisanzuye. Funga amaso buhoro buhoro noneho witse umwuka incuro imwe cyangwa ebyiri. Humeka cyane winjiza umwuka mu mazuru kandi uwusohorera mu kanwa.
- Humeka ku buryo busanzwe noneho wumve uburemere bw’umubiri wawe butsikamiye aho wicaye cyangwa uryamye.
- Umva uko umubiri wawe umeze. Uhereye ku mutwe ukageza ku mano, tekereza uko wumva umubiri wawe umerewe. Ese urumva ufite amahoro? Ese urumva ugenda uzenguruka hirya no hino cyane? Ese urumva umerewe neza ? Ese urumva utamerewe neza?
- Uko ugenda winjiza umwuka unawusohora, reka ibitekerezo bize kandi bisohoke. Niba hari igitekerezo kikurangaje, ongera nanone utekereze ku buryo wumva umubiri wawe umeze.
- Nyuma y’iminota micyeya, ongera nanone ufungure amaso buhoro buhoro.
Bishobora kugaragara nk’ibintu byoroshye, ariko imyitozo yo guhumeka nk’iyingiyi izwiho gufasha abantu mu bihe bikomeye. Ishobora gutuma umuntu agira igihe gito cyo kumva aruhutse ibibazo bimuremereye cyangwa akabasha kuruhuka ikibazo cyo kutabona neza ibigomba gukorwa, ibyo bikamufasha kurushaho gutekereza neza no gufata ibyemezo byiza byaba ibimwerekeyeho we ku giti cye , ibyerekeye ku muryango we, cyangwa ibyerekeye ku bucuruzi bwe.
Tumenyeshe niba ibi bikora neza kuri wowe utwandikira kuri imeyili ikurikira: musa.kacheche@consumercentrix.ch!
Updated Government COVID-19 Preventive Measures & Considerations for your Business
The Latest Government COVID-19 Preventive Measures
Wednesday 1st September 2021 Update
On 1st September 2021, the government reviewed and issued new COVID-19 preventive measures. The new measures issued took effect from 2nd September and will last till 22nd September 2021, where the cabinet will review them upon a health assessment.
Below are the updated government measures.
- Movements are prohibited between 10:00 pm and 04:00 am in the city of Kigali. For the rest of the country, movements are prohibited between 9 pm, and 4 am with businesses closing by 8 pm. However, for districts including Burera, Gicumbi, Kirehe, Ngoma, Nyagatare, Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru and Rwamagana where movements are prohibited between 8 pm and 4 am, and businesses close by 7 pm.
- Public and private offices will continue with essential staff but not exceeding 50% capacity while other employees continue to work from home. Private business also resumed with essential staff not exceeding 50%
- Physical conferences are allowed but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity, and event organizers must comply with all COVID-19 preventive measures, including a PCR negative COVID-19 test results required for all participants taken within 72 hours before the meeting.
- Arriving passengers
Wednesday 11th August 2021 Update
On 11th August 2021, the government reviewed and issued new COVID-19 preventive measures. The new measures issued took effect from 12th August and will last till 1st September 2021, where the cabinet will review them upon a health assessment.
Below are the updated government measures.
- Movements are prohibited between 8:00 pm, and 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 7:00 pm.
- Public and private offices will continue with essential staff but not exceeding 50% capacity while other employees continue to work from home. Private business also resumed with essential staff not exceeding 50%
- Meeting and conferences are allowed but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity, and event organizers must comply with all COVID-19 preventive measures (negative COVID-19 test results required for all participants)
- Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.
- Public transport will continue to operate at 75% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing). Motos and bicycles will continue to work with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets).
- Schools and higher institutions of learning are closed.
- Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.
- Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators, and transport services assisting guests.
- Individual and non-contact sports activities will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines. Gyms and fitness centers will resume progressively.
These measures will be reviewed after two weeks upon a health assessment. For more detailed COVID-19 measures, visit: Office of the Prime Minister
Friday 30th July 2021 Update
After a 15-day complete lockdown in Kigali and eight other districts, the government reviewed and issued new COVID-19 preventive measures on Friday 30th July 2021. The new measures issued took effect from 1st August and will last till 15th August 2021, where the cabinet will review them upon a health assessment.
