Intiti Magazine issue 3

A Special

Investing in Rwanda’s untapped market

Publication

China and African nations deepen ties RWASHOSCCO: Promoting Rwanda’s Speciality Coffee

Check out Rwanda Tea Packers Limited in the next issue.

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CONTENTS

Rwanda signs deal to improve aviation safety |8

News in Brief

India approves Trade Cooperation with Rwanda |9 Amit Chawla appointed new Chief at Airtel Rwanda |9 BRD to build 5000 affordable housing units in Ndera |8

Renown personalities name 23 baby Gorillas |10

Nyungwe luxury resort to open in October |11 Rwanda trade deficit recedes |11

Big Stories

Opposition parties secures seats in parliament |13

Features

China and African nations deepen ties |16

SOSOMA Industries LTD: Leading in nutritional flours |24 Imikino n’intwaro gakondo - igitabo cyanditswe n’inteko izirikana |27 SINA GERARD / Enterprise Urwibutso promoting agro-processing |28

RWASHOSCCO: Promoting Rwanda’s Speciality Coffee |18

How BPI’s funding helps SMEs grow |22

Innovation techniques key to quality colour paints |30 Ecole Internationale de Kigali (E.I.K) |32

Opinion

Sports

Kofi Annan’s Unfinished Green Revolution |34

Commentary Questions that everybody are asking about Blockchain? |38

What is the future for motorsport in Rwanda |36 September 2018

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Lead Story

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Foreward

Publisher’s note Rwanda held successful parliamentary elections for legislators to fill the 80 seats in the chamber of deputies. This is the fourth round of parliamentary polls ever since the current government took over power after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

According to National Electoral Commission and independent election observers the elections were held in a peaceful environment where about 93% of the 7.2 million registered Rwandans participated.

The parliamentary elections like in many countries signals Rwanda’s advancement democratically as the country cements its governance and democracy.

The opposition Democratic Green Party that participated in the parliamentary elections for the first time was able to secure two seats as well PS-Imberakuri which will also be represented in parliament for the first time in its near to ten years as a recognised political party in Rwanda.

Successive elections held in a peaceful environment is a testament to stability and progress for Rwanda to look at other sectors without being distracted by election chaos as is the norm to most African countries.

These trends in the country’s life ensure that other sectors like the economy will do better as is hinged on governance. As the central bank recently revealed, Rwanda is performing well with exports leading to trade deficit reduction.

This good performance economically is achievable by no other than an increased production, which government is focusing on and doing all it can to ensure that local manufacturing and value addition activities do better with the campaign ‘Made in Rwanda’.

Relentless efforts should continue to encourage local industries as well as consumption of local products and for the government to continue make Made in Rwanda a reality.

Managing Editor Steven Nsamaza +250 788 306 472 nsamaza@gmail.com

Contributors Ignatius Ssuuna Jejje Muhinde Steven Nsamaza

Sales and Marketing Manager Robert Mubumbyi +250 785 450 077 murobert85@gmail.com

Design / Layout Moses Sserunkuma +250 784 510 388

Intiti Limited Gasabo District- Amahoro Stadium Administration and Marketing Tel: +250 788 314 909,

+250 785 450 077 Email: Intiti.rw@gmail.com www.intiti.rw

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In the lens

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Lead News in Story brief

Rwanda signs deal to improve aviation safety

BRD to build 5000 affordable housing units in Ndera Starting at Rwf27 million, Kigali low-income earners may soon own homes through the project of Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD).

BRD’s Ndera Affordable Housing Project seeks to provide 1,750 units in Ndera Sector of Gasabo District.

The entire project will cost $35 million to avail 5,000 units on an area of 19 hectares. The units

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include apartments of two bedrooms and a laundry room at the prices between Rwf27.3 million and Rwf32.76 million each, three bedrooms and a laundry room at Rwf41,160,000, and three to four bedrooms duplex villas costing between Rwf50.4 million and Rwf57.12 million each.

The investor is Groupe Palmeraie Développement, one of the Moroccan leaders in Real Estate development and hotel management.

Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority (RCCA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to improve aviation safety. The agreement will see both parties collaborate in establishing a framework for using the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) to complement the country’s safety oversight.

RCAA Director General, Silas Udahemuka underlined that, “RCAA is committed to improving African aviation safety. Our partnership with IATA will help us to do that by taking greater advantage of IOSA in our safety oversight program.”

IOSA was established in 2003 to be the global benchmark for airline operational safety management. Today some 440 airlines are on the IOSA registry of which some 290 are IATA members.

IATA members are required to maintain their IOSA registration.

Rwanda becomes the second African state to fulfil the Abuja Declaration’s (2015) proposal to establish a framework for recognition of IOSA and for all African airlines to obtain IOSA registration by 2020.

“Safety is the top priority for everyone involved in aviation. Congratulations to the Rwanda CAA for their decision to complement their safety oversight with IOSA,” said Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East. “We hope that our work together will be an inspiration to other African governments to take similar action in fulfilling their Abuja Declaration commitments.”

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India approves Trade Cooperation with Rwanda

President Paul Kagame shakes hands with India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Kigali

India’s cabinet on August 29 approved a trade cooperation framework between Rwanda and India which was negotiated during the July visit by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Kigali.

“The Union Cabinet chaired

by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the trade cooperation framework between India and Rwanda.”

A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said.

The trade cooperation framework signed on July 23, 2018 aim at facilitating better trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Last July, the Indian Prime Minister was in Rwanda for two-day State Visit where he held bilateral talks with President Paul Kagame. The visit which is the first by an Indian Prime Minister was

News in brief

aimed at strengthening further bilateral ties between Rwanda and India.

During the high profile visit President Kagame said that, “Rwanda is keen to learn from the renowned “Made in India” experience. As we implement our own “Made in Rwanda” policy, particularly in the manufacturing, construction, and the Information, Communication and Technology sector.”

The two leaders also interacted with leading CEOs from India and Rwanda during a Business Forum that convened private sector players, investors and other business people.

Cooperation between Rwanda and India has steadily grown over the years and is focused on infrastructure, trade, agriculture, ICT, capacity building, energy and defence sectors. Investments from India have increased from 66 last year to 91 this year while Rwanda’s exports to India are mainly aluminium waste and scrap, cereal flours and dairy spreads.

Amit Chawla appointed new Chief at Airtel Rwanda Airtel Rwanda has appointed Amit Chawla as acting Managing Director, he takes over from Philip Amoateng who is moving on to other challenges.

Amit Chawla as acting Managing Director - Airtel Rwanda

Amit Chawla, who has been the company’s Commercial Director, facilitated the merger of Airtel and Tigo that has seen bringing together products and services, people and the brand.

A Mechanical Engineer with an MBA in marketing, Chawla has over 18 years of experience in marketing and corporate sales in diverse markets encompassing telecom and home devices.

He worked as Tigo Rwanda’s Chief Business Officer before the two companies merged and also has worked at Bharti Airtel in different roles.

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Kwita Izina

Renown personalities name 23 baby Gorillas To create awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorilla on September 7, Rwanda hosted the 14th edition of Kwita Izina, naming 23 baby gorillas in a colourful ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze District.

The conservation ceremony inspired by the ancient Rwandan tradition of naming new born babies was attended by a long list of global icons who participated in the baby gorillas.

Among the namers were Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigerian president, Graca Machel, former First Lady of South Africa and Mozambique, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz Ali Bin Rashid Al Nuami, Strive Masiyiwa renowned philanthropist businessman. The list of namers also included celebrities, diplomats, local and international conservationists among others.

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Thousands of residents, officials, diplomats, renown philanthropists, local and international conservationists were also in attendance with the aim of creating awareness of conservation efforts for the majestic apes.

