Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX, and Partners Announce Winners of SME Response Clinic Business Awards

Press Release - For Immediate Release
Kigali, Rwanda - 30 April 2021
Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX, and Partners Announce Winners of SME Response Clinic Business Awards
- Three diverse Rwandan businesses win inaugural SME Response Clinic Business Awards with Rwf 1,000,000 prize
- Winners selected from 1,200 nominations across the country
- Five runners-up awarded 6-month business skills course
Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX today announced the winners of the inaugural SME Response Clinic Business Awards following the Twiteze Imbere campaign to recognise the role of small businesses in Rwanda’s road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the campaign, the general public nominated their favourite small businesses, giving their nominees the chance to win an SME Response Clinic Business Award. The competition featured three categories: women-owned businesses, start-up or innovative businesses, and established businesses. Rwandans made online nominations via the SME Response Clinic website and over the phone.
The three winning small businesses and five runners-up were selected from among 30 shortlisted companies after careful and thorough deliberation. Access to Finance Rwanda and ConsumerCentriX are pleased to announce that the winners and runners-up are:
- Women-owned business category:
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- Winner: Kurema Kureba Kwiga, a public-arts social enterprise located in Kigali
- Runner-up: Kicirwanda, an art and craft store based in Kigali
- Startup/Innovative business category:
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- Winner: HADI Constructions, a construction consulting firm based in Nyagatare District
- Runners-up: Bhiku Bakery from Rwamagana District and Johnson’s Bakery from Kicukiro District
- Established business category:
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- Winner: Umucyo Company, a liquid soap manufacturer based in Kirehe District
- Runners-up: Blessed Garden, a female-owned guest house based in Kayonza District, and Crema, a coffee shop located in Musanze District
The awards come as a result of the SME Response Clinic campaign ‘Twiteze Imbere’ (Let’s Move Forward Together), which celebrated the resilience of small businesses and recognised their contribution to Rwanda’s economic recovery. The SME Response Clinic is a platform developed 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.
“Congratulations to the winners and runners-up of the SME Response Clinic Business Awards. In just a few weeks, we received 1,200 nominations from across the country. We were pleased to see great diversity among the nominated small businesses, enthusiasm from their customers, and the impact they are having in their communities on our journey of COVID-19 recovery,” said Jean Bosco Iyacu, Country Director, Access to Finance Rwanda.
“We are grateful to everyone who took part in the Twiteze Imbere campaign, partner institutions as well as media partners who helped us spread the word. It’s rewarding to see the SME Response Clinic reaching small businesses in every corner of this country and we will continue to support them in these difficult times and beyond,” he added.
“I am honoured and excited to be one of the winners of the SME Response Clinic Business Awards. This award recognises the important role of the creative industry in the economy and the prize money will support my business to grow. Thank you to the SME Response Clinic and its partners for organising this campaign and for looking out for small businesses,” said Judith Kaine, Director of Kurema Kureba Kwiga, one of the winning businesses.
The winner in each category receives a cash prize of Rwf 1,000,000 to invest in their business as well as expert advisory services. Runners-up will be sponsored to participate in the African Management Institute‘s Survive to Thrive programme where they will learn how to navigate business challenges and network with other entrepreneurs in Rwanda and across Africa.
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.
About ConsumerCentriX
ConsumerCentriX is a strategy consulting firm that works with financial service providers and policymakers on translating consumer insights into market strategies and policies to reach the un/underserved. Our mission is to develop scalable solutions that are based on deep insights into the lives, needs, and constraints of un/underserved people in emerging markets to improve their livelihoods and create opportunities for economic growth.
Media Contact
For any enquiries, write to Nadege Nzeyimana, AFR Communications Consultant, at nadege@afr.rw.
Access to Finance Rwanda, ConsumerCentriX n’Abafatanyabikorwa Bishimiye
Gutangaza Abatsindiye Ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic
- Ibigo bitatu by’ubucuruzi binyuranye byatsindiye ibihembo bitangwa na SME Response Clinic ku nshuro ya mbere bihwanye na miliyoni y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda
- Abatsindiye ibihembo batoranyijwe nyuma y’uko abagera ku 1200 mu gihugu cyose batanze amazina
- Icyiciro cy’ibigo bitanu byaje ku mwanya wa kabiri batewe inkunga yo gukurikira amahugurwa y’amezi atandatu azabungura ubuhanga mu by’ubucuruzi nta kiguzi
Uyu munsi Access to Finance Rwanda na ConsumerCentriX batangaje amazina y’abatsindiye ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic ku nshuro ya mbere nyuma y’ubukangurambaga bwiswe Twiteze Imbere bwo kuzirikana uruhare rw’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto mu gufasha u Rwanda kwigobotora ingaruka zatewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19.
