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
Rwanda Trade Portal offers specific information related to COVID-19 for businesses involved in import/export
Rwanda Trade Portal offers specific information related to COVID-19 for businesses involved in import/export
The Rwanda Trade Portal, launched in 2018 by the Rwanda Revenue Authority under the supervision of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, offers detailed procedures and information related to businesses involved cross border trade. The portal was developed to fulfil Trade Facilitation Agreement Article 1, which requires WTO member states to publish their trade procedures online along with contact information on entry points, fees, and access to forms. In addition, the portal also provides insights for exporters on potential markets for their products by showing regions where Rwandan products have better demand based on data provided by the International Trade Centre.
Due to the emergence of the pandemic, the portal added a section that posts COVID-19 measures and regular announcements from border regulating agencies. Among other content, it includes general information on movement of goods and services during the pandemic and guidelines on requirements and specifications related to pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
If you are a business engaged in cross border trade, visit Rwanda Trade Portal for more information.
(UPDATED) Government of Rwanda reinstates new COVID-19 preventive measures
Government of Rwanda reinstates new COVID-19 preventive measures.
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
Amakuru ya nyuma, kuwa 14 Mata 2021: 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.
E-commerce onboarding webinar for Agri-processing businesses.
E-commerce onboarding webinar for Agri-processing businesses.
The ICT Chamber in partnership with Access to Finance Rwanda have started a project called iHUZO to support SMEs to survive COVID19 pandemic by providing digital on-boarding support through ICT Companies as well as training and linkages to credit providers. The project is working with the Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs to identify potential beneficiary businesses
This upcoming webinar will address the following topics to help Agri-processing businesses develop effective e-commerce strategies.
1. Digital & Online Presence for businesses (for example help to get a discounted or free website)
2. Digital Marketing & Promotion
3. Digital Sales & Transactions (getting listed on top 25 Ecommerce websites)
4. Digital Business & Commerce Skills (trainings)
5. Digital Financial Services e.g Access to Credit from partner banks & Fintechs
6. eLogistics and Fulfilment (delivery services that have been allowed by government to operate during lockdown)
Register now: https://rb.gy/sggetw