HIGHLIGHTS

we have a capital city which is autonomous financially and also administratively. Today, the city is governed by a council that makes regulations to govern the city but in respect with national laws and policies. There is a city executive committee that makes decisions on daily basis as a opposed to the previous system when all decisions were made by one person, called Prefet.The city has tremendously improved the services rendered in terms of quality and accessibility by the residents. 32 22 CITY OF KIGALI FOCUS ON MANIFESTO REVIEW CONTENTS

20 CROWN PAINTS Locally-made, eco-friendly and durable Crown Paints has it all

22 CITY OF KIGALI Rwanda’s epitome of resilience COVER Providing infrastructure FOCUS ON MANIFESTO REVIEW facilities to refine Rwanda’s Development Path and Pace 32 PILLAR 1 PART III GOOD GOVERNANCE Youth development takes high-table position on Rwanda government programs Advertisers 19 LAKE KIVU SERENA HOTEL M Peace plaza 2 7 EDITORIAL Time for consolidating the gains Turkish Airlines 3 Airtel Rwanda 5 10 MININFRA Providing infrastructure facilities to refine Rwanda’s development path and pace Engen Rwanda 6 Akagera Business Group 8 19 LAKE KIVU SERENA staff light up lives of Rubavu disabled children Waka Fitness 9 Konka Products 16, 17, 34, 35 Century Real Estate 18 Rwanda Foam Limited 21 Hotel Des Mille Collines 28 CITY OF KIGALI 22 Nakumatt Supermarket 29 Bralirwa Limited 30 36 PILLAR 2 PART III 36 JUSTICE Accentuating Hyundai Rwanda 31 fight against injustice and corruption Paint House 42 39 PILLAR 3 PART III ECONOMY Private Sector Grazia Apartments 43 Development, Cooperatives and Investment Safintra Insurance 40 44 PILLAR 4 PART III Social Welfare, Education, Sinotruk Rwanda 47 CROWN PAINTS LIMITED 20 Sports and Leisure Development TIGO Rwanda 48

4 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69

Time for

TEAM

Albert Ndata Hategekimana valens Consolidating Himbana Alexandre the gains Ishimwe Yvonne Khellia Ingabire Manzi Joseph he economic landscape of Rwanda is not only appealing, it is promising as it continues to Matthew Rwahigi blossom into vitality, thanks to the vibrant and consistent policies crafted and implemented Rumanzi Abraham by the government under the stewardship of President Paul Kagame. The harmony and trust Shema Ignace between the populace, top leadership and the local leaders that are at the fore of spearheading Shema Leonard Tand implementing development programs has created a long-lasting trinity of resilience that has seen Sindayirwanya Isabelle a systematic transformation of individual, households, communities and national economy. Wakibi Geff Keith Ntagozera Many of these seemingly miraculous achievements in the areas of good governance, justice, economy Mutabazi Jackson and social welfare have come to be because of the top leadership commitment to the people and the Rebero Daniel nation. Right from the time when Rwanda had just been liberated from the pangs of despotic rulers in 1994, the leadership decided to distance its self from elegiac lamentation but pronto got into action to DESIGN & LAYOUT Dani K. address the numerous competing needs of the time; every need was a priority. The sacrifice, dedication and patriotism of Rwandans, is what has brought this country where it is today.

PUBLISHED BY Just as President Kagame noted recently as he was addressing over 2000 entrepreneurs from the Hope Magazine Ltd. private sector, there was no room for incessant lamenting. "Achieving success begins with our mindset, believing in ourselves and having the determination to achieve in the face of all odds. If we had felt ADVERTISING & sorry for ourselves and believed we are too small to achieve, we would not be seated in this (Kigali) GENERAL INQUIRIES Convention Centre. The trust among citizens and the trust citizens chose to have in their leaders have P.O. Box 6176 been the key to transforming this country. We need to believe in ourselves and in each other. Kigali-Rwanda +250 788 524189 Our progress is a result of this trust." If there