The Kwita Izina celebrations this year designated ‘Conservation is Life’ as the theme with a list of events including a Conversation on Conservation forum in Kigali, a community project launch in Kitabi Sector, Nyaruguru District and ended with the launch of a community project in Ndego Sector, Eastern Province on 8, September.

Rwanda’s Premier Edouard Ngirente speaking to the gathering said that the benefits of Kwita Izina and all the conservation efforts go beyond promoting tourism and leisure, and contribute to the wellbeing of the people.

“This ceremony is not just about tourism and travel. It’s about our people. When we protect our environment and our Gorillas, we help our people to improve their well-being. Indeed, where there is peaceful co-existence of wildlife and people, there are mutual benefits”, the Premier said.

After the naming event guests were hosted to a spectacular gala dinner at the shores of Lake Kivu, in Rubavu district. The dinner was spiced up by musical performances from Gakondo Group, a traditional band and Mafikizolo, South African duo.

In the 13 years since the event was established, 262 mountain gorilla babies have been named to celebrate nature together with the communities who protect the majestic mountain gorillas. A portion of revenues from national parks goes directly to helping the communities around the parks by way of extension of social amenities.

Because of such efforts the population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif has increased to 604 in 2016 compared to 480 in 2010.

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News in brief

the opening of One&Only Nyungwe House, the second addition to our Nature Resorts portfolio, and to provide our guests with the rare opportunity to explore this remote and authentically wild location.”

Nyungwe luxury resort to open in October

“Our guests will be able to trek with chimpanzees, or discover the endangered Mangabey monkeys, walk among majestic mahogany trees and spot exotic birds, orchids and butterflies,” he added.

guests starting this October 2018.

Set on the edge of Nyungwe forest in southern Rwanda, Nyungwe House the luxury resort which is part of the One&Only luxury hotel brand, will open doors to

Announcing the opening this August, Philippe Zuber, President and COO of One&Only Resorts said, “It is an absolute privilege and an honour to confirm

The hotel is built within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation, alongside Rwanda’s biggest Nyungwe National forest.

Designed using local craftsmanship the hotel has 23 rooms and suites, there is also a One&Only Spa, which will offer a range of exclusive beauty and wellness treatments using organic natural skincare products from luxury South African brand Africology.

Rwanda trade deficit recedes The country’s trade deficit decreased by two per cent in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, Central Bank Governor John Rwangombwa (pictured) revealed in late August.

$463.16 million compared to $375.91 million in the same period last year.

Formal export receipts are attributed for this increase earned because of a positive international economic outlook.

Presenting the monetary policy and financial stability statement, Rwangombwa said that good performance in exports at 23.2 per cent led to trade deficit reduction.

Rwanda’s economy registered a strong performance of 10.6 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2018.

Statistics from the National Bank of Rwanda shows that the country earned

Vincent Munyeshyaka, the Minister of Trade and Industry said that the country targets to increase its exports base by 17 per cent annually.

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Lead Story

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politics

Rwandans, the media and other stakeholders for their positive role throughout the exercise,” he said.

Opposition parties secures seats in parliament

The elections were hailed as calm and peaceful by different independent observers among them was the African Union Election Observation Mission commending Rwanda for a culture of holding peaceful elections.

Madam Aichatou Mindaoudou Souleymane, the AU mission head told reporters in Kigali that the August 2018 parliamentary elections in Rwanda were ‘peaceful, free and fair.’

Women win big again

Staff Writer Following the successful parliamentary elections the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on September 5 released provisional results with wins dominated by the ruling RPF party with 74% from the universal suffrage competed by political parties.

With a slight decline from the last election RPF secured 40 seats together with its six smaller coalition parties, the closest challenger Social Democratic Party (PSD) won five seats, Liberal Party (PL) won four seats while the new opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) and PS-Imberakuri were able to enter parliament for the first time with two seats each.

From the voter turn-out of 93% of the 7.2 million reg-

The results show that women have taken 61 per cent of seats in the next parliament.

This is as a result of the country’s legally set quotas, with the constitution mandates that at least thirty per cent (30%) of must be women.

istered voters for the direct poll none of the four independents got the required minimum of 5 per cent to secure a seat.

The elections to fill the chamber of deputies held over a space of three days included electing one Member of Parliament representing people living with disabilities, choosing 53 members from political parties and independents (elected through universal suffrage), 24 women representatives and two representatives from the youth.

While releasing the provisional results, Prof. Kalisa Mbanda, NEC chairperson said that, “parliamentary elections in Rwanda were peaceful.” Final results are expected to be announced later this month.

“Generally, the elections were held in a peaceful environment and we are thank all

Rwanda has been praised globally for empowering the country’s women, topping the global list of countries with the most female political parliamentarians.

61% The results show that women have taken 61 per cent of seats in the next parliament.

This is as a result of the country’s legally set quotas, with the constitution mandates that at least thirty per cent (30%) of must be women.

“They developed an ingenious system of women’s councils ... where women learn political skills and move up into greater power. Now women running for office is the norm,” said Swanee Hunt, a former US ambassador and author of the book “Rwanda Women Rising.”

Rwanda’s parliament has 80 seats, 53 are competed by political parties while 24 seats are reserved for women, two for youth and one for persons living with disabilities voted by electoral colleges.

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Lead investment News Story

Investing in Rwanda’s untapped market Staff Writer Renee Wang is busy supervising her employees and giving interviews to journalists. All at the same time.

The supervisor at China Star Construction in Rwanda has been doing her work for one year, employing more than 1000 people.

The construction company entered Rwanda in 2010 and has built warehouses, supermarkets and expansion of Kigali International Airport among other projects.

“Rwanda is a very attractive market for us. Rwanda is also one of the safest in the region and we also have government support,” Wang explains.

Wang says the company’s objective is to expand in the region using Rwanda as a base. Her company is located inside a 300-hectare special economic zone, which is also modelled on the zones that contributed to China’s economic opening in the 1980s.

Officials from Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

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say businesses in special economic zones enjoy low tariffs, rent and electricity costs, as well as fast customs clearance and simplified regulations.

China is trying to woo African leaders to trade together, in Rwanda, China’s investments are estimated at US $419.5 million to date.

In countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Angola and Morocco, the Chinese companies have initiated mega projects and changing lives of the people.

Winifred Ngangare, acting head of investment promotion at RDB says that investments constitute the main pillars of the economic cooperation between Rwanda and China.

“The two countries have built strong trade and investment relations over the past decade. Rwanda is emerging as one of the biggest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destinations for China,” she said.

Chinese business interests in Rwanda are expanding, as the private investment targets

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manufacturing, tourism, construction and real estate sectors among others.

“Business regulations in Rwanda are straightforward and there is also a market here,” Jontilano says. She says she wants to transform the idea of “Made in China” come to Rwanda and become “Made in Rwanda”.

Some of the Chinese companies that have successfully established their operation in Rwanda include; New Century Development (Owners of Marriott Hotel), Star Africa Media a high tech electronic multimedia service provider, China Star construction, Paragon Mining Industry among others.

There are several activities that are being undertaken by the government of Rwanda to boost the attraction of Chinese investments to Rwanda These include increased collaboration with the Chinese entities (State & Private) to reach out massively to their members in the spirit of promoting Rwanda and the investment opportunities.

Promoting local industries The Rwandan government is putting in place adequate infrastructure by developing Kigali Special Economic Zone and other industrial parks to ensure that land for manufacturing is readily available especially Chinese investors.