Below are the updated government measures.
- The complete lockdown was lifted in the City of Kigali and eight. Movements are prohibited between 6:00 pm, and 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 5:00 pm.
- Movements between Kigali and other provinces and districts have been resumed except for sectors under localized lockdown.
- Public and private offices were re-opened but not exceeding 15% capacity while other employees continue to work from home. Private business also resumed with essential staff not exceeding 50%
- Meeting and conferences are allowed but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity, and event organizers must comply with all COVID-19 preventive measures (negative COVID-19 test results required for all participants)
- Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.
- Public transport will continue to operate at 50% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing). Motos and bicycles will continue to work with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets).
- Schools and higher institutions of learning are closed.
- Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.
- Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators, and transport services assisting guests.
- Individual and non-contact sports activities will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines. Gyms are closed.
These measures will be reviewed after two weeks upon a health assessment. For more detailed COVID-19 measures, visit: Office of the Prime Minister
Monday 21st June 2021 Update
In light of the uptick in cases of COVID-19 in the country, on Tuesday 29th June, the government of Rwanda announced a revision of the COVID-19 restrictions issued on Monday 21st June 2021. These new measures will take effect starting Thursday 1st July and will be reviewed after two weeks upon a health assessment.
Below are the updated government measures.
General measures for the whole country
- The country will observe curfew time from 6:00 pm to 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 5:00 pm. People are encouraged to limit unnecessary movements.
- Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.
- Public transport will continue to operate at 50% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing). Motos and bicycles will continue to work with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets).
- Private business will continue with essential staff not exceeding 50% capacity.
- Schools and higher institutions of learning are closed.
- Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.
- Tourism will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines.
- Individual and non-contact sports activities will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines. Gyms are closed.
Measure specific for Kigali
- Movements between Kigali and other provinces and movements between districts nationwide are prohibited except for medical services and transportation of goods.
- Private and public offices are closed for staff except for those providing essential services.
- All meetings and social gatherings are prohibited. Restaurants will only provide offer delivery services.
Measures specific for the rest of the country
- Movements between districts nationwide are prohibited except for medical services and transportation of goods.
- Physical meetings will continue but not exceeding 30% of venue capacity. Participants will be required to present negative COVID-19 results taken within 72 hours.
- Public offices will continue to operate but not exceeding 15% capacity of all employees. Other staff will continue working from home on a rotational basis.
- Restaurants will continue to operate not exceeding 30% of venue capacity closing by 5 pm.
Updated Government COVID-19 Preventive Measures & Considerations for your Business
Saturday 12th June 2021 Update
In light of the uptick in cases of COVID-19 in the country, on Monday 21st June 2021, the government of Rwanda announced a revision of the COVID-19 restrictions issued on 12th June 2021. These new measures will take effect starting Wednesday 23rd June and will be reviewed after 2 weeks upon a health assessment.
We know that it is a tough time for many and particularly for entrepreneurs as you strive to protect both your families and businesses. We are here to help with a summary of the updated measures and some things to keep in mind as a business owner operating during this time.
Updated Measures
- Movements between Kigali and other provinces and movements between districts nationwide are prohibited except for medical services and transportation of goods.
- The country will observe curfew time from 7:00 pm to 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 6:00 pm.
- Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.
- Public transport will continue to operate at 50% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing).
- Motos and bicycles will continue to operate with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets).
- Physical meetings will continue at 30% of venue capacity, and all participants must possess negative PCR tests.
- All social gatherings, both private and public, are prohibited.
- Private business will continue with essential staff not exceeding 50% capacity.
- Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.
- Restaurants will continue to operate at 30% of venue capacity closing by 6 pm. For some designated restaurants, customers must present negative COVID-19 results.
- Tourism will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines.
Considerations for Your Business
- If your business is permitted to continue operations during this time, ensure that you have implemented all safety protocols to keep your clients and employees safe.
- Brief all employees in advance where possible on operational changes you plan to make that could affect their work schedules or responsibilities. Allow employees to work remotely where possible.
- Reach out to clients proactively about changes in product or service delivery, operating hours, or protocols when visiting your business.