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Telling Rwanda’s Story
JULY - AUG 2015 ISSUE 54
Magazine
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City OF KIGALILeading Kigali’s skyline transformation
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COPYINSIDE
DHL launches 3 million euro facility in Rwanda RSE cements investor confidence With 7 listed companies URWEGO Opportunity Bank A rising star in Rwanda’s financial sector ENGEN Rwanda and Safe Gas introduce revolutionary cooking gas product
HIGHLIGHTS
It is a good example of respecting the city’s master plan,” said Ndayisaba on M. Peace Plaza. According to the city master plan unveiled last year, green growth, job creation, as well as provision of affordable basic social services are some of the key ingredients required to take the city to the next level in its development process.The private sector has been growing over the past decade, creating the need for more office space, especially in Kigali. This demand has peaked, resulting into shortages.
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COVER PAGE City of Kigali Leading Kigali’s skyline transformation
DHL RWANDA50
UAP AKANIGI LAUNCH47
RWANDA STOCK EXCHANGE36
HEIFER RWANDA32URWEGO OPPORTUNITY BANK20
7 EDITORIAL Spreading the Rwanda wings of leisure
10 COK City of Kigali Leading Kigali’s skyline transformation
16 BRALIRWA Supports the Return of Lions
18 NAKUMATT Spelling competitions boost learners’ aptitude
20 URWEGO Opportunity Bank A rising star in Rwanda’s financial sector
22 TIGO’S Donation Tour highlights need for businesses to support survivors.
24 TIGO and Reach for change Support 425000 children across Africa
28 ENGEN Rwanda partners with Safe Gas to introduce revolutionary cooking gas product
30 ENGEN sponsors Rwanda Mountain Gorilla rally
32 HEIFER Taking holistic approach through enhancing institutional cornerstones
36 RSE With 7 listed companies Rwanda Stock Exchange cements investor confidence
40 TURKISH AIRLINES commits to better passenger circulation, tourism
46 SP PETRO becomes first petroleum products distributor to introduce mobile based payments
47 UAP AKANIGI launched “motor insurance that treats women nobly” motor insurance that treats women nobly
50 DHL launches 3 million euro facility in Rwanda
52 ABG extends into Wine supply Bringing the world’s best into Rwanda at affordable pricing
54 UAE Exchange Rwanda
CITY COUNCIL OF KOGALI
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Care is taken to ensure accuracy, Hope Magazine assume no liability for error or omissions in this publication. All Advertisements are taken in good faith, opinions and views contained herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. All copyrights and trademarks are recognized. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission by Hope Magazine. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts with the purpose of fair review. © 2013
TEAMAbraham Rumanzi
Albert NdataArmand Muganga
Benigne MugwanezaGahima VitalGeorge Kalisa
Latim Lawrence W.Manzi Joseph
Matthew RwahigiRebero Daniel
Shema Leonard
DESIGN & LAYOUTDani K.
PUBLISHED BYHope Magazine Ltd,
ADVERTISING & GENERAL INQUIRIES
P.O. Box 6176 Kigali-Rwanda
+250 788 524189 /+250 788 404138
[email protected]: hope-mag.com
COPYRIGHT 2013 reserved by Hope
Magazine Hope Magazine a monthly Magazine is published by Hope Magazine Limited. All rights reserved.
The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers of
Hope Magazine.
ReberoDaniel
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More architectural marvels needed aswe tread into MICEThe making of Rwanda lies deeply embedded in the unbreakable spirit of her people-the Rwandanness-Ubunyarwanda.
Just 20 years ago, Kigal i was a smoldering hil l of a collection of concrete and steel, devoid of beauty and architecture to talk of, existing in a disorderly haste of confusion, character ized by spontaneously erected s t ructures . Today, the permanency, the vertical architecture, the integrated planning, the associative amenities, the pleasantness (for i t is more than the much hyped cleanliness), all give the residents and visitors alike that sense of experiencing that environment of a city, a capital.
Kigali is fast becoming a hub of many activities at the same time; Meetings, Conference, Exhibition and Events (MICE) being one such outstanding service. It is therefore important to develop as many, as beautiful, as internationally accepted accommodation infrastructures as we can muster. Kigali being Rwanda’s symbol of growth, Kigali City Hall being the heart of the city’s activities, the opening and eventual occupation is a good symbol for the future of
the country.
It is that spirit that has seen this countr y r ise from an abyss of destruction, slowly and steadily sprouting and blossoming into
tender growth, gathering strength, personifying hope, rebuilding dignity, beckoning reconciliation and standing with vibrancy that Rwanda is today.
This spirit is now portrayed in the many good deeds of varlour; physical and invisible. The aesthetic structures that have risen and given Kigali skyline a new face and glamour, are such one strata of Rwanda’s and her people’s unwavering determination to tread that path of getting where we want to be. The recent opening of two grand architectural monuments in the city center; Kigali City Hall and M. Peace Plaza, can clearly tell this story of focus.
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Kigali is fast becoming a hub of many activities at the same time; Meetings,
Conference, Exhibition and Events (MICE) being one such outstanding service. It is
therefore important to develop as many, as beautiful, as internationally accepted accommodation infrastructures as
we can muster
Kigali remains on track to attaining the status of the ‘centre of urban excellence’ in Africa by 2040 going by recent events that have seen the inauguration of a magnificent city hall and a grand plaza in the city centre.
City of Kigali authorities envisage a more developed and ‘smart’ city that is able to offer basic services to residents and visitors, as well as
promote sustainable development and social inclusion.
The city hall, which cost the city a total Rwf 11.7 billion to construct and install the required furniture and fittings, provides ample space for Nyarugenge District and the City of Kigali officials to work efficiently. I t entai ls a conference hal l that can
accommodate 300 people, office space which will facilitate service delivery, and an exhibition room.“Experts say that very few cities in the world have such a big and magnificent city hall,” said Fidel Ndayisaba, the Kigali City Mayor during the city hall’s grand opening that saw His Excellency President Paul Kagame attend. As for the commercial complex named M. Peace Plaza owned by renowned businessman Ber t in Makuza, i t is a 15-f loor plaza occupying 42,000 square metres right opposite the Kigali City Hall. It is one of
City of Kigali Leading Kigali’s skyline transformation
right opposite the Kigali City
Hall.
Peace Plaza owned by re-nowned busi-
nessman Bertin Makuza, it is a 15-floor plaza
occupying
42,000 square metres
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According to City of Kigali, many developers are today bui ld ing structures according to market trends and affordability, which will lead to increased supply of office space that in turn will translate into lower monthly rental charges and stop people from turning residential houses to offices.
The mayor made a presentation o f c o m p l e t e a n d o n - g o i n g construction structures owned by the private sector around the city. Some of the buildings include Adventist Church’s headquarters, Soras Towers, Kinyinya Estate, New Century developments that include the Kigali Marriot Hotel, developments by Episcopal Church of Rwanda (EEC) and the M.Peace Plaza inaugurated yesterday.
P r e s i d e n t K a g a m e s a i d t h e existence of the new Kigali City Hall and Peace Plaza was a result of positive thinking by leaders and private business people that ‘believe everything is possible.’ “The first thing in achieving transformation is to change your mindset and believe that transformation is possible. When people think positively about things, everything is possible,” Kagame said. “Our progress is not the result of an overnight miracle.
the largest buildings in Kigali and cost a whooping $42 million (about Rwf30.4 billion) to put up, part of the money being a loan from the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) and the GT bank. The building will include a plaza (retail part) with offices as well as 20 apartments.
“It’s a good example of respecting the c i t y ’ s master p lan , ” sa id Ndayisaba on M. Peace Plaza. According to the city master plan unveiled last year, green growth, job creation, as well as provision of affordable basic social services are some of the key ingredients required to take the city to the next level in its development process.
The p r i va te sec to r has been growing over the past decade, creating the need for more office space, especially in Kigali. This demand has peaked, result ing into shortages. Makuza’s complex s h o u l d a d d r e s s p a r t o f t h e challenge the city has been facing that has seen office space rent cost an average of US$ 18 (Rwf 13,500) per square meter per month today. To best understand the current dynamics of the real estate market in Rwanda, one ought to know the factors that af fect demand and supply in the sector.