“We believe that the quality of infrastructure comprising of waste treatment, water electricity, fibre optic cables and roads and site location makes this an attractive location for foreign investors,” observed Ngangure.

investment News

Apart from the local market, her company also produces for Europe and America market.

Currently, the trade volume between African and China stood at 170 billion dollars last year; surpassing both the United States and France, formerly the continent’s main trading partners.

Rwanda has embarked on the process of promoting “Made in Rwanda” policy that is designed to promote value addition and exports oriented projects.

It is in line with this policy that Rwanda has decided to benchmark experience in the development and operation of the Industrial Parks in China.

This shall help to develop adequate Industrial Parks and smooth the establishment of FDI in general and Chinese investments in particular.

Malou Jontilano, the managing director of Chinese clothing manufacturer C&H Garments also based in Special Economic Zones has been in this business for over 20 years and she is employing thousands of employees.

At the just concluded Forum on China-Africa Cooperation with many African leaders, President Paul Kagame who also the Chairman of African Union said Chinese action plan is intended to boost Africa.

“If we remain guided by the spirit of the 2018 Beijing Summit, I have no doubt that we will have even more good results to celebrate at our next gathering in Africa,” Kagame said.

“Our focus now should be implementation. This will require continuous engagement and attention from leaders at the highest level in between Summits.”

When Chinese President visited Rwanda in July, Rwandan President praised China’s treatment of Africa “as an equal,” calling it “a revolutionary posture in world affairs” and “more precious than money.”

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Lead Story

China and African nations deepen ties

By Jejje Muhinde Chinese President Xi Jinping and African leaders reaffirmed joint development goals at the conclusion of a summit shadowed by a debt crisis among some African nations and questions about China’s role in it.

Following two days of meetings with Heads of states and top officials from more than 50 African nations, Mr. Xi said their interests align on strengthening developing nations and that Beijing is a defender of the continent’s success.

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“Africa is entitled to achieving development and integration,” Mr. Xi said adding “A new chapter of China-Africa cooperation has begun as China seeks to strengthen and deepen its ties with the continent in a time of global uncertainty.”

In their remarks, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen China-Africa relations during the summit earlier this month.

Addressing the China-Africa roundtable discussions, President Kagame highlighted that in today’s global political climate, it

is important to reaffirm nations’ commitment to an open international order characterized by peace, security, multilateralism, free trade, mutual respect, as well as cooperation where everyone benefits.

“Yesterday’s opening events left us not only with a mood of friendship and openheartedness but also with a clear view of the substance behind today’s deliberations and indeed the next three years of cooperation.

Both the Summit Declaration and the Beijing Action Plan capture the key issues and provide a

historical experiences, development tasks, and political aspirations; The leaders agreed to strengthen collective dialogue, enhance traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and work together toward an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future;

roadmap for the next steps.

If we remain guided by the spirit of the 2018 Beijing Summit, I have no doubt that we will have even more good results to celebrate at our next gathering in Africa,” President Kagame said.

Africa is a particular focal point of China’s ambitions to rival the West, for instance by financing and building infrastructure more quickly than the World Bank and other multilateral agencies.

During the summit, Mr. Xi doubled down on financial commitments to Africa by announcing a new threeyear, $60 billion package of funding that will include loans and investments. The Chinese leader and people around him also signaled an attention to the concerns about debt, unsustainable trade and other imbalances

in the relationship.

Mr. Xi’s drive to put a China stamp on globalization has met with increasing challenge from foreign aid experts, who say its projects can leave nations drowning in debt, and from the Trump Administration, which says Chinese export strategies eliminate jobs in its trade partners’ economies.

The roundtable concluded with an endorsement of the Summit Declaration and the Beijing Action Plan, two documents that will serve as references in enhancing the existing development frameworks between African countries and China.

Highlights from the declaration: The Chinese and African peoples have forged a deep friendship rooted in similar

Calling Africa an important participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, the declaration says ChinaAfrica cooperation under the initiative will generate more resources and means, expand the market and space for African development, and broaden its development prospects; In the declaration, China pledged to continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with African countries in keeping with the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith, and the principle of upholding justice while pursuing shared interests, as proposed by President Xi Jinping.

China-Africa relations are at their best in history; this follows the close of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), now in its 18th year.

In its third edition, the Summit saw Senegalese President Macky Sall take over the Forum’s cochairmanship from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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Lead Story

RWASHOSCCO: Promoting Rwanda’s Speciality Coffee

T Angelique Karekezi

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o promote speciality coffee six farmer cooperatives in 2005 formed the Rwanda Small Holder Specialty Coffee Company (RWASHOSCCO Ltd) that would help improve the value chain and market Rwanda’s speciality coffee on the international market.

The farmer-owned coffee roasting, marketing and export company was charged with providing key services to the six (6) cooperatives which are spread across the country that include; Abahuzamugambi ba Kawa/Maraba (Huye), BUFCOFFEE (Nyamagabe), COCAGI Gashonga (Rusizi), COCAHU Humure (Eastern Province), Dukundekawa Musasa (Northern Province) and KOAKAKA (Nyamagabe and Huye).

The company was created towards the end of a USAID funded project that aimed at aiding local coffee producers to process and setup coffee washing stations. Although the project helped in bringing together farmers into the cooperatives it lacked sustainability due to cooperatives total dependency on grants, yet coffee was fetching good revenues for the farmers.

Angelique Karekezi, the Managing Director of RWASHOSCCO observes that her company helps the cooperatives to market, advertise and take coffee to international markets. This ensures that the cooperatives can harvest, process and add value to deliver a final product to the market.

The company does not buy coffee from member cooperatives to re-sell but links cooperatives to foreign roasters or buyers. As a company, its fully owned by cooperatives which pays a fee per kilogramme of coffee that passes through the company to cover its operating costs.

The Brand ‘Café de Maraba’ The brand name originates from Maraba in the southern Rwanda, the area that first owned a washing station which also attracted other coffee farmers to visit and train in coffee processing. As the first speciality producers of coffee and among the founders of RWASHOSCCO, the brand Café de Maraba’ was selected to market the company’s products.

The Managing Director of the company explains that Maraba coffee was marketed internationally to show the speciality coffee produced in Rwanda, this encouraged the adoption of its popular name on the international coffee market.

RWASHOSCCO specializes in high quality specialty coffee and this is achieved by empowering farmers with trainings, improving the processes and provides special care to the whole coffee quality control system.

“Quality is our primary focus, we only take up coffee graded above 84%, so we ensure that farmers are given the essentials to deliver coffee that has quality,” emphasises Karekezi.

Value addition Since establishing RWASHOSCCO much has improved for the cooperatives, at the start each cooperative only had one washing station but currently they have seventeen (17) washing stations.

Plans are also in the pipeline by next year where four cooperatives will each have a dry mill which is the second category plant in coffee processing, this will enable processing coffee from the farm to the market without going through other private processing companies in Kigali.

Karekezi notes that, as farmers continue to operate the whole value chain the quality of coffee is enhanced because farmers pay more attention to the processes which gives them more knowledge to improve as well as providing them with jobs.

“For farmers to farm and process their own coffee greatly helps RWASHOSCCO to follow-up and obtains quality speciality coffee,” says Karekezi.

Quality is not only what has been achieved since the establishment of the company, production has increased over the years. At its inception the company exported only five containers (90 tonnes) but today exports range between 40 to 50 containers annually.

RWASHOSCCO also sells coffee on the local market, the company has a plant at its headquarters at Mulindi in Kigali that roasts coffee sold in the country.

Initially, coffee sold on the local market was less than 10 tonnes but this has grown to 50 tonnes ready to consume coffee sold locally.

The company also has a modern laboratory which is at the fourth level of coffee value chain process.