Muri ubwo bukangurambaga, abantu bose muri rusange batanze amazina y’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto, babiha amahirwe yo gutsindira igihembo cya SME Response Clinic. Irushanwa ryari rigizwe n’ibyiciro bitatu: ibigo by’ubucuruzi byashinzwe cyangwa biyoborwa n’abagore, icy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi bikiyubaka cyangwa ibifite udushya hamwe n’ibigo byamaze gukomera. Abanyarwanda batoye ibigo baha amahirwe bifashishije urubuga rwa SME Response Clinic na terefoni.
Ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bitatu byegukanye imyanya ya mbere muri buri cyiciro, ibyaje ku mwanya wa kabiri, ndetse n’ibigo 30 byashyizwe ku rutonde nyuma y’ijonjora ry’ibanze byose byatoranyijwe hakurikijwe isuzuma ryimbitse. Access to Finance Rwanda na Consumer Centrix binejejwe no gutangaza ko abatsinze n’abaje ku myanya ya kabiri ari:
- Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi biyoborwa n’abagore
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- Ku mwanya wa mbere: Kurema Kureba Kwiga, Ikigo gikora ibijyanye n’ubugeni giherereye i Kigali
- Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Kicirwanda, ikigo gifite ububiko bw’ibikoresho by’ubugeni n’ubukorikori buherereye i Kigali
- Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bikiyubaka cyangwa ibifite udushya:
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- Ku mwanya wa mbere: HADI Constructions, ikigo cy’ubwubatsi gikorera mu karere ka Nyagatare
- Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Bhiku Bakery, ikigo gikora imigati cyo mu karere ka Rwamagana na Johnson’s Bakery yo mu karere ka Kicukiro, umujyi wa Kigali
- Icyiciro cy’ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto bimaze gukomera:
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- Ku mwanya wa mbere: Umucyo Company, ikigo gikora isabune zisukika giherereye mu karere ka Kirehe
- Ku mwanya wa kabiri: Blessed Garden, inzu yakira ba mukerarugendo iyobowe n’umugore iherereye mu karere ka Kayonza na Crema, iduka ricuruza ikawa mu mujyi wa Musanze
Ibi bihembo bije bikurikira ubukangurambaga bwiswe ‘Twiteze Imbere’ bwateguwe na SME Response Clinic bwari bugamije kwishimira uburyo ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto byabashije guhangana n’ibihe bikomeye no kuzirikana uruhare rwabyo mu rugendo rwo kuzahura ubukungu bw’u Rwanda. SME Response Clinic ni ihuriro ryashyizweho na Access to Finance
Rwanda na ConsumerCentrix ku bufatanye n’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.
Asobanura iby’ibi bihembo n’ubukangurambaga, Jean Bosco Iyacu, Umuyobozi Mukuru wa Access to Finance mu Rwanda, aragira ati: “Twishimiye abatsindiye ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic n’icyiciro cy’ibigo byaje ku mwanya wa kabiri. Mu byumweru bicye ubukangurambaga bwamaze, habashije gutora abantu bagera ku 1200 mu gihugu cyose. Twishimiye kubona hatorwa ibigo by’ubucuruzi buto mu ngeri zinyuranye, ishyaka n’akanyamuneza k’ababigana, ndetse n’uruhare biri kugira mu guteza imbere aho biherereye muri uru rugendo turimo rwo kuzahura ubukungu bw’igihugu bwashegeshwe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19.”
Yarongeye ati: “Turashimira buri muntu wese wagize uruhare mu bukangurambaga bwiswe Twiteze Imbere, abafatanyabikorwa, ndetse n’ibitangazamakuru dufatanya byadufashije gusakaza amakuru kuri ubwo bukangurambaga. Birashimishije kubona SME Response Clinic ibasha kugera ku bigo by’ubucuruzi buto muri buri gice cyose cy’iki gihugu kandi tuzakomeza kubishyigikira muri ibi bihe bikomeye na nyuma yaho”.
Judith Kaine, umuyobozi wa Kurema Kureba Kwiga, kimwe mu bigo by’ubucuruzi byatsindiye igihembo yagize ati: “Ni ishema kuri jye kandi nejejwe no kuba umwe mu batsindiye ibihembo bya SME Response Clinic. Iki gihembo ni icyo kuzirikana uruhare rw’ingenzi abahanzi bagira mu rwego rw’ubukungu kandi igihembo cy’amafaranga kizafasha ubucuruzi bwanjye gutera imbere. Ndashimira SME Response Clinic n’abafatanyabikorwa bayo kuba barateguye ubu bukangurambaga no kuba batekereza ku bigo by’ubucuruzi buto.”
Ikigo cy’ubucuruzi buto cyatsinze muri buri cyiciro kizahabwa igihembo cy’amafaranga y’u Rwanda angana na miliyoni imwe (1,000,000) yakwifashishwa mu bucuruzi bwabo, ndetse na serivisi z’ubujyanama zitangwa n’inzobere mu bijyanye n’ubucuruzi nta kiguzi. Icyiciro cy’ubucuruzi bwatsinze 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” aho ba rwiyemezamirimo bazamenya uko bahangana n’ibibazo bahura nabyo mu bucuruzi bakanahahurira n’abandi bacuruzi bo mu Rwanda no muri Afurika.
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 macye, 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
Ibyerekeye ConsumerCentriX
ConsumerCentriX ni sosiyete y’inzobere mu bijyanye no gushyiraho ingamba ikorana n’abatanga serivisi z’imari n’abashyiraho za politiki. Iyo sosiyete ihindura ibitekerezo by’abaguzi mo ingamba na politiki zijyanye n’imiterere y’isoko hagamijwe kwegera abantu badakunze kubona izo serivisi. Icyo tugamije ni ugutanga ibisubizo bishobora guhinduka bigendeye ku bitekerezo bihamye bijyanye n’imibereho, ibikenewe, n’imbogamizi z’abantu badakunze kubona serivisi z’imari mu masoko agenda avuka hagamijwe kuzamura imibereho yabo no guhanga imirimo bateza imbere ubukungu.
Aho wabariza amakuru
Niba hari ibyo wifuza kubaza, andikira Nadege Nzeyimana, Inzobere mu bijyanye n’Ihererekanyamakuru muri AFR kuri nadege@afr.rw.
Ministry of Trade and Industry's support to SMEs in Rwanda in the face of COVID-19 pandemic
Ministry of Trade and Industry’s support to SMEs in Rwanda in the face of COVID-19 pandemic
The SME Response Clinic spoke with Samuel Kamugisha, the Director–General for Industry Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM). The session sought to understand how MINICOM supports SMEs in Rwanda. The discussion focused on programs and policies the Ministry is implementing to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the interview, Director General Kamugisha gave insights about some of the programs and policies the Ministry is currently developing or implementing, such as a new e-commerce policy, the Economic Recovery Fund, and export promotion strategies.
Additionally, Mr Kamugisha highlighted the role the AFCFTA will play in implementing the Entrepreneurship Development Policy and provided information on how entrepreneurs can access information on the Ministry’s interventions. For the full interview, visit: SMEResponseClinic
Celebrating the SME Response Clinic Awards
We are proud to feature the 30 businesses shortlisted for the SME Response Clinic Business Awards through the Twiteze Imbere campaign, which celebrated the role small businesses play in the country’s journey to recovery following COVID-19. We received around 1,200 nominations from across the country in three categories: established businesses, women-owned businesses, and startup/innovative businesses. Congratulations to the businesses that were shortlisted and we wish them the best in their growth!
MEET THE SHORTLISTED NOMINEES
Call for Application – Smart Cities Innovation Programme
Call for Application – Smart Cities Innovation Programme
Invest for Jobs, in collaboration with the Rwandan government and Make-IT in Africa, has organized the Smart Cities Innovation Programme (SCIP) to support the growth of digital urban innovations in Rwanda and beyond.
The six-month accelerator programme will support high potential tech start-ups from Rwanda and other African countries working in the same field of smart cities. The programme is divided into three tracks: smart mobility, smart housing & fintech for affordability, supporting ten start-ups.
During the programme, selected start-ups will benefit from individual mentoring, training and intensive networking, matchmaking with international business partners and investors. The call for applications officially opened and will run until the 9th of May 2021.
SCIP will be implemented in collaboration with various partners, including Volkswagen, Siemens, and the African Business Angels Network (ABAN) so that applicants have access to highly specialised technical expertise. Successful start-up applicants will also have the opportunity to use Green City Kigali, Rwanda’s flagship smart city project, to test their solutions and enter the Rwandan market.
To be eligible for the programme, start-ups must have already launched their tech-enabled product or service on the African market and have customers. Start-ups should also have a high growth and job creation potential and a positive social and/or environmental impact. Finally, start-ups from Rwanda and/or with female members in management are preferred at equal qualification.
For more information, visit: Smart Cities Innovation Programme’s website
To apply for this programme, visit: SCIP Application.
In case of questions, reach out to info@scipafrica.com.
Virtual Event: Sub-Saharan Africa Vendor Forum for Woman-Owned Businesses

Virtual Event: Sub-Saharan Africa Vendor Forum for Woman-Owned Businesses
Virtual Event: Sub-Saharan Africa Vendor Forum for Woman-Owned Businesses
The World Bank Group (WBG) Corporate Procurement Unit invites woman-owned businesses to participate in an upcoming procurement forum. Entrepreneurs will learn how WBG does business, what they purchase, and what they are doing to include woman-owned businesses in their supply chain.
Date: April 7, 2021
Time: 8:00 am EST (3:00 pm EAT)
Where: Zoom
The event will highlight the role played by WBG as an agent of change towards gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in the sub-Saharan Africa region. Woman-owned businesses that currently work with the WBG will share their insights and experiences with Corporate Procurement practices and procedures.
Agenda Highlights:
Welcome remarks:
- Mr. Shaolin Yang, Managing Director and World Bank Group Chief Administrative Officer
Speakers include:
- Ms. Caren Grown, Global Director, Gender, World Bank
- Mr. Kenny Cheung, Chief of Corporate Procurement, World Bank Group
- Ms. Ercília Mata Ubisse, Director of Business Development and Learning, ELIM Serviços (Mozambique)
- Ms. Margaret Jackson, Managing Partner, Rainbow Consult (Ghana)
- Ms. Patricia Sennequier, Founder and Managing Partner, Beautiful Soul (Senegal)
Language:
The language of the event will be English. English to French interpretation will be available.
Registration:
Registration for this event is required, and participation is free. To register, click on this link: https://worldbankgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8hLid8l8R_iLxWQ5dmFS6w.
Space at the event is limited to 500 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. After registration reaches the maximum number of attendees, a waitlist will open. Attendance cannot be guaranteed to waitlisted individuals.
5 ways to enhance employee experience
5 ways to enhance employee experience
During challenging times, many companies have a hard time ensuring good employee experience and morale, which can be especially harmful to business performance. In this video, we discuss five ways your company can improve employee experience and positively impact your bottom line. Get ready to reap the rewards of greater employee engagement!
Script
As a business owner, you are always on a constant journey with your employees. Employee experiences are crucial to your business – they influence employee attitudes and these attitudes in turn form behaviors that eventually drive outcomes. These are five ways you can improve employee experience:
- Exercise an open-door policy.
An open-door policy means that you are open to communication, discussion, and feedback from every employee. This means employees have the liberty to raise their concerns and suggestions outside their chain of command without worrying. With an open-door policy, business owners have a better chance to connect with employees, show their support, and understand employees personally. This arrangement fosters trust and loyalty and strengthens your work relationship with them.
- Check-in individually from time to time.
One-on-one meetings are essential and should help you understand current issues employees may be facing and offer the opportunity for you to provide feedback on employee progress. We know things get busy; therefore, it is crucial to dedicate some time to listen to employees while being supportive through providing positive and constructive feedback.
- Share the bigger picture.
With fewer complicated administrative procedures than a large corporation, consider sharing plans for your business with employees. This will make them feel more valued. It is easy for employees to be more engaged with their work if they better understand your vision for the future, and their contribution can help you achieve a particular goal.
- Exercise flexibility.
Flexible work arrangements are becoming the norm in many businesses across all sectors. Consider flexibility in your business to improve your employees’ work-life balance and quality of life. Being flexible means that you are open, allowing workers time-off, especially during emergencies s. Such arrangements can help to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and enhance loyalty.
- Provide employee benefits that are relevant to their needs.
Small businesses may have the idea that employee benefits are costly and unaffordable, and while this may be the case, implementing some benefits makes a massive difference in keeping workers happy, which in turn incentivizes higher productivity. An example of an affordable employee benefit would be to offer options or perks that coincide with the season. For example, introduce summer Fridays so that everyone starts their weekend a few hours early. Most businesses are resuming operation soon in Rwanda; consider implementing these tips to create a conducive environment where your employees have the opportunity to increase their productivity in their work.
SME Response Clinic Launches Campaign to Recognise the Role of Small Businesses in Rwanda’s COVID-19 Recovery

Press Release - For Immediate Release
Kigali, Rwanda - 18 March 2021
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.
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.
Call for the Acumen and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship East Africa Accelerator
Call for the Acumen and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship East Africa Accelerator
Acumen and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship are inviting social enterprises to apply for the East Africa Accelerator programme. Through a 19-week program, the Accelerator supports entrepreneurs to develop a scalable social enterprise. Participants will learn the essentials of building a business model that can achieve both social impact and profitability. Entrepreneurs will also have access to case studies from Acumen social enterprises and curriculum materials packaged from IKEA’s business knowledge.
Upon completion of individual assignments, entrepreneurs will join bi-weekly interactive Learning Labs to receive feedback from peers. The participants will also receive biweekly individualized mentorship from IKEA coaches. The program will end with a virtual Final Summit for entrepreneurs featuring workshops, networking opportunities, and the chance to pitch their ventures, receive feedback from industry leaders, and be considered for up to $25,000 in seed funding.
What will the successful applicants learn?
By participating in program sessions and reviewing practical case studies of other East African social enterprises that have successfully scaled, successful applicants will learn how to:
- Refine and test hypotheses for developing a scalable business model.
- Develop a robust social impact and financial strategy.
- Best form partnerships to achieve scale.
- Adapt lessons from IKEA case studies and mentorship.
- Build networks with other social entrepreneurs and supporters in East Africa and beyond
Who is eligible to Apply?
The programme is available to social entrepreneurs in East Africa who:
- Run a social enterprise (nonprofit or for-profit) based in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, or Ethiopia
- Have proven customer demand and increasing annual revenue.
- Manage a team equivalent to 3 full-time staff.
- Are focused on promoting livelihoods, equality and inclusion.
Eligible entrepreneurs can apply for free here.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2021
For details about the programme, visit https://app.acumenacademy.org/ikea-east-africa-accelerator.
Call for Applications for Startups in the Tourism & Hospitality Sector
Call for Applications for Startups in the Tourism & Hospitality Sector
Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under its Hanga Ahazaza program, has launched its fourth call for applications for businesses to join the Tourism Inc., an incubator program for start-ups in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. Twenty-five applicants will be selected for the program and receive skills-building, seed funding, and other support to enhance their leadership skills.
ESP provides consulting and strategic advisory services to diverse clients, including governments, businesses, and development partners in Africa. It focuses on supporting innovative models and offers leadership training and entrepreneurial boot camps. ESP aims to enable innovative, scalable, and profitable enterprises to build prosperity.
Applications were opened on March 10 and will run through April 10, 2021. Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Must be a start-up (or have a start-up idea) in the tourism and hospitality sector (or be a supplier to the industry)
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Must be based and operating in Rwanda.
- Must be committed to complete the course.
- Women entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to apply.
To apply, visit: Apply
Dissemination of Finscope 2020 Gender Report Webinar

Dissemination of Finscope 2020 Gender Report Webinar
On 16th March 2021, LEAD Rwanda in partnership with AFR will host a webinar via zoom to present findings of the Finscope 2020 Gender Report. The webinar will to convene stakeholders in Rwanda’s financial and women empowerment sectors and act as an opportunity for them to make recommendations along with reflecting on policies and interventions that affect women’s uptake of financial services in Rwanda.
SCHEDULE
16th March 2021 at 09:00hrs






























