Sme Business Guide-Final.2-4

Small and Medium Enterprises
(SME) BUSINESS GUIDE
RWANDA SMALL AND MEDIUM

ENTERPRISES (SME)
BUSINESS GUIDE
1
TABLE OF CONTENT Small and Medium Enterprises
Acronyms and Abbreviations.....................................................................................................................................................4
Foreword…….......................................................................................................................................................................................6
SECTION ONE: SUMMARY OF THE SME DEVELOPMENT POLICY..............................................................10
1.0 Overview.................................................................................................................................................................10
1.1 Definition of SMEs.............................................................................................................................................10
1.2 SME Development Policy Implementing Partners...............................................................................11
1.2.1 Rwanda Development Board (RDB).......................................................................................................11
1.2.2 Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM)……………….....………………..…………………………………..….12
1.2.3 Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA)......................................................................................................12
1.2.4 Private Sector Federation (PSF).............................................................................................................12
1.2.5 Rwanda Development Bank (BRD)........................................................................................................13
1.2.6 Business Development Fund....................................................................................................................13
1.3 SME Development Policy Objectives and Selected Initiatives........................................................13
1.3.1 Policy Objective 1: Promote a Culture of Entrepreneurship among Rwandans...............14
1.3.2 Policy Objective 2: Facilitate SMEs Access to Business Development Services..............16
1.3.3 Policy Objective 3: Put in Place Mechanisms for SMEs to Access Appropriate
Business Financing.............................................................................................17
1.3.4 Policy Objective 4: Simplify the Fiscal and Regulatory Framework for SMEs Growth....17
SECTION TWO: ACCESS TO BUSINESS REGISTRTION....................................................................................24

2.0 Business Registration.....................................................................................................................................24
2.1 Sector Specific Registration Services:…………………………………………………………………..……………………32
SECTION THREE: ACCESS TO BUSINESS FINANCING.....................................................................................48

3.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................48
SECTION FOUR: ACCESS TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.........................................................86

4.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................86
SECTION FIVE: ACCESS TO OTHER BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES.....................................................110

5.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................110
5.1 Legal Service and Arbitration...................................................................................................................110
5.2 Marketing and Advertising Services......................................................................................................122
5.3 Auditing and Accounting Services..........................................................................................................117
5.4 Clearing, Forwarding and Transportation Service..........................................................................130
5.5 Insurance Service Providers.....................................................................................................................140
ANNEX 1: PRACTICAL TAXATION TIPS...............................................................................................................148
ANNEX 2: SIMPLE IMPORT AND EXPORT PROCEDURES...........................................................................151
2 ANNEX 3: PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES............................................................................................................1523
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADB African Development Bank PFI Participating Financial Institutions

BDS Business Development Services PPPMER Projet Pour la Promotion des Petites et Micro
BDF Business Development Fund Enterprises Rurales
BNR National Bank of Rwanda PTA Preferential Trade Agreement
BPI Business Partners International PPP Public Private Partnership
BRD Rwanda Development Bank PSF Private Sector Federation
BTC Belgian Technical Cooperation RAMA La ‘Rwandaise d’Assurance Maladie
CAPMER Centre d’Appui aux Petites et Moyennes Enterprises RBS Rwanda Bureau of Standards
CBS Centre for Business Solutions RCA Rwanda Cooperative Agency
CMA Capital Markets Authority RDB Rwanda Development Board
DFID Department for International Development REDP Rwanda Entrepreneurship Development Program
DPs Development Partners REMA Rwanda Environmental Management Authority
EDPRS Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy RIF Rural Investment Facility
EEG Enterprises Expansion Grant RRA Rwanda Revenue Authority
EIB European Investment Bank RSSB Rwanda Social Security Board
GDP Gross Domestic Product RTTA Rwanda Travel and Tour Operators Association
GoR Government of Rwanda RURA Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency
GIZ German International Cooperation RWF Rwandan Francs
ICT Information and Communications Technology SACCO Savings and Credit Cooperatives
IDA International Development Association SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises
IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development TVET Technical Vocational Education and Training
IFC International Finance Cooperation USADF United States African Development Foundation
IPAR Institute of Policy Analysis and Research USAID United States Agency for International Development
JICA Japan International Corperation Agency VAT Value Added Tax
MFI Micro Finance Institutions WB World Bank
MINEDUC Ministry of Education WDA Workforce Development Authority
MINICOM Ministry of Trade and Industry
MINIRENA Ministry of Natural Resources
MOH Ministry Of Health
NCHE National Council for Higher Education
NGOs Non Governmental Organizations
OAG Operational Assistance Grants
ORG Office of Registrar General
4 5
FOREWORD Small and Medium Enterprises
T
his Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) ■Section
■ Two: Business Registration Service
Business Guide has been developed by Providers
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to ■Section
■ Three: Access to Business Financing
support the growth and development of small and ■Section
■ Four: Access to Business Development
medium enterprises in Rwanda. The SME Business Services
Guide contains a summary of the SME development ■Section
■ Five: Access to other Business
policy, information on business registration, access Support Services
to business financing, and access to business
development services available to existing and The Guide provides general information current as at
potential local entrepreneurs. the time of production. While every effort has been
taken to ensure accuracy of information provided in
This Guide has been developed upon the realization this document, it is not intended to be a substitute for
that SMEs form the bedrock of the economy and professional advice.
will be a key input in the implementation of the SME
development policy that was passed by Government Rwanda Development Board (RDB) would like to thank
in 2010. SMEs are frequently the prime source of you for taking time to use the Guide and hope that it
new jobs and play a crucial role in income generation, will be a catalyst to your growth and development.
especially for the poor. Many governments and
international donor agencies seek to promote the
development of SMEs through establishing support Clare Akamanzi
agencies and enterprise development projects. CEO, RDB
An important element for promoting enterprise

development is to have a suitable enabling
environment for business creation, survival and
growth. The enabling environment refers, among
other things, to policy and regulatory issues,
infrastructure, financial and business development
services. This Guide therefore acts as a one-stop
information point for SMEs to access business
development services and enhance their capacity.
The Guide is structured into five sections including:

■Section
■ One: Summary of the SME
Development Policy
6 7
SECTION ONE:

SUMMARY
OF THE SME
DEVELOPMENT
POLICY
8 9
SECTION ONE: Small and Medium Enterprises
SUMMARY OF THE SME DEVELOPMENT POLICY

1.0 OVERVIEW SMEs are therefore defined as below:
The Government of Rwanda (GoR) has a vision to become a middle-income
Table 1: Definition of SMEs:
country. In order to achieve this goal the medium term Economic Development
Size of the Enterprise Net Capital Investment Annual Turnover Number of
and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) states that it must achieve an annual (Million RWF) (Million RWF) Employees
GDP growth rate of 8.1% and increase off-farm employment to 30% by 2012.
Micro Enterprises Less than 0.5 Less than 0.3 1 to 3
Small Enterprises 0.5 to 15 0.3 to 12 4 to 30
The SME sector, including formal and informal businesses, comprises 98% of Medium Enterprises 15 to 75 12 to 50 31 to 100
the businesses and 41% of all private sector employment in Rwanda. Most Large Enterprises More than 75 More than 50 More than 100
micro and small enterprises employ up to four people, showing that growth in
Source: SME Development Policy 2010
the sector would create significant private sector non-agricultural employment
opportunities. Currently, over 80% of the population is engaged in agricultural
production. A Micro Enterprise is therefore defined as an enterprise employing maximum 3
(Source: SME Development Policy 2010) people; annual sales/revenue turnover of maximum 0.3million and net capital
investment of maximum 0.5 million.
The SME sector also has the potential to lower Rwanda’s trade imbalance and
it is the GoR’s vision to increase the role of value-added exports to increase A Small Enterprise is defined as an enterprise employing 4 to 30 people; annual
export revenue and reduce the import-export gap. The GoR also seeks to reduce sales/revenue turnover of between 0.3 to 12million and net capital investment
its dependency on foreign aid and debt by increasing internal tax revenue. Since of between 0.5 to 15million.
2009, tax revenues have increased largely from the collection of Value Added
Tax (VAT) and the role of SMEs in this cannot be undermined. A Medium Enterprise is defined as an enterprise employing 31 to 100 people;
annual sales/revenue turnover of 12 to 50 million and net capital investment
Despite the above, there had not been a coordinated policy to address the SME of 15 to 75million.
landscape and unlock the underlying potential of SMEs in national development
prior to 2010. In order to contribute to achieving increased off-farm employment
and tax revenue, the GoR developed and is currently implementing a coherent 1.2 SME DEVELOPMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS
and well coordinated SME Development Policy. The major aim of the policy is
to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of the SME The SME Development Policy 2010 is being implemented through a host of
sector in Rwanda. government agencies which include the following:
1.1 DEFINITION OF SMES 1.2.1 Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

According to the SME Development Policy 2010, SMEs have to fulfill two of three RDB was formed to coordinate and combine all services and support for
indicators- net capital investments, annual turnover and number of employees. Rwandan private sector development including investment and export support,
business registration, environmental and tax advice, free trade zone and IT
development and cluster specific programs such as tourism development.
RDB’s vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business
10 11
SUMMARY OF THE SME DEVELOPMENT POLICY Small and Medium Enterprises
investment and innovation focuses on the macro situation in Rwanda. à-vis the GoR. Working through organized chambers, PSF collects information
RDB is the lead agency in the policy implementation and provides several from private sector actors, provides training and support to these actors and
specific initiatives to support SMEs, including training programs, networking advocates for their needs. PSF runs a network of Business Development Service
and moveable asset registration, in addition to working to improve the overall Centers (BDS) under a new model of independent BDS providers within the
business environment in Rwanda. framework of public private partnerships. PSF also hosts an annual business
plan competition to support youth in business, which has grown from 10 to
1.2.2 Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) 100 winners a year. Winners receive guaranteed loans from partner banks.
MINICOM is a government ministry mainly responsible for creating a conducive
business environment for growth; increasing the share of services and 1.2.5 Rwanda Development Bank (BRD)
manufacturing in GDP; supporting private sector growth and job creation with The financial sector is also working to support Rwandan SMEs through financing
a focus on SMEs; and promoting trade integration into regional and global mechanisms. A large proportion of the Rwanda Development Bank’s (BRD)
markets with a focus on improving the country’s trade balance. The ministry lending activities provide direct financing to SMEs and cooperatives, refinancing
has a vision to achieve accelerated and sustained economic growth led by a to microfinance institutions, equity financing and equipment leasing through
dynamic and competitive private sector. agricultural and other loan funds. These loans provide financing primarily for
agricultural production activities, in marketing as well as processing, and
The ministry is currently implementing a variety of programs through its Single through non-agricultural activities such as tourism, ICT, social infrastructure,
Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) aimed at SME growth and development. manufacturing and services. Other lending facilities, managed by commercial
Some of these include the Hanga Umurimo Project, Projet pour la Promotion banks as well as Micro-finance Institutions (MFI), target women, cooperatives,
des Petites et Micro-Entreprises Rurales (PPPMER-II); Competitiveness and youth and agro-business.
Enterprise Development Project (CEDP); Rwanda Investment Climate Project
(RICP); Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF); Governance for Competitiveness 1.2.6 Business Development Fund
Technical Assistance Project (G4C). BDF Ltd is a multi-talented limited company, with expertise in the areas of Credit
Guarantee, Lines of Credits, Matching Grants and Business Advisory Services.
1.2.3 Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) BDF Ltd administers funds from different government entities such as: Funds
Rwanda Cooperative Agency has been created to support the development of for agriculture from MINAGRI; Funds for women from MIGEPROF; Funds for
Rwandan cooperatives, whose business activities are similar to SMEs, though public service retrenched employees from MIFOTRA; Funds for Microfinance
they have a different taxation and registration procedure. It works to train refinancing; Funds for SMEs (developmental projects in other sectors). BDF is a
and regulate cooperatives in tandem with the Rural Small/Micro Enterprises subsidiary of Rwanda Development Bank.
Promotion Project Phase II (PPPMER-II), a project in MINICOM, mandated to
provide marketing and other support to cooperatives and SMEs in rural areas.
1.3 SME DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES AND SELECTED
1.2.4 Private Sector Federation (PSF) INITIATIVES
Supported by the GoR, though a private sector member based institution, the
Private Sector The GoR has put together five policy objectives in order to address the challenges
Federation (PSF) was formed to represent the interests of the private sector vis- faced by SMEs and enhance their growth and development. Each of these policy
12 13
objectives has several specific strategies and there are some initiatives that implemented in two phases with phase one commencing in Kigali City and one
are already being undertaken through the various implementing partners and urban district in each province. The project will be rolled out to other parts of
government agencies as summarized below: the country in Phase Two. The fund is managed under the Ministry of Labor and
Public Service (MIFOTRA).
1.3.1 Policy Objective 1:
Promote a Culture of Entrepreneurship among Rwandans Inspire Africa:
Inspire Africa is a regional Human Capital Development organization with the
The first policy objective is to address the lack of entrepreneurial skills in sole goal of engineering successful entrepreneurship in Africa through identifying
Rwandans. Entrepreneurial culture is underdeveloped given the short history of the best business minds and guiding them through their entrepreneurial cause
business in the country and the absence of successful role models. Based on by providing them with logistical assistance, knowledge and other requisite
this background, the government of Rwanda through the various government services to propel them into successful business personalities. The program
agencies and ministries has introduced a number of initiatives to help improve is held annually and prize money is awarded on a competitive basis with the
entrepreneurship culture in the country. Some of these initiatives include the overall winner getting US$ 50,000. It involves participants from other regional
following: countries like Kenya and Uganda. Though a private entity, Inspire Africa has
received tremendous funding and support from the Rwanda Development
Hanga Umurimo Project: Board.
Hanga Umurimo project is a country wide entrepreneurship drive that is aimed
at creating 1.4 million off-farm jobs across the country by 2020. The project is Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET):
under the stewardship of MINICOM with other participating partners like RDB, TVET is a program being championed by the Workforce Development Authority
BRD, BDF, PSF and Financial Institutions. It aims at rewarding 10 best business (WDA). The program was identified as one way of transforming Rwanda into a
plans in every district with start-up or expansion capital. The criteria for award middle income country by enabling many people especially the youth to become
of funding is based on innovativeness, potential for job creation, position within job creators as opposed to being job seekers. The Government of Rwanda will
the district’s top five priority clusters and potential for value addition and export. therefore establish five Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centers equipped with
an Incubation Center that will help nurture technical and vocational skills across
Business Plan Competition: the country.
The Business Plan Competition was initiated by PSF in 2004 in order to identify
and provide funding to promising enterprises through competition in Rwanda. Skills Development Fund (SDF):
The program aims at providing funding and technical support to young and The Skills Development Fund is an initiative of the Workforce Development
start-up Rwandan entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable technical Authority with support from the World Bank. SDF aims at minimizing the skills
ideas, identified through a competitive process nationwide. gaps by rapidly increasing the supply of high demand skills in the labour market.
Grants range from US$10,000 to US$100,000. The funding is eligible for both
Kuremera Fund-MIFOTRA private and public training institutions including non-governmental organizations
Kuremera Fund was conceived as one of the strategies to generate jobs, thus that provide training and is granted on a competitive basis.
solving the unemployment problem in the long run. Kuremera is a five year
program targeting unskilled, semiskilled youth and women. The program will be
14 15
1.3.2 Policy Objective 2: Facilitate SMEs Access to Business Development Services developments can have on the SME sector and especially manufacturing and
The second policy objective aims at facilitating SMEs access to business start-ups. In this regard, the GoR has embarked on infrastructural development.
development services. This has 3 components, each of which contributes to Access to ICT services is now possible through the BDS centers.
improving services and providing capacity building support for SMEs. These
components include: A number of initiatives have also been created to encourage innovation amongst
the SMEs. Several awards have been initiated to help recognize achievements
1. Business Development Services: in the economy. Some of these awards include the RDB Business Excellence
RDB has established business development service centers in each of the 30 Awards; Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies and other sector specific awards.
districts in the country. These centers provide a variety of services including;
Access to finance training; Market information; Access to IT; Business advisory 1.3.3 Policy Objective 3: Put in Place Mechanisms for SMEs to Access Appropriate
clinics; Training on bookkeeping; Advice for completing tax return; and Tax Business Financing
advisory services amongst others. The GoR is committed to addressing the problem of lack of access to finance
which has been frequently cited as one of the biggest challenges for SMEs. In this
The BDS centers are being managed by private consultants under a public- regard, there are funds available for SMEs to assist in lending. Currently there
private-partnership model. These centers are located in all districts. are four credit lines and four guarantee funds created by GoR for which SMEs
are eligible. These include funds for export promotion, agricultural development
2. Access to Local, Regional and International Markets and Market Information: and SME development. They are managed by two different entities: the National
The second component of access to business development services is the Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and the Rwandan Development Bank (BRD).
access to local, regional and international markets and market information.
Several initiatives have been undertaken by government regarding the access to Other initiatives under this objective include Women and Youth Access to
markets. The country is part of the East African Community (EAC) and Common Finance Rwanda which is being run by Ministry of Youth and ICT and MIGEPROF;
Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) that ensures that movement of Kuremera Fund being run by MIFOTRA; Hanga Umurimo by MINICOM; Business
goods and services are eased within member states. Plan Competition by PSF; and other guarantee funds managed under BNR and
BRD.
Private Sector Federation (PSF) has also been annually organizing the Rwanda
International Trade Fair (RITF) besides also facilitating local companies to 1.3.4 Policy Objective 4: Simplify the Fiscal and Regulatory Framework for SMEs
participate in regional and international trade fairs. This is done is collaboration Growth
with the trade division under the Trade and Manufacturing Department- RDB.
PSF also occasionally organizes provincial trade fairs. The Business development The promotion of a legal and regulatory framework, that supports the development
centers are also being equipped to provide market information and networking of SMEs, is key to both promoting and formalizing the sector. Rwanda has taken
opportunities for SMEs. tremendous steps towards improving the business environment including key
reforms to the business environment and the introduction of a flat tax regime
3. Promote Innovation and Technical Capacity of SMEs for Competitiveness for SMEs.
International experience, as well as examples from the Rwandan context,
have shown the positive impact appropriate technologies and infrastructural
16 17
New Tax Regime: Business Reforms:

The GoR has introduced a flat tax regime as per Law No. 28/2012 Since 2011, the GoR has been undertaking radical reforms which have made it
of 27/07/2012 modifying and complementing Law N° 16/2005 of easier for businesses to start, deal with construction permits, register property,
18/08/2005 on Direct Taxes on Income. This has been modified as follows: and trade across borders, to further ease doing business in the country. Other
reforms including dealing with insolvency, getting credit now with even movable
■Taxable
■ income is rounded to the nearest thousand (1,000 RWF) Rwandan property, and paying taxes have boosted Rwanda’s ratings in the World Bank’s
Francs and taxed according to the following table: ‘Doing Business Report’.
Table 3: Annual taxable income Some of the key reforms include:

Annual Taxable Income (RWF) Tax Rate
■Starting
■ a Business:
From To
Introduced free online business registration and reduced physical registration
0 360,000 0%
fees from 25,000 to 15,000Frw;
360,001 1,200,000 20%

■Registering
■ Property:
Source: Official Gazette no. 37 of 10 September 2012
Eliminated the following requirements which have now become optional;

■Small
■ enterprises must pay a lump sum tax of three percent (3%) on annual ■Notarization
■ of sale agreement and instead signature of sale agreement can
turnover. be done at the Registry during submission;
■Micro-enterprises
■ following their Annual turnover must pay the flat amount of
tax as per table below: ■Tax
■ clearance certificate is no longer required from a client and instead
RRA works directly with National Land Centre to provide information on tax
Table 4: Annual flat amount of tax
status of clients
Annual Turn Over Annual Flat Amount of Tax Due in
Rwandan Francs ■Dealing
■ with Construction Permits:
From 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 60,000 Several application procedures were merged from 14 to 6 procedures relieving
From 4,000,001 to 7,000,000 120,000 clients of interaction with utility providers. In a single application form, a client
From 7,000,001 to 10,000,000 210,000 will apply for a construction permit, connections for water, electricity and
telephones.
Source: Official Gazette n0. 37 of 10 September 2012

■Trading
■ Across Borders:
Only three out of eight required documents for customs declarations are
The above tax regime came into effect on 10th September 2012. The now required making other three optional. Those maintained are; commercial
government has also simplified tax payment for SMEs to quarterly payments as invoice; Packing list and Bill of Lading/airway bill and those made optional
opposed to the monthly declarations that were being previously used. are; Certificate of origin; Health certificate; Transit cargo document; Terminal
18 19
handling receipt and Importation License.

■Other
■ key reforms include the insolvency law; the establishment of a credit
reference bureau and the establishment of an arbitration center.
The next sections provide information on registration requirements, access to business

financing, access to business development services and access to other business development
services.
20 21
SECTION TWO:
ACCESS TO
BUSINESS
REGISTRATION
SERVICES
22 23
SECTION TWO: Small and Medium Enterprises
ACCESS TO BUSINESS REGISTRATION

2.0 BUSINESS REGISTRATION Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Gishushu, Nyarutarama Road,
Most businesses operating in Rwanda start informally as a family business; P.O.Box 6239, Kigali Rwanda
formalization of the business only becomes necessary when there is a need to obtain Tel: 252 580804
an operating license, open up a business bank account, and to separate the business Email: info@rdb.rw
operation from personal finances. Website: www.rdb.rw
The steps required to formalize a business in Rwanda have been simplified with Contact: Office of Registrar General (ORG)
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) acting as a one-stop center for investors. It’s
advisable to register the business entity no matter the size of operation. Logical steps Organizational Brief:
to setting up a company include: The Office of the Registrar General (ORG) is a division of the Investment
■Deciding
■ on the type of business Promotion and Implementation Department at RDB. Its principal role is to
■Identifying
■ a company name register and maintain a register of all businesses, secured transactions and
■Registration
■ with Rwanda Development Board intellectual property rights
■Obtaining
■ necessary secondary licenses from line ministries and government
agencies Services:
■Register
■ with local authorities/councils/ for operating permits e.g. trading ■Registering
■ individual enterprises
license ■Registering
■ local companies
■Register
■ with RSSB if you employ more than 8 people ■Registering
■ a branch of foreign company in Rwanda
■Register
■ with Rwanda Revenue Authority and obtain a Tax Identification
Number (TIN) and VAT number Requirements for Accessing Services:
■Registration
■ has been simplified and starting a business now requires two Registering Individual Enterprises
steps and 6 hours only: ■Complete
■ the application form
■Copy
■ of ID and one colored passport photo
Step 1: Approval of Company name, Submitting your application and fees ■Payment
■ of registration fees of RWF 2,000 at RDB
Step 2: Obtaining Certificate of Incorporation:
Registering local companies:
The registration process has also been further simplified with the services currently ■Complete
available free online on www.org.rdb.rw/busregonline ■Copy
■ of ID/Passport of applicant
■Complete
■ two copies of Article 14 of the Companies Act (Memorandum of
Association)
For various registration related services, contact the following organizations; ■Payment
■ of registration fee of RWF 15,000 at RDB
Registering a branch of foreign company in Rwanda:

■Complete
■Duly
■ authenticated certificate of registration from country where the company
24 25
ACCESS TO BUSINESS REGISTRATION Small and Medium Enterprises
is incorporated (notarized by a public notary)

■Memorandum
■ and Articles of Association (notarized) Filing additional activities for Filing additional activities for Change in share capital:
Individual business: companies: - Submit shareholder
■List
■ of Directors residing in Rwanda - Complete the application - Complete the application resolution authorizing
■Copy
■ of ID of company representative form form change in share capital
- Submit original of - Two notarized copies of - Submit share certificates
■Power
■ of Attorney authorizing the representative to act on behalf of the registration certificate minutes of the Board for newly issued shares
company (notarized) - Payment of RWF 2000 at meeting authorizing the - Payment of RWF 12,000 at
RDB filing of additional activities RDB
■Payment
■ of registration fee of RWF 15,000 at RDB - Original registration
certificate
- Payment of RWF 10,000 at
RDB
The Office of the Registrar General allows companies to make changes to the
business and submit an annual return. The table below offers a summary of the Duplicate of registration Change of company name: Issuing certificate of non-
certificate: - Notarized minutes of Board bankruptcy:
different procedures and requirements to file changes as well as other services - Proof of loss of original meeting authorizing the - Letter to ORG requesting
offered by the ORG. certificate from the high change of name certificate of non-bankruptcy
court - Complete the form provided - Tax clearance certificate
- Copy of registration - Payment of RWF 3,000 at from RRA
certificate RDB - Certificate of non-
- Complete the application bankruptcy issued by a
form commercial court
- Payment of RWF 10,000 at - Patente issued by local
RDB government
- Copy of registration
certificate
- Payment of RWF 1,000 at
RDB
Cessation of trading activities: Transfer of shares: Re-registration in compliance

- Letter to the Registrar - Complete form provided with the new Companies Act:
General with copy stamped - Notarized minutes of board - Complete application form
by RRA meeting authorizing and provided
- Tax clearance certificate detailing the transfer of - Submit original certificate of
from RRA shares registration
- Original of registration - Provide share certificate for - Submit TIN
certificate each shareholder (issued by - Copy of ID/Passport of all
the company and duly shareholders and directors
signed by the Managing - Amended memorandum
Director) and articles of association
- Copy of the company
register
- Payment of RWF10,000
- Payment of RWF 2,000 for
the filing deed
26 27
Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB)
Kacyiru, Kigali P.O.Box 250/6655 Kigali-Rwanda
P. O. Box 6229, Kigali, Rwanda Plot 1003 Ubumwe Cell, African Union Boulevard,
Tel. +250 78 815 2222 / +250 78 889 9971 Kiyovu, Nyarugenge
Fax +250 252 585292 Tel: 252 598400
Email: info@migration.gov.rw Fax: 252 584445
Website: www.migration.gov.rw Email: info@rssb.rw
Contact: Public Relations Office Website: www.rssb.rw
Contact: Public Relations Office
Organizational Brief:
The agency is a government agency set-up to handle immigration and emigration Organizational Brief:
services in Rwanda. Its vision is to build Rwanda as a prosperous, welcoming RSSB was established after the merger of Social Security Fund of Rwanda
and secure nation. (SSFR) with Rwanda Medical Insurance (RAMA). The mandate of the institution
is to administer social security in the country including pension, occupational
Services: risks and health insurance.
Issue residence (business) visa:
An investor as well as expatriate staff is granted a one year visa renewable. An employer contributes 5% of the employee’s monthly gross salary and 3%
is deducted from the employee’s gross salary as contribution to the social
Cost of Services: security fund.
Residence/Business Visa:
RWF 10,000 or RWF 50,000 based on salary earned by the individual for one- Services:
year renewable. Free for East African Community citizens. ■Registration
■ for social security
■Issuance
■ of social security clearance certificate
Requirement for Accessing the Service: ■Health
■ insurance and occupational risks
All applicants require the following documents: ■Pensions
■
■Immigration
■ application form
■2■ passport photos Cost of Services:
■Valid
■ passport ■Registration
■ for social security- free
■Police
■ clearance certificate from current country of residence ■Issuance
■ of social security clearance certificate: RWF 10,000
■Health
■ insurance and occupational risks: Depends on package subscribed to.
■Pensions:
■ Registration is free
Requirements for Access of Services:

Registration for social security:
■Certificate
■ of Incorporation (Business)
28 29
■Filled
■ and stamped application form ■VAT
■ registration
■Employee
■ contracts ■License
■ to operate a private or public bonded warehouse
■License
■ to operate a duty free shop
Issuance of social security clearance certificate:
■Declaration
■ for the quarter Cost of Services:
■Proof
■ of payment of all dues (3% monthly contribution by the employee and Issuance of TIN numbers and VAT registration: is provided free of charge
5% monthly contribution by the employer) Proof of payment of certificate fees
License to operate a bonded warehouse:
Health insurance and occupational risks: ■USD
■ 2,000 for public bonded warehouse per year
■Certificate
■ of registration ■USD
■ 3,000 for private bonded warehouse per year
■List
■ of beneficiaries and the selected package
License to operate a duty free shop:
Pensions: ■USD
■ 3,000 per year
■Certificate
■ of registration ■Free
■ if operating within the airport
■Social
■ Security registration certificate
■Employee
■ registration number Requirements for Accessing Services:
■Employee
■ contracts ■Certificate
■ of Incorporation for (VAT and TIN registration)
Private or public bonded warehouse:

Rwanda Revenue Authority ■Applicant
■ must be a Rwandan or a permanent resident or an investor
Kimihurura Avenue du Lac Muhazi, registered with RDB
P. O. Box 3987 – Kigali, Rwanda ■Possession
■ of a trading license issued in Rwanda
Tel: 252 595500 ■Tax
■ clearance certificate
Toll Free Line: 3004 (Call Center) ■Filled-in
■ application form
E-mail: info@rra.gov.rw ■Plan
■ for the premises
Website: www.rra.gov.rw ■Bank/insurance
■ guarantee
Contacts: Commissioner Domestic Taxes
Duty free shops:
Organizational Description: ■Be
■ a permanent resident or an investor registered with RDB
The Rwanda Revenue Authority was established under law N° 15/97 of 8 ■Trade
■ license issued in Rwanda
November 1997 as a quasi-autonomous body charged with the task of assessing, ■Tax
■ clearance certificate
collecting, and accounting for tax, customs and other specified revenues. ■Submission
■ of a plan, location of shop and the business plan
■Bank
■ guarantee
Services: ■Payment
■ of license fee (if applicable)
■Issuance
■ of TIN Numbers
30 31
2.1: Sector Specific Registration Services 1,000,000,000

Upon incorporation of the company at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the
following are some of the sector specific license granting authorities that may License to operate as an insurance broker:
be necessary for your business: ■■Application fees of RWF 100,000 and minimum capital of RWF 50,000,000
License to operate a forex bureau:

National Bank of Rwanda Minimum capital of 20,000,000 and application fees of RWF 150,000 and
Kiyovu, Kigali supervision fees of 300,000
P.O.Box 531, Kigali, Rwanda
Tel: 252 591423 Requirements for Accessing Services:
Fax: 252 572551 License to operate a commercial bank:
Website: www.bnr.rw License to operate a microfinance:
License to operate an insurance company:
Organizational Brief: License to operate as an insurance broker:
National Bank of Rwanda is a government agency set up to ensure and maintain ■Fill
■ business registration forms or notarized copies of articles and memorandum
price stability; enhance and maintain a stable and competitive financial system; of association
and to support government’s general economic policies. It is also charged with ■Certificate
■ of incorporation
regulating the financial sector. ■A■ five year business plan
■Management
■ agreements or service contracts
Services: ■Professional
■ indemnity covers of RWF 200,000,000 from a registered
■License
■ to operate a commercial bank insurance company in Rwanda.
■License
■ to operate a microfinance ■Minimum
■ capital of RWF 50million
■License
■ to operate an insurance company
■License
■ to operate as an insurance broker License to operate a forex bureau:
■License
■ to operate a forex bureau ■A■ certified copy of the resolution of the shareholders.
■A■ certificate of incorporation
Cost of Services: ■The
■ applicant’s memorandum and articles of association
License to operate a commercial bank: ■A■ declaration by the applicant that no director, shareholder or a staff has a
■Application
■ fees of RWF 5,000,000, minimum capital of RWF similar position or role in any other forex bureau;
5,000,000,000 and supervision fees of RWF 5,000,000 per month ■A■ bank statement of the forex bureau’s shareholders and directors for a
period of six months prior to the date of application;
License to operate a microfinance: ■Credit
■ reports from a credit reference bureau for the shareholders, directors
■Application
■ fees of RWF 50,000 and minimum capital of RWF 300,000,000 or managers of the forex bureau;
License to operate an insurance company: ■Latest
■ tax compliance certificate or certified true copy of income tax returns
■Application
■ fees of RWF 1,000,000 and minimum capital of RWF for the shareholders, directors or managers of the forex bureau;
32 33
■Complete
■ a personal declaration form and sworn declaration of assets and ■Fill
■ in an application form
liabilities for each of the applicant’s shareholders, proposed directors and ■Summary
■ of the business plan
management ■Certificate
■ of incorporation
■Proof
■ of payment of a non-refundable application fee of 150,000 RWF; ■A
■ declaration by the directors that information disclosed is a true representation
■Business
■ plan and projected financial statements for at least the next 2 years; of the facts contained in the application
■An
■ insurance certificate covering the cash and valuable in premises; ■Funds
■ mobilization through IPOs:
■Fulfill
■ listing requirements
■Fulfill
■ disclosure guidelines
Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
5th Floor, Ecobank Building
Avenue de la Paix, Kigali Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA)
P. O Box 6136, Kigali-Rwanda Kiyovu,
Tel: 252 500 335 P.O.Box: 7289 Kigali-Rwanda
Email: info@cma.rw Tel: 252 584562
Website: www.cma.rw Hotline: 3988
Contacts: Public Relations Office Fax: 252 584563
Email: info@rura.gov.rw
Organizational Brief: Website: www.rura.gov.rw
The Capital Market Authority was established by the Law No11/2011, to guide Contacts: Public Relations Office
in the development of a capital market in Rwanda. The authority is charged with
regulating the capital markets and licensing stock brokers Organizational Brief:
Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) was created with the mission to
Service: regulate public utilities, such as telecommunications network and services;
■Licensing
■ stock brokers electricity; water; removal of waste products from residential or business
■Funds
■ mobilization through Initial Public Offers (IPOs) premises; extraction and distribution of gas; and transport of goods and persons.
Cost of Service: Services:

Licensing stock brokers: ■Licensing
■ (media, telecommunications, internet service providers, transport
■Application
■ fees of 300,000 providers, solid waste disposal providers)
■Admission
■ fees of 320,000 ■Monitoring
■ Performance of Service Providers
■Annual
■ subscription fee of RWF 160,000 and RWF 80,000 for dealers ■Standards
■ and Type Approval
■Tariffs
■ Review
Requirements for Accessing Services: ■Consumer
■ and User Protection
■Licensing
■ stock brokers ■Disputes
■ resolution
■Memorandum
■ and articles of association
34 35
Cost of Services: Requirements for Accessing Services:

Cost is dependent on the type of license applied for. ■Application
■ addressed to the minister in charge of higher education
Requirements for Accessing Services: ■The
■ application must be accompanied by the documents as specified on the
Requirements for licensing for private stations, internet cafes and ISPs include: ministry’s website.
■Authorization
■ from the Media High Council
■Application
■ form duly filled
■Copy
■ of certificate of incorporation Ministry of Health
■Certified
■ copy of articles and memorandum of association P.O. Box 84 Kigali, Rwanda
■Business
■ plan Tel: 252 577458
■Technical
■ proposal Fax: 252 576853
Email: info@moh.gov.rw
Website: www.moh.gov.rw
National Council for Higher Education Contact: Public Relations Office
Kacyiru
Po Box: 622 Kigali Organizational Brief:
Email: info@mineduc.gov.rw The main goal of the Ministry of Health is to provide and continually improve the
Web: www.mineduc.gov.rw health services of the Rwandan population through the provision of preventive,
Contacts: Customer Service curative and rehabilitative health care thereby contributing to the reduction of
poverty and enhancing the general well-being of the population.
National Council for Higher Education was established as an independent Services:
Government Agency to support it in transforming higher education. The ■License
■ to open a pharmacy
National Council for Higher Education is responsible for ensuring the structure, ■License
■ for operating a pharmaceutical distribution center
organization and functioning of higher education institutions and monitoring ■License
■ to operate a private clinic/a laboratory
and evaluating the quality and standard of provision and ensuring the quality ■License
■ to operate a clinic, specialized clinics, polyclinic and hospital
enhancement of teaching and research.
Cost of Service:
Services: License to open a pharmacy:
■License
■ to establish a private higher education institution ■Free
■
■Quality
■ assurance License for operating a pharmaceutical distribution center:
■Free
■
Cost of Service:
■No
■ fees are charged License to operate a private clinic/a laboratory:
■RWF
■ 10,000
36 37
License to operate a clinic, specialized clinics, polyclinic and hospital: License to operate a clinic, specialized clinics, polyclinic and hospital
■RWF
■ 50,000 for clinics and RWF 100,000 for hospitals ■Application
■ letter and applicant must be a degree holder in medicine
■Curriculum
■ vitae of the applicant
Requirements for Accessing Service: ■Staff’s
■ CV’s with a degree
License to open a pharmacy: ■Report
■ from the district recommending the application
■Application
■ letter requesting approval and must be approved by the respective
head of province or mayor of Kigali.
■Detailed
■ curriculum vitae of the pharmacist in-charge with certified copy of Ministry of Natural Resources
certificates Remera, Gishushu,
■Academic
■ papers (diplomas or degrees) P.O. Box 3502, Kigali, Rwanda
■Fully
■ completed application form Tel: +250 252 582628
■Additional
■ documents include: two passport photos, trade registration Email: info@minirena.gov.rw
certificate, copy of ID, letter committing not to practice medicine in the Website: www.minirena.gov.rw
establishment. Contact: The Minister
License for operating a pharmaceutical distribution center Organizational Brief:

■Duly
■ signed application letter The Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) was established to ensure
■Certified
■ copies of the certificate of the pharmacist in-charge sustainable management and rational use of natural resources in Rwanda.
■Certificate
■ of registration from the council of pharmacists The ministry encompasses the dockets of land, water resources, forests, and
■A
■ duly filled application form minerals.
■A
■ detailed curriculum vitae of the pharmacist in-charge
■Additional
■ documents include: two passport photos, trade registration Services:
certificate, copy of ID, letter committing not to practice medicine in the ■Issue
■ prospecting license
establishment and a contract between pharmacist and the owner of the ■Issue
■ research license
business ■Mining
■ exploitation license
■Concession
■ license
License to operate a private clinic/a laboratory:
■Application
■ letter and applicant must be a doctor Cost of Services:
■Certificate
■ of registration from the medical council Data on costs currently unavailable
■Memorandum
■ of association in case of an association
■A
■ duly recognized university degree in medicine Requirements to Access Services:
■Proof
■ of 3 years of experience Prospecting License:
■Staff’s
■ CVs with a degree ■Application
■ letter approved by the mayor
■Report
■ from the district recommending the application ■A■ topographic map showing the limitations of area being applied and duly
signed by the executive secretary and the mayor
38 39
■Business
■ plan Ministry of Internal Security
■Environmental
■ protection plan Kacyiru, Kigali
■Full
■ address of the applicant P.O. Box: 446 KIGALI - RWANDA
Tel/Fax: 252 587881
Research License: E-mail: info@mininter.gov.rw
■Must
■ be a holder of a prospecting license Website: www.mininter.gov.rw
■A
■ prospection report Contact: Permanent Secretary
■Applicant’s
■ technical and financial ability
■Business
■ plan Organizational Description:
■Feasibility
■ study The mission for the Ministry of Internal Security is to guarantee security for
■Tax
■ clearance certificate issued by RRA persons and their property throughout the country for every body’s benefit
■Environmental
■ Impact Assessment report and program of environmental without any discrimination in the strict sense of international conventions. The
protection ministry also oversees the operations of private security agencies in the country.
Mining Exploitation License Services:

■Must
■ be a holder of research license ■License
■ to operate a private security company
■Research
■ report ■Cost
■ of service: Free of charge
■Payment
■ of environmental caution fees
■Statement
■ of environmental preservation and rehabilitation Requirements for Accessing the Service:
■Tax
■ clearance certificate ■Application
■ letter indicating the complete identity of the managerial team and
■Investment
■ plan the shareholders
■Feasibility
■ study ■Company
■ profile indicating the banker and the district in which they want to
operate from
Concession License: ■Certificate
■ of good conduct for the shareholders
■Clearance
■ certificate issued by financial institutions in the country ■Notarized
■ articles and memorandum of association
■Tax
■ clearance certificate ■Trading
■ license
■A
■ statement of environmental protection and preservation ■Description
■ of the uniforms
■Investment
■ plan
40 41
Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) Certification of goods or services:

Kicukiro Centre, Kicukiro District ■Quality
■ assurance and consumer protection: free of charge
PO Box: 7099 Kigali-Rwanda,
Tel: +250 252-582945, Procedures for Accessing Services:
Fax +250 252-583305, RBS Hotline: 3250 Imports inspection
Website: www.rwanda-standards.org ■Arrival
■ of goods and Presentation of arrival note or packing list, invoice, bill of
Contact: Quality Assurance Unit lading, certificate of analysis and any other documents.
■Physical
■ verification and Sampling where necessary
Organizational Description: ■Data
■ entry and QIF payment
Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) is a public institution established to ■Release
■ under seal where sampled awaiting test results
undertake all activities pertaining to the development of standards, quality ■After
■ test result, goods/products found complying shall be released to the
assurance and metrology in the country. It is the only body with powers to define importer whereas Goods /products found not complying shall be rejected and
and posses national standards. Public services and public or private firms are detained.
required by law to present their standards to RBS for adoption at national level.
Certification of goods
Services: ■The
■ applicant fills the application form
■Imports
■ inspection ■Submission
■ of quality documents by applicant for desk audit (only required for
■Certification
■ of goods E-Mark and System certification)
■Quality
■ assurance and consumer protection ■Product
■ sampling and testing
■Correction
■ of raised non-conformities by the applicant
Cost of Services: ■Certification
■ (with validity of 2 years for product and 3 years for system)
Imports inspection: ■Surveillance
■ audits (3 audits for S-Mark, and 2 audits for E-Mark)
■An
■ importer or agent shall have the duty to pay fees to the Bureau as ■Market
■ Sampling of certified products (4 samples are taken for S-Mark, and
prescribed below: 2 samples for E-Mark)
■■ Transport, board and lodging costs and additional time of the Bureau ■Renewal
■ of certification
personnel during the inspection and sampling of the consignment or
shipment if the inspection and sampling is done outside the official station;
■■ Fees equivalent to 0.2 percent of the Cost and Freight of the
consignment or shipment for inspection, sampling and testing
■■ Additional testing fees if in the opinion of the Bureau they cannot be
covered by the 0.2 percent fee;
■■ Fees to cover the cost of re-inspection, re-sampling and re-testing of
a reworked consignment or shipment
■■ Fees to cover any re-sampling and re-testing that may be considered
by the Director
42 43
Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) ■A

■ certificate delivered by the local authorities of the District in which the
SOPETRAD, Nyarugenge Cooperative Organization is located
P.O.Box 6249, Kigali ■RCA
■ also offers other services like promotion, supervision, audit and capacity
Tel: 4163 building of the cooperatives. These services are offered free of charge for all
Email: info@rca.gov.rw cooperatives.
Website: www.rca.gov.rw
Contacts:
■■Planning and Capacity Building Unit (Training)
■■Legal Unit (Registration)
■■SACCO Development Unit (SACCOs)
Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) was set up to develop the cooperative
sector so that it serves its members equitably, efficiently and empowers them
economically. RCA is charged with the registration of SACCOs, capacity building
of these SACCOs and regulating the sector. It is a government agency.
Services:
■Registration
■ of Cooperatives:
■■Cost of registration is RWF 1,200 and this is paid to the district
account
Requirements:
■Should
■ have at least 10 members
■Letter
■ applying for legal personality
■Four
■ copies of the by-laws of the Cooperative Organization bearing the date,
signatures or finger prints of all founder members
■Four
■ copies of the minutes of the Constituent General Assembly meeting
of the Cooperative Organization bearing the signatures or finger prints of all
founder members
■Four
■ copies of a list of the members of the Board of Directors and of the
Supervisory Committee indicating their names, addresses, functions and the
signature of each member
■A■ specimen of the signature or fingerprints of persons authorized to represent
their Cooperative Organization before the law
44 45
SECTION THREE:
ACCESS TO
BUSINESS
FINANCING
46 47
SECTION THREE: Small and Medium Enterprises
ACCESS TO BUSINESS FINANCING

3.0 INTRODUCTION Rwanda Development Bank (BRD)
Accessing finance has been singled out as the most limiting factor to entrepreneurship Boulevard de la Révolution,
development and business growth especially for SMEs. In Rwanda, SMEs have access P.O.Box 1341, Kigali, Rwanda
to limited financing that has caused their retardation. The access to formal financing Tel: 252 573558 / 252 575079 / 252 575080
is still low due to risks that are inherent to SMEs and shortage of the existing financing Toll free number: 3288
options. Fax: 252 573569
E-mail: brd@brd.rw
Indeed, many entrepreneurs are hardly able to meet the requirements set by the Website: www.brd.rw
financing institutions due to lack of information on the ability of refunding, lack of Contact: SME & Leasing/Project Identification Unit
securities and the non-existence of long-term financing for SMEs. The non-banking
financial corporate such as microfinance institutions may play a critical role in granting Organizational Brief:
credits to SMEs but they do not have enough resources to serve a larger client base. BRD is the Government of Rwanda’s investment arm that finances the nation’s
development objectives with a focus on the priority sectors of the economy. It
However, with government interventions and the rapid development in the financial currently has the Export Promotion Fund, MFI credit line and SME Guarantee
sector over the last decade, there are several business financing options that are Fund under its portfolio. Other subsidiaries of BRD include the Rwanda Housing
available to SMEs including: Bank, BRD Advisory Services Ltd and Business Development Fund Ltd.
■Debt
■ finance:
■■Banks/financial institutions; this include loans, overdraft, trade Services:
financing, leasing and special assets acquisition products. ■■Investment Financing
■■Guarantee schemes offered by insurance, as well as banks to ease ■■Loans
access to credit facilities. ■■Leasing\Equity Financing
■■Government programs ■■Refinancing
■■Regional trade finance being provided by the regional banks offering ■■Capacity Building
mainly medium to long term financing , PTA and ADB ■■Advisory
■Equity
■ finance: ■■Retail Financing
■■Venture capital being offered by international development partners ■■Current Accounts
like IFC, ADB, through accredited commercial banks. ■■Mortgage Financing
■■Public listing mainly for large corporate companies like Bank of Kigali ■■Trade Finance
and Bralirwa although this option is yet to be applied to SMEs. ■■Overdrafts
Cost of Services:
For business financing facilities for SMEs, the following are the current available ■■Loans are given at an annual interest rate of 16%; Advisory service at
providers: 1% and capacity building is conducted free of charge.
48 49
ACCESS TO BUSINESS FINANCING Small and Medium Enterprises
Conditions for Accessing Services: Ecobank- Rwanda

Avenue de la Paix
General conditions: P.O.Box 3268, Kigali-Rwanda
■■The main conditions for obtaining the Bank’s financial backing are as Tel: 252 503580/1-8
follows: Fax: 252 501319/ 573790
■■A feasibility study for the project (technical and financial). Email: smugisha@ecobank.com
■■Adequate technical capacities in the field of the project for which Website: www.ecobank.com
finance is being sought, Contact: SME Relationship Officer
■■Capacity to manage the project,
■■Adequate market share to ensure a good turnover level, and project Organizational Brief:
profitability Ecobank is the leading pan-African bank with operations in 32 countries across
■■A minimum participation by the promoter varying between 30 and the continent, more than any other bank in the world. It currently operates in
50% of the cost of investment according to the size of the project. countries in West, Central, East and Southern Africa. It started operations in
Rwanda in 2007.
Guaranties:
The Bank must get adequate guarantees for the loans it gives out. These are Services:
usually in the form of: ■■Business Loans
■■Mortgages with title deeds, ■■Letters of Credit
■■A pledge of receivables, ■■Agricultural loans
■■The joint guarantee of spouse, associates, other partners… ■■Capacity building for SMEs
■■A guarantee from the Government, a guarantee fund, a bank, other
partners, foreign organizations etc. Cost of Services:
■■The pledge of material or financial resources ■■Interest rate is dependent on the prime lending rate and the lending
■■Accidents and fire insurance, etc. risk
Financial condition: Requirements for Accessing the Service:

The interest rate is negotiable between the Bank and the customer and takes ■■Should be an operational account holder
into account the cost of resources used for the financing, the collateral security ■■Fill in application form
offered, the risk of the investment, the credibility of the investor and the economic ■■Attach certificate of incorporation
and the social impact of the project. ■■Submit a viable business proposal
■■Submit security or collateral
50 51
KCB Bank Rwanda Ltd Business Loans (syndicated loans and overdrafts):
Avenue de la Paix ■■Must be an account holder
P.O.Box 5620 Kigali, Rwanda ■■Application form
Tel: (+250) 5222 ■■Viable Business Plan
E-mail: contactcentre@rw.kcbbankgroup.com ■■Collateral Security
Website: www.kcbbankgroup.com/rw ■■Certificate of Incorporation
Contact: SME Manager
Mortgage and Property Finance
Organizational Brief: ■■Application
KCB Bank Rwanda Ltd is a subsidiary of KCB Group that has its headquarters ■■Collateral
in Kenya. The bank is also found in South Sudan, Tanzania and Burundi. KCB ■■30% of amount being requested
started operations in Rwanda in 2008 and currently has 10 branches in both
Kigali and in the provinces. The bank is also cross listed on the Rwanda Stock Cost of Services:
Exchange. Interest rates range from 16 to 20% depending on the product accessed
Services and Requirements:

Business Current Account Bank of Kigali
■■Fill KCB application form Plot No.6112, Avenue de la Paix
■■Two quality colour passport-size photographs of account signatories P.O. Box 175 Kigali-Rwanda
■■Original and copy of National Identification Card or Passport Tel: +250-252 593100 or +250-788143000
■■Relevant certificate of Registration/Incorporation Call Center: 4455
Fax: +250-252 575 504 or 250-252 573 461
Business Investment Account Email: bk@bk.rw
■■KCB application form Website: www.bk.rw
■■Two quality colour passport-size photographs of account signatories Contact: Corporate Department/SME Desk
■■Original and copy of National Identification Card or Passport
■■Adequate reference Organizational Brief:
■■Relevant certificate of Registration/Incorporation The Bank started operations in 1967 and was initially founded as a joint venture
between the Government of Rwanda and Belgolaise, with each owning 50% of
Fixed and short term deposits (allows loan of up to 90% of deposit value) the ordinary share capital. It is currently the largest bank in terms of assets and
■■One quality colour passport-size photographs is the second domestic company to be listed on the stock exchange.
■■Original and copy of National Identification or Passport
■■Funds to be invested Services and Cost:
Term Loan for SMEs:
■■This is given at an interest rate of 15-17.25%
52 53
Cash Credit Lines/Overdrafts: Bank Guarantee:- Performance Bond, Advance Payment and Bid Bond
■■Interest rate of 16-17.25% Security
■■Notification letter from beneficiary
Discount on Invoices: ■■Format to follow if there is any
■■Interest rate of 16-17.25% ■■Letter of request
■■Copy if ID is Rwandan or passport if foreigner
Bank Guarantee: ■■Copy of contract
■■Interest rate of 3.5% ■■Security (house or cash collateral)
Investment Loan or Equipment Loan: Investment Loan or Equipment Loan:

■■Interest rate of 17.25% ■■List of proformas with items
■■Security i.e. building
Letters of Credit ■■Copy of ID if Rwandan or passport if foreigner
■■Financial statements for the last 3 years
Requirements for Accessing Services: ■■Trade license
■■Term Loan for SMEs: ■■MOU for a company
■■Cash Credit Lines/Overdrafts: ■■Board resolution allowing company to borrow money
■■Copy of ID if Rwandan or passport if foreigner
■■Letter of request Letters of Credit:
■■If a tender, contract from tenders required ■■Copy of ID if Rwandan or passport if foreigner
■■Proposed security ■■Letter of request
■■Financial statements for the last 2 to 3 years if a new customer ■■Financial statements for the last 2 to 3 years depending on the
■■Trade license business
■■Status of company (MOU) ■■Proformas with description of goods and amounts
■■Details of the Bank that corresponds with BK
Discount on Invoices: ■■Guarantee required
■■Letter of request ■■Tangible Security
■■Copy of ID if Rwandan or passport if foreigner ■■30% provision
■■Financial statements for the last 2 to 3 years depending on the
business
■■Pending invoices discounted and approved
■■Business contracts
■■Trade license
54 55
Amasezerano Community Banking Urwego Opportunity Bank (UOB)

African Union Boulevard (Rwandex-Sonatube) Plot 1230 Nyarugenge,
Imprimerie Select Graph Building Avenue de la Paix
P.O.Box 4691, Kigali-Rwanda P.O Box 748, Kigali, Rwanda.
Tel: 255 100980 Phone: +250 0830 3957 / +250 500 160
Email: amasezerano@rwanda1.com Fax: +250 57042
Website: www.acb.rw E-mail: info@uob.rw
Contact: Finance Department Website: www.uob.rw
Contact: Loans Officer
Organizational Description:
Amasezerano Community Banking, S.A. is a for-profit microfinance institution Organizational Brief:
founded in 2005 by the Rwandan NGO African Evangelist Enterprises-Rwanda Since 1997 Urwego Opportunity Bank (UOB) has been serving Rwandans
(A.E.E.) and 60 individual shareholders. Its mission is to bring a holistic impact who are economically-active but whose banking needs are underserved. As a
on poor people’s lives through quality financial services. Christian microfinance bank, UOB seeks to provide opportunities for those in
poverty to transform their lives, not only economically, but socially and spiritually.
Services:
■■Credit offerings including group solidarity loans, agricultural loans, Services:
loans for women entrepreneurs, small business loans, and loans for Credit:
salaried workers. ■■Loans for microenterprises and consumers so they can achieve
■■Money transfer service through MTN Mobile money (local transfer) economic transformation.
and Money Transfer (international transfer)
■■Foreign currency exchange Savings:
■■Life insurance service ■■Deposit products for microenterprises and consumers so they can
safely save their money and have convenient access to cash when
Cost of Service: needed.
Costs vary depending on inflation rate, market rate and operating cost for that
service or product. Insurance Services:
■■For microenterprises and consumers so they can secure protection
Procedures for Accessing the Service: against unexpected tragedies, natural disasters, and/or crop failures.
■■Must have an account and should be operational for at least two
months Remittance Services:
■■Certificate of business incorporation ■■Affordable channels so microenterprises and consumers can send
■■Must have a viable project proposal for which finance is being requested and receive funds.
■■Fill in application forms that are available at the bank
56 57
Education/Training: ■■Being entrepreneurs or Business person

■■On-going education/training for microenterprises and consumers so ■■Six months of experience in doing that business
they can achieve social and spiritual transformation. ■■Collateral is also required
Cost of Services: Credit line/credit cash: Both two type of individual loan are issued when there
■■Cost is dependent on existing interest rates is urgent need for financing cash. A well-determine amount to withdraw beyond
the amount available in one’s account.
Procedure for Accessing Services:
■■Must have an account and should be operational for at least two Requirements for getting credit line/credit cash:
months ■■Being our client for a minimum period of 2months
■■Certificate of business incorporation ■■Repayment capacity is required
■■Must have a viable project proposal for which finance is being requested ■■Collateral is also required
■■Fill in application forms that are available at the bank ■■Venture must be profit making
Invoice discount: An advance on invoice of 80% or 90% is given and this is

Agaseke Bank based on the total amount of all unpaid invoices a client has.
Boulevard de l’Aéroport, Remera-Kigali,
P.O.Box 265 Kigali- Rwanda
Tel: 252 585697 FINA Bank Rwanda Ltd
Email: info@agasekebank.com 20 Boulevard de la Révolution
Website: www.agasekebank.com P O Box 331 Kigali-Rwanda
Contact: Finance and Administration Department Tel: +250 252 598600
Fax: +250 252 573486
Organizational Brief: E-mail: banking@finabank.co.rw
Agaseke Bank was started by Dévelopement International Desjardins (DID) and Website: www.finabank.com/rw
local investors in November 2003 due to the need to provide financial services Contact: SME Desk
that are appropriate for the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized
businesses. Organizational Brief:
Fina Bank is a regional business bank with operations in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda
Services: and South Sudan. Its mission is to be the leading business bank across East
■■Working capital finance: When additional funds are required in Africa, looking to support trade and the development of businesses across the
business or when you need to acquire new equipment or to replace an region.
existing one.
Requirements for getting working capital finance: Services:
■■Being business person or moral person Business Loans for the finance of:
58 59
■■Machinery ■■Attractive interest rates

■■Motor vehicles ■■Payment within 3-12 months (can go up to 24 month depending on
■■Land & Building (including renovation of premises). the amount loaned)
■■Stocks-in-Trade ■■Collateral with a Loan to Value of 75%
■■Business Restructuring / Market Development Fina Woman’s (Sugira) account is a customized product for women
entrepreneurs and cooperatives. It provides an affordable chequing account,
Cost of the Service: mobile and internet banking, loan provision but importantly, financial advisory
Variable interest rate / floating interest rate, or a flat rate per annum basis. services on business/financial management.
Requirements:
■■Must have an account in Fina Bank
■■Company profile Equity Bank
■■Latest audited financial statements for 3 years Grand Pension Plaza Building,
■■Bank statements of at least 6 months Ground Floor
■■Project validity where applicable P.O.Box 494, Kigali- Rwanda
Tel: +250 78838667, +250 728386677
Fina Overdraft Website: www.rw.equitybankgroup.com
Requirements: Contact: Corporate Department
■■Have a Fina Bank account
■■The account must have been active for at least 3 months Organizational Brief:
■■No tangible security offered unless for amounts exceeding RWF 5 Equity Bank Limited - Rwanda is one of the commercial banks licensed by
million the National Bank of Rwanda, the country’s banking regulator. The Bank
■■Individual accident insurance or credit protection insurance commenced its operations in October 2011 with branches in Kigali, Rubavu,
■■Trading license Musanze and Muhanga. Currently, the bank has eight branches in operation.
■■If account holder in another bank, provide a bank statement Services:
■■Maximum period is 1 year Asset Finance Loans:
Is a short to medium term loan granted to customers for purchase of moveable
Fina Clearance Loan: capital assets, e.g. motor vehicles, construction equipment, industrial plant &
This product provides an effective solution for business owners or individuals machinery, agricultural equipment, office & IT based equipment.
that import goods to Rwanda.
Features: Micro Business Loans:
■■Applies to vehicles, business goods, personal items (can virtually apply This is a new product targeting the youth which form the bulk of the population.
to any good that needs clearance out of MAGERWA) It helps micro businesses:
■■Amount needed to be loaned within 24hrs ■■Identify and prepare new business markets
■■Must have a current account with us for at least 3-6 month in good ■■Providing the youth with a savings vehicle through which they can
standing, with a minimum balance of 500,000Rwf access a variety of financial services
60 61
■■Providing tailor made loans to meet specific needs of the youth ■■Advisory Services
■■Develop a system of business appraisals to determine the youth credit ■■Offshore Guarantees
needs ■■Business Loans
■■Provide the business training and advisory services that will respond
to the growing population Cost of Service:
■■Interest rate is dependent on the market rates (ranges from 16%-
Trade Finance through: 20%)
■■Bank guarantees
■■Letters of credit Requirements for Accessing Service:
■■LPO financing ■■Certificate of incorporation
■■Invoice discounting ■■Collateral
■■Pre-shipment financing ■■Bills of lading and proforma invoice from offshore supplier
■■Business Plan
Access Bank
3rd Floor, UTC Building Banque Populaire (BPR)
Tel: +250 788145100/ +250 252500089/90 Muhima-Nyarugenge,
Fax: +250 252572501/ 575 761 P.O.Box 1348 Kigali - Rwanda
Email: info.rwanda@accessbankplc.com or Phone: +250 57 35 59
: rwandacontactcenter@accessbankplc.com Fax: +250 57 35 79
Website: www.accessbankplc.com E-mail: info@bpr.rw
Contact: Corporate Department Website: www.bpr.rw
Contact: SME Desk
Access Bank Rwanda is a subsidiary of the Access Bank Group that has its Organizational Brief:
headquarters in West Africa. It provides both personal and business banking Banque Populaire (BPR) was established in 1975 and currently has the largest
services. network in Rwanda. BPR’s mission is to offer a full range of financial services
in the urban and rural areas in a market driven and financially sustainable way;
Services: based on cooperative characteristics. Special attention is given to farmers,
Trade Services through: agribusiness enterprises, private individuals and micro as well as small and
■■Letters of Credit medium enterprises.
■■Bills for Collection
■■Shipping Documents Handling Services:
■■Trade Finance Agricultural Loans:
■■Invisible Trade Payments Loan terms and conditions:
62 63
■■To be a BPR client for at least 1 month ■■May be required to provide security depending on the amount
■■Present a bankable farming project requested;
■■Loan amount is equivalent to not more 80% of the cost of the farming ■■Pay a minimal commission which is deducted automatically on payment
project to finance of the invoice.
■■The client has to raise 20% of the cost as own contribution
■■Collateral has to be provided
Cogebanque
SME Loans: 4th Floor, Centenary House,
Loan terms and conditions: P.O.Box 5230, Kigali-Rwanda,
The SME loan finances 80% of the project, the remaining 20% is own equity of Tel: 0788 307327
the borrower. Fax: 503336
Collateral for this loan may be: Website: www.cogebanque.co.rw
■■movable or immovable assets Contact: Credit Department
■■the assets acquired by the loan
■■joint guarantee for associations / cooperatives. Organizational Brief:
■■The borrower needs to be a customer of the bank for at least 1 month Cogebanque is one of the commercial banks in the country and has been in
■■The borrower needs to present a viable project for financing. operation since 1999. The bank provides both business and personal banking
services.
Credit Lines:
Conditions: Services:
■■To be a trustworthy client of BPR for at least 1 month Loans;
■■To have a viable business that is properly managed ■■Overdrafts
■■Some security is required like assets, the business, or guarantee from ■■Equipment investment loans
a third party ■■Invoice discounting
Equipment Finance: ■■LPO financing
Conditions: ■■Specialized loans including nkomeza, nzamura, jyimbere and
■■Must be a BPR customer mbangukiza e.t.c
■■Business cash flow should testify your repayment capacity Funds transfer
■■Pledge assets as security for the loan Business banking
Invoice Discounting: Cost of Service:

Conditions: Loans are provided based on the interest rate as determined by the national
■■Have to be our customer; bank
■■The invoice has to be paid through your BPR account; Funds Transfer: percentage of the amount being sent ranging from 1 to 5%.
■■Automatic deduction from your account once invoice payment is made; Requirements for Accessing the Service:
64 65
■■Must be an account holder forecast.

■■Certificate of incorporation ■■Cash flow projections for the period of the facility.
■■Identification documents for proprietors ■■Tax clearance certificate from the RRA no more than three months
■■Collateral security old.
■■Viable business plan ■■Business plan.
■■Proposed security and its valuation report.
Commercial Bank of Rwanda/ I&M Bank Documentary Letter of Credit:

11, Boulevard de la Revolution, Is an irrevocable undertaking by the bank on behalf of a customer to make
P.O. Box 354, Kigali, Rwanda payment of specified sums to a specified beneficiary on a specified date provided
Tel: 252 595339 that specified documents are presented through a correspondent bank in order
Call Center Tel: 3227 to finance the import of goods into Rwanda.
Email: info@bcr.co.rw
Website: www.bcr.co.rw Basic Application Requirements:
Contact: SME Desk ■■Copy of the statutory documents (Statutes/Memorandum of
Association and Articles of Association, Certificate of registration or a
Organizational Brief: copy of identity card for individuals)
Banque Commerciale du Rwanda Limited (BCR) was incorporated on 25th ■■Financial statements for 3 consecutive years (Balance sheet & Income
May 1963 as the first commercial bank in Rwanda. In December 2004, BCR statement). For the start ups- opening balance sheet and income
marked another milestone when it was privatized and acquired by Actis after statement forecast.
recapitalization of the Company’s equity. The bank was acquired by I&M Bank ■■Tax clearance certificate from the RRA
group in 2012. The bank has branches in Kenya and Tanzania. ■■Pro-forma invoices or contracts for goods and services to be imported.
Services: Invoice Discount:

Investment Loan: An invoice discount facility is offered to continue running business while waiting
Granted to customers to finance a known need such as acquisition of business settlement of invoices.
assets, acquisition of another business, expansion or diversification of existing
operations. Basic Application Requirements
■■Copy of the statutory documents (Statutes/Memorandum of
Requirements: Association and Articles of Association, Certificate of registration or a
■■Copy of the statutory documents (Statutes/Memorandum of copy of identity card for individuals)
Association and Articles of Association, Certificate of registration or a ■■Financial statements for 3 consecutive years (Balance sheet & Income
copy of identity card for individuals) statement) if it has been in operation. For the start ups we require
■■Financial statements for 3 consecutive years (Balance sheet & Income opening balance sheet and provisional income statement.
statement). For startups- opening balance sheet and income statement ■■Tax clearance certificate from the RRA no more than three months
66 67
old ■■Current statement and forward projection of stocks

■■Accepted invoice received by the paying/the procuring entity. ■■List of debtors & creditors including an aging analysis
■■Proposed Guarantee and its valuation. ■■Proposed security and its valuation report.
Equipment or Business Vehicle Loan:

Purchase that equipment that will power your business to the next level, with COOPEDU
our Equipment or Business Vehicle Loan. Kicukiro, Kigali,
Basic Application Requirements: P.O.Box 4053, Kigali-Rwanda,
■■Copy of the statutory documents (Statutes/Memorandum of Tel: 252 570143
Association and Articles of Association, Certificate of registration or a Email: info@coopedu.rw or coopedu@rwanda1.com
copy of identity card for individuals) Website: www.coopedu.rw
■■Financial statements for 3 consecutive years (Balance sheet & Income Contact: Customer Service
statement) for the start ups - opening balance sheet and provisional
income statement. Organizational Brief:
■■Cash flow projections for the period of the facility. The Cooperative of Savings and Credit Duterimbere is a micro finance institution
■■Tax clearance certificate from the RRA no more than three months that offers savings services for customers who cannot usually be served by the
old traditional banking and financial system and cannot have assets that can be
■■Pro forma invoice for new vehicle/proposed equipments accepted as being sufficient to guarantee full repayment of the loan taken out.
■■Provisional contract of sale and copy of the vehicle certificate for Services:
second hand items. ■■Loan for women entrepreneurs
■■Proposed security and its valuation report. ■■Equipment loans
■■Overdrafts
Overdraft:
Is a facility provided to customers to finance their working capital needs. Requirements for the services:
■■Application letter
Basic Application Requirements: ■■A copy of the applicant’s and his/her sponsor’s national identity card
■■Copy of the statutory documents (Statutes/Memorandum of or passport
Association and Articles of Association, Certificate of registration or a ■■Marriage certificate for those who are legally married, certificate of
copy of identity card for individuals) celibacy for those who are single or those who are not legally married,
■■Financial statements for 3 consecutive years (Balance sheet & Income death certificate for widows and widowers. Certificate of divorce for the
statement). For the start ups, opening balance sheet and income divorced. All these documents are issued by sector / cell authorities.
statement forecasts. ■■Expertise that demonstrates the value of a house conducted by a
■■Cash flow projections for the period of the facility. person authorized by BNR.
■■Tax clearance certificate from the RRA no more than three months ■■A valid property ownership Certificate to be given as guarantee issued
old and bearing number by sector authorities.
68 69
Business Partners International Rwanda SME Fund Business Development Fund (BDF)
1st Floor BDF Building
1680, Umuganda Boulevard, Kimihurura Avenue de la Justice,
P.O. Box 7286 Kigali-Rwanda P.O.Box 966 Kigali-Rwanda,
Tel: 252 585065 or 0788 308873 Tel: 252 579870/1
Email: enquiries@businesspartners.rw Website: www.bdf.rw
Website: www.businesspartners.co.za Contact: CEO
Brief Description: Brief Description:

Business Partners International Rwanda SME Fund is an investment fund for BDF Ltd is a multi-talented limited company, with expertise in the areas of Credit
SMEs in Rwanda, together with a parallel Technical Assistance Facility for value Guarantee, Lines of Credits, Matching Grants and Business Advisory Services.
adding services. Business Partners provide entrepreneurs with committed BDF Ltd administers funds from different government entities such as: Funds
partnership, leadership and mentorship offering innovative risk finance solutions for agriculture from MINAGRI; Funds for women from MIGEPROF; Funds for
for firms that cannot access capital elsewhere. public service retrenched employees from MIFOTRA; Funds for Microfinance
refinancing; Funds for SMEs (developmental projects in other sectors).
Services:
Business Finance (Ranges from US$50,000-US$1,000,000): Services:
■■Start-up capital Guarantee Fund:
■■Acquisition finance ■■Agriculture guarantee fund
■■Expansion programs ■■SME guarantee fund
■■Women guarantee fund
Property Finance (up to 100% property financing) ■■Retrenched civil servants guarantee fund
Technical Assistance Lines of Credit
Requirements for Access: Matching Grant (RIF II)

■■Fill-in the application form
■■Business Trading License Advisory Services
■■Business Plan ■■Investment advisory
■■Financial Statement ■■Corporate advisory
■■Contract or agreement for the case of property financing ■■Micro finance development
■■Quasi Equity Product
Requirements for Accessing Services:
70 71
Guarantee Funds: ■■Category II (Processing of agricultural products): This category includes

The fund covers any productive investment in any sector and beneficiaries processing equipment, construction of processing facilities, etc. Project
include individuals, companies, associations and cooperatives. The maximum costs can be between RWF 2-150 million. Loans up to RWF 50 million
amount guaranteed by the fund is limited to Rwandan Francs Five Hundred will receive a grant of 25% of the investment loan, while loans above this
Million (Rwf 500.000.000). will receive 20% of the investment.
Conditions: ■■Category III (Agricultural support services): This category includes

■■The fund shall guarantee to the extent of 50 - 75% of the initial total seed chain investments, extension services, capacity building (e.g.
risk of the PFI without going beyond the grant ceiling. farmer training businesses), technical assistance (e.g. extension service
■■For loans granted to Microfinance Institutions, the guarantee fund is business), etc.
limited to 30% of the total risk and the ceiling is fixed at Rwandan Francs Project costs can be between RWF 2-150 million. Loans will receive a
One Hundred Million (Rwf100.000.000). grant worth 15% of the investment loan.

Eligibility of loans and investments: Quasi Equity Product: Is a product under BDF that targets mainly start-ups. It
■■Loans to be covered by the guarantee fund should be term loans was developed to grant needs of people who cannot access banking products
granted for productive investments. easily and is granted on part debt- part equity arrangement. The product
■■Investment eligible for SME GF should fulfill the following requirements: currently targets “Hanga Umurimo Project” beneficiaries.
■■New investment for establishment, investment for expansion,
modernization of financial restructuring of projects; Conditions:
■■Working Capital up to Five Million Rwandan Francs (Rwf 5,000,000); ■■Equity part is 20% whereas debt covers 80% of the funds advanced.
■■Investment projects profitable and productive with significant socio- The equity is a self liquidating facility and is paid back without interest
economic impact; whereas the debt is paid back with interest of 9-12%
■■Project to be environmental friendly;
Requirements:
Rural Investment Facility Phase II (RIF II): ■■Business Plan
Three main categories of investments that qualify for RIF 2: ■■Bank funding amounting to 70% of the project value (the remaining
■■Category I (Primary Agricultural Production): This includes investments 30% is funded on the quasi equity arrangement with 20% of it being
such as machinery (e.g. feed mixers, traction equipment or irrigation equity and 80% being a debt refundable with 9-12% interest).
equipment), construction of agricultural buildings (e.g. animal housing,
breeding floors), land acquisition and improvements, storage facilities,
transport facilities, etc.
Project costs can be between RWF 1-50 million. Loans up to RWF 10
million receive a grant of 25% of the investment loan, while loans above
this receive a grant of 20% of the investment.
72 73
United States African Development Foundation Is also free and provides funding up to $100,000
Plot 2280, Remera 1, Ave. of Umuganda Requirements for Accessing Services:
CCOAIB Building, 3rd Floor ■■The organization must be 100 percent African-owned and managed.
P.O.Box 7210, Kigali-Rwanda ■■The organization must be a legally recognized African entity (or in the
Phone: (+250) 5 48 63 process of becoming legally registered. Registration must be completed
Email: gkayigi@usadf.gov before any funding may be provided)
Website: www.adf.gov/rwanda ■■The organization must demonstrate that it has successfully worked
Contact: Country Representative together and has the potential to productively utilize development funds.
■■The ownership and management must be in agreement on the problem
Organizational Brief: to be addressed and have a commitment to benefit their community.
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent ■■The organization must have basic functional management and controls
U.S. government agency founded in 1980 and works at the local level in Africa to use and account for USADF funds.
to promote economic growth. USADF resumed its operations in Rwanda in ■■The proposed project should represent both the applicant’s and
2006. targeted beneficiaries identified needs.
■■The outcome of the project must provide real (measurable) benefits to
Services: the community. Benefits include job creation, increased incomes levels,
Economic Growth Grants Directly to Marginalized Communities for small improved market access, and quality of life improvements.
enterprises and cooperatives through:
Enterprise Expansion Grants (EEG) Fusion Capital Limited
Provides funding up to $250,000 over five years for established enterprises Plot 922, Prester Building, Kacyiru
and organizations with a viable growth and expansion plan. P.O.Box 4408, Kigali-Rwanda
Tel: +250 784 119832
Operational Assistance Grants (OAG) Email: kajuju@fusioncapital.co.ke
Provides funding up to $100,000 over two years for improving financial, Website: www.fusioncapitalltd.com
managerial, and technical capacity, and for limited fixed capital or working Contact: Business Manager
capital items. This grant positions the organization to more effectively utilize
future expansion funding. Organizational Description:
Fusion is a private equity firm that specializes in the Small and Medium
Capacity development through local partner organizations Enterprises sector in Sub Saharan Africa. Established in 2006, Fusion operates
in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Kingdom. The organization has spent
Cost of Services: over six years building its credibility in East Africa and acts as the vital link
Enterprise Expansion Grants (EEG) between capital and investment opportunities within the region.
Is free and provides funding up to $250,000.
Services:
Operational Assistance Grants (OAG) SME Business Loans:
74 75
■■Growth loans (Between 37,500US$ to 125,000US$) set up to refinance microfinance institutions and increase their activity level
■■Acceleration Loans (US$125,000-US$625,000) especially in the rural areas.
■■Acceleration Plus (US$625,000-US$1,750,000)
■■Private Corporate Paper (US$625,000-US$6,250,000) Services:
Guarantee:
Contract/LPO Finance The SMGF will guarantee a percentage of the total of the required refinancing
Private Equity Finance credit granted by a Financial Institution of Refinancing (FIR) which can go up to
Private Bond Placement 50%.
Investment Management
Direct loan:
Application Process SMGF grants direct loan for a maximum period of 1 year and in the range of 5
■■Approach Fusion Capital by phone, by visiting, or through the website million and 50 million francs.
www.fusioncapitalltd.com
■■Complete a short form, giving some basic data Cost of the Service:
■■Meet with you to discuss your growth history, your growth plans, and For the guarantee
your financial requirements looking ahead The commissions paid by the FIR to SMGF in order to access guarantee are:
■■Agree on terms for the Growth Loan which work for you and for us ■■1% of Filing commissions (flat)
■■Site visit to enhance understanding of the business ■■2 % of Annual commissions of guarantees. This commission is
■■Issue legal documentation setting out the exact terms and conditions calculated on the outstanding amount of the credit guaranteed by SMGF.
■■Advance funds to your company account
For direct loan
■■2% of the loan is paid upfront at the signing of the contract
Mutual Guarantee and Credit Fund (SMGF) ■■Interest rate agreed upon between SMGF and the borrowing IMF
Boulevard de l’ Umuganda, Kacyiru
3rd Floor, Building Concorde, Requirement to Access Services:
Po.Box 1881 KIGALI In order to request a guarantee or a credit, the following documents have to
Tel.: +250 252580455 +250 252580456 be submitted to SMGF:
+250 0788300170 ■■Audited MFI Financial statements at least for the 3 previous financial
Email: info@smgfrwanda.com years
Website: www.smgfrwanda.com ■■Development Strategy (MFI’s Business Plan) ;
Contact: Managing Director ■■MFI Constitution
■■Description of guarantees given by the MFI;
Organizational Brief: ■■Proof that the MFI is approved by the National Bank of Rwanda ;
The Mutual Guarantee and Credit Fund (SMGF) was established in 2008 with ■■Proof that MFI is free from any debt;
a total capital of 513,400,000 Rwf and approved by the NBR. The fund was ■■Information about the MFI: Size, composition of the loan portfolio by
76 77
activity industry, by type of customers (urban, country), statutes, number Rwanda Micro Finance
of customers, number of agencies and counters e.t.c. Albert Supply House, Commercial Street,
■■Information on Governance: Shareholders, Board of Directors, P.O.Box 6839, Kigali-Rwanda,
Mechanisms of internal control of management, external Audit, Tel: 0788 304077 or 0788 309132,
Management with description of competences of senior management, Email: info@rml.co.rw
persons charged with financial management. Website: www.rml.co.rw
■■Any other information that can allow an adequate appreciation of the Contact: Managing Director
risk related to the requested loan or guarantee.
Rwanda Micro Finance is a micro finance institution working towards the
Vision Finance Company provision of cheap credit to the micro, small and medium enterprises. It boasts
Muhima Avenue, Nyarugenge District of four branches including Nyabugogo, Musanze, Muhanga and head quarters
P.O.Box 6893, Kigali-Rwanda, in Nyarugenge.
Tel: 0788 538767
Email: info@vfc-rw.com Services:
Website: www.visionfundinternational.org ■■Loans (individual, salary, standing order and group loans)
Contact: HR and Administration Office
Cost of Service:
Organizational Brief: ■■Cost of service is dependent on the prevailing interest rate
Vision Finance Company is a micro finance working in the agricultural sector to
improve lives of the rural poor. It is a subsidiary of World Vision, an international Requirements for Accessing Services:
Non-Governmental Organization. ■■Copy of national ID
■■Two passport photos
Services: ■■Filled loan application form (signed and stamped by employer in case
■■Micro Loans for agricultural sector (offered at interest rate of 2.5% of salary loan)
per month)
■■Savings for Clients
Requirements for Accessing Service:

■■Provide an ID and Passport photos
■■Have collateral
■■Have no criminal record
■■Viable business plan
78 79
Umwalimu Savings & Credit Cooperative Unguka Bank Ltd

(UMWALIMU SACCO) Central Business District, Opp. Isimbi Hotel,
P.O.Box 2257 Kigali-Rwanda P.O.Box 6417, Kigali Rwanda
Tel: 252 580424/252 580426 Tel: 0788 457253
Fax: 252 580426 Email: imfungukasa@yahoo.fr
Email: sacco_umwalimu@yahoo.com Contact: Branch Manager
Website: www.umwalimusacco.com
Contact: Customer Service Agent Organizational Brief:
Unguka Bank Limited (UBL) was founded in 2005 and transformed into a
Organizational Brief: microfinance bank, following the issuance of a microfinance banking license by
Umwalimu SACCO is a savings and credit organization dedicated to teachers in the National Bank of Rwanda in 2012.
Rwanda. It is located in all districts in the country and its major aim is to provide
cheap credit and savings opportunities to the teachers. Services:
Services: ■■Business Loans for already established businesses
■■Offers credit to teachers ■■Building/ construction financing
■■Assist teachers access their salaries easily ■■Agricultural and livestock loans
■■Savings services ■■Overdrafts
Cost of Services: Cost of Services:

■■Teachers have to register to become members. The cost of service ■■Interest rate for the above products ranges from 18%-21% and it
is also dependent on the prevailing interest rate. This is however; lower usually varies depending on the prevalent market rate.
than the interest offered by the commercial banks.
Requirements for Accessing Service: ■■Have an active account at the bank for a minimum of 2 months
■■The teachers simply register with the cooperative with the necessary ■■Business registration certificate
information such as name of school where they teach. Visit any of the ■■RRA clearance certificate
Umwalimu Sacco branches located in your district. ■■National ID or Passport
■■Collateral in form of land title or building
■■Project or Business Plan
80 81
Duterimbere IMF Ltd Zigama CSS

Sopetrade, Kiyovu Opp. Amahoro Stadium, Remera,
P.O. Box 6719, Kigali, Rwanda P.O.Box 4772, Kigali – Rwanda
Tel. 0788305651 Tel: 571184
Email: info@duterimbereimf.co.rw Mobile: 0788 303504
Web: www.duterimbereimf.co.rw Fax: 575256
Contact: Director of Operations and Transactions Email: info@zigamacss.com
Website: www.zigamacss.com
Organizational Brief: Contact: Credit Department
Since 1991, Duterimbere ASBL (a not-for-profit association) started giving
direct credit to allow women’s access to credit in large numbers. From 1995 Brief Description:
to 1996, the business of providing loans reached all provinces of the country Zigama CSS is a microfinance bank founded in August 1997, and officially
and expanded rapidly. The MFI finally got a license from BNR in 2005. inaugurated in March 1999. It has currently over 60.000 members and 122
employees. It offers a variety of products and services.
Services:
■■Solidarity credits: This type of credit is intended for customers without Services, Costs and Conditions:
material guarantee. It finances small businesses as well as agriculture Auto Loan:
and animal husbandry. is a product designed to make it easy for one to own what one has longed for
■■Woman entrepreneur credits: These are loans given mainly to individual (consumption/ investment). Repayment is up to a period of 18 months and is
women entrepreneurs whose needs for working capital exceeded the charged at 15% interest rate.
amounts granted to solidarity groups. Conditions: good savings deposit & established regular income
■■Warehouse receipt: It is a product of credit estimated to agricultural
cooperatives for storable food crops. Mortgage/ investment loans:
■■Micro leasing for vehicle, motorcycle and wood machine. This is a convenient way to own your dream home, buy a business property
or expand your existing business premises. The interest rate on this facility is
Cost of Services: variable and is calculated on a reducing balance.
■■Interest rates for the above products vary from 15% and above Repayment Terms: up to 60 months
depending on the prevailing market rate.
Interest charges: 13.5%
■■Must have an active account for at least 2 months Conditions: good savings & credit history, established regular income
■■National ID/Passport Use: investment in construction, income generating activities
■■Project/Business Plan (it must be already operational)
■■Fill the application form available at any branch Money Transfers through CSS Ntuma and international money transfer through
Afripayments LLC or Moneytrans depending on the transfer destination.
82 83
SECTION FOUR:
ACCESS TO
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES
84 85
SECTION FOUR: Small and Medium Enterprises
ACCESS TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

entrepreneurship. MINICOM has therefore been set up to foster development
4.0 INTRODUCTION of trade and industry in the country. The ministry is one of the lead partners in
the implementation of the SME Development Policy.
There are a number of institutions providing business development services for SMEs,
although they are mainly concentrated in Kigali. Some service providers provide Services:
regional programs to cater for those who are outside the capital, however the services ■■Special Economic Zones project in Kigali;
are intermittent and not easily available on demand. ■■Provincial Industrial Parks program for rural industrialization;
■■Creation and promotion of viable and dynamic small and medium
The other key factor is the lack of standards for the kind of support programs. enterprises (SMEs)- through Hanga Umurimu
The absence of proper regulation for capacity building service providers has led ■■Market access for sustainable Business development.
to mushrooming of training and capacity building institutions that have very limited ■■Market linkages for CIP crops (maize, cassava, beans, rice, wheat,
capacity, lack the expertise and necessary resources. However notable initiatives irish potatoes and tomatoes)
have been developed by government with support of development partners that are
recommended for SMEs business development process. The institutions providing the Cost of Services:
services include Private, Government and NGOs. ■■Cost for access to the special economic zones and the industrial parks
vary according to the amount of investment being sought. The rest of
This section has been structured into two different categories including: the services are provided free of charge.
■■Capacity Building, Training and Business Counseling services
■■Export Market Access Procedure for Accessing the Services:
■■Applications are written to MINICOM for the various services
■■Necessary documents should be attached as per the application
Services providers in the above categories include:
Rwanda Entrepreneurship Development Program

Ministry of Trade and Industry International Finance Corporation,
Kimihurura, Kigali, 4th Floor, SORAS Building
P.O.Box 73, Kigali P.O.Box 609 Kigali-Rwanda
Email: info@minicom.gov.rw Tel: +250 252 591 343
Website: www.minicom.gov.rw Email: tntore@ifc.org
Contact: Entrepreneurship Unit Website: www.ifc.org
Contact: REDP Manager
The Government of Rwanda (GoR) has initiated a broad economic reform Program Overview:
agenda from which ambitious but achievable targets have been set for REDP was set up to establish a collaborative partnership with institutions that
growth and poverty reduction. One of the key pillars of Rwanda’s Vision 2020 strengthen and enhance entrepreneurship and SME development in Rwanda.
is “private sector-led development”, spearheaded by competitiveness and
86 87
ACCESS TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Small and Medium Enterprises
The objective is to create a forum for meaningful dialogue on improving the

country’s investment climate and the private sector’s effectiveness in ■■ Optimum Consulting
advocating for reform. Le Prestige Building
B2 Third Floor
Services: Kicukiro, Kigali
■■SME Toolkit Tel: 0758304050, 0788500616
■■Business Edge Email: optimumconsultingltd@gmail.com
■■Access to Finance
Cost of Service: Business Development Centres (BDCs)

■■Service is delivered through Centre for Business Solutions (CBS), a
local training partner. The cost is based on commission for the trainers. RDB/BDCs LOCATION AND ADRESSES
Procedure for Access to Services: NORTHERN PROVINCE

■■Apply for Training. For details you can visit the IFC website. RDB / BDCs LOCATION AND ADDRESS
■■Training is provided through the following IFC local partners: PROVINCE NO BDC CONTACT PERSON JOB TITLE TELEPHONE EMAIL LOCATION TYPE OF

NORTHERN 1 GICUMBI Name: Kabirigi BDC Tel:0788564 kabiligic@rtnrwanda.org Near Gicumbi
BUILDING
Kiosk
Market
■■ Maxinet Group Ltd PROVINCE Clement Manager 788
kabiligic@gmail.com
Boulevard de la Revolution 2 RULINDO Wilson BDC 078817398 rudatinyas.wilson@rtnr Near GASIZA Market Kiosk
Manager (Rulindo)
Soras Building- 3rd floor Rudatinya wanda.org
rudatinyas.wilson@yah
Email: pkagabo@maxinet-ltd.com oo.fr
Website: www.maxinet-ltd.com 3 GAKENKE Alice Nadine BDC IT Tel:0788886 alicenakaneza@rtnrwa Near GAKENKE New Building
■■ KPS Associates Kaneza

Technicia
n
757 nda.org
Market
3rd floor Chadel building, opposite Belgian school alicenakaneza@yahoo.

fr
Mille Collins Avenue 4 BURERA Emmanuel BDC Tel:0788689 mudidiemma@rtnrwan 200m from District New Building
Manager Office
Nshimiyimana 897 da.org
Kigali, Rwanda
mudidiemma@yahoo.fr
Tel: 0788 308 080 5 MUSANZE Masengesho BDC
Manager
Tel: jomaombi@rtnrwanda. Near Muhoza Sector
Office
New Building
Joseph 0788592082 org; (MUSANZE City)
jomaombi@gmail.com
■■ Centre for Business Solutions (CBS)
Soras Building 3rd Floor
Boulevard de la Revolution-Kigali
Tel; 0788764642
Email: infor@cbs-rwanda.com
Website: www.cbs-rwanda.com
88 89
SOUTHERN PROVINCE KIGALI CITY

Southern province
PROVINCE NO BDC CONTACT PERSON JOB TITLE TELEPHONE EMAIL LOCATION TYPE OF
PROVINCE
PROVINCE NO
NO BDC BDC CONTACT PERSON
CONTACT PERSON JOB
JOB TITLE TELEPHONE
TITLE TELEPHONE EMAIL EMAIL LOCATION
LOCATION TYPE
TYPE OF
OF PROVINCE NO BDC CONTACT PERSON JOB TITLE TELEPHONE EMAIL LOCATION BUILDING
TYPE OF
BUILDING
BUILDING BUILDING
SOUTHERN 1 KAMONYI Ingabire Françoise BDC (+250)7884712 ingabire2019@yahoo.fr 100m from Kamonyi New Building KIGALI -CITY 1 GASABO Adolphe MAGEZA 0788440541 admageza@yahoo.com Batsinda hill New Building
PROVINCE Manager 69 Trade center
2 KICUKIRO UMUTESI BDC 0788847172 umuesp2020@yahoo.com Near Gatenga Sector New Building
Manager Office
2 MUHANGA Rwagasore Alphonse BDC (+250)7888439 rwalphonse2005@yahoo.fr MUHANGA Market New Building Esperance
Manager
40 3 KICUKIRO UWINGABIRE BDC IT 0788807708 uwifrancine@gmail.com Near Gatenga Sector New Building
Technician Office
Francine
3 RUHANGO Umubyeyi Ange BDC (+250)7887301 umubyeyi50@yahoo.fr Byimana City (500m New Building
Manager from Main Raod
05 KIGALI-BUTARE) 4 NYARUGENGE NSHIMIYIMANA BDC 0788876066 peteraseb@gmail.com Near Mageragere New Building
Manager Sector
Pierre
4 NYANZA Ndungutse BDC (+250)7886172 sndungutse@yahoo.com/ 100m from Nyanza Kiosk
Sekaharaza Manager aficcoltd@yahoo.com Market (Nyanza Town)
95
EASTERN
PROVINCE
5
NO
NYAGATARE
BDC MASUMBUKO
CONTACT PERSON
BDC
JOB TITLE
0788857187
TELEPHONE
richmas02@gmail.com
EMAIL
Near ONATRACOM
LOCATION
Kiosk
TYPE OF
PROVINCE Manager Offices
Richard
5 HUYE Munezero M.Grace BDC (+250)7857596 karegrace@yahoo.fr Huye Town Kiosk BUILDING
Manager 82 6 GATSIBO GASHUGI Ronald BDC IT 0788667986 ronaldsmithg@yahoo.com Gatsibo Trade Center Kiosk
6 NYARUGURU Nsengiyumva BDC (+250)7886624 epnsengi1@yahoo.fr Near the District Office New Building KIGALI -CITY 1 GASABO Adolphe MAGEZA 0788440541 admageza@yahoo.com Batsinda hill New Building
Technician
Ephrem Manager 42
2 KICUKIRO UMUTESI BDC 0788847172 umuesp2020@yahoo.com Near Gatenga Sector New Building
7 KAYONZA MUHAYIMANA BDC
Manager
0788797778 muhayicele@yahoo.com KAYONYA Center
Office
Kiosk
7 GISAGARA Mukarugwiza BDC (+250)7887679 mugore01@yahoo.fr Near the District Office New Building Esperance Manager (200m before
Gorethi Manager 73 Celestin
KAYONZA
3 UWINGABIRE
KICUKIRO BDC IT 0788807708 uwifrancine@gmail.com Near Gatenga Sector
Roundabout) New Building
8 NYAMAGABE Mukamisha Thabée BDC (+250)7885967 tmukamisha@yahoo.com 200m from Nyamagabe Kiosk EASTERN PROVINCE Francine Technician Office
Manager 03 Taxi Park (Nyamagabe 8 RWAMAGANA IMANIRIHO Jean BDC IT 0783234245 manijeapi02@gmail.com Rwamagana Town Kiosk
Town) Technician (Near Police Station)
4
Pierre
NYARUGENGE NSHIMIYIMANA BDC 0788876066 peteraseb@gmail.com Near Mageragere New Building
Manager Sector
PROVINCE NO BDC Pierre PERSON JOB
CONTACT TITLE TELEPHONE EMAIL LOCATION TYPE OF
9 RWAMAGANA KAYONGA Business 0783006098 emagood2020k@gmail.co Rwamagana Town BUILDING
Kiosk
EASTERN 5 NYAGATARE MASUMBUKO BDC
Advisor/Mana 0788857187 richmas02@gmail.com
m Near ONATRACOM
(Near Police Station) Kiosk
Emma Manager Offices
PROVINCE Richard ger
6 GATSIBO GASHUGI Ronald BDC IT 0788667986 ronaldsmithg@yahoo.com Gatsibo Trade Center Kiosk
Technician
WESTERN PROVINCE
7 KAYONZA MUHAYIMANA BDC 0788797778 muhayicele@yahoo.com KAYONYA Center Kiosk
Manager (200m before
Celestin
KAYONZA
PROVINCE NO BDC CONTACT PERSON JOB TITLE TELEPHONE EMAIL LOCATION TYPE OF
Roundabout)
BUILDING
WESTERN 1 KARONGI Uwihanganye BDC 0788555529 uwetom@ymail.com Near KIBUYE New Building 8 RWAMAGANA IMANIRIHO Jean BDC IT 0783234245 manijeapi02@gmail.com Rwamagana Town Kiosk
PROVINCE Thomas Manager Hospital Technician (Near Police Station)
Pierre
2 NGORORERO Maurice Habimfura BDC 0788437272 Habau2020@gmail.com Near the District Office New Building
Manager 9 RWAMAGANA KAYONGA Business 0783006098 emagood2020k@gmail.co Rwamagana Town Kiosk
3 RUTSIRO Esperance BDC 0783721435 espeuwayi@yahoo. Near the District Office New Building Advisor/Mana m (Near Police Station)
Emma
Uwayisenga Manager fr ger
4 NYABIHU Mugisha Chantal BDC 0782746384 mugishachantal@gmail.c Mukamira City Kiosk
Manager om
5 RUBAVU Uwitonze Victor BDC 0788897598 vuwiton10@yahoo.co.uk Mahoko Trade Center Kiosk 10 NGOMA MUHIMPUNDU BDC 0788415889 clemameya2004@yahoo.c Near NGOMA District Kiosk
Manager om Office
Manager Clementine
6 NYAMASHEKE Ntibaziyaremye BDC IT 0788733626 biganiroa@yahho.com Kanjongo Sector New Building
Alexandre Technicia BDC
11 KIREHE MUTABARUKA 0783255380 murindagisa@gmail.com Near the District Office New Building
n
Alexis Advisor/Ma
7 RUSIZI Ufitinema Aurelie BDC IT 0786825582 ufitinemaureliecadeau@yah Nyakarenzo Sector New Building
Technicia oo.fr nager
n
12 BUGESERA NSANZABANDI BDC 0783270336 damascous@yahoo.fr Ruhuha Center New Building
Manager
Jean Damascene
90 91
KIGALI CITY AND EASTERN PROVINCE LOCATION AND ADRESS
Brief Description: Project Brief:

Business Development Centres (BDCs) is a private public partnership Masaka Business Incubation Centre was set up as one of the strategies to
arrangement between RDB and PSF aimed at bringing business development reach the SME policy objective. MBIC has been established by RDB in order to
services closer to SMEs. BDCs are located in each of the 30 districts and provide several services to SMEs.
are run by professional consultants. The centers are run by AFICCO Ltd, Services:
Rwanda Telecenter Network, Goodneighbor Inc. Ltd and African Development The Masaka Business Incubation Centre is established to offer to
Consultants for Southern, Northern, Western and Kigali/Eastern Province entrepreneurs:
respectively. The services provided at these BDCs are similar across board. ■■Business incubation services;
■■Training and coaching services;
Services: ■■Facilitation to access finance, market, information and technology;
■■Business Registration ■■Technology demonstration for leather goods making, bamboo
■■Entrepreneurial Development Services products, cheese making and fruits processing.
■■Business Advice and Counseling
■■IT Services Eligible sectors:
■■Business Information Services ■■Leather goods making;
■■Export Development Services ■■Bamboo products;
■■Tourism Information ■■Cheese making;
■■Tax Advisory Services ■■Fruits processing.
■■Environment Compliance and Cleaner Production Services
Procedure for Accessing Services: RDB/Trade Division

■■No specific procedure is in place. Any SME who is in need of the above Trade and Manufacturing Department
service can approach any of the BDCs in any district near you. Rwanda Development Board,
Gishushu, Nyarutarama Road,
P.O. Box 6239, Kigali Rwanda
RDB / Masaka Business Incubation Centre Tel: 252 580804
Masaka, Kicukiro Email: info@rdb.rw
P.O.Box 6239, Kigali Rwanda Website: www.rdb.rw
Tel: 0788614537 Contact: Senior Trade Development Officer-
Email: info@rdb.rw Trade Division
Website: www.rdb.rw
Contact: Business Incubation Division- Brief Description:
Trade and Manufacturing Department The trade promotion/ exports promotion division is a unit under the trade and
manufacturing department at RDB. It aims at enabling SMEs access export
markets easily especially the regional markets.
92 93
Services: ■■Business Development Service Centers (Capacity Building)

■■Export advisory services ■■Advocacy
■■Production of export promotional materials ■■Market Access through Rwanda International Trade Fair; TVET Expo;
■■Support for SMEs to attend trade fairs mainly regional trade fairs Sector specific expo in the provinces
■■Export coaching program
Cost of Services:
Cost of services: ■■Business Plan Competition: Entry is open to all Rwandan nationals free
■■Services are generally provided free of charge however, SMEs are of charge
expected to meet the cost of exhibitions in these regional markets which ■■Capacity building: based on commission for trainers
is usually dependant of how much space one acquires. ■■Advocacy: free of charge
■■Exhibitions: charge is based on the size of stand booked
Procedures for Accessing Services: Requirements for Accessing Services:
■■Certificate of Origin (issued by the customs department of Rwanda Business Plan Competition
Revenue Authority-RRA) ■■The promoter should possess technical knowledge
■■Certificate of Standards (issued by Rwanda Bureau of Standards- RBS) ■■The business plan funding request should not exceed RWF 10,000,000.
■■Enterprises that are looking into new services or products for
expansion are eligible.
Private Sector Federation (PSF) ■■Profit making enterprises.
Gikondo-MAGERWA ■■Willingness to register business upon winning award.
P.O.Box 319, Kigali Rwanda ■■The promoter should be Rwandan.
Tel: 252 570650
Fax: 252 570650 Business Development Service Centers (Capacity Building)
Email: info@psf.org.rw ■■Apply for the different business development services available
Website: www.psf.org.rw ■■Contact your nearest BDS centre
Contact: Business Development Department
Market Access through Rwanda International Trade Fair; TVET Expo; Sector
Organizational Brief: specific expo in the provinces
The Private Sector Federation - Rwanda (PSF) is a professional organization, ■■Register for specific expos as and when advertised
dedicated to promote and represent the interests of the Rwandan business ■■Have products and services ready for display
community. It is an umbrella organization that groups 9 professional chambers.
It was established in December 1999, replacing the former Rwanda Chamber
of Commerce and Industry.
Services:
■■Business Plan Competition
94 95
Rwanda Business Development Center Procedures for Accessing the Service:

C/o Regent Center for Entrepreneurship ■■Applications are submitted on-line at www.bdcrwanda.com
Tel: +250-782-589151
Email: info@bdcrwanda.com
Website: www.bdcrwanda.com Inkomoko Business Development
African Union Road,
Organizational Brief: Kicukiro-Kigali,
The Rwanda Business Development Center (BDC) is designed to incubate and Tel: +250-786-027613
nurture SME development. The BDC offers a portfolio of services, in addition to Email: info@inkomoko.com
training, in order to substitute for the missing pieces of business infrastructure Website: www.inkomoko.com
in the country. It is an initiative of the International Christian Chamber of Contact: Managing Director
Commerce (ICCC) and Regent University.
Services: Inkomoko is a full service firm focused on developing small to mid-sized
■■Training—a variety of affordable training programs – basic enterprises. Its services assist with creating new companies and growing them
entrepreneurship for start ups, mini-MBA for existing businesses, and into effective businesses.
specialized training for growth companies. Services:
■■Consulting on business model and implementation
■■Mentoring, coaching, general management consulting—to nurture ■■Business Plan Development
start-ups and existing companies that are repositioning / repurposing ■■Grant Proposal Writing
■■Connection to financing
■■Access/connection—network of connections to business services, ■■Tax Consultation
such as legal, accounting, advertising & marketing, printing, IT, etc. and ■■Business Education
to government offices and gatekeepers, to the financial service industry
(bankers, angel investors, private equity), and to strategic partners. Cost of Service:
■■Peer mentoring—provide various models for informal and formal ■■It varies depending on the kind of service being accessed.
groups to help individuals help their peers.
Procedure for Access to Services:
■■Incubation—provide forum for brainstorming and refining business ■■Contact the General Manager through the website, email or telephone
ideas; provide business services, such as space, accounting, payroll, number listed.
marketing, for start-ups.
Cost of the Service:

■■Training packages cost RWF 300,000
96 97
Business Professionals Network Services:

Kacyiru-Opp. Gasabo District Headquarters ■■Training and Capacity Building
P.O.Box 7083, Kigali Rwanda ■■Capital Investment Loans
Tel: 250-786-130387 ■■Business Plan Competition
Email: info@bpn.rw ■■Training in writing business plans
Website: www.bpn.ch ■■Provision of coaching and mentorship services
Organizational Brief: Cost of Services:

BPN works in selected developing countries, which are viewed as having minimal ■■Services are provided free of charge
barriers to success for small and mid-sized entrepreneurs. Vital to this success
is a basic level of infrastructure (mobility, electricity), political stability, and a Procedure for Accessing Services:
fundamental amount of democratic rights for the people (i.e. freedom of speech, ■■Proposals are submitted to Junior Chamber International
opinion, and religion). ■■Beneficiaries are selected on a competitive basis
Services:
■■Entrepreneurial Training TECHNO SERVE
■■Project linkage to investors/financing 1st Floor, Murenzi Building Boulevard de l’Aeroport
Cost of Services: Remera-Kisimenti
■■Services are offered free of charge P.O. Box 7108
Kigali, Rwanda
Procedure for Accessing the Service: Tel: +250 252 580 414
■■Application for project funding is written to BPN Email: rw-info@tns.org
■■Proposals are evaluated based on an equal opportunity yardstick Website: www.technoserve.org
Contact: Country Director
Junior Chamber International-Rwanda Organizational Brief:

Remera, Gasabo, Techno Serve is a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions
Tel: 0788-260317 to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. It works
Contact: National Secretariat with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms,
businesses and industries.
Junior Chamber International Rwanda is an NGO established to foster Projects:
entrepreneurship amongst the youth. It started its operations in Rwanda in Techno Serve has four major projects across a diverse array of sectors and
2005. in key areas such as rural youth-led enterprise development. Some of these
projects, provided free of charge, include:
98 99
Strengthening Rural Youth Development through Enterprise: TRADEMARK EAST AFRICA

The program delivers a comprehensive package of services including skills Rue Amajyambere, Kimihurura
training, business development and mentoring to young people ages 18 to P.O. Box 539, Kigali
30 in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. It is done in partnership with MasterCard Rwanda
Foundation. Tel: +250 280 306 084/5
Email: inforwanda@trademarkea.com
East Africa Dairy Development: Website: http://www.trademarkea.com
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it aims to double the dairy Contact: General Manager
incomes of 179,000 smallholder farm families in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
It facilitates improved dairy production, business practices and market access Organizational Brief:
by developing chilling plant hubs. TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) is a not for profit organization that gives technical
and monetary support to the EAC Secretariat, national governments, private
Transforming the Coffee Sector: sector and civil society so they can enhance trade and markets in the region for
Techno Serve business advisors work with farmers to improve growing and the benefit of all East Africans.
processing practices as well as build new wet mill businesses that produce
some of Rwanda’s finest specialty coffee. Areas of Support
TMEA provides a durable platform for scaling-up Aid for Trade to East Africa in
Supporting Rural Women: areas such as:
Techno Serve offers business training for marginalized and socially excluded • Trade policy reform
women in rural areas to supplement Women for Women International’s life • Trade-related infrastructure
skills support program. • Regional investment climate harmonization
• Export development
Requirement for Accessing the Service: • Trade facilitation
Project proposals are submitted to Techno Serve. • Coping with the social and environmental adjustment costs of deeper
integration and rapid export-led growth
Cost of Services:
Services are provided on a grant basis for all the East African Countries.
However, the applicant has to meet the cost of proposal preparation.
Requirement for Accessing the Service:

Project proposals are submitted to TM East Africa for funding.
100 101
SNV Rwanda- Netherlands Development Organization Dutch PSOM

Boulevard de l’Umuganda 1 Juliana van Stolberglaan 148
BP 1049 Kigali-Rwanda P.O. Box 20105
Tel: 252 599500 2500 EC the Hague, the Netherlands
Mobile: 0788 306220 Tel: (+31) 070 778 83 83
Email: rwanda@snvworld.org Fax: (+31) 070 335 29 62
Website: www.snvworld.org
Contact: Country Director Program Brief:
The Program for Cooperation with Emerging Markets (PSOM) is a Dutch
Program Brief: governmental program that aims at encouraging (Dutch) investments in
SNV is a Dutch funded international development organization providing emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin
economic development advisory services that increase productivity, income and America. The program is financed by The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign
employment through value chain actors in agricultural, renewable energy, water Affairs (Development Cooperation) and The Netherlands Ministry of Economic
and sanitation sectors. Affairs.
Services: Services Offered:

■■Linkages to financial services and business development services ■■PSOM stimulates pilot investments in the private sector and promotes
■■Capacity development for improved governance long term trade relations as the driving force behind sustainable economic
■■Supply chain development for improved efficiencies development in countries in transition and developing countries.
■■Facilitation of sub sector platforms for better competitiveness ■■PSOM finances projects to ease some of the initial risks that companies
will face when investing in these countries.
Cost of Services:
■■Subsidized Procedure for Accessing Services:
The Applicant that submits the proposal must be a company registered in
Procedure for Accessing the Services: The Netherlands with exception of proposals from Cape Verde, Malawi, Mali,
■■Inquiries for any of the above services can be made through the Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.
address above.
The following criteria must also be considered;
■■The Applicant must be a company registered in the commercial
register at the Chamber of Commerce in The Netherlands with exception
of projects in Cape Verde, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda
and Zambia.
■■Foundations and NGO’s are excluded from applying for PSOM. Non-
profit foundations and NGO’s can also not be the recipient in a project.
Foundations and NGO’s may however be part of a consortium and
102 103
take part in a PSOM project as a Project Partner; ■■Individual company support; Pro€Invest provides co-financing for
technical assistance to enterprise projects in the key sector identified.
■■For projects financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the applicant
must have substantial economic activity in The Netherlands in terms of Cost of Services:
turnover and/or employment. Projects suggesting major or complete Organizations may apply for assistance from Pro€Invest, on a cost-sharing basis,
transfer of economic activities, for example by outsourcing outside the to develop and optimize their capacities. Programme activities are co-financed
Netherlands, will not be taken into consideration. by the beneficiaries (one third) and Pro€Invest (two thirds) of total costs.

Pro€Invest Application for assistance is made by filling the request form for assistance to
Avenue Herrmann-Debroux 52 enterprises and submitted to the Pro€Invest Management Unit at the Center for
P.O.Box 1160 Brussels-Belgium Development of Enterprise.
Tel: + 32 2 679 18 50
Fax: + 32 2 679 18 70
Email: infos@proinvest-eu.org Center for Development of Enterprise (CDE)
Contact: Pro€Invest Management Unit Manager: Regional Office- Eastern Africa
State House Avenue/ Liaison House
Program Brief: 4th Floor
Pro€Invest is an EU-ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) partnership program P.O. Box 49568 Nairobi, Kenya.
developed and undertaken by the European Commission on behalf of the ACP Tel: +254 20 2732285
countries. The objective is to promote investment and technology flows to Fax: +254 20 2732045
enterprises operating within key sectors in the ACP States. Email: vme@cde.int
Services: Program Brief:

■■Capacity building of private sector intermediaries; Pro€Invest CDE is an ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific)/ EU joint institution created
supports and strengthens the work of professional organizations in the framework of the Cotonou Agreement. Its objective is to ensure the
(namely chambers of commerce and industry, employers´ federations), development of professional ACP enterprises operating in the private sector.
investment promotion agencies, financial institutions and consultants´ Services Available:
associations whose activities contribute to the improvement of the CDE’s support to ACP enterprises and intermediary organizations are organized
environment for business and the development of companies. in the two-fold approach;
■■Supporting the key sectors; the program facilitates the promotion ■■A structured (with 3-5 year term) approach via programs for groups
of investments and the conclusion of north-south and south-south of enterprises and intermediary organizations; Identify and support
partnership agreements between enterprises in key economic sectors the activities of the most promising private sector companies of few
which reflect ACP regional priorities. sectors with highest potential for economic and social development in
ACP countries (up to 2/3 of the budget).
104 105
■■An adhoc assistance to individual enterprises, intermediary

organizations and service providers of the private sector.
Budget Limit
CDE covers up to 2/3 of the budget and the beneficiary SME covers the
remaining 1/3.

Application for assistance is made to CDE and the selection is done on the
basis of comparative advantages; sustainable growth potentials; innovation
and emulation perspectives; partnership potentials and socio-economic
merits (internal economic linkages, cumulated value-added, employment and
productivity improvement). Application and proposal guideline forms can be got
from the website www.cde.int or contact the regional office.
106 107
SECTION FIVE:
ACCESS TO
OTHER BUSINESS
SUPPORT
SERVICES
108 109
SECTION FIVE: Small and Medium Enterprises
ACCESS TO OTHER BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

5.0 INTRODUCTION litigation in Courts, for foreign investors and growing companies in Rwanda.
KIAC was therefore set up to fill this gap.
Besides the access to finance and business development services, access to other
business support services also plays a key role in the growth and development of Services:
SMEs. These business support services include: ■■Administer cases filed for Arbitration and mediation. This includes but
■■Legal services and arbitration not limited to:
■■Marketing and advertising ■■Notification to the other party that a request of arbitration is filed with
■■Auditing services the Centre for her or him to submit an answer to the request.
■■Clearing Forwarding and Transportation Service and ■■Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal and submission;
■■Insurance Services ■■ Notify parties on final Award and assist them in its enforcement.
■■The Centre provides rooms for mediation& arbitration and secretariat
5.1 LEGAL SERVICE AND ARBITRATION facilities on request.
There are specialized legal service providers specifically set up to handle business and Cost of Services:
commercial related disputes, this is due to the unique nature of business disputes as ■■Filling fees of US$250 non-refundable
well as the need to improve operating environment for businesses. ■■Arbitrator’s fees is determined by the amount in dispute
For any business related disputes the following service providers have the capacity Procedure for Accessing the Services:
to handle and facilitate the resolution or provide advice. It is however advisable that ■■A notice of arbitration has to be filled with the registrar of KIAC
SMEs contact the bar association for a reputable and qualified advocate. ■■The names and address of the parties involved
■■A copy of the arbitration agreement
■■Copy of contract or legal document to which the dispute arises
Kigali International Arbitration Centre ■■Statement describing the nature and circumstance of the dispute
Gikondo, PSF-Expo Ground
P.O.Box 695, Kigali-Rwanda
Tel: 252 583538 Commercial High Court of Rwanda
Fax: 252 583574 Ministry of Justice,
Email: info@kiac.org.rw Po Box 160 Kigali - Rwanda
Website: www.kiac.org.rw Tel: +250 252 586398 - +250 252 586561
Contact: Registrar Fax: +250 252 586509
E-mail: moj@minijust.gov.rw or mjust@minijust.gov.rw
Organizational Brief: Website: www.minijust.gov.rw
KIAC was formed in February 2011 following an enactment of the law by Contact: Registrar of Commercial Court
parliament establishing it as an independent body. Arbitration and other friendly
ways of commercial disputes resolution are emerging as preferred choice to
110 111
ACCESS TO OTHER BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES Small and Medium Enterprises
Organizational Brief: Organizational Brief:

The commercial high court of Rwanda was established in 2008 to handle LEX CHAMBERS is highly specialized in commercial, and civil law, contracts and
commercial disputes arising from business transactions. The court has three litigations as well as criminal defense. The firm understands the key political,
branches in Kigali, Western and Southern Province. economical, regulatory and legal issues which surround doing business in
Rwanda.
Services:
■■Commercial dispute resolution Services:
■■Floatation and acquisition of companies; mergers and de-mergers;
Procedures for Accessing the Services: share holder arrangements; corporate finance and statutory corporate
■■Any aggrieved party can file a case with the registrar compliance and joint ventures
■■Liquidation and insolvency
■■Local and international trade transactions
Kigali Bar Association ■■Company secretarial work including director’s duties, board matters
P.O.Box: 3762, Kigali-Rwanda and filing of board resolutions
Tel: 0788 411782 ■■Debt recovery
Email: barreaudurwanda1997@gmail.com
Website: www.rwandabar.org Cost of Services:
Contact: Executive Secretary ■■Initial consultation; US$50 per hour
■■Drafting of Board meeting minutes; US$200
Brief Description: ■■Written legal opinion; US$100 per page
The Rwanda Bar Association was established in 1997 by Law No 3/97 of ■■Commercial cases; NEGOTIABLE depending on the nature of the case
19/03/1997. The law created the Bar Association, with its organs being the ■■Company incorporation and drafting memorandum and Articles of
General Assembly, the Governing Council and the President of the Bar. The Association of a company/Shareholders agreement; US$1,000
association was formed to regulate and oversee legal practice in the country.
■■Fees are paid in advance at reception desk and official receipt is
Lex Chambers issued.
Plot No. 30 Rukiri 1- Remera ■■Client provides legal documents pertaining the case in contention
P.O.Box 6562, Kigali-Rwanda,
Tel: 0788 300 983
Email: isaac@isaacchambers.net
Website: www.isaacchambers.net
Contact: Partner
112 113
Fountain Law Chambers Kigali Allied Advocates (KAA)

1st Floor- Ubumwe House, Nyarugenge
KBC-Kimihurura Kigali-Rwanda,
P.O.Box 6368, Kigali-Rwanda, Tel: 0788 305784; 0788 302432
Tel: 250 551 01721 Email: info@kaadvocates.com
Website: www.fountainlawchambers.com Website: www.kaadvocates.com
Contact: Principal Partner Contact: Managing Partner

Fountain Law Chambers is a firm established in 2006 as a dynamic and Kigali Allied Advocates (KAA) is a full service commercial and litigation law firm.
modern Rwandan law firm of legal consultants and advocates. The foundation It is one of the largest law firms in Rwanda. Is the only law firm in Rwanda
of its practice is Business and corporate law, Employment law, Human rights, that can provide seamless and integrated legal service in several commercial
Environment and Land Law among others. centers within the country.
Services: Services:
■■Debt recovery ■■Banking & Finance
■■Liquidation and insolvency ■■Corporate and Commercial
■■Licensing ■■Labor
■■Local and international trade transactions ■■Foreign Investment
■■Taxation
Cost of Service: ■■Litigation and Dispute Resolution
■■Cost of service is negotiable ■■Intellectual Property
■■Business re-organization and Insolvency
Procedure for Accessing Service: ■■Business Fraud
■■Simple walk into our offices with supporting documents regarding the
dispute Cost of Services:
■■Pay the agreed fees All services at Kigali Allied Advocates are priced differently depending on how
much time will be taken on a particular case file.

■■Any one walks into our offices and presents the lawyers with the case
in dispute.
114 115
Besides the above firms, other law firms recognized by the Kigali Bar 5.2 MARKETING AND ADVERTISING SERVICES:
Association include the following:
There are several companies providing marketing and advertising services to
Table 5: List and Contact of Law Firms SMEs in Rwanda. These companies provide services ranging from marketing,
advertising and branding. Below are selected lists of companies:
Telephone
No. Name of Law Firm Contact Person Email Address
Number
1. Zenith Law Firm Jain GokHool +25078 8517093 abcconsult2002@yahoo.fr
Brand Revolution Ltd
2. Mutabazi Abayo Law Firm Mutabazi Abayo Jean 0788 300535 info@maclawfirm.com
Claude Plot 5292- African Union Road KN 48,
3. Gasarabwe and Associates Marc Nsengimana +250788503395 augeco@rwanda1.com P.O.Box 1891, Kigali, Rwanda.
4. Kamanzi, Ntaganira and Associates Kamanzi Desire 0788309090 dkamanzi@ensafrica.com
Tel: 0785-315525 or 0783-046066
5. R &Partners Norbert Kagoro +250788846900 nkagoro@garrywhiteknight.com
Email: info@brandrevolution.net
6. Veritas Juris Chamber Muhikira Jean Claude 0788537164 jemuhikira@yahoo.fr
7. Trust Law Chamber Mugisha Richard 0788537164 jemuhikira@yahoo.fr Website: www.brandrevolution.net
8. Mucyo & Associates Mucyo Donatien 0788524528 mucyod@yahoo.fr Contact: Managing Director
9. Rukangira Law Chambers Rukangira Emmanuel 0788300280 rukangira@yahoo.fr
10. Gatera& Associates Gatera Gashabana 0788303744 or kavinc57@yahoo.fr Organizational Brief:

0728300044
11. Equity Juris Chambers Mitali Calvin 0788300981 calvin.mitali@ Brand Revolution Ltd is a full service marketing communication agency offering
equityjurischambers.com customized solutions to its clients in Rwanda. The agency was established in
12. K Solutions Partners Cyaga N. Eric 0788300973 eriol_rw@yahoo.fr
May 2010 and is one of the leading industry players.
Services:
Source: Kigali Bar Association ■■Development and implementation of marketing strategies
■■Product education and promotion
■■Production of marketing materials
■■Design and development of websites
Cost of Services:
■■Not fixed. Cost is based on staff time spent on the project and the
availability of data in-house.
Procedures for Accessing the Service:

■■Contact us on email or telephone with detailed terms of reference for
your needs
116 117
Creative Communications Rwanda Brief Description:

Kimihurura- Rugando, Great Lakes Communications is a Kigali based marketing, communications and
P.O.Box 7196, Kigali- Rwanda. PR consultancy. It delivers business focused, effective solutions in design and
Tel/Fax :+( 250) 580431/2 print, public relations, media, online marketing, market research and the first
Email: info@creative.co.rw media monitoring technologies in Rwanda.
Website: www.cc-creativecomms.com
Contact: Managing Director Services:
■■Market research
Brief Description: ■■Online marketing
Creative Communications is a full service integrated advertising agency that was ■■Electronic media productions
founded in 2002. It was the first advertising and marketing agency in Rwanda ■■Design and print
with a specialty in conceptualization, design and development of communications
strategies. Cost of services:
■■Cost is dependent on the scope of work
Services:
■■Print media services Procedures for Accessing Services:
■■Electronic media services ■■Send request for proposal documents with detailed TORs to GLCMC.
■■Television commercials
■■Animations
■■Radio commercials Rwanda Dispatch
Kicukiro, Sonatubes
Cost of Service: P.O. Box 4294, Kigali Rwanda
■■Costs vary depending on the scope of work Tel: 0788 306 472/ 0788 304 066
Email: rwandadispartch1@gmail.com
Procedure for Accessing Services: Website: www.rwandadispatch.rw
■■Contact through email with detailed terms of reference for the service Contact: Managing Director
being sought
Great Lakes Communication and Media Centre The Rwanda Dispatch is a renowned news magazine in Rwanda that is circulated
Rue de la Ministerie, Kimihurura, weekly. The magazine covers all sectors such as politics, Agriculture, Finance,
P.O.Box 32117, Kigali, Rwanda. Education, Transport etc
Tel: +255 (0) 255 103018
Email: help@strategicgreatlakes.com Services:
Website: www.glcmc.com ■■Advertisements
Contact: Managing Director ■■News agency activities
118 119
Cost of Services: IKAZE Agency Ltd

■■Full page issue costs 960,000 Rwandan Francs, half a page 400,000 Avenue de l’armée,
Francs and quarter of a page at 250,000 Rwandan Francs P.O.Box 5718, Kigali-Rwanda,
Tel: 0784 211450
Requirements for Accessing Services: Email: info@ikazeagency.com
■■Issue purchase order for space Website: www.ikazeagency.com
■■Ready art-works Contact: Marketing Manager
Creative Eye Rwanda Ikaze Agency Ltd was created purposefully to help investors exploit investment
PC 9773, Umuganda Boulevard opportunities offered in Rwanda and for tourists to enjoy the beauty of the
Gishushu, Remera II, Gasabo country of a thousand hills especially its diverse and rich cultural heritage.
P.O.Box 7499, Kigali-Rwanda
Tel: +250 728 450469 Services:
Email: info@creative-eye-africa.com ■■Investor facilitation
Website: www.creative-eye-africa.com ■■Tourism promotion
Contact: Country Manager ■■Professional training facilitations; and
■■Event management
Creative Eye is a regional communications agency with offices in Tanzania, Requirements for Accessing Service:
Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda. ■■Investor facilitation; Fill in the trainings facilitator form
■■Fill in the tourism promotion form
Services: ■■Events management form has to be filled in
■■Above-the-line advertising ■■Fill in the Trainings facilitator form
■■Below-the-line advertising
■■Media services
Cost of Services:
■■Cost of services are dependent on the scope of work

■■Request for service is sent to the agency with the detailed terms of
reference for the service.
120 121
5.3 AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES KPS Associates

3rd Floor Chadel Building
Audited books of accounts have become a major requirement for firms to Opp. Belgian School, Mille Collines Avenue
access business development and financial services from the various financial P.O.Box 5292 Kigali-Rwanda
institutions. This helps in tracking financial performance of the organization or Tel: 252 570390/ 572393
business. Fax: 252 571338
Email: infor@kps.co.rw
There are very many auditing firms providing auditing and accounting services Website: www.kps.co.rw
but for advice and good counsel, it is advisable that the SME engages a firm that Contact: Managing Partner
is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR).
Some of these firms include; Services:
■■Auditing
■■Tax consultancy
Pricewaterhouse Coopers Rwanda Ltd
5th Floor, Blue Star House, Procedures for Accessing the Services:
Boulevard de l’Umuganda, Kacyiru, ■■Contact KPS offices
P.O.Box 1495 Kigali- Rwanda
Tel: 252 588203/4/5/6
Fax: 252 588201/2 GPO Partners Rwanda
Email: pwc.rwanda@rw.pwc.com Aurore Building,
Website: www.pwc.com Boulevard de l’Umuganda,
Contact: Managing Partner Tel: 252 587933
Fax: 252 587934
Services: Email: gprw@gpopartners.com
■■Audit services Website: www.gpopartners.com
■■Consulting Contact: Senior Partner
■■Family business services
■■Tax advisory services Organizational Brief:
GPO Partners is a Global Professional Organization delivering world-class audit,
Procedure for Accessing Services: accounting, and tax and consulting services to international companies, as well
■■Contact PWC for details on how to access the service as national enterprises and public institutions.
Services:
■■Audit
■■Accounting
■■Tax
122 123
■■Consulting KPMG Rwanda

5th Floor, Grand Pension Plaza,
Procedure for Accessing Service: Avenue de la Paix,
■■Contact GPO Partners for any of the above services P.O. Box 6755, Kigali – Rwanda
Tel: 252 579790 /0788 175700
Fax: 252 579 792
Ernst and Young Email: jndunyu@kpmg.com
Banque de Kigali Building Website: www.kpmg.com
Avenue de la Paix Contact: Customer Service
P.O. Box 3638, Kigali - Rwanda
Phone: +250 788 309977 Organizational Brief:
Fax: +250 571 059 KPMG was registered in Rwanda in 1998 and worked with the Government to
Website: www.ey.com/rw implement the privatization program and modernize Revenue Administration
Contact: Managing Partner to provide the resources required for national reconstruction and poverty
reduction.
Ernst and Young is an accountancy and audit consultancy firm with a global Services:
footprint. ■■Audit
■■Tax
Services: ■■Advisory
■■Advisory
■■Assurance Cost of Services:
■■Tax ■■Service cost is not fixed
■■Transactions Advisory
Procedures for Accessing Services: ■■Clients can walk-in at any office branch of KPMG
■■Contact E&Y for procedure on how to access the services
124 125
RUMA Certified Public Accountants Nambiar Associates

Avenue de la Paix, Nyarugenge Rwanda Foam House, Muhima, Nyabugogo Road
P.O.BOX Kigali, Rwanda. P.O.Box 4715, Kigali, Rwanda
Tel: 252 573781 or 0788 301220 Tel: 0788 307654
Website: www.rumarwanda.com Fax: 252 504228
Contact: Managing Partner Email: admin@nambiarassociates.com
Website: www.nambiarassociates.com
Organizational Brief: Contact: Managing Partner
RUMA CPA provides audit services to various clients ranging from Public
Institutions, International Agencies, Banking and Financial Sector, Donor Funded Organizational Brief:
Projects, Manufacturing Industries, Construction Industries, Service Industries, Nambiar Associates was established with a vision to provide accurate and
Technology, Media & Communication and Pharmaceutical. concise financial information to management. The firm also aims at providing
management with financial and analytical data to facilitate easy and correct
Services: decision-making.
■■Auditing Services
■■Accounting Services Services:
■■Financial Advisory Services ■■Feasibility, Project Study and Market Research
■■Assurance Services ■■Guidance for Professional Book Keeping
■■Consultancy Services ■■Complete Accounting function
■■Business Management ■■Internal Audit
■■Tax Consultancy ■■Cost Analysis and Materials Management
■■Budgets and Forecast
Cost of Services: ■■Tax Consultancy
■■Cost of service is not fixed. Its dependent on the scope of work. ■■Financial Consultancy
Requirements for Accessing Service: Cost of Services:

■■Just walk into the RUMA CPA offices or contact us on email or ■■Service costs at Nambiar Associates are determined by the type of
telephone service requested

■■Walk in to our chambers
126 127
GCG and Associates Rwanda Like it had been earlier noted, there are several auditing firms that are established in the coun-
3rd floor, Blue House, Kisementi try to offer auditing and accounting services. However, it is advisable that an agency contacts
Tel: 0784 379 491 or 0722 949 493 ICPAR for advice on which firm to engage. Besides the above, other auditing firms are as listed
Email: info@gcgandassociates.com in the table below:
Website: www.gcgandassociates.com Table 6: List of Auditing Firms
Contact: Managing Director
NO. Name of Firm Contact Phone Email
1. ABC Consultants Sarl Jain GokHool +25078 8517093 abcconsult2002@yahoo.fr
2. Abdulwahid Mohamed Haji Abdulwahid Mohamed +254722413351 wahid@aboogroup.com
GCG and Associates is an audit and management consultancy firm registered Aboo
in Rwanda and serving the east and central African region. The team is highly 3. Cabinet Augeco Marc Nsengimana +250788503395 augeco@rwanda1.com
4. DP Auditors & Consultants Francois X Gasore +25078 8307648 fgasore@yahoo.com
qualified with the ability to conduct assignments in both international and local
5. Garry White Knight Norbert Kagoro +250788846900 nkagoro@garrywhiteknight.
languages across the region and abroad including; French, English, Kiswahili com
6. MN & Associates CPA Michael Maina +250788853063 mnassociatesrw@yahoo.com
and a multiplicity of local languages.
7. SEB Sarl Claude Sebushumba +250788304271 csebushumba@gmail.com
8. SECAF Sarl Raphael Sikubwabo +250788303357 ssiraph@yahoo.fr
Services: 9. TCHEM Associates Emmanuel Tchoukou +250788304599 tchoukouemmanuel@yahoo.fr
■■Capacity building 10. TM Auditors Sarl Telesphore Nshizirungu +25078 8306098 nshizirung@yahoo.fr
■■Fund Mobilization (loans and Equity Grants) 11. PKF Boniface Mutua +250788713619 bnmutua@gmail.com
12. M.M CPA Christopher Murithi +250783629879 christopherkaburu@yahoo.
■■Business and Assets management Kaburu com
■■Audit and Assurance 13. PEWMU Associates Charles Muchiri +250785835735 petemuchiri@gmail.com
■■Consulting 14. KSK Associates Stephen Kasenge +256772611000 kasest@accamail.com
■■Tax and legal consultancy 15. PPM Sudadi Kayitani +250788306005 sengakay@yahoo.com
Senganda
16. ZiM Partners Daniel Zitunga +250788312311 dzitunga@yahoo.co.uk
Cost of Services: 17. MERALIs CPA Rwanda Madhav Sudhir Bhandari +250788407373 reception@meraliscpa.com
■■Service costs are determined by the type of service requested 18. Green Horse Financial Gurmit Singh Santokh +250788300428 gurmit.santokh@
Consulting greenhorsegroup.com
19. FJ Consultants Ltd Nabawanuka Julian +250783098905 fjconsultants@yahoo.com
20. Johnson & Johnson CPAs Ulrich Christopher +250788305554 ucj@johnson-johnson.co.ug
■■Contact us through email or telephone or physically drop by our offices Johnson
and you will be served. 21. Financial Advisory Services Lindsay Hodgson +250788302895 lhodgson@fast-global.com
&Training Ltd
22. SG Mehtha & Associates Ltd Sandeep G. Mehta +250786160444 cpasgm@gmail.com
23. RSK Associates Solomon Kalibwanyi +250782173513 kabasha1@yahoo.fr
Musoke
24. Goal Advisory Africa Ltd Stephen Gathanga +250784985528 skamau@goaladvisory.com
Kamau
Source: Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR)
128 129
5.4 CLEARING, FORWARDING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICE Cost of Services:

■■Services are provided free of charge through member selection and
Clearing and forwarding agencies and transportation service providers have become voting powers by the General Assembly.
a key aspect of regional and international business today. Several agencies have been
licensed by the Rwanda Revenue Authority to provide these services to the country. Requirements for Accessing Service:
■■Beneficiary should be a member of the association
The specific documents needed to facilitate the smooth clearing of goods and services
include the following:
■■Commercial Invoice East African Cargo Rwanda
■■Bill of lading/Certificate of origin Nyarugenge
■■Packing List P.O.Box 131, Kigali-Rwanda,
The following are some of the agencies providing clearing, forwarding and transportation Tel: 0788 538767
services: Website: www. www.brucargoairfreight.be/africa/rwanda
Contact: HR and Administration Office
Rwanda Freight Forwarders Association (ADR) Organizational Brief:

Gikondo-Kicukiro Road, East African Cargo Rwanda has been a subsidiary of Brucargo Air Freight
1st Floor, Le Prestige Building Belgique since 1987. East African Cargo Rwanda is a market leader that offers
P.O.Box 6359, Kigali - Rwanda complete import/export air freight services. The company handles all Brussels
Phone: +250 788 312 992 Airlines Cargo flights and offers a wide range of services.
E-mail: info@adr.co.rw
Website: www.adrwanda.com Services:
Contact: Front desk. ■■Weekly pick-up and delivery of merchandise by truck in the interior of
Rwanda and East Congo (Bukavu and Goma)
Organizational Brief: ■■Customs agents: all import and export formalities
ADR is a non-profit organization established in 1998 to represent all the ■■Packaging and stocking
clearing and forwarding firms in Rwanda. The Association has a membership ■■Air express courier Africa: Certified agent of UPS Worldwide Express
base of 108 clearing and forwarding companies. (express courier)
■■Exclusive agent of Brussels Airlines Cargo (GSSA - General Sales
Role: Service Agent): management of freight for all destinations served by
■■The overall aim of ADR is to encourage best practices in the industry Brussels Airlines throughout the world.
and promote competitiveness of companies to provide unrivalled quality
services in the region and beyond. Cost of Services:
■■Serve as a framework for permanent dialogue between its members ■■Services are priced according to the amounts of goods cleared and
and third parties, including public authorities also their value added.
130 131
Requirements for Accessing Service: Freight Logistics Services Ltd

■■Present supporting documents for the goods as required for export Gikondo-Magerwa
and import goods. P.O.Box 4252, Kigali-Rwanda,
Tel: 252 570339
Fax: 570339
Exrol Website: www.freightlogisticservices.com
Level 2, Delta House Contact: Customer service desk
P.O.Box 2987, Kigali-Rwanda,
Tel: 252 255107 Organizational Brief:
Fax: 252 255322 Freight Logistics Services Ltd is a Clearing and Forwarding Company with its
Website: www.excrol.com head office in Kigali-Rwanda and four other branches around the country in;
Contact: HR and Administration Office Rusumo, Kagitumba, Gatuna and at Kigali international Airport in Kanombe.
The firm was incorporated in 2005 and licensed to transact the business of
Organizational Brief: Clearing, Forwarding and Transportation of all manner of merchandise and
Exrol provides a comprehensive in the continent, and worldwide air, ocean and goods by sea, land and Air to and from Rwanda to any part of the world.
multi-model forwarding services to meet the different transit-times, costs and
service requirements as demanded. Airfreight shipments can be expedited to Services:
worldwide destinations either directly or as part of our regular consolidations. ■■Global Air services
■■Sea Freight:
Services: ■■Cross-Border and Inland freight
■■Packaging and stocking ■■Logistics management:
■■Clearing and forwarding ■■Customs Brokerage:
■■Cargo deliveries
Cost of Services: Requirements for Accessing Service:
■■Cost of service is dependent on the amount of goods to be cleared ■■Proof of ownership of property
and their destination. ■■Post-border Clearance forms/documentation
■■Bill of lading
Requirements for Accessing Service: ■■Commercial invoice
■■Proof of ownership of property ■■Packing List
■■Post border clearance forms/documentation
■■Certificate of origin
■■Quality certification (if required)
132 133
Swift Freight DHL

10, Avenue de la Paix 2nd Floor, Suite 11, Blessing House
P.O.Box 4252, Kigali-Rwanda, Muhima Avenue
Tel: 252 504207 P.O.Box, Kigali-Rwanda,
Fax: 252 510483 Tel: 252 503783, 0788 308586
Website: www.swiftfreight.com Website: www.dhl.com
Contact: Front Desk Contact: Front desk

Swift Freight, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a leader in DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road
global transportation and logistics. Swift Freight is well known for providing a and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to
comprehensive range of transport solutions across Africa, UAE, India and the its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and
Far East. Swift Freight provides innovative multi-modal solutions such as Sea Air territories and about 275,000 employees’ worldwide, DHL offers customers
Modal into Africa and Sure lines. superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain
requirements.
Services:
■■Air freight services Services:
■■Sea freight services ■■Ware housing and distribution
■■Swift perishable logistics ■■Freight transportation
■■Multi-model transportation ■■Customs and security insurance
Requirements for Accessing Service: ■■Supply chain solutions
■■Presentation of tax clearance certificates
■■Duty payment supporting documents Cost of Services:
■■Insurance payment proof ■■Service cost entirely depends on the type of service, destinations,
distances, quantity and weight.

■■Fill in forms including the service needed at any DHL Branch worldwide
134 135
136
LIST OF CLEARING AGENCIES IN RWANDA
Nº CLEARING AGENCY CONTACT PERSON TELEPHONE
1 1 TO 1 BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP UMUHOZA Georgine 0788629595 or 0788307755
2 ADONAI AGENCY SARL MUTONI Emily 0788302147
3 ADONIA CLEARING AGENCY& SHYAKA Vianney 0788491251
FORWARDING
4 AFRICAN BUSINESS SERVICES MWUMVANEZA Bonaventure 0788505648
5 AFRICA FREIGHT SERVICES NTAGWABIRA Antoine 0788306637
6 AFRI-DITEC KAREMERA Jacques 0785291324
7 AIMS LOGISTICS BASALISA Scovia 0782503653
8 AMEKI COLOR GATARI Emmanuel 0788594998
9 ATACO FREIGHT SERVICES MURENZI Serge 0788490123
10 AIR TRANSIT INTERNATIONAL KAMANZI Symphorien 0788302382
11 A‐Z CLEARING & FORWARDING AGENCY HITIMANA Innocent 0788513372
12 BN METRO LTD NIYONGABO Richard 0788513373

13 BNM COMPASS SARL MUHIMANA Innocent 0728834113
14 BOBOR LTD MUNYANEZA Gervais 0788513825
15 BONFIDE C&F RWANDA NIYONSABA Innocent 0788416266
16 CLICK CLEARING & FORWARDING AGENTS MUGISHA Suwed 0788778842
17 CLOFFIK ARADUKUNDA Déo 0788539575
18 CODETRACO MANIRAMBONA Callixte 0788521054
19 COIMEX Emmanuel 0788300152
20 COMMON CUSTOMS SERVICES KAGAME Roger 0788480630
21 CONEX LOGISTICS NDAHIMANA Théogène 0788504161
22 DACA KAYIGIRE Jean Paul 0788504878
23 DALSO INVESTMENTS MUKAMARAKIZA Alida 0788501601
24 DATUS LIMITED NIYONZIMA J.Claude 0788530279
25 DEDOUANEMENT FREIGHT NKOMEZA Alain 0788658650
INTERNATIONAL(DFI)
26 DOMUS MUKANKUSI K.Pierrette 0788852428, 0788504206
27 DOVE FREIGHT BAMURANGE Odette 0788306224/0728306224
28 EASTERN HILLS LTD UWAMAHORO Cissy 0788305362

29 EDEN CLEARING COMPANY RUTUNGISHA Trésor 0788616064

30 ELEGANCE CLEARING AGENCY NSHUTINZIZA Jean d'Amour 0782515794
31 EXPRESS LINE SHIPPING RUKABUZA Novati 0788507871
32 FREIGHT LOGISTICS SERVICES UMURUNGI Florence 0788536901
33 G & M CARGO SERVICES NSENGIYUMVA George 0785052516
34 GILL TRADING UMUTONI Julliet 0788305577
35 GREAT LAKES CLEARING AND KABERA J.Damascène 0788457660
FORWARDING (GLACA)
36 GLOBAL FREIGH FORWAEDING KAYISIRE NYANGEZI Fiacre 0788500354
37 GOOD FREIGHT LIMITED GASANA Joseph 0788678777
38 GOOD FUTURE BUSINESS NIYONSENGA Berthilde 0788587001
39 GOOD PARTNER MUKANGWIJE Nelly 0788400464
40 GORILLA 1000 RWUMBUGUZA Fred 0788307556
41 HOPE FREIGHT SERVICES UNKUNDIYE Léon 0788651145
42 HORIZON CLEARING & GENERAL SERVICES BUCYANA Emmy Murekezi 0788573321
43 INIRMAT CLEARING LTD INGABIRE Francine 0788777780
44 INTERCONNECT RWIGEMERA Boniface 0785801513
45 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME AGENCY MUKESHIMANA J.de Dieu 0788526840
46 INTRA CARGO NYEBAZA Josephine 0788644439
47 INTRASPEED BAGIRE R. Alfred 0788427360
48 JAGUAR CARRIERS JUNIOR (JACAJU) UWANYIRIGIRA Béata 0788501456
49 JASMINE INTERNATIONAL KARANGWA Fabrice 0788753545
50 JEM CLEARING AGENCY GASANA May 0788305860/0788564042
51 JETCOM SARL UWIMANA André Léon 0788779553
52 KENFREIGHT RURANGWA Charles 0788303348
53 KIGALI GENERAL TRADING MURIGO John Bosco 0788355941
54 KIPHARMA GIANCARLO Davite 0788300660
55 KITS MUJYABWAMI J.Pierre 0788748873
56 KIVU CLEARING AGENCY KAYIJUKA Innocent 0788810253
57 LE CORRECT NZABONIMANA Etienne 0788511726
58 LIFE LINE FREIGHT TUYISHIME Alfred 0788762302
59 LIGHT CLEARING AGENCY BENIMANA Ancille 0788477602
60 LOGIONE WORLDWIDE MATTHIEU Costa 0784501007
61 MADE SARL RUTAYISIRE Médard 0788512291

137
138
62 MAGERWA SONGA Jean Bosco 0788553357
63 MEG CLEARING MWESIGE Eric 0788566801
64 MEREZ MUNYENGABE Pacifique 0788306097
65 MONGOLIA CLEARING AGENCY NSHIMYEYO Crispin 0788506483
66 MULTILINES INTERNATIONAL RURANGWA UWERA Jacky 0788424383
67 NET FREIGHT SERVICES SARL NYIRANEZA NINSIMA Eppy 0788322246
68 NET RIGHT SERVICES UBAYEHO Jean 0783789880
69 NEW BUSINESS CLEARING MBONIGABA Damien 0788543430
70 NEW KIGALI BUSINESS SERVICES RUTAGENGWA Emmanuel 0788531447
71 NEW PREFERENCE NYIRIGIRA Andrew 0750311411
72 NEW SOLUTION COMPANY MURAYIRE M.Dieudonné 0788617107
73 NEW STAR UWIZEYE Jean d'Amour 0788647086
74 NEW VISION AGENCY RUTAMBUKA Nelson 0788646476
75 OMNIBUS NSENGIYUMVA Callixte 0788541642

76 P&M AGENTS NYINAWISUGI Alice 0788452070
77 PAM JAN DELBAERE 0788303561
78 PANACHE BIZIMANA Kalisa 0788600324
79 PANAFRICA EXPRESS LTD MALARUNGU Rose 0788309429
80 PIONEER INTERNATIONAL MUGAMBAGE Mundaneh 0788426676
81 PRECISION MAGAJU Aimable 0788354720
82 QUALITY SERVICES NDAHAYO Jean de Dieu 0788745305
83 QUICK BAHIZI Moubarack 0788416166
84 REAL TRANSIT, TRANSPORT MUKARUGWIZA Médiatrice 0788305045
85 RELIANCE JAYARAM Cheroor 0788307248/0788304278
86 ROYALLINKS MBABAZI Grace MULINDA 0788303664
87 RWANDA BUSINESS & CLEARING AGENCY MUVUNANGOMA Abdul 0788501220
88 RWANDAMOTOR LEFEBURE Hugues 0788301886
89 SAFE SERVICES NGOGA Eugène 0788774816
90 SAVANA CLEARING AGENCY GIRAMATA Olive 0788585440
91 SDT MUKURIRA Sandra 0788462665
92 SDV TRANSAMI KEMBUKUSWA Rodolphe 0788300616
93 SHAMMAR LINKS BATAMURIZA Sharon 0788510328
94 SMART CLEARING AGENCY S.A.R.L INDEKWE B. Patrick 0788497219

95 SPEDAG INTERFREIGHT RWANDA LTD BASTIAN SCHMITZ 0788301195
96 SOCIETE INTERNATIONALE DE FRET ET HAKIZIMANA Ally 0788638558
AGENCE EN DOUANE (SIFAD)
97 SONODE UWERA Françoise 0788736685
98 STANDARD INTERNATIONAL KAGAMBAGE R.Augustin 0788505522
99 STANDING WITH YOU NGUNGA Médard 0788595780
100 STIPPAG RWANDA SANGWA Danny 0788471009
101 SULFO RWANDA NATARAJAN A.S 0788433748
102 THE HAVERSTERS NZABONANTUMA Olivier 0788651059
103 TOLIRWA JAYAJITH M.O 0788493490
104 TOP FREIGHT MUKANKUBANA Susan 0788572333
105 TOP MOVERS MUTUYIMANA Claudine 0788676411
106 TRADECO FREIGHT BIGIRIMANA Céline 0788532867
107 TRADEFRET MUKASHEMA Veronise 0788528847
108 TRADER NYIRINKINDI César 0788303477
109 TRADERWA MBAYIHA M.Germaine 0788305988
110 TRANSNET RUGEMA Ramadhan 0788300915
111 TRANSOCEAN BAHIVI R.Jean de Dieu 0788862687
112 TRINITY CLEARING BAZIKOSHE Betty 0788876778
113 TRUST CLEARING COMPANY RWAGASORE J.Claude 0788434380
114 TRY TRUSTERS AGENCY UMUZIGA Gisèle 0788467027
115 UDPRO MUTAGAWA Fidèle 0788504282
116 UMOJA CLEARING AGENCY NDENGA Amon 0788824011
117 UNITED FOR PROGRESS Monique 0788598251
118 VICTORY CLEARING AGENCY UMURERWA M.Chantal 0788414090
119 WESTERN CRUISE AGENCY MUKESHIMANA Georgette 0788481910
120 ZBR KATAMARA Hamidu 0788513485
121 ZENITH AGENCY MUKAGASANA Laurence 0788594054
Source: Rwanda Revenue Authority

139
5.5 INSURANCE SERVICES bond)

■■Workmen’s compensation
Insurance has become a very key aspect of business today. It is necessary to insure ■■Travel insurance
a business against unforeseen circumstances that can alter the smooth operation of
the business. Some of the most commonly insured risks include fire, theft, burglary, Cost of Services:
accidents and other natural disasters. ■■Cost of service is dependent on the level of risk involved and the cost
of consignment.
Some of the companies providing these services include:
Requirement for Accessing the Service:
SORAS GROUP LTD Each service has different requirements but some of the general requirements
Boulevard de la Revolution, include:
P.O.Box 924, Kigali Rwanda ■■Passport size photos and identity cards / passport of the persons
Tel: 252 593300, 252 573712 being insured
Email: info@soras.co.rw ■■Packing list and Purchase Invoice
Website: www.soras.co.rw ■■Contract (in case of performance bonds)
Contact: Customer Service ■■Employees employment contract (in case of health insurance)
Organizational Brief: SONARWA

SORAS Group Ltd was created in 1984, and has been split into three different Boulevard de la Revolution
companies, members of one group: Soras Group LTD: Investment and Service P.O.Box 2417 Kigali
Company; SORAS - General Business LTD and SORAS - Life Business LTD. Rwanda
Tel: +250 592160
Services: Website: www.sonarwa.co.rw
■■Motor insurance Contact: Customer Service
■■Fire and allied perils insurance
■■Consequential loss- Business interruption, Organizational Brief:
■■Contractor all risks SONARWA was established in 1975 under the management of a U.K. based
■■Industrial all risks insurance company- J.H. Minet. It concluded an equity strategic partnership with the
■■Marine insurance Nigeria’s leading insurance company, Industrial and General Insurance Plc, (IGI),
■■Goods in transit which acquired 35% stake in SONARWA effective April 2008. The company is
■■Burglary and theft, ISO 9001-2008 certified.
■■Money in safe and Cash in transit,
■■Fidelity guarantee (Fraud and Dishonesty of Employees), Services:
■■Bonds (Bid securities, Custom bonds, Performance bond, Advance ■■Motor insurance,
■■Fire and allied perils insurance,
140 141
■■Industrial all risks insurance, Services:

■■Goods in transit ■■Bonds (Bid securities, Custom bonds, Performance bond, Advance
■■Burglary and theft, bond)
■■Money in safe and Cash in transit, ■■Motor insurance,
■■Fidelity guarantee (Fraud and Dishonesty of Employees), ■■Fire and allied perils insurance,
■■Bonds (Bid securities, Custom bonds, Performance bond, Advance ■■Industrial all risks insurance,
bond) ■■Goods in transit
■■Personal Accident ■■Burglary and theft,
■■Group personal accident ■■Workmen’s compensation
■■Travel insurance Cost of Services:
Cost of service is dependent on the degree of risk of the business
Cost of Services:
Cost of service is dependent of the value of property and level of risk involved Requirement for Accessing the Service:
Each of the above services has its unique requirements. It is advisable to
Requirement for Accessing the Service: contact the customer service officers for assistance and guidance through the
Each of the above services has its unique requirements. It is advisable to application process.
contact the customer service officers for assistance and guidance through the
application process. PHOENIX
Avenue de la Revolution
CORAR Opposite FINA Bank
Centenary House, Nyarugenge P.O.Box 82, Kigali
P.O. Box, 3869 Kigali Rwanda
Rwanda Tel: 252 570331
Phone: 252 502210 Email: info@phoenixrwanda.com
Fax: 252 575596 Website: www.phoenixassurancegroup.com
Email: corar@rwanda1.com Contact: General Manager
Contact: General Manager
Organizational Brief: Phoenix is the only company in the market offering all products including Aviation
CORAR is one of the companies providing general risk insurance services in and Marine insurance. It offers all type of non-life conventional products. The
Rwanda. The company has its operations in Kigali and serves clients across the company was established in 2006 and is a subsidiary of the Phoenix Group of
country. Companies.
142 143
Services: COGEAR
■■Motor insurance, Avenue de l’arme
■■Fire and allied perils insurance, P.O.Box 2753 Kigali
■■Consequential loss- Business interruption, Rwanda
■■Contractor all risks Phone: 252 576041/52/79
■■Industrial all risks insurance, Fax: 252 276082
■■Computer and Electronic Equipment, Contact: Managing Director
■■Machinery Breakdown,
■■Marine insurance Services:
■■Goods in transit ■■Bonds (Bid securities, Custom bonds, Performance bond, Advance
■■Burglary and theft, bond)
■■Money in safe and Cash in transit, ■■Motor insurance,
■■Fidelity guarantee (Fraud and Dishonesty of Employees), ■■Fire and allied perils insurance,
■■Bonds (Bid securities, Custom bonds, Performance bond, Advance ■■Industrial all risks insurance,
bond) ■■Goods in transit
■■Personal Accident ■■Burglary and theft,
■■Group personal accident ■■Workmen’s compensation
■■Travel insurance Cost of Services:
■■Public liability Cost of service is dependent on the degree of risk of the business
■■Professional Liability,
■■Trade line etc. Requirement for Accessing the Service:
Each of the above services has its unique requirements. It is advisable to
Cost of Service contact the customer service officers for assistance and guidance through the
Cost of services is dependent on the level of risk and the value of the item being application process.
insured. The company also provides tailor made products that are crafted to
the needs of the client. RELIANCE INSURANCE
Plot 701, Avenue des Parc No.6
Requirements for Accessing the Service: P.O.Box 5065, Kigali
The various services each have different requirements. It is advisable to contact Rwanda
the customer care department for assistance and guidance in the process. Tel: 252 500316/ 0788 304278
Fax: 252 501334
Email: reliance.insurance@yahoo.com
Contact: Sales Manager
144 145
Services: ■■Burglary and theft,

■■Bonds (Bid securities, Custom bonds, Performance bond, Advance ■■Money in safe and Cash in transit,
bond) ■■Fidelity guarantee (Fraud and Dishonesty of Employees),
■■Motor insurance, ■■Bonds (Bid securities, Custom bonds, Performance bond, Advance
■■Fire and allied perils insurance, bond)
■■Industrial all risks insurance, ■■Personal Accident
■■Goods in transit ■■Group personal accident
■■Burglary and theft, ■■Workmen’s compensation
■■Workmen’s compensation ■■Travel insurance
Cost of Services: Cost of Services:

Cost of service is dependent on the degree of risk of the business Cost of service is dependent of the value of property and level of risk involved
Requirement for Accessing the Service: Requirement for Accessing the Service:
Each of the above services has its unique requirements. It is advisable to Each of the above services has its unique requirements. It is advisable to
contact the customer service officers for assistance and guidance through the contact the customer service officers for assistance and guidance through the
application process. application process.
ALLIANCE INSURANCE BROKERS

Plot 29, Avenue de la Paix
P.O.Box 1395 Kigali
Rwanda
Tel: 252 507777 or 0788 503733
Website: www.aibafrica.com
Contact: General Manager
Alliance Insurance Brokers offers professional, independent advice on all
General Insurance, Life & Pensions and Mortgage matters.
Services:
■■Motor insurance,
■■Fire and allied perils insurance,
■■Industrial all risks insurance,
■■Goods in transit
146 147
ANNEX 1: PRACTICAL TAXATION TIPS

■■The amount of business assets invested is equal to thirty million

Incentives provided in the tax tariff apply to all SMEs including both local and foreign investors. (30,000,000) Rwandan francs;
Below are some of the practical taxation tips;
■■VAT Registration is beneficial and it gives you an advantage in costing. ■■The business assets are held at the establishment for at least three
You should therefore insist on VAT invoices from suppliers. (3) tax periods after the tax period in which the investment allowance
was taken into consideration.
■■Keep records of your capital investment for capital allowances and
withholding tax. These are claimable at the end of the year and it reduces ■■The investment allowance becomes fifty (50%) if the registered
your Income Tax Liability. Check your import documentations for WHT business is located outside Kigali or falls within the priority sectors
records and collect receipts of WHT deduction from your customers. determined by the Investment Code of Rwanda.

■■Submission of early returns to Rwanda Revenue Authority reduces ■■ TRAINING AND RESEARCH EXPENSES
the interest and penalties ■■All Training and Research expenses incurred and declared as agreed
by a taxpayer and declared and earlier agreed and which promote
■■Proven records on tax compliances are rewarded; for instance you activities during a tax period are considered as deductible from taxable
can be exempted from WHT. profits in accordance with provisions of Article 21 of this law.

■■Make your taxman your friend; consult him when in doubt on rates and ■■Expenses on training, research and on promotion of activities as
procedures etc. RRA has a toll free number, call center and customer applied in this Article do not concern the purchase of land, of houses, of
relations officers at all customs offices that you can consult. buildings and other immovable properties including refining, rehabilitation
and reconstruction as well as exploration expenses and other assets.
■■ LOSS CARRIED FORWARD

ANNEX 1.1: TAX INCENTIVES If the determination of business profit results in a loss in a tax period, the loss
may be deducted from the business profit in the next five (5) tax periods, earlier
The tax law nº16/2005 of 18/08/2005 on direct taxes on income provides many tax losses being deducted before later losses.
incentives to investors in Rwanda:
■■ TAX DISCOUNT AND EXEMPTION
■■ INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE: A registered investment entity that operates in a Free Trade Zone and foreign
An investment allowance of forty percent (40%) of the invested amount in new companies that have their headquarters in Rwanda that fulfils the requirements
or used assets may be depreciated excluding motor vehicles that carry less stipulated in the Rwandan law on Investment Promotion is entitled to:
than eight (8) persons, except those exclusively used in a tourist business is ■■Pay corporate income tax at the rate of zero per cent (0%);
deductible for a registered investor in the first tax period of purchase and/or of ■■Exemption from 15% withholding tax mentioned in Article 51 of the
use of such an assets if: law nº 16/2005 of 18/08/2005 on direct income;
■■Tax free repatriation of profits.
148 149
ANNEX 1
ANNEX 2: Small and Medium Enterprises
SIMPLE IMPORT AND EXPORT PROCEDURE

■■ PROFIT TAX DISCOUNT The process of importing and exporting of goods to and from Rwanda takes the following
A registered investor shall be entitled to a profit tax discount of: simple steps: However, it should be noted that different products have different requirements
■■Two percent (2%) if the investor employs between one hundred (100) although the custom procedures are similar. An SME should therefore seek professional
and two hundred (200) Rwandans; advice from a licensed clearing agent.
■■Five percent (5%) if the investor employs between two hundred and
one (201) and four hundred (400) Rwandans; The following are some of the simple requirements:
■■Six percent (6%) if the investor employs between four hundred and
one (401) and nine hundred (900) Rwandans; For general exports for instance minerals and other goods:
■■Seven percent (7%) if the investor employs more than nine hundred ■■Certificate of Origin (Issued by Rwanda Revenue Authority)
(900) Rwandans. ■■Packing List
■■Commercial Invoice
■■Export Documents (Issued by Rwanda Revenue Authority)
For Agricultural Exports for instance Coffee and Tea:

■■Quality certificate (Issued by Rwanda Bureau of Standards)
■■Sanitation certificate (Issued by National Agricultural Export Board)
■■Certificate of Origin (Issued by Rwanda Revenue Authority)
■■Packing List
Upon acquisition of the above documents, it is submitted to Customs

Department of Rwanda Revenue Authority for verification and stamping for
export. The export document is supposed to be signed and stamped by the
receiving country’s customs department and returned for filing with Rwanda
Revenue Authority.
Importation of goods also takes the same procedures supported by the following
documents:
■■Certificate of origin (from country of origin)
■■Packing list
■■Bill of lading or airways bill
It is however imperative for an importer to verify with RRA which goods are
prohibited from being imported into the country.
150 151
Annex 3: Small and Medium Enterprises
PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES NOTES

Procurement of goods, works and consultancy services in Rwanda is guided by the Law on
Public Procurement No. 12/2007 of 29/03/2007. Public procurement is regulated by the
Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA).
Requirements for public procurement of goods, works and consultant services may greatly
differ depending on what is being procured. It is therefore advisable for a bidder to critical
study the Request for Proposal (RFP) document and responds according to the requirements.
Below are some of the key generic requirements for public procurement of goods, works and
consultancy services:
■■A bid letter signed and stamped by the competent authority, addressed
to the procuring entity
■■Copy of the trade license (related to the tender or general business)
■■A valid tax clearance certificate issued by Rwanda Revenue Authority
(original or a certified copy) - for local bidders.
■■A valid certificate issued by the Social Security (original or a certified
copy)
■■copy of the FARG clearance certificate
■■Written confirmation authorizing the signature of the bid to commit
the bidder (power of attorney)
■■Bid security
■■Proof of purchase of tender documents
■■Certificate of origin (for goods)
■■Manufacturer’s authorization (for goods and works)
■■Letters of reference
152 153
NOTES
154 155
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Boulevard de l'Umuganda, Gishushu, Nyarutarama Road.
P.O. Box 6239 Kigali, Rwanda
Fax: +250 252 580388
Email: info@rdb.rw
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Small and Medium Enterprises

(SME) BUSINESS GUIDE

RWANDA SMALL AND MEDIUM

SECTION TWO: ACCESS TO BUSINESS REGISTRTION....................................................................................24

SECTION THREE: ACCESS TO BUSINESS FINANCING.....................................................................................48

SECTION FOUR: ACCESS TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.........................................................86

SECTION FIVE: ACCESS TO OTHER BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES.....................................................110

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADB African Development Bank PFI Participating Financial Institutions

An important element for promoting enterprise

The Guide is structured into five sections including:

SUMMARY OF THE SME DEVELOPMENT POLICY

1.1 DEFINITION OF SMES 1.2.1 Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

New Tax Regime: Business Reforms:

Table 3: Annual taxable income Some of the key reforms include:

handling receipt and Importation License.

The next sections provide information on registration requirements, access to business

ACCESS TO BUSINESS REGISTRATION

Registering a branch of foreign company in Rwanda:

is incorporated (notarized by a public notary)

Cessation of trading activities: Transfer of shares: Re-registration in compliance

Requirements for Access of Services:

Private or public bonded warehouse:

2.1: Sector Specific Registration Services 1,000,000,000

License to operate a forex bureau:

Cost of Service: Services:

Cost of Services: Requirements for Accessing Services:

License for operating a pharmaceutical distribution center Organizational Brief:

Mining Exploitation License Services:

Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) Certification of goods or services:

Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) ■A

ACCESS TO BUSINESS FINANCING

Conditions for Accessing Services: Ecobank- Rwanda

Financial condition: Requirements for Accessing the Service:

Services and Requirements:

Investment Loan or Equipment Loan: Investment Loan or Equipment Loan:

Amasezerano Community Banking Urwego Opportunity Bank (UOB)

Education/Training: ■■Being entrepreneurs or Business person

Invoice discount: An advance on invoice of 80% or 90% is given and this is

■■Machinery ■■Attractive interest rates

Invoice Discounting: Cost of Service:

■■Must be an account holder forecast.

Commercial Bank of Rwanda/ I&M Bank Documentary Letter of Credit:

Services: Invoice Discount:

old ■■Current statement and forward projection of stocks

Equipment or Business Vehicle Loan:

Brief Description: Brief Description:

Technical Assistance Lines of Credit

Requirements for Access: Matching Grant (RIF II)

Requirements for Accessing Services:

Guarantee Funds: ■■Category II (Processing of agricultural products): This category includes

Conditions: ■■Category III (Agricultural support services): This category includes

Requirements for Accessing Service:

Umwalimu Savings & Credit Cooperative Unguka Bank Ltd

Cost of Services: Cost of Services:

Duterimbere IMF Ltd Zigama CSS

ACCESS TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Rwanda Entrepreneurship Development Program

The objective is to create a forum for meaningful dialogue on improving the

Cost of Service: Business Development Centres (BDCs)

Procedure for Access to Services: NORTHERN PROVINCE

■■ KPS Associates Kaneza

3rd floor Chadel building, opposite Belgian school alicenakaneza@yahoo.