This facility helps to identify any irregularities that may occur during the processes from the farm to September 2018

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Lead Story

The road to improve value chain of coffee have been a satisfying one for RWASHOSCCO, however some impediments to their activities make it difficult to run everything smoothly.

One of the primary challenges to coffee production is climate change, the changing weather conditions affect coffee mostly on the farm which can impact on production and this brings along pests that affect coffee subverting quality.

Packaging is another challenge that the coffee company faces, package materials used for roasted coffee are imported mostly from China yet this source has remained unreliable with time line and price fluctuations.

The coffee market poses other challenges which include competition from other producers and price fluctuations on the international market.

roasting level of the coffee and to determine what each customer has ordered.

Over the years, the company has improved the quality of coffee, earned farmers’ profits as well as foreign exchange for the country. RWASHOSCCO helps the cooperatives in price negotiation with buyers in Europe, Asia and the USA, marketing the coffee, export documents and shipping on behalf of producers.

The coffee producers receive various socio-economic benefits ranging from specialized trainings on crop and cooperative management to medical insurance.

The cooperatives organises regular trainings for farmers to increase their capacity and knowledge to produce quality coffee. The cooperatives also organises study tours for the farmers to learn from others.

Whereas the company provides specialised trainings for the management of the cooperatives or any other trainings that the cooperatives deem important.

The company also provides

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trainings on quality based on the past season. Educational trips for the cooperative heads or managers are also provided by the company to visit neighbouring countries, they have visited Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia and plans to visit Kenya this year.

Karekezi observes that such study tours help members to self-evaluate because they get a chance to learn from other farmer cooperatives hence improve their own activities.

To mitigate some of these challenges RWASHOSCCO targets to bring more innovations to the coffee market. The company is looking at introducing more speciality coffees like organic, honey, natural and women coffee.

Some of these innovative ideas are already fetching high revenues for the farmers like the organic coffee where four containers are exported while women farmers to earn additional income there is now a Rwandan chapter for the International Women Coffee Alliance to promote their coffee on the international market.

SOSOMA Industries LTD SOSOMA is Quality and Health

Vision

To be a credible business and regional reference in agro-processing

Values

Mission

| Innovation

Generate revenue through the development of agricultural production;

| Integrity | Good Governance

Provide agri-food products of high quality and nutrient values at affordable prices; Respond to customer expectations through innovation and appropriate technology.

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business Lead news Story

How Business Partners International’s funding helps SMEs grow Since 2011, Business Partners International (BPI), a Rwandan investment fund, has been providing a wide range of financing services to mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost their growth.

BPI supports SME growth by providing financing, specialist sector knowledge and value-added services to viable SMEs, hence tackling one of their biggest challenges today, which is access to finance.

ED REPORT

eate jobs

It started with an $8 million fund that was used to invest in more than 40 Rwandan businesses, many of them owned by youth and women, who normally own few assets and can therefore not offer the security required for a loan. Many of these establishments have managed to grow significantly thanks to the support.

Jean Claude Mutajogire, the BPI Country Manager

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Currently, a fund of $30 million is available for the East African region, which will offer even more opportunities for investment in the future.

Intiti Magazine talked to Jean Claude Mutajogire, the BPI Country Manager, about the fund’s impact on Rwandan businesses.

How have you tackled some of the financing challenges SMEs faced in the past?

We don’t have the same requirements concerning owner’s capital or securities that many other financiers do – capital or security are not necessarily required for an application to be accepted. The Business Partners model of financing focuses on a project’s viability. This has been crucial to removing the barrier of access to finance for viable businesses which were lacking sufficient collateral or money to secure loans from traditional lenders such as banks, in a market where most loans are collateral-based.

When a business applies to us for financing, its proposal is assessed on its viability, which consists of two important elements: the entrepreneur (integrity, drive, vision, appropriate experience) and the actual business.

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What kind of financing can SMEs get from BPI? We offer both business and commercial property finance to viable businesses seeking investment of between US$ 50,000 and US$ 1,000,000.

We structure unique, individualized financing solutions using term loans, equity and royalties or any combination of these. We offer maximum flexibility to suit specific needs.

As part of an integrated solution, we also provide Technical Assistance (TA). The TA or mentorship programme provides value-added services for the business owner including accounting support, problem solving, marketing plans, turnaround solutions, staff training, acquiring management information systems, automation of production processes, complying with product standard (such as ISO certification),etc.

Customers can access to up to 30% of the main investment in form of an interest-free financing to cater for the above-mentioned soft issues in the business.

Do you prioritize any particular economic sectors?

Applications are considered in all economic sectors with the exception of non-lending activities, direct farming operations, underground mining and nonprofit organizations.

business news

We focus on financing sectors that have an impact on the economy. We may list among others projects that generate employment and those that reduce imports and or increase exports.

How do you ensure the proper use of your loans by the beneficiaries?

Our due diligence process is thorough, tried and tested, and provides insight into the extent of inherent risk in each transaction. If we find that the beneficiary would require assistance in handling the funds, our technical assistance program will help the business develop the required systems and provide appropriate training to staff.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our SME readers?

Business Partners International exists to fulfil the needs and requirements of entrepreneurs, exclusively in the SME sector. We are passionate about entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial development.

We invest in you and stand beside you. Our talent lies in our ability to unearth entrepreneurs and help them transform their lives, as well as the lives of all those they touch through their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Our strength lies in our ability to tailor-make our service offerings to suit each entrepreneur’s unique needs, thus becoming the best business partner you’ve ever had.

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Advetising Feature

SOSOMA Industries LTD Leading in nutritional flours

To support local farmers, DUHAMIC-ADRI a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) experienced major complexities that farmers faced with low productivity and lack of local processing plants for their produce by starting a small production unit to process grains.

With a mission of supporting development through integrated initiatives of the rural population in the fight for self-development; It assisted farmers and carpenters to improve their skills and productivity, DUHAMIC-ADRI which was established in 1979 worked tirelessly but found that as productivity grew there was no value addition to farmer’s harvests hence falling short of the intended goal of producing nutritious foods to fight malnutrition.

Having their primary cereal and pulses grains as Sorghum, Soybeans and Maize, a name was forged as SOSOMA (So: soybean, SO: sorghum, MA: Maize) which started value addition to produce flours.

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In 2008 after seeking local partnership and equipped with two hundred twenty-six million Rwandan francs Sosoma Industries Limited, an agro-processing industry was established in Kigali as a private company with 2,269 shares.

DUHAMIC-ADRI has promoted the creation of SOSOMA Industries Ltd in order to further improve quality, increase the quantity and make more available the best products and services originally provided by SOSOMA production unit.

SOSOMA flours are rich and balanced food for all age groups. It was appreciated by all who have consumed it: adults and children as nutritional, adequate and safe supplementary (solid) foods at six (6) months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2-years and beyond for its taste, flavour and milling (sieving size). SOSOMA Products are most helpful for feeding people exceptionally within difficult healthy circumstances: people living with HIV, settings where mortality due to diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnu-

trition remain prevalent; adolescent mothers; infants and young children who are malnourished; and families suffering from the consequences of complex emergencies.

Diogène Ngezahayo, the Director General of Sosoma Industries Ltd says the factory kicked-off its agro-processing operations with less than five Cereal based flour products that were initially produced by its main shareholder, DUHAMIC-ADRI production unit from sorghum, soybeans, and maize.

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Advetising Feature

tries Ltd.The uniqueness of Sosoma products is having blended flours; this is intended to produce high nutritious food that can be obtained from different grains if blended and somehow fortified with vitamins and minerals.