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AFTER
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The development of Secondary Cities that are
entitled “poles of growth” in Rwanda’s Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2) support the need to achieving an economic growth of 11.5% per annum as targeted by the government.
urban areas, experts have engaged Rwandan government officials to encourage structures like Peace Plaza to come up in order to create affordable residentials to people by building tall structures. The development of Secondary Cities that are entitled “poles of growth” in Rwanda’s Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2) support the need to achieving an economic growth of 11.5% per annum as targeted by the government.
The EDPRS 2 priorities are aimed at transforming the economic geography of Rwanda by facilitating urbanisation and promoting secondary cities.
It is done by people l ike you,” he said. He emphasised that in spite of the development achieved in the country so far, there was still more to be done and challenged the businesses to exploit the opportunities at their disposal.
Well, apart from addressing the issues related to the lack of adequate office space, there still exists shortages in housing units in the country, something which the city hopes ends sooner than later. With 20 apartments in Makuza’s mega structure, the concept of creating secondary cities has definitely star ted to take shape. As a result of rapid population growth in the
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created, especially in services such as education facilities, health facilities, entertainment, commercials buildings and sports facilities. Another benefit of urbanisation is the reduction of public investments needed: it is cheaper to build new infrastructure like roads, water, sewages, electricity and Internet if people are living closer to each other. Investors have seen the potential in urbanisation in Rwanda, taking up projects both in housing and commercial space over the past few years. Below are some of them;
New Century Development Billy Cheung, a Chinese investor, through New Century Development Company, pledged to invest over $200million (Rwf150 bil l ion) in the construction of hotels, apartments and luxury private villas in Nyarutarama, a Kigali high end suburb. The company will put up to 16 luxury villas, 300 apartments and another Sheraton Hotel.The five-star facility will sit on 9.1 hectares of land along the Nyarutarama Golf course in Kigali. The ongoing project could take up to five years to be completed, Cheung said during the unveiling of the company’s first model luxury villa and club house in Nyarutarama, Kigali mid last year.
Batsinda 7,480 housing unitsExpected to be completed in 2017, this project started in February, 2015. The houses will be built in phases, between 2,000 and 2,500 units in each phase. It will bring the cost of a unit to as low as Rwf 20 million which will undoubtedly help reduce demand of affordable housing in the country. They plan to expand the project to reach 560,000 units by 2020, meaning 93,400 units must be constructed every year from today.
be pleasant places to live in for the next 30 years. All over the world more people are moving to cities, not only large ones, like Kigali, but also smaller cities. In cities many facilities are concentrated, accessible to the communities, and can be of better quality than spreading everything over the country.
According to exper ts, developing six poles of growth makes it possible to increase the amount of off farm jobs in that the more people are together, the more economic opportunities are
Rwanda’s rural urban migration rate stands at 4.8 per cent compared to that at the global level that stands at 1.9 per cent.Currently, urban growth is at 4.1 per cent, while 17 per cent of the national population live in urban areas. So, more efforts are needed to achieve the targeted 35 per cent rate of urbanisation by 2020.
Currently all secondary cities have Master Plans. The City of Kigali is working tirelessly with the Ministry of Infrastructure improve their physical plans and find good strategy to make cities sustainable, making them
Kigali Vision City Master Plan
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Transformation of the City of Kigali
Kigali City HALL
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Kigali heights development
Marriot Hotel
Kigali Business Center
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Before
Gacuriro and Kinyinya housing projectRwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) project is under construction with 1,000 housing units for both the middle and high class. 500 units to be built in Gacuriro and the other 500 in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo district. Each unit will comprise of a lounge and dining area, kitchen, store and a guest room.
Three additional bedrooms upstairs and one will a master bedroom which is en suite and an attached domestic servant’s quarter. In addition all the units have a car park and landscaped front and back yard.
Vision cityVision City is the biggest housing project in Rwanda to date. It is a high-end residential and commercial development. It is the flagship project from the country’s largest real estate developer Ultimate Developers Ltd. It will have more than 4,500 units, ranging from luxury villas and apartments. It will be built in four phases over a period of eight years, with phase one slated for completion in mid-August 2015.
In addition to residential housing, the development also has a town center, which will serve as the commercial hub of th e estate. The town center will be WIFI-connected with commercial and retail facilities, a supermarket, restaurants, office complex, a luxury three-star hotel and convention center.
Champions Investment CorporationFormed by a g roup o f es tab l i shed businessmen in the city capital, Kigali, Champions Investment Corporation is bui lding one of the largest shopping centers in Rwanda to date. Last year, they signed their first tenancy agreement with Uchumi Supermarkets Limited, the regional supermarkets chain giant that will see Uchumi open their first store in Rwanda.
With the above mentioned few and more, it suffices to say that Kigali’s skyline is changing fast and only for the better.
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Before
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Kigali Convention Center
Inkundamahoro Nyabugogo
Muhima Investment Company
Kimicanga Entertainment CenterMarket Shopping Plaza
Gisozi Agakiriro
Acacia Hotel
Before After
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BRALIRWA Supports the Return of Lions to Rwanda’s Akagera national Park
C ontributing to the return of lions in Rwanda’s ecosystem is a cause that is believed will have a series of impacts on the country’s economy
particularly boosting the tourism sector and positioning Rwanda as a major wild game conservationist. In total seven lions were relocated from South African game parks to Rwanda including two males and five females which are all said to be in the
prime of their lives and expected to reproduce more for the park to regain a satisfactory population of the species. “In the prime of their lives, the lions have been selected based on future reproductive potential and their ability to contribute to social cohesion – young adults, sub-adult females, young adult males with different genetics – and associations such as adult female with sub-adult female and adult male coalitions,”
The leading beverage company in Rwanda, BRALIRWA recently reaffirmed its position as a responsible corporate citizen when it joined and contributed significantly to returning lions to the Akagera National park, 15 years after the demise of the park’s original population of the species.
“In the prime
of their lives, the lions have been selected
based on future reproductive potential and their ability to
contribute to social cohesion – young adults, sub-adult females, young adult males with different genetics – and associations such
as adult female with sub-adult female and adult male coalitions,” seven Lions were
relocated to Akagera National Park from
South Africa
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park’s ecosystem in which the number of herbivores has increased exponentially over the years. “The return of lions will encourage the natural balance of the ecosystem. Rwandans and visitors will now have the chance to see one of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (animals) in one of the continent’s most diverse national parks, cementing Rwanda’s status as conservation focused, all-in-one safari destination,” Amb. Yamina Karitanyi,
Rwanda’s Chief Tourism Officer shared. Contributing to this memorable milestone is a true description of BRALIRWA’s own core values. As indicated by the beverage major’s value of “respect for people, society and the environment” BRALIRWA aspires to be an integral part of the communities in which it operates, paying attention to among others dif ferent cultures and environmental preservation.
read part of a statement of the Rwanda Development Board, the government body in charge of tourism. At the Akagera National Park, the lions were received with praise and excitement as everyone involved saw their arrival in Rwanda as a big achievement towards the diversification of the country’s ecosystem, offering a chance for locals and visitors to see the big kings of the jungle, and cementing Rwanda’s conservation efforts.
“The return of l ions to Akagera is a conservation milestone for the park and the country,” said African Parks Chief Executive Peter Fearnhead at the reception of the seven lions. African Parks is a South African company which manages Akagera National Park among many others in Africa. The Rwandan Park is run as a joint venture between the government of Rwanda and African Parks Ltd.
Fe a r n h e a d f u r t h e r ex p l a i n e d t h a t , “Restoring national parks to their former biodiversity state is a key deliverable of the African Parks conservation model and in conjunction with RDB among other partners, we are delighted to have been able to re-introduce one of the most charismatic species to this beautiful national park”. Speaking of biodiversity, the return of lions in Akagera National Park is also seen as a prerequisite to striking balance in the
Bralirwa staff and officials celebrating the return of Lions to Akagera National Park
Akagera Park Rangers excited by the re- introduction of Lions to the park.
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BRALIRWA
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SPECIAL FEATURE
district who encouraged learners to nurture the spirit of commitment to academics, polish talents and love their nation. Excella from Gasabo district emerged the winners to followed by Sparrow from Gasabo district and EPMA Kanyonyi from Nyarugenge district were the third.
Brain Teasers Rwanda gave away such prizes as shopping vouchers from Nakumatt, Free swimming tickets from Hilltop Hotel, 16 GB Ipod from Elite Digital, three free movie tickets from Century Cinema, 20 Back-bags and T-shir ts from USAID, Certificates of participation and 130 Text books from the National Library Kacyiru.
In order to build children’s intellectual capacities in language efficiency and profficiency , Brain Teasers Rwanda organised a two week long Kigali Primary Spelling Competitions held at HillTop
Hotel from 18th May to 29th May 2015 under the auspices Nakumatt and other sponsors.
The competitions that attracted learners from 31 schools were held daily from 9 :00 am to 4 :00pm and saw the best performers earn
Nakumatt shopping vouchers where the overall winner was given a voucher worth Rwf150,000, the second runner up was given Rwf100,000 and the third Rwf50,000.
‘ ’We rea l l y laud Nakumatt for the i r involvement in the education suppor t act iv i t ies in Rwanda. Bra in Teasers Rwanda commits to continued promotion of education and academic values, building strong foundations and polishing learners’ aptitude and propensity. We shall as well work with Nakumatt during the Secondary Spelling competitions in September 2015’’ assured Richard Kaweesa the Executive Director, Brain Teasers Rwanda.
Participants in the competitions and their teachers were fed by Brain Teasers Rwanda during the duration of the activity. A total of 12 schools from Gasabo district participated in the event. These included ; Green Hills Academy, Path to success, Epak, Sparrow, SOS, Little Bears Montessori, City Infant School, Excella, Well Spring Academy, Kigali Junior Academy, La Colombiere School and Ecole Internationale De Kigali.
The three 3 schools that made it through to the finals were ; Excella, Sparrow and Little Bears Montessori School. Eight schools from Kicukiro district were : Arise and Shine School, Kigali City School, Good Harvest School, Remera Academy, St. Vincent Pallotti, Nyandungu Great Lakes, Glory Academy and High Hill Academy.
The three finalists were drawn from Arise and shine, Good Harvest School and High Hill Academy. Other 11 schools from Nyarugenge district were : EP Muganza, G.S Apace, Appek-Kamuhoza, St. Charles Lwanga, G.S St. Famille, ESCAFI, MAI-Childhood Academy, E.P Muhima, EPMA Akanyonyi, G.S EPA St. Micheal and EMPIB and the threethat sailed to the finals were : APPEK-Kamuhoza, Escafi and EPMA Kanyonyi.
The finals were held on 29th May 2015 on Friday at Hilltop Hotel with nine schools competing for the trophy and other prizes. The final competitions started at 9 :00am, presided over by the vice Mayor of Gasabo
Spelling competitions boost learners’ aptitude
NAKUMATT
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BRAIN TEASER COMPETITION
PICTORIAL
BRAIN TEASERS RWANDA P. O. Box 1975 KIGALI-RWANDATEL: +250 (781) 545 678 / +250 (736) 900 755
Email: [email protected]
Brain Teasers Rwanda gave away such prizes as shopping vouchers from Nakumatt, Free swimming tickets from Hilltop Hotel, 16 GB
Ipod from Elite Digital, three free movie tickets from Century Cinema, 20 Back-bags and T-shirts from USAID, Certificates of participation and 130 Text books from the National Library Kacyiru.
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Urwego Opportunity BankA rising star in Rwanda’s financial sector
Established in 1997 as a purely Microfinance Institution that was mostly popular among women at the time, Urwego Opportunity Bank since 2007 acquired Central Bank license to operate as a fully fledged commercial bank and
has since made efforts to remain relevant to both its bottom of the financial services demand pyramid customers by maintaining its MFI roots and appeal to the corporate tech-savvy kinds who want sophisticated services by
harnessing its acquired status as a commercial bank.
Urwego Opportunity Bank Manager Mr.Tineyi Mawocha (R), looks on at the launch of Rubavu
Branch
customer enjoys are unimaginable as they have unprecedented convenience of their money at the bank being available to mobile wallet too. This means that no matter what one chooses to use, bank or mobile money, they have all their cash just a click away.
Currently, Urwego (as popularly known to its customers) which is Kinyarwanda for ladder in other words the bank that offers customers a ladder to climb onto and reach ones dreams, counts over 400,000 active accounts, has an asset value of over Frw19billion, and a loan portfolio in the range of Frw11billion. But as Mr. Mawocha shared all the latest additions to the company’s offering target to increase access to financial services to the under-
and harnessing the power of technology, one thinks twice prior to objecting. For instance, Urwego which now boasts 14 branches and plans to increase its presence across the country in the course of the year.
On the mobile based banking technologies, it is already leading the league on Visa Incorporated’s mVISA platform with over 50,000 active subscribers, outnumbering all other financial institutions on this particular product. In similar efforts to harness the power of mobile technology, Urwego signed a partnership with Tigo Rwanda giving birth to the first mobile phone-based by bank-managed savings account, Tigo Sugira. With Tigo Sugira just like mHose, the benefits a
For keeping the two extremes of banking; maintaining the MFI status and developing the commercial banking arm, Urwego Opportunity Bank (Urwego) in principle is numbered among hybrid
financial institution. And though it is not the only such financial institution in Rwanda, Urwego appears to be walking the talk and developing new products and services to meet customers from either segment.
Thus when the company’s Chief Executive Officer Tineyi Mawocha shares his and the Urwego team’s targets of not resting until the bank has at least a million active accounts, the ambitious expansion plan both through physical branches
URWEGO OPPORTUNITY BANK
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...despite the need to make a profit and therefore make our business model of operations sustainable, Urwego’s shareholders are not
entirely profit driven but are transformation oriented. Our biggest profit is in how many lives are financially transformed by our services thus
our rates are also tailored in a similar manner...
Qn MFIs are characterized with higher interest rates, what is your position as a hybrid bank?
Like earlier mentioned, venturing into both extremes was driven by the need to meet each and every customer’s needs. The other thing to note is that despite the need to make a profit and therefore make our business model of operations sustainable, Urwego’s shareholders are not entirely profit driven but are transformation oriented.
Our biggest profit is in how many lives are financially transformed by our services thus our rates are also tailored in a similar manner.Our rates are no different from those of a normal commercial bank but of course are determined by various facts and circumstances surrounding each specific request.
In addition to expanding branch the network and the growing mobile based bank services, Urwego has 31 sales offices in each of Rwanda’s major urban centres, boasts a total of 18 ATMs from which withdraws can be made at any time and over 200 agents distributed in each corner of the country. With this reach and the ambitions the Urwego team exhibit, there is no doubt the hybrid bank is out to make an impact and is a rising star to watch.
banked and unbanked population in Rwanda. In an exclusive interview with Hope Magazine, Tineyi Mawocha recently explained that being underbanked in Urwego’s perspective is having a bank account but with limited access to financial facilities. Urwego targets to give such people across Rwanda an opportunity to be fully served. During the interview, Tineyi shared on a number of areas concerning Urwego’s principles and future plans. Below are excerpts.
Qn How do you describe your approach to banking?
My approach which is the broader Urwego approach to banking is simple; understand the customers’ needs and satisfy them by being very close to them. From our perspective as a bank built on the Christian values as demonstrated by Jesus, every one of our customers is considered a brother or sister irrespective of their religious beliefs or any other factor.
This principle which is taught to staff and demonstrated in all our activities has a major influence in the banking services that we provide. But also it influences how we operate. For instance, we have a tradition called the CEOs tour which is held every six months and involves the bank’s top manager visiting customers across the country to get a feeling of their needs
and ensure that the bank does not lose sight of these, which constitute the main reason of Urwego’s existence; service to the people.
Qn You maintain that Urwego is a hybrid bank, which means a Microfinance institution and a commercial bank at the same time. What is the rationale and how does this facilitate service to the people?
Maintaining the MFI and commercial bank status is a deliberate choice we made especially with the desire to serve our customers better. Taking an example, as an MFI, there were some services we could not offer to our customers yet they required them and thus those who would be in this category were always passed on to other financial institutions, but we wanted to be able to meet our customer’s needs every step of the way and for all.
On the other hand, being a commercial bank alone would mean that there are some customers at the lower end of the market whose needs would not be met as required. But by having both sides catered for in our operations, we are capable of reaching customer and meeting their needs, which in fact is what distinguishes us as a “Banki ya bose” (a bank for all).
Mr. Tineyi Mawocha Urwego C.E.O, Speaks
during the signing of TIGO SUGIRA
partnership with Tigo Rwanda
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Rwanda’s leading petroleum products distributor Engen Rwanda has struck a deal with Norwegian Safe Gas Ltd which will see the former introduce a trendy gas product that eliminates the risk of explosion largely associated with traditional steel gas cylinders.
Thtrendy gas product that eliminates t h e r i s k o f ex p l o s i o n l a r g e l y associated with traditional steel gas cylinders. The partnership that
for the first time brings Engen Rwanda into official vending and distribution of gas is described by Sarah Doukoure, the company’s Director General as being in line with its envisaged vision.
“We over the years hesitated to join the gas market because we had not landed the right product to proudly introduce to our customers; we believe in safety and convenience, and Safe Gas is a perfect representation of these qualities for as far as cooking gas is concerned.” Contained in a fibre-like cylinder, Safe Gas answers the question of safety
that for long has kept many families and businesses hesitant of using gas in cooking. For instance, several Rwandan families which rely on semiskilled, largely non-literate helpers for providing cooking services have always expressed concern of safety citing the likelihood of an explosion of a gas cylinder due to misuse.
With Safe Gas, this worry is not only mitigated, it is completely eliminated. Given its non-steel, fibre-like makeup, Safe Gas is resistant to explosion in case of a kitchen accident. The simple definition of Safe Gas as its manufacturers share is “cooking gas that does not pose risks of explosion”. “More than anything else, everyone wants to be and feel safe at home more than anywhere
ENGEN Rwanda partners withSafe Gas to introduce revolutionary
cooking gas product
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SPECIAL FEATURE
According to Safe Gas Rwanda’s Managing Director Mugabo, the partnership with Engen was driven by the
petroleum products distributor’s values and principles. “ENGEN’s service stations are neat, environmentally conscious and organized in addition to a wide network of over 20 refill stations across the country. This is the reason why we decided to partner with Engen for we operate on similar principles.
With us you are Number one
else. With regards to gas powered cooking, Safe Gas answers the need for a safe kitchen and home, and as a family person myself, I am happy that this product is finally here to benefit me and many other consumers in Rwanda,” Doukoure confided.She thus called on Rwandans to take advantage of the latest technology to have the safest gas cylinders that prevent explosive related calamities that kitchen gas may cause.
With the question of explosion and related safety risks eliminated, there is no doubt that gas powered cooking is the solution that Rwandans need to address ever growing environment concerns that call for reduced wood fuel usage, effective energy use, and clean, timely cooking.The new Safe Gas is now available at all Engen refill stations across Rwanda and the product is selling at the ongoing Rwanda International Trade fare underway in the Capital Kigali at discounted rates for first adopters.
“We are not in business just to make money, we also have a vested interest in ensuring safety, convenience and providing cost effective business solutions customers’ needs,” Doukoure highlighted. Speaking of convenience, Safe Gas’ nature addresses yet another challenge that most families have had in past with respect to using gas powered cooking.
Unlike traditional steel cylinders, the Safe Gas cylinder is light and can be carried by anyone. Anyone who has used gas packaged in the steel cans will witness that they have on several occasions found themselves in a tricky situation struggling with means of transporting them during a refill. “Without a car, it is almost impossible to transport traditional steel gas cylinders from one place to another. This is one of the challenges that Safe Gas solves and I am happy that it has been introduced in Rwanda.
More people will now begin to use gas to fuel their cooking needs,” Innocent Kiramira, a buyer met at the Expo underway in Kigali commented. Again with regards to convenience, the Safe Gas Cylinder is translucent, making it easy to keep track of the level the gas content has reached. Thus no more surprises of running out of gas unexpectedly in the middle of cooking, something that almost everyone who used gas before has suffered at least once.
Safe Gas is non-explosive, translucent, light weight, non-corrosive and has attractive casing. The safe gas cylinder has a fibre structure that holds pressure and prevents explosion under extreme conditions such as fire or puncture. In addition there is a pressure release valve that lets off excessive unnecessary pressure that would eventually result into an explosion in case of traditional gas cylinders.
The beauties that come with this new gas product on the Rwandan market are inexhaustible, for besides all the already listed advantages that Safe Gas brings for consumers, its design guarantees yet another; it is rust free. This means that the rust marks traditional steel cylinders leave in the spot where they are placed will also become history, ensuring that the floor remains spotless clean.
According to Safe Gas Rwanda’s Managing Director Liban Mugabo, the partnership with Engen was driven by the petroleum products distributor’s values and principles which are driven by provided the best to consumers.“ENGEN’s service stat ions are neat, environmentally conscious and organized in addition to a wide network across the country. This is what informed our decision to partner with them for we operate on similar principles,” Mugabo said.
At least 80 percent of cooking in Rwanda is said to be using wood fuel or charcoal which induces people to interfere with the country’s forest cover to meet the demand. More trees are at risk of being cut if this is not averted hence a need for use of alternative cooking fuel sources. Gas has in the past been feared many for the risk of explosion that it poses. Thus, the Engen-Safe Gas partnership which brings a non-explosive gas product will go a long way in eliminating the challenge and convincing more people to switch to gas for their cooking activities.
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Engen continued support to motorsport was received with excitement by the organizers of the Rwandan motor rally which continues to become popular
by the day. According to Christian Gakwaya, chairman of the Rwandan Rally, it is support from companies such as Engen that has enabled the Mountain Gorilla rally survive for the last forty years. “We are very grateful to the support without which it would be hard for the Rwandan rally to continue happening.”
The rally which ran from July 31st to August 2nd was part of a series of events in the run to the crowing of the African rally champion 2015. Sarah Doukoure, the Engen Rwanda Managing Director however shared that supporting motorsports is nothing new but a continuation of something that the company’s brand holds dear. “The Engen brand has always been associated with motor racing and is thus proud to be associated with the same in Rwanda.” “Engen is part of the car sport. Winning a race requires that a race driver among others be confident in
the machinery
they drive, which besides the mechanical element is dependent on the quality of oil and fuel that runs the engine determining its success or failure,” she shared. Ms. Doukoure reiterated that Engen has over the years worked to develop high performance engine oils like its Engen Extreme 5W40. “All high performance engines require the best engine oil especially racing cars which perform under extreme conditions. We are proud to provide our products, which have been tested and proven to be of high quality, be associated with the racing sport in Rwanda.”
For Engen, the partnership with motor racing is a long lasting one. Engen is about harnessing engine st rength and fac i l i tat ing h igh performance in the most extreme conditions. The company says they look forward to continue sponsoring motor sport in Rwanda in subsequent years and to be close partners in ensuring its success. Among others, the competition attracted participation from some of Afr ica’s lead names in the motor racing sport like Jassy Singh from Zambia and Kenya’s Jaspreet Chatte.
Several other participants from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and of course Rwandan drivers competed in the rally. Engen Rwanda a lso s p o n s o r e d i t s o w n driver during the race, an upcoming Rwandan
Engen sponsorsRwanda Mountain Gorilla rally
Engen Rwanda was the lead sponsor of this year’s Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, providing all fuel and oil used during the two days of the competition. The sponsorship also included hosting the cars and their drivers at Engen’s state of the art fuel station at the Free Trade Zone in Kigali, where a thorough oil check and technical control of the vehicles was conducted.
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Claude Gakwaya. Asked whether she expects the Engen brand to sponsor more individual drivers and help them compete favorably in the sport locally and internationally, Doukoure said that the company is committed and will support promising talent in Rwanda. Rwandan drivers were hardly represented in the Mountain Gorilla Rally and even those that participated stood almost no chance in the face of highly experienced race drivers. The Engen Rwanda MD also reiterated that her company’s association with the car racing sport is inspired by even greater aspirations.
“The importance of sport goes far beyond the playing field as it plays a vital role in nation building. At Engen, it is our strong belief that we can contribute to the development of tomorrow’s achievers through investment in sports,” she offered. Engen Rwanda is part of the Engen Group, which is Africa’s and Indian Ocean Islands’ leading petroleum products distributor.The company has been in Rwanda since 2008 and is a leading provider of petroleum products with presence across the country.
W hat makes Heifer unique is the practice known as “Passing on the Gift or POG.” Families receiving
animals agree to pass on the first female offspring or appropriate equivalent to another family in need, starting a chain of giving that often touches thousands of l ives. Heifer Internat ional R w a n d a ( H I R ) h a s b e e n operational for the last 15 years assist ing more than 62,000 families to enhance food security and improve their livelihoods through the Values Based Holist ic Community D e v e l o p m e n t ( V B H C D ) approach.
The essential values applied to Heifer projects are called the Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development. Cornerstones stimulate group wisdom and personal insights, and keep people’s hearts, minds and actions balanced,
The One Cow per Poor Family Program
focused and productive. Using the Cornerstones as a framework, project participants develop the attitudes, behaviors and skills necessary to improve their own lives and transform their communities.
Passing on The GiftPassing on the Gif t is the hallmark of HIR approach. Initially, the concept mandated that each farming family who received an animal gift passed on the first female offspring to another in need. While that hand off of livestock remains a fixture in most projects, the idea has blossomed and encompasses far more than the founders expected. Examples of how farming families have reinvented the pass on idea show immense imagination and generosity. Whether farmers are passing on animals or time and knowledge, the act transforms
recipients into donors and produces a profound sense of accomplishment. Tangible gifts come with intangible benefits of opportunity, dignity and acceptance. This practice, at minimum, doubles the impact of the original gif t, transforming a once impoverished family into full participants who improve and strengthen the bonds within their communities. It’s proof that small actions can lead to big results.
Sharing and CaringIn the year 2014, a total 1,120 families received livestock from HIR, including 653 heifers, 108 dairy goats, 212 meat goats and 147 swine. Of the total livestock placed this year, 96% were a result of the pass on process and 4% were original. In total, 1050 livestock POGs were registered; including 583 heifers, 108 dairy goats, 212 meat goats and 147 swine.
Cooperation and friendship are key components of all Heifer Rwanda’s projects. Recipients of animals and trainings are expected to share what they learn with their neighbors. It’s not uncommon for project recipients to share their animals’ bounty, too. Families who receive draft animals often help till neighbors’ fields, and people with chickens often share eggs as well as those with dairy animals share milk with their neighbors.
AccountabilityAccountability is critical to the success of each of our projects. Our country programs, project partners and project groups are responsible for the success of the project and are accountable to each other and must work together to achieve common goals. We provide livestock, supplies, expertise and support, while project participants reciprocate with hard work, full participation in group activities and with the pledge to pass on what they learn and receive.
Local organizational partners are accountable for building the capacity of project groups through quality training and support and by abiding by the terms of their Letters of Agreement with Heifer’s country program office. Partners must also submit semi annual monitoring reports during the five year project period, a final report at the end of the project period, and semi annual monitoring reports for two years after funding has ended.The country program office is required to provide resources, training, and transparent guidelines and policies, while conducting its own self review to ensure the country program activities are on track and to create opportunities for reflection and continued improvement.
Nutrition and IncomeLivestock contribute to human nutrition and well being by providing high quality protein (milk, meat, eggs), fiber (wool), draft power for crops and transportation, and manure for fertilizer. Livestock have the potential for profitability so that income can be generated for education, health care, housing and emergencies. As real life savings accounts, livestock also provide long
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
In the year 2014, a total of
including 653 heifers, 108 dairy goats, 212 meat goats and 147 swine.
1,120 Fam-ilies received Livestock from HEIFER Rwanda
Heifer International RwandaTaking a holistic approach by enhancing institutional cornerstonesHeifer International is a non profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to ending world hunger and poverty and caring for the earth by providing livestock, caring for the environment, training and providing other resources to help poor families around the globe become self reliant. Animals from Heifer International provide milk, meat, manure, money, eggs, plowing power and other benefits that can mean improved nutrition, education, health care, and housing and literally provide a new way of life for the recipients.
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numerous areas that increase their resilience. They are able to plan for the long term and secure food and income for times of difficulty and stress. The livestock and resources provided to families have the potential to be profitable and provide long term economic security for education, healthcare and housing.
Animals also serve as a living savings account for emergencies. Appropriate technologies that can be maintained in the long term and environmental sustainability are both components of the project.
Self reliance is most easily achieved when activities are varied and supported from several sources. During the planning process, participants first identify the things they can do without outside help. Secondly, they identify the things with which HIR can help. Finally, they identify what other organizations, groups and government line agencies can provide. HIR helps the groups learn to network with other organizations and access available resources.
Improved Animal ManagementOne way of improving and building livestock assets is through artificial insemination that improve breeds. In the year 2014, Heifer International Rwanda recorded 1699 artificial inseminations, 1454 of these recorded under KWAMP, 200 under POG and 45 under PAIRB. Livestock on small scale farms fill many diverse roles for rural farmers worldwide.
Our farmers learn how to keep their animals safe, healthy and productive.Training and extension services are given to project families so they can provide improved housing and manage breeding, nutrition and veterinary health for their animals. . In most cases members of the communities are trained as Community Animal Health Workers, who provide veterinary services to project groups.
Animals receive humane handling and protection while providing food and other by products. Training in agroecology integrates livestock production into sustainable farming systems, which protect and enhance the local environment while providing families with food and income. Animals become a vital part of family activities without causing a burden on farm resources and are integrated into the community.
Full ParticipationEmpowerment has its roots in participation. By participating in a group, people gain confidence, as well as a mature understanding of the issues and the commitment necessary to choose to do something as a group to improve their situation and
term economic security. Even before becoming an official project, some self help groups in Asia establish a group savings and credit fund. As the fund grows, project participants leverage it to finance micro enterprises that can provide sustained income. The fund can also be mobilized to finance other activities that improve nutrition and increase income, such as kitchen and community gardens, herb cultivation, bee keeping, bamboo handicrafts, etc.
Gender and Family FocusHeifer International supports the full and equitable development of both men and women to strengthen families and improve communities. Yet, women often shoulder most of the responsibility for caring for the extended family, the household and farming. Furthermore, they have few rights or privileges. Heifer is working to change the world for women; to unlock their potential and put them in control of their futures.
To ensure women are equally involved in decision-making, training and sharing in the benefits of projects, the nonprofit works with women’s groups and mixed gender groups. Gender sensitivity training is offered to both women and men, which encourages husbands and wives to share in decision-making, ownership of the animals, labor and the benefits of projects. The training uses a family focus, demonstrating how gender equity benefits all family members, resulting in improved family harmony.
Genuine Need and JusticeHIR works with those who truly need an opportunity to improve their quality of life and who can benefit from a modest level of support. Priority is given to groups of people who have been traditionally neglected. Within a marginalized community are sub groups of different ethnicities, religions and socioeconomic levels. Project groups are open to all of the sub groups that are present in the community. This builds community solidarity and ends discrimination. Project groups use the Genuine Need and Justice Cornerstone when deciding who will be the recipients of loans and pass on animals.
Improving The EnvironmentHIR projects have a positive impact on soil erosion, soil fertility, sanitation, forestation, bio diversity, pollution, wildlife and watershed conditions where possible. Animals are chosen based largely on how appropriate they are for the local environment. Will they overburden or pollute the water supply? Will it be difficult to find or grow abundant fodder? Reforestation is a facet of projects in areas stripped of trees, while manure and crop residues are used to reinvigorate poor soil.
Sustainability and Self relianceHIR consistently strive for that sustainable outcome so that the farmers continue to thrive on their own long after the projects have ended. Project participants receive training in
the conditions around them. “Participation” has different meanings to different people and organizations. For HIR projects, it means the farmers envision their futures, and plan and implement their projects. Members of the group “own” the project, and have control over all key decisions.
It also means all project participants are involved in planning and decision-making, leadership positions are rotated, all members attend meetings and trainings and participate actively. Additionally all members contribute to and participate in group activities, such as community projects, members also take turns giving presentations at meetings in order to build public speaking skills, and community projects involve 100 percent participation of all households.
Training and EducationSelf reliance is built on training and education. HIR programs promote girls’ education, emphasize adult literacy and provide numerous technical and non technical trainings for project groups and project partners.
HIR training approach draws on the principles of adult learning and experiential education, meaning adults can help each other learn in an atmosphere of active involvement and participation. It is also ensures that the
context of the training is close to their tasks or jobs and taught with a real world approach. Trainings include formal training sessions, as well as informal educational opportunities such as farm visits, demonstrations, and visits with model farmers and exchange visits.
SpiritualitySpirituality is common to all people and groups, regardless of their religion or beliefs. It is related to the welfare of humankind and the relationship among all living things.While the “Spirituality” Cornerstone holds a different meaning for each individual, it is expressed through shared values and a sense of connectedness to the Earth. It often creates a strong bond among group members and gives them faith, hope and a sense of responsibility to work together for a better future. While HIR roots are in the Church of the Brethren, the mission embraces people of all faiths, both as contributors and recipients.
Participation has different meanings to different people and organizations. For our projects, it means the farmers envision their futures, and plan and implement their projects. Members
of the group “own” the project, and have control over all key decisions. It also means all project participants are
involved in planning and decision-making
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appetite among local and regional investors gives greater hope for better days to come. “The future of Rwanda’s bourse is bright,” the RSE CEO persuaded. But the RSE boss also acknowledges that a lot more remains to be done towards attracting increased participation from Rwandans. Among others, stakeholders in the capital market are contemplating decentralizing RSE services which move is believed will play a big role in attracting more local investors from outside the capital, Kigali.
According to Jack Kayonga, the Executive Chairman of Crystal Ventures which owned Crystal Telecom, the oversubscription of the latter’s shares provides proof for the conf idence investors have in Rwanda’s development trajectory and in i ts good governance structures. “The high response recorded during the IPO was a reflection of good governance and the reputation that the Capital Market and the Rwandan economy in general have gained within investor circles, locally and internationally,” Kayonga shared. Kayonga further explained that the distribution of the initial shares was done in the spirit of providing and promoting the stock market as an alternative saving option for retail investors.
“All subscriptions under the retail pool were given all shares as applied for while only 77% of what was applied for by institutional investors was given,” he disclosed. Robert Mathu the Executive Director of Capital Market Authority which regulates Rwanda’s money market noted that as the market matures, investors should be assured of protection from fraudulent acts which result into unnecessary risks.
“Investors on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, as is in other capital market platforms, should only worry about ordinary business risks but not risks resulting from malpractices, we are here to make sure of that,” Mathu assured.
Equity Bank, Nation Media Group, and Uchumi Supermarket are cross listed on Rwanda Stock Exchange. The augmenting confidence in the Rwandan bourse is best demonstrated by the increasing appetite for listed products from all sorts of investors, local and international alike. For instance looking at the Crystal Telecom shares, the IPO received 2,300 applications whose requests totaled to a 123% oversubscription. Among others, remarkable increased in appetite from regional investors was realised. According to the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Stock Exchange Celestin Rwabukumba, regional investors increased by 20% during the Crystal Telecom IPO.
Also, local participation on the bourse is promising accounting for over 80% of the 14,000 people active on the Rwandan stock exchange. For Rwabukumba, this increasing
Having Crystal Telecom, which owns a 20% stake in Rwanda’s biggest mobile telephony company, MTN, among others raises the local
bourse’s profile a step higher given that its products now represent a wide range of business sectors; banking, media, brewery, retail chains, and telecommunications.
Crystal Telecom shares on the secondary market were launched on a 38 per cent premium increase at Rwf145 from its initial public offering price of Rwf105. With Crystal Telecom Ltd, local companies listed on the Rwandan bourse have increased to three, the other two being Bank of Kigali (BK) and BRALIRWA, which are both market leaders in the banking and beverage industries respectively. Also, regional companies including the Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity Group Holdings the owners of
Robert Mathu the C.E.O of Capital Market Authority (R) and Jack Kayonga, the C.E.O of
Crystal Ventures during the official launching of Crystal Telecom Ltd.
Rwanda Stock Exchangecements investor confidence
The July 16 launch of Crystal Telecom shares on the secondary market of Rwanda Stock Exchange brings the number of companies listed on the local bourse to seven, augmenting investor confidence in
its viability as an investment destination worth consideration.
With listed
companies
RWANDA STOCK EXCHANGE
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M edical Tourism is being developed and scaled to greater heights as a new product in Turkey.
The Turkey med ica l sec to r o f fe rs competitive prices with a variety of medical services some of which are not available in India. In Algeria where I have served for the
last two years, medical tourism has been promoted to great strengths,” explains Ömer. He said Turkish Airlines will as well promote Foreign Direct Investments
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Turkish Airlinescommits to better passenger circulation, tourismTurkish Airlines is committed to the promotion of incoming and outgoing tourism between Rwanda and Turkey, the new Rwanda Country Manager has assured. During an exclusive interview with Hope Magazine, Ömer Faruk Korkmaz noted that Rwanda has a lot of potential to attract tourists from Turkey that will be reciprocated with the latter’s immense potential in medical tourism.
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we increased the flights to 14 per week,in March 2014, we increased the flights to 18 per week and had by 01 January 2015, we increased the flights to 21 per week. Meanwhile, during the same period, we increased the number of Cargo aircrafts to Algeria from 01 flight to 04 flights per week,” explains Ömer.
By May 2015, Turkish Airlines had opened new destinations in the Algeria country towns of Oran (07 May 2014; 4 flights per week), Constantine (14th May 2014; 3 flights per week), Tlemcen and Batna (31 July 2014; Tlemcen and Batna 4 flights per week). “By the time I left Algeria, the total weekly flights had grown to 35. We are therefore committed to the promotion of more flights and build up the number of seats available to the Rwanda passengers as well,” promises Ömer.
to wide body aircraft. We shall also enrich our passengers’ experience by creating direct flights from Kigali to Istanbul. We are currently in the process of opening new destinations in the USA. Ömer Faruk Korkmaz comes to Rwanda with a wealth of vast experience accumulated over the years having joined the world class Turkish Airlines in March 2010 in Instabul where he worked for two years as a marketing specialist, before moving to Amman, Jordan as a marketing manager in 2012.
In the last two and a half years, he has been the country manager of the airline in Algeria where he has witnessed the growth of weekly flights to the Algiers airport from 7 in September up to 21 by December 2014. “In September 2013, we increased the flights to 11 per week; in Nowember 2013,
originating from Turkey and strengthen trade and business ties between the two countries. “We shall arrange press conferences and mini exhibitions in Turkey to make sure that the Turkish people fully understand the investment opportunities there are in Rwanda and do the same in Kigali for the Rwandese to appreciate the opportunities they can explore in Turkey,” he noted.
Ömer said that Rwanda’s tea and coffee have got niche on the world market and will therefore be promoted among the Turkish consumers. Besides, he noted, the circulation of passengers between the two countries and beyond will also be given utmost consideration during his tenure. “We are committed to increasing the number of seats available. We shall do this by upgrading the narrow body aircraft
TURKISH AIRLINES
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X an entrepreneurship that creates business opportunities for fellow members in the Star Alliance and takes advantage of the business potential provided by them
X a staff well adapted to modern governance principles by observing the best interests of not only shareholders but also stakeholders.
Our Mission:To become the preferred leading European air carrier with a global network of coverage thanks to its strict compliance with flight safety, reliability, product line, service quality and competitiveness, whilst maintaining its identity as the flag carrier of the Republic of Turkey in the civil air transportation industry.
Our Vision:To become an air carrier with;
X a continued growth trend over industry average X zero major accidents/crashes X most envied service levels worldwide X unit costs equating with low cost carriers X sales and distribution costs below industry averages X a personnel constantly developing their qualifications with the
awareness of the close relationship between the benefits for the company and the added value that they contribute
Core Values X Honesty and Fair Dealing X Customer Satisfaction X Demonstrating Respect to Individuals X Innovation X Team Work X Leadership X Productivity X Confidentiality X “Open Door” Policy
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of President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan government who have massively invested in ICT and the doing business environment. President Kagame has in the past decade spearheaded an ICT revolution in Rwanda, mapping the country as one of the world’s upcoming technology hubs and it is to these efforts that achievements such as mobile based payment of petroleum products is attributed to.
Gerald Mukubu the Director of Advocacy, Trade and Labor relations at the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda who represented the institution’s CEO at the launch, the technology innovation is time and money saving, increases accountability, and builds effectiveness and professionalism. “MTN and SP should be very proud of this, but more so all Rwandans should be for this is a historical milestone in building a modern economy.”
SP range of products and services, developing a cushion for the Rwandan economy
Owing to i ts h igh s t a n d a r d s o f professional conduct in service delivery, SP has steadily become a local and regional darling for petroleum products consumers.
To meet its customer’s expectations, the company has experienced significant growth in its products and services portfolio. SP Ltd trades in petrol, diesel, paraffin, cooking gas, and aviation fuel while other services offered include; transportation of petroleum products, construction of petrol stations and provision of car lubrications services.
The company was founded with the prime goal of meeting Rwanda’s fuel needs whose shortage often resulted into stunted growth. Mr. Gasasira says this is why the company has invested strongly in transportation and distribution of petroleum products.To guarantee steady supply of fuel, SP invested in the construction of a 22-million litre storage facility, costing a staggering US$16 million. The depot located in Rusororo in Gasabo district of Kigali City complements national reserves at Gatsata and Kibuye with a storage capacity of 15 million litres and 5 million respectively. Rusororo depot is expected to serve as the inland terminal for the on-going Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline for refined petroleum.
The facility stocks 9.6 million litres of diesel, 9.6 million litres of PMS and 1.6 million litres of jet AI (aviation fuel). Established in 1967 as FINA Rwanda before merging wing BP to create BP FINA Rwanda in 1985, the company was later acquired Engene until 2001 when it again changed shareholding. At the time, the holding company, SAKIRWA PETROLEUM saw it necessary to adopt a new brand name – Socièté Petrolière S.A.R.L, which later became 100 per cent owned by Rwandans in 2007.
SP enjoys presence across the country with 25 refill stations and growing.
The recently introduced mobile money payment option for fuel fits into the company’s general goal of providing unequalled services and the highest quality of products.
first beneficiary of this service while cab driver of a car Reg. No. RACO-16E, James Tumisingize was the second. They all applauded the new development as one that will facilitate saving and reduce the risk of carrying hard cash around. “Knowing that I can buy petroleum products using mobile money means that there will no longer be need for carrying huge sums of money as these are the main capital goods that we consume daily,” the two transport service providers shared.
Achievement considered fruits of government of Rwanda’s efforts in using technology to solve day to day challengesAccording to Jerome Gasasira SP’s Board Chairman, the payment innovations that the company is rolling out including the MTN Mobile Money option are part of the group’s bigger vision of maintaining its position as a market leader in Rwanda and the region. SP becomes the first petroleum products distributor in Rwanda to integrate the mobile money payment option in its services. In consultation with the telecommunications company, Gasasira shared that SP designed the ICT device that has made mobile based payments possible with the intention of saving customers from risks related to carrying bulky cash. “By paying fuel through electronic means, the Rwandan economy is further fortified and business operating costs of managing cash are equally lowered,” said Gasasira.
The reduced risks of cash handling were further emphasised by Claudien Habimana, Managing Director of SP Limited. “Payment of fuel through Mobile Money will on top of reducing risks of handling cash improve the quality of services offered to our customers,” he noted. But for Gasasira, reaching this great milestone in technology is attributed to the tireless efforts
SP, which earlier in the year rolled out Visa card payment, has followed the development with a mobile
money option, an e-payment platform that is currently rated the most popular among Rwandans. Courtesy of the partnership, MTN Mobile money subscribed SP customers will no longer need cash to get refills at any of the company’s 25 petrol stations across the country as payments can now be made swiftly and at no additional cost.
All a customer will do is declare their Mobile Money registered number to SP salespeople, who will then follow prompts to deduct money from the buyer’s mobile money account using a specialised device available at each refill station. The free value added service to SP customers simultaneously started with a month-long promotion of a discount of Rwf10 on every litre of fuel bought since July 16. “The convenience that comes with the new is free for mobile money registered customers,” a joint statement by SP and MTN released to the press indicated. The innovation among others reinforces Rwanda’s efforts in creating a cashless economy.
Rwanda targets to create an economy with less hard cash and more electronic transactions and by using mobile money, which is the most popular e-payment option, SP and MTN as leading institutions in their business area have tremendously contributed to achieving this goal. “This service will definitely improve experiences for both MTN and SP customers. We believe that the integration with SP is a big value addition to our customers’ lives as everyone that owns a phone, no matter how basic or otherwise, will be able to make safe and secure Mobile Money transactions for fuel and other SP provided petroleum products,” Norman Munyampundu, Head of MTN Business shared during the service’s launch on July 16. Jean Ndayisaba a FERWACOTAMO taxi
motorist of motorcycle Reg. No. RB-170T was the
In a continuation of efforts to provide seamless services to its customers, Rwanda’s oldest and the country’s only locally owned petroleum products distributor, Socièté Petrolière Limited (SP Ltd), recently sealed a partnership with MTN Rwanda, a leading telecommunications company to enable SP customers pay for their consumptions through MTN mobile money.
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Deputy Govenor of BNR, Monique Nsanzabaganwa with UAP CEO Pauline Wanjohi during the launch of UAP Akanigi at Serena Hotel Kigali
degree of progress which women have achieved” she commanded applause from both men and women who had turned up for the launch of UAP Akanigi.
The UAP Rwanda CEO reiterated that as a subsidiary of a group that holds innovativeness as a mission in its capacity, bringing new developments in the Rwandan insurance sector is something they hold in high esteem. “As a philosophy, UAP focuses so much on being revolutionary and bringing market solutions to the needs of the people, UAP Akanigi is a fruit of this innovativeness and we hope that it serves well the purpose for which it was developed,” she shared.
Present at the launch of UAP Akanigi and registered as the product’s first ever customer for her support to the product’s development and as a role model of women achievers in Rwanda, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda Monique Nsanzabaganwa applauded the innovative spirit of UAP but encouraged the insurer to do more in attracting more bottom of the end customers into the insurance sector.
“This is the kind of insurance that we need; one which is targeted to the very challenges that people face every day. I am glad that UAP is making efforts to transcend traditional insurance policies and bring market firsts,” the BNR Deputy Governor noted. She added, “But I challenge you to even go further and design innovative products that will attract increased participation in the insurance sector by even those women and men who may not be at the level of those with cars.”
UAP Akanig i becomes the f i rst product of its kind to be launched in Rwanda and comes on the heels of yet another revolutionary p roduct , UAP I cyashara that the same insurance c o m p a n y r e l e a s e d earlier providing comprehensive cover for SMEs.
The women special car insurance cover besides offering an all round car insurance policy that protects its subscribers from among others risks
caused by political unrest and insurgencies also brings to the market the first of its kind of products with so many added value benefits targeting the Rwandan woman. For instance, women members on the UAP Akanigi insurance will be given discounted rates of up to 15% in some of Kigali’s leading beauty parlors including Kigali Serena Hotel’s facilities, salons.
Another revolutionary benefit that UAP Akanigi br ings is the complementar y technical support of fered to members.
From time immemorial, women who drive suffer car repair challenges as most are usually unable to replace a flat tyre. UAP Akanigi brings the solution for the challenges that women endure when their cars have technical failures. A member of UAP Akanigi who encounters any technical problem calls the UAP help centre and technical support will be provided the soonest.
Starting the launch with encouraging words from a woman about the beauty and natural attributes that make women special, Ms. Wanjohi excited the audience and got fellow women applauding. Like when she echoed politician B. R. Ambedkar’s famous quote“I measure the progress of a community by the
SPECIAL FEATURE
UAP AKANIGI LAUNCHED “motor insurance that treats women nobly” motor insurance that treats women nobly
In a colorful women dominated event at the Kigali Serena Hotel, UAP Insurance which is steadily awakening Rwanda’s insurance subsector with innovation one after another once again on July 28 brought a market first, UAP Akanigi, which is comprehensive car insurance designed particularly for women.
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Rwanda’s location at the centre of Africa, attractive international trade policy and non-bureaucratic doing business environment were
some of the factors that attracted the global major in logistics to qualify it as its business’ hub in the region, Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa shared.
“Rwanda is a fantastic country on many facets and it is a role model in removing trade barriers and improving doing business
DHL launches 3 million euro facility in RwandaBankrolling on two decades of successful operations in
Rwanda, Deutsche Post DHL Group recently communicated that they will be constructing an Airside Transit Gateway
facility at the Kigali International Airport to boost the company's operations in East and Central Africa.
environment and if Africa can emulate what Rwanda has done, in one way or the other, so much could change across the continent,” Brewer said. Brewer made the revelation during a grand ceremony in Kigali to put pen to a letter of intent to construct an airside facility at Kigali International Airport which was signed between DHL, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Construction on the state of the art facility expected to cost a staggering 3million Euros is slated to commence in August 2015 for ten months following which the Airside
Transit Gateway will be commissioned into operation. Brewer says the choice for Kigali is aligned with Rwanda’s vision to propel economic development by embarking on infrastructural development.
Francis Gatare, CEO RDB
officiated during the launch of
DHL’s Euro Facility
Charles Brewer - DHL Express Regional MD , Francis Gatera - CEO RDB and Julie Mutoni DHL Country Manager at the ceremony to construct the Airside Facility
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Everything that is moved from one place to another needs the
aid of logistics, we ensure that whatever needs to be delivered gets delivered to our customers with excellence,” Mutoni said. Mutoni says DHL boasts of cross-sectoral contributions to the Rwandan economy ranging from education, international trade to health
saved because HDL delivers medicines, medical equipment and test results for the health sector, Rwandan students access international education because DHL delivers university applications on time,” the DHL country boss listed some of her company’s activities that have benefited the Rwandan economy over the last 20 years.
“Our business goes beyond delivering boxes and envelops, it is about working with people to help them secure their future, secure Rwanda’s future,” Mutoni emphasized. Francis Gatare, RDB’s CEO who participated in the event in Kigali said that having a fully-fledged centre in Rwanda is a milestone well aligned to the Government’s advocacy for growing the logistics sector in Rwanda.
“ O u r S M E s s h o u l d , a b ove eve r yo n e else, take advantage of DHL’s presence to compete favorably in the region,” he implored.DHL has operations in over 220 countries worldwide with about 325, 000 employees and more than three decades of experience in the logistics sector.
“The facility will result into significant improvements in service delivery – we are delighted to support the Rwandan Government’s efforts in infrastructure development,” he reiterated. Similarly, DHL took yet another bold step to strengthen its grip on Rwanda’s fast growing economy, promoting DHL Rwanda into a “wholly owned subsidiary,” of the group since June 1, 2015, a statement from the global logistics major indicated.
DHL impacts in Rwanda have been immenseEstablished in Rwanda since 1995, DHL is proud of the achievements it has garnered, which in part have yielded the urge to inject more money in the country’s economy. But mostly, the company cherishes the role it has played in providing solutions to logistical challenges and its impact in creating employment especially for the youth.
Geared towards cementing the attained standards of service delivery, DHL plans on increasing retail points in the country to 500, up from 65 in the next five years. Julie Mutoni, the Country Manager for DHL Rwanda says the company’s startling success is largely owned to excellent services and the commitment of its team to making an impact.
“Everything that is moved from one place to another needs the aid of logistics, we ensure that whatever needs to be delivered gets del ivered to our customers wi th excellence,” Mutoni said. Mutoni says DHL boasts of cross-sectoral contributions to the Rwandan economy ranging from education, international trade to health.
“Local businesses win international contracts because DHL sends their bids and tenders around the world on time, machinery remains up and running because we provide repair and return logistics solutions, lives are
DHL Country Manager Julie Mutoni looks on during the signing of the letter of Intent
DHL RWANDA
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Vinay Gorajia ABG Managing Director
displays some of ABG’s Quality wines
As a landlocked country and a land far from where some of the world’s best wines are produced, Rwanda has in the past been
prey to substandard wine products, which in most cases passed unquestioned by the local consumers who had accepted their fate that the best of these specialty beverages could not find their way home.
But with the flourishing hospitality industry and a budding tourism sector that is making strides at attracting the world’s population to the land of a thousand hills, the need to get the quality wines grew and the demand from hospitality establishments for someone who would bring European, American and Asian wineries among others closer to Rwanda increased.
Akagera Business Group (ABG) through its Akagera Trading division, since June embarked on a new venture of abridging the distance between Rwanda and the world’s best wineries to supply leading wine brands to Rwanda with affordable prices.
ABG extends into Wine supply
Bringing the world’s best into Rwanda at affordable pricing
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Guests testing ABG’s different Quality wines
For wine, which is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide –its consumers –kind of fall in love with it. It is a big
disappointment for many who know good wine to be unable to access it,” Vinay shared. In other words, being unable to serve the right wine quality takes some credits off the hospitality industry. Thanks to ABG, the narrative has changed for Rwanda and going forward will be different. The story will be “I went to Rwanda and guess what, they had this or that wine, unbelievable
to access it,” Vinay shared. In other words, being unable to serve the right wine quality takes some credits off the hospitality industry.
Thanks to ABG, the narrative has changed for Rwanda and going forward will be different. The story will be “I went to Rwanda and guess what, they had this or that wine, unbelievable.” For three evenings, since July 22, ABG hosted a wine tasting ceremony where mostly hotel owners and cooking gurus from Kigali’s leading hospitality establishments were invited to taste the company’s wine stock.
As a market leader in supplying Rwanda with the best quality products globally from leading electronic brands, automobiles, and other general supplies, ABG embarked on the venture to hunt for the best wines in the world and establish a channel to bring them home to Rwanda.
In June this year, the hunt was finalized and the first delivery was made. Now under the Akagera Trading division, more than 100 different wine brands, from some of the leading wineries are available in Rwanda. And more is expected to be delivered in the nearest future. Speaking of world leading brands, such as the Poulliy Fumé dry white wine with its stony scent; this and many more are already stocked in Rwanda.
The distinctive smell of Poulliy Fumé is often referred to as “pierre à fusil”, which means ‘flint’ (literally ‘rifle stone’) by the French where the special wine originates. It is one drink that will not be likened to any other consumed by people who really understand its quality and composition. According to Vinay Gorajia, the Managing Director of ABG, the urge to venture into supply of wines was born out of the need to offer the Rwandan consumers the best quality and supplement the country’s efforts in building a strong tourism sector.
“For wine, which is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide –its consumers –kind of fall in love with it. It is a big disappointment for many who know good wine to be unable
Already, many have been able to find the right wines to pair with their specialty dishes. Manager of Zuri restaurant, one of Kigali’s upcoming eateries, who attended the ABG wine tasting, shared, wine pairing as emphasized was initially a big challenge to the hospitality industry as it was hard to get the right wines needed for particular dishes.
To chefs, it is known which wine is suitable for each dish, but with the limited supply of the beverage, some dishes were often unable to satisfy their consumers perfectly as the last touch of the right wine to accompany the treat remained unmet. With the first of a series of wine tasting events completed, Vinay noted, that there is an ABG store fully devoted to selling wines to individuals and institutional buyers in Kigali.
Akagera Trading – KG 543 St (next to People night club) - +250 786 131 071 – [email protected] The store will then be followed with recruitment of distributors from across Rwanda to ensure everyone has access. “We have the capacity to supply all kinds of wines from any part of the world and in whatever quantities. If for instance a hotel or restaurant expects a high demand of wine in a particular period, all they would need to do is inform us and we will deliver as required,” Vinay shared.
Among others, ABG has invested in specially designed containers to provide the right conditions for transporting wines, which are said to be highly sensitive to temperature change. The lack of attention had originally been a challenge to bringing the world’s best brands from across the globe to Rwanda.
Worlds’s BestWines at
affordable Prices
AKAGERA BUSINESS GROUP SPECIAL FEATURE
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UAE Exchange Rwanda
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UAE Exchange Nyabugogo Branch, Next to MTN Service Center
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UAE Exchange UTC Branch, Kigali54