In bid to improve nutrition in Rwanda, different institutions including the Ministry of Health and public health organisations have procured Sosoma products which are distributed to vulnerable individuals affected by malnutrition.

Apart from ensuring that Rwandans get nutritional foods, Sosoma Industries employees an exclusively local workforce.The company has 20 permanent staff and employs about 50 casual labours on a seasonal basis.

Sylvestre Rwasamanzi, the Technical Maintenance Manager of SOSOMA Industries Ltd says that he has worked with the factory for about twenty years. He observes that his job has been rewarding and mostly enjoyed the many benefits from innovative technologies the company promotes.

The company which started as a small and medium enterprise with a few products has grown into a household brand when it comes to cereal flours.

Currently, Sosoma Industries Ltd produces twelve (12) different products sold on the local and international markets whereby six are single flours from Maize, Soy bean, red and white sorghum and wheat, three are composite flour made from blending soy bean, Maize and/or sorghum, the last category is fortified flour by which a list of minerals and vitamins are added to composite flour to prevail over the malnutrition intricacies very stern for children, pregnant mothers, breastfeeding mothers and some groups of persons with disabilities.

Initially, Sosoma could only produce between 600 – 700 tonnes of flour but has increased this figure to over 1,500 tonnes per year. All products contain high protein and energy recommended in nutritional supplementation.

The products are prepared in accordance with national, regional (EAC Standards) and international standards of food hygiene and food industries

management (ISO 22000:2005 and HACCP: hazards analysis and critical control point) under supervision of the RSB (Rwanda Standards Board).

SOSOMA Industries Ltd now processes cereals-based flour, certified with related products specification standards (S-Mark or Standardization Mark).The system into which the production processes are undertaken is certified with RS ISO 22000:2005 (Food Safety Management System) and certified with RS 184:2017- Food safety system based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) — Requirements for any organization in the food chain.

Ngezahayo explains that the company has its own laboratory to ensure high standards and quality of products is maintained. Laboratory tests of Sosoma products are also conducted to ensure consistency in quality for those who wish to export its flours to international markets (Europe, America and Africa).

“Our biggest tool on the market is the quality of our products,” observes the Director General of Sosoma Indus-

“A lot has changed since I joined this company in 1998, innovation has been promoted and this is why we remained at the top. Our products have helped many in uplifting nutrition in the country and our standards have never faltered,” says Rwasamanzi.

To reach this milestone different actors have supported SOSOMA agro-processing and some of these include farmer cooperatives that supply them with quality grains, some government institutions, health and social Non-governmental organisations among other stakeholders.

The company sells about 95% of its products on local market with the remaining exported to regional markets particularly in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo-Brazzaville and other markets in Belgium, France, USA and Canada.

Ngezahayo underlined that, Sosoma Industries has contributed to the welfare of the population in value chain.The company has also scoped some awards; President Paul Kagame awarded them for best medium tax payer in 2010, was ranked among the top 100 companies in 2013 and in 2014 received the Africa SME Champion Award.

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Intiti M AG A Z I NE

Book Review

Imikino n’intwaro gakondo - igitabo cyanditswe n’inteko izirikana Komite Olempike y’u Rwanda (CNOSR) ifatanyije n’Inteko Izirikana bamuritse igitabo gikubiyemo imikino n’intwaro gakondo mu rwego rwo gusigasira umuco Nyarwanda binajyanye no guteza imbere Indangagaciro Olempike (Olympic Values).

Perezida w’Inteko Izirikana, Muvunanyambo Apollinaire yatangaje ko bafashe icyemezo cyo kwandika igitabo bashingiye kuko babona imikino gakondo igenda yibagirana kandi iri mu bintu biranga umuco nyarwanda. Ati “Twasanze ari ngombwa kwigisha urubyiruko mu mashuri n’abandi bantu batandukanye imikino gakondo kuko isa n’iyibagiranye”.

Amb. Munyabagisha Valens, Perezida wa Komite Olempike y’u Rwanda yavuze ko hagiyeho ishyirahamwe ry’imikino gakondo aho ubu barimo gutegura amategeko y’umukino w’igisoro kugirango ugire amategeko azwi.

Yavuzeko ubwo ikigitabo kibonetse bagomba gukorana n’inzego zitandukanye cyane cyane nka Minisiteri y’Uburezi na Minisiteri y’Urubyiruko kuko aribo bafite urubyiruko munshingano.

Umuyobozi wa siporo muri Minisiteri y’umuco na siporo, Bugingo Emmanuel yashimye Inteko Izirikana kuri iki gitabo banditse kuko kigaragaza amateka y’Abanyarwanda aho bigaragazako nyuma y’imirimo bagiraga imikino ibahuza ariko harimo n’umuco wo guhiganwa.

Yakomeje avugako izi siporo zikinwa ubu zitavuye mu mahanga ahubwo ko abakoloni baza basanze

Abanyarwanda bafite ibikorwa bya siporo gakondo kuko ubundi ikintu kitwa siporo iyo gifite amategeko akigenga kandi ahuriweho n’abantu batandukanye kikaba kigamije irushanwa.

Imwe mu mikino gakondo Abanyarwanda bakinaga harimo igisoro, kunyabanwa, gusimbuka, kumasha n’indi itandukanye.

Abanyamuryango b’Inteko Izirikana mu muhango wo kumurika igitabo kitwa “Imikino n’Intwaro Gakondo”.

Abagize Inteko Izirikana hamwe n’abayobozi muri Komite Olempike y’u Rwanda na MINISPOC nyuma yo kumurika igitabo.

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Agro Lead processing Story

SINA GERARD / Enterprise promoting Urwibutso agro-processing “The company production philosophy is premised on delivering the best products that can match the standards in some of the most sophisticated markets; the reason is because they are exported to other countries around East Africa and Europe,” he underlined.

Sina Gerard / Enterprise Urwibutso started producing doughnuts from flour as the first product and others followed.

“Agashya” is perhaps the best known amongst the family of drinks by the entrepreneur and among the first locally produced quality drink while the “Akabanga” chili oil a very popular item is sold into foreign markets.

By Jejje Muhinde He is commonly well-known as Rwanda’s foremost agri-business entrepreneur. His interests are diverse spanning restaurants, bakeries, a juice and wine factory, a school and extensive land holdings.

Sina Gerard says he started practically with nothing, his rise to the top is a basically because his business is oriented towards agroprocessing.

The company he started Sina Gerard / Enterprise Urwibutso is located at Nyirangarama in Rulindo District, Northern Province about 45km north from the City of Kigali. For those travelling, a stop at Urwibutso is a must because of delicious and freshly goodies.

Sina’s moving story is the best

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example that opportunities in Rwanda’s agri-business sector can give to real and upcoming entrepreneurs.

“My enterprise is agri-business based; we use technology to add value to our products. For instance, we use innovation and technology make juice out of pineapples, carrots and bananas,” he explains.

“I started with a small bakery in 1983. My parents were farmers and I baked products from the farm,” Sina Gerard recalls. Once Sina Gerard’s company was placed on a sound footing, he diversified his portfolio by adding value to his products like; bread, tomato ketchup, honey, biscuits, Akandi mineral water, natural jam pastry and flours from soya, maize juices and wine.

“My products become popular and that enabled my businesses to grow”, he says one of the reasons is because of good leadership and deep reforms from the government which has given us the opportunity to boost made in Rwanda products those we today export to other countries, “he adds.

The Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), agricultural experts and consultants have credited his products like bread, juices and ice cream as well as crisps as biofortified food crops with highly nutritious values for feeding children in order to fight chronic malnutrition especially stunting.

Sina Gerard is a true business visionary. One way of ascertaining such a claim is his firm belief in what education can do to the

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sustainability of his rapidly growing business.

He believes that proper capacity building for his employees is a key driver of taking his growing empire to the next level besides that, to fight poverty and offering employment.

Currently, Sina Gerard / Enterprise Urwibutso directly employees about 300 people in its businesses plus other employed indirectly.

He is building an Educational Centre which is a modern academic institution that includes nursery, primary and secondary levels with facilities where students carry out practical experiments.

“I thought it worthwhile to support the school project since I saw the need to be responsible for my employees and their families. They work for my company and I make a profit out of their work.

The least I can do for them is to give back something to them.

That is what I am doing with the school project. The schooling is free and the children can attend from nursery through primary school and high school for the needy students”.

He notes; “It benefits the children and parents but in a way it also benefits me, because, I would rather have educated staff than the unschooled.”

If anything, education is at the forefront of propelling Sina Gerard / Enterprise Urwibutso since offering extension services to farmers that enables them to produce more for less is a corner stone of the company’s success so far.

“If one looks at how farmers are producing now, the growth trend is just amazing. There is increased capacity over time that gives room for exports something we never thought would happen,” explains Sina Gerard.

But that is now very possible since we brought in experiences from

Agro processing

other countries that have enabled us to achieve the best results.

This makes me very proud, he says, my dream is that Rwandan farmers should aspire to deliver the best quality just the way others are doing it in the first world countries.

Sina Gerard explains that the increased capacity of his contracted framers places them at a vantage position of looking beyond his company for sustaining their livelihoods. Sina Gerard / Enterprise Urwibutso has state of the art plant production capacity.

We can do this through education and training. For me I do that through experiential learning from other countries. This exposure enables our operations to be better over time.

At this year’s Expo 2018, Sina Gerard / Enterprise Urwibutso’s stand was among the dominate venues that attracted a good number of clients.

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Advetising Feature

Innovation techniques key to quality colour paints AMACO Paints was established in 2003 as a paints manufacturing company in Rusizi District. The company strategically built its headquarters and the main factory in Kicukiro, City of Kigali as the central location to link with other regions of the country.

From its headquarters in Gahanga of Kicukiro the company has established three major outlets in Remera, Nyabugogo and Rusizi. In addition to the outlets its products are distributed in all provinces of the country plus some sold to the neighbouring DR Congo and Burundi.

AMACO Paints manufactures a wide range of colour paints ranging from house paints, auto paints, wood paints, road paints and related products at its main plant in Gahanga. The company adds value and improves quality according to Customer needs.

Vision To be the leading producer and supplier of innovative paints with colour technology in the great lakes region and to be respected and acknowledged as the best quality paints manufacturing company.

Mission To provide high quality products and provide premium quality automotive, industrial and special application paints coatings all at the reasonable and affordable price.

We seek to provide these services in timely manner with a compre-

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Safety is something that we take very seriously. hensive quality-control program and to build a reputation among local business focusing on customer satisfaction.

Core values •

We focus more on customer satisfaction

•

We grow through continuous improvement, invention and innovation

•

We integrate honest, accountability and responsiveness into all aspects of our business functioning

Jean Pierre Gashema, the Sales & Marketing Officer of AMACO Paints observes that they started the company at a time when there was an only one company manufacturing paint in the whole country.

“We are now capable of providing a whole range of paints made in Rwanda to customer’s requirement and to their satisfaction,” Gashema underscores. Adding that, their products match the needs of local market.

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He further reveals that their production can easily provide customized products that suits client needs which can be obtained in a short period of time.

“We are able to do all this because of innovative techniques and use of technology at our factory,” Gashema Said. AMACO Paints is always trying to innovate, finding new products that can exceed client expectations.

in Rwanda that has seen unprecedented growth. However, the company faces challenges that range from lack of infrastructure, access to finances and high rates of exchange.

which raises the cost of production given that the factory requires a lot of water. Another challenge is the high cost of electricity and recurrent power cuts that affects the production line.

Ndayishimiye observes that although the area where the factory is built is designated for industries they still have no water supply

Most of the law materials used to produce paints is imported thus the company requires foreign exchange to purchase them but the rate of exchange is high and the cost of working capital is also high making the cost of production very expensive.

The company distributes its products through established outlets with close to 700 distributors across the country.

Ndayishimiye says that Rwanda’s manufacturing industry is taking off with quality products but the government has to improve the infrastructure to lower the high costs of production. He lists water, electricity and access to finance as the primary incentives required to mitigate the challenges to make the Made in Rwanda campaign a success.

Laboratory and colour mix Before the emergence of companies like AMACO Paints, dealers would mix the paint by rudimentary means but AMACO Paints procured state of the art machines to produce colour paints that suit customer needs.

The production unit of the company is also equipped with a modern laboratory which helps in tests to ensure that standards are maintained and that any chemical that is used is not harmful to anyone who may come into contact.

“Safety is something that we take very seriously,” says Isaie Ndayishimiye, the Director of Finance and Administration at AMACO Paints. He emphasises that the laboratory to test chemicals which are used at the factory.

Ndayishimiye explains that they work closely with Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), to supervise law materials and ensure products are up to the standard.

Challenges AMACO Paints is a local manufacturer with a strong market niche

Advetising Feature

A MAC O P ro d u ct s Premium paints • Silk Vinyl Emulsion • Weather Guard emulsion • Super Matt Emulsion • Wall Master • Super Gloss • Fast Dry Economic Grade Paints • Vinyl Matt Emulsion • Economy Gloss • Economy Emulsion Paints Floor Paints • Supersol • Epoxy • Road Marking

Auto Finish Paints • Body Filler • NC Putty • Paraflex • Primer Filler Wood Finish • NC Sanding Sealer • Ordinary/Synthetic Varnish • NC Clear Varnish • 2Pack Vanish • NC Matt • PU Varnish paints Related Products • Wood Glue • Mastic (Window Putty) • Thinner • Roof Paints • Stucco Putty • Special Glue/Colle Special September 2018

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Lead Story education

Ecole Internationale de Kigali (E.I.K)

HISTORIQUE DU PROJET L’idée d’ouvrir une école est née en 1997 pour répondre aux besoins des parents qui souhaitaient que leurs enfants suivent des cours en français, alors que les établissements pouvant y répondre étaient limités ou surchargés. Par ailleurs les parents de Kigali n’ont pas le temps de suivre l’étude et les devoirs de leurs enfants à la maison suite à leurs occupations. C’est dans ce cadre que nous avions créé une école répondant à cette préoccupation urgente et prioritaire qu’est l’éducation des enfants.

1. OBJECTIFS - Permettre aux élèves d’atteindre une scolarité optimale au niveau maternelle et primaire. Pour cela avoir un nombre d’élèves n’excédant pas 30 par classe ; - Soulager les mères qui travaillent et mettre leurs enfants à l’abri des violences domestiques particulièrement les petites filles ; - Suivre le programme du Ministère de l’Education Nationale enrichi par d’autres apports débouchant sur l’ouverture sur le monde et former des élèves trilingues parlant Kinyarwanda, Anglais et Français.

2. MISSION - Participer aux objectifs de l’Education Nationale qui est de scolariser les enfants rwandais et ceux résidant aux Rwanda ; - Dispenser une formation d’excellence

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international.

- L’école fonctionne dans ses propres bâtiments modernes et bien équipés, avec une capacité d’accueil de 1.000 élèves.

- Nous entretenons une bonne collaboration avec les autorités locales par le biais des activités des générosités soutenues par l’école et les parents de nos élèves, aidant notamment les rescapés du génocide, les malades dans les hôpitaux de la place, offrant l’assurance maladie (mutuelle de santé) pour les indigents de notre secteur administratif.

- Contribuer à la réduction du chômage en créant des emplois surtout pour les femmes etc.

visant une éducation inclusive, équitable et innovante ; - Offrir à nos élèves un cadre adéquat favorisant l’inspiration, la concentration permettant à la fois un meilleur apprentissage et une détente amicale et familiale 3. VISION L’EIK a pour vision d’être une plate- forme d’éveil, d’expression et d’épanouissement des talent des jeunes, permettant à ces derniers de développer une identité rwandaise ainsi que de conquérir leur place en tant que citoyen du monde, utile à eux- mêmes, à son pays et au monde.

4. REALISATIONS - Vingt ans après l’ouverture de la section maternelle et primaire de l’Ecole Internationale de Kigali, 18 promotions se sont succédé avec un effectif total de 1027 lauréats.

Plus d’une centaine d’entre eux occupent déjà des postes importants, soit au niveau national qu’au niveau

5. NOS FACILITES POUR L’APPRENTISSAGE 1. Labo d’informatique ; 2. Matériel didactique riche et varié ; 3. Jeux extérieurs modernes pour la maternelle ; 4. Salle de projection pour l’apprentissage audio-visuel des langues, sciences, etc.

5. Accès à l’internet avec WI-FI et Bibliothèque ; 6. Outil de communication avec les parents via Academic Bridge : un canal par lequel l’école échange avec les parents sur la vie scolaire des élèves (bulletins électroniques et autres) ; 7. Enseignants hautement qualifiés dans divers domaines avec option éducation ; 8. Disponibilité des bus scolaires ; 9. Petit déjeuner pour la maternelle ; 10. Déjeuner pour les élèves du primaire.

6. ACTIVITES PARA SCOLAIRES - Divers clubs - Danses traditionnelles ECOLE INTERNATIONALE DE KIGALI Sections: Nursery and Primary Contact: +250788405891/+250782171997 E-mail: ecoleinternkigali@yahoo.com Website: www.ecoleinternationale.rw KIMIHURURA, Intambwe, KG 28 AV No :8

TEMOIGNAGE D’UN PARENT A vous tous parents dont les enfants fréquentent l’Ecole Internationale de Kigali, à vous tous aussi qui désirent y faire inscrire vos enfants, à vous tous enfin qui sont encore dans l’embrras du choix d’une école de vos rêves pour vos bambins, bonjour!

J’ai l’immense joie de vous partager brièvement ce que je ressens au fond de mon coeur concernant les particularités et l’utilité de l’école de mes enfants, l’EIK en sigle.

Franchement parlant, si vous désirez une solide et durable fondation pour la scolarité de vos bien aimés enfants,une vraie bonne adresse c’est l’Ecole Internationale de Kigali. Elle constitue un gigantesque et inépuisable grenier du savoir, savoir-faire et savoir-être pour nos enfants.

Au juste, je me nomme Thérèse UWAYEZU, mère de cinq enfants et habite à Kimihurura. C’est en tant que mère, comme toutes les bonnes mères, soucieuses du bien-être et du mieuxêtre de leurs enfants, que je vous dévoile la gaité et le bonheur qui ont élu domicile en moi pour ce qui est de l’avenir radieux sur le plan intellectual de mes progénitures.

Ecoutez bien. Le brilliant succès dans leurs études découle de la bonne base acquise et consolidée par l’éducation et la formation reçues à l’EIK. Je me tiens devant vous pour vous confirmer que deux de mes enfants qui poursuivent brillamment leurs études universtitaires, l’un au

Canada et l’autre en chine à savoir: RUTAZIGWA Dullen Hernique et RUTAZIGWA GITORE Cédric sont les fruits de l’EIK. C’est ici qu’ils ont acquis les compétences de base qui leur ont permis de bien embrasser leurs études secondaires. Ils ont été dans les écoles à programme international, respectviement à NU-VISION et à GREEN HILLS ACADEMY ici à Kigali. Après leur élogieux passages dans ces deux grandes institutions, ils poursuivent actuellement leur cursus dans les deux universités susmentionnées.

Tenez, à l’issue de leurs études primaires en 2009, tous les deux ont été classé dans la première catégorie(Division I) avec mention excellente( Aggregate I) en Maths, Sciences, Etudes sociales et Anglais.

Grâce un très bon encadrement éducatif apprécié par tous les parents que bénéficient les élèves de l’EIK, j’étais sûre et certaine que la suite allait bien tourner comme sur des roulettes russes. Ce fût le cas.

fils à l’EIK, me voici de retour à la bonne source à la bonne adresse. Cette fois-ci c’est ma fille cadette qui y est inscrite en quatrième primaire.

En dernière analyse, j’ai constaté entant que mère et éducatrice de mes enfants , que les élèves qui étudient et finissent leurs études à l’EIK, s’adaptent avec beaucoup d’aisance dans toutes les grandes categories d’écoles et différents systems éducatifs: ceux qui suivent le programme national tout comme ceux poursuivant le progamme international à l’instar du Cambridge.

En effet dès la première année primaire comme vous le savez, les élèves y apprennent 3 langues: le Kinyarwanda, l’anglais et le français. Ce triliguisme constitue un atout majeur dans leur réussite scolaire. Je ne passerais pas non sous silence la valeur que l’EIK accorde à la culture rwandaise.

La bonne image de la qualité et l’excellence de l’Ecole Internationale de Kigali restera à jamais gravée dans ma mémoire et je n’arriverai jamais à enfermer cette splendide réalité au fond de moi même. Je la partagerai toujours, comme je viens de le faire avec vous.

Merci beaucoup pour votre amiable attention!

Neuf ans après le passage de mes deux September 2018

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Lead Opinion Story

Kofi Annan’s Unfinished Green Revolution

By Alan Doss Kofi Annan championed many global causes during his distinguished life and career, but as a native of Ghana, he always felt a special responsibility to Africa. And there, no issue was more important to him than tackling hunger and spurring growth through agriculture.

During his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations, Annan, who died last month, often wondered why so much of Africa – with its abundance of fertile land and freshwater – had failed to turn farming into an asset.

He even commissioned a study for the UN to analyze why “green revolutions” – agricultural reforms in Asia and Latin America that lifted millions out of poverty and accelerated economic transformations – had bypassed Africa.

That study reached a straightforward conclusion: while Africa’s farmers have the potential to meet the continent’s nutritional needs, they cannot do it alone. The study’s findings led Annan to advocate for a “uniquely African green revolution” to

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increase farm productivity, and his plea later became the basis for the African Green Revolution Forum. This month, the AGRF – one of the world’s most important platforms for African agriculture – gathered for its annual meeting to discuss ways to help the continent feed itself.

Africa’s agricultural sector has come a long way since 2010, when Annan chaired the first AGRF meeting, in Accra. Today, governments across the continent, including in Rwanda, this year’s host country, have placed agriculture at the center of their socioeconomic policies. This focus is creating jobs and improving food security and nutrition, while innovative partnerships are helping to build more viable, inclusive agribusinesses.

And yet, despite progress, millions of Africans continue to suffer from hunger and extreme poverty. As leaders gathered for another round of AGRF discussions, Annan’s vision of a food-secure and prosperous Africa was more relevant than ever.

Today, five key challenges are impeding Africa’s agricultural progress; each needs urgent attention. First, Africa’s

governments must make good on pledges to allocate at least 10% of public spending to agriculture. At the moment, only 13 countries are hitting this mark. Simply put, Africa will continue to fall short of its economic potential if public and private investment in agriculture is not increased.

Second, Africa needs an

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Opinion

would promote economic growth, attract new investors, create jobs, and help prevent food insecurity.

accountability system to measure policies and progress against key performance indicators.

To that end, the African Union should endorse a new African Leaders for Nutrition initiative that is developing scorecards for agriculture and nutrition programs.

During his tenure as SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Annan, who died last month, often wondered why so much of Africa – with its abundance of fertile land and freshwater – had failed to turn farming into an asset.

Third, regional and international donors must direct more aid to the millions of smallholder farmers who rely on agriculture to make ends meet. Africa’s small farmers can be integrated into agricultural value chains, but not without first increasing farm productivity. To improve yields, smallholder farmers need access to highquality seeds and fertilizers, innovative financing, and modern technology. Most important, support must be directed to the future of African agriculture – young people and women.

Fourth, the volume of agricultural trade between countries must be increased, which can be accomplished by harmonizing trade regulations, lowering transportation costs, reducing tariffs, and improving warehouse and cold-storage facilities. A more robust intra-African food trade

Finally, everyone involved in strengthening Africa’s agricultural sector – from donors to farmers – must never forget the transformative power of partnerships. Rather than working at odds, Africa’s governments, businesses, financial institutions, NGOs, and farmers’ organizations should pool their resources and expertise whenever possible.

In 2006, when Annan stepped down as UN Secretary-General, he commented that in his next job, people might call him “Farmer Kofi.” Many of his colleagues assumed he was joking; he wasn’t. While his post-UN portfolio ranged from peacebuilding in Syria to political dialogue in Kenya, he never stopped advocating for Africa’s smallholder farmers.

For Annan, the eradication of hunger was not an end but rather a means to creating a more just and peaceful world.

As he put it in an interview in 2013, “a hungry man is not a free man,” because he can focus only on his next meal.

Now that Annan is gone, it is up to the rest of us to ensure that his vision of freedom for Africa is realized.

Alan Doss is President of the Kofi Annan Foundation.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018

www.project-syndicate.org

September 2018

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Intiti Lead Story SPORT M AG A Z I N E

What is the future of motorsport in Rwanda

By Jejje Muhinde The 2018 Africa Motorsport Rally Championship is left with two round events in Tanzania and Rwanda according to FIA/African Rally calendar schedule.

Already, Kenyan driver Manvir Baryana and his pace reader Drew Sturrock top the standing with 75 points, after five rounds. Marvir is now on the verge of a second ARC title with two races to go: Tanzania and Mountain Gorilla Rally in Rwanda due in September. The 2018 motorsport glory is all but in sight.

This year, Rwanda was not represented by any crew during the five ARC series starting with Rally Bandama of Ivory Coast, not even in South Africa, or Zambia, and during the Pearl of Africa Rally in Uganda.

The reason is simple; trends are changing, technology is changing so fast, aside motorsport is now a sport dominated by those with the finances to acquire the latest modern rally cars in order to compete on the same level like others.

National champion Jean

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September 2018

Claude Gakwaya and Jean Claude Mugabo could not register for this year’s African Rally series, because their car had mechanical problems. That is not likely to change since there are no upcoming youngsters.

“Lack of serious competition among the local drivers has kept away corporate sponsors, which has in turn affected the growth of motorsport in Rwanda besides the new rules by FIA. Meaning that Rwandan drivers find it extremely tough to compete against the top dogs on the continent,” observes Gakwaya.

After being suspended by Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) because of issues related to indiscipline in 2016, former rally champion Davite Giancarlo decided to switch license from Rwanda to Burundi.

Giancalo’s navigator Sylvia Vindevogel said “we have switched license, it hurts so much to race somewhere else but we don’t think Rwanda Automobile Club is fair to drivers. We have to race where the sport is clean and fair.”

The Gianca crew won the Mountain Gorilla champ in

“The sport needs an overhaul and boost, right now the sport is in crisis– and to pretend otherwise is to ignore the host of issues at the centre of the sport’s declining popularity at the local level.”

Peter Karemera Rally enthusiast

2013; they are the only team that managed to carry the Rwandan national flag in the last five African Rally events.

Other local drivers like Fabrice Yoto/Regis Remede (Toyota-Cellica) could not race at the continent level because of financial challenges and their car is not road legal to race in the competition.

Another former Rwandan driver, Christakis Fitidis navigated by Eric Nzamwita switched their license to Uganda because there

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where the local sport is heading since there are no efforts being made to attract young drivers. Major sponsors like KCB have pulled out.

The sport seems to have lost its magic. It is now hard to tell how RAC will entertain the people if the motorsport body has failed to understand a thing anymore.

are many racing events organized by Uganda Motorsport Federation.

Elefter Mitraros the winner of the 2015 Mountain Gorilla champions decided to hanger his gear; reliable sources have revealed that his Subura Impreza is up for sell.

Others like Edmond Kazungu, Natalie Cox and John Murengezi seem to have retired from the sport.

Apparently it is hard to tell where the sport is heading

in Rwanda. RAC organizes local events like the Huye Rally, but such events have attracted fewer top drivers and the turn up is very absurd.

The recent introduction of Karting racing in the country will help to attract upcoming drivers but, in rally its all about having the passion and resources because today Skoda RS 5 racing car is estimated at a cost about $500,000 to $700,000.

For now, it is hard to tell

Rally enthusiast Peter Karemera says, “The sport needs an overhaul and boost, right now the sport is in crisis– and to pretend otherwise is to ignore the host of issues at the centre of the sport’s declining popularity at the local level.”

“We all know, rallying is very expensive, with standards of preparation especially if the campaign is on an international FIA level, but it cannot be complicated to organize a calendar to attract sponsors to fund local events. Neighboring countries organize races every month which is different in Rwanda.” he added.

Karemera thinks it is high time RAC does something otherwise the sport is really diminishing.

September 2018

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Intiti M AG A Z I N E

Technology Lead Story review

Questions that everybody is asking about Blockchain? charges membership or subscription fees, accepts donations, or any other kind of payment, can benefit enormously by having a cryptocurrency payment gateway integrated into it.

What is a blockchain?

In simple terms, a blockchain to simply put is a method of recording data. It’s a digital ledger of anything that needs to be documented and verified as having happened. This could be transactions, contracts, agreements or anything else that would benefit from being viewed in a completely trusted and transparent format.

What is the link with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?

Bitcoin is the name of the best-known cryptocurrency, the one for which blockchain technology was invented. A cryptocurrency is a medium of exchange, such as the US dollar, but is digital and uses encryption techniques to control the creation of monetary units and to verify the transfer of funds.

How does it work?

Transactions are passed from node to node within the network, so the order in which 2 transactions reach each node can be different.

The Bitcoin network orders transaction by putting them together into groups called blocks, each block

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September 2018

contains a definite amount of transactions and a link to the previous block.

Why is everyone talking about Blockchain?

With the recent news that the value of bitcoin is at a record high, it’s led to many speculating that digital assets are finally making a push into the mainstream.

Like paper money and gold before it, bitcoin and ether allow parties to exchange value. Unlike their predecessors, they are digital and decentralized. For the first time in history, people can exchange value without intermediaries which translates to greater control of funds and lower fees.

Who is intergrated in Blockchain?

Any application or website that either sells products,

Adding some form of bitcoin API to your new app will not only help to boost income by drawing in all those people who like to pay in bitcoin, but will also help your company to save money as most payment gateway transaction fees are lower than the credit card fees charged by the banks, etc.

Many companies that includes those that offer discreet services such as adult toys, for example, are finding huge benefits in allowing their customers to pay in cryptocurrency. Since most people often don’t want such transactions to appear on their monthly credit card statements, cryptocurrencies are often viewed as a muchwelcomed method of payment.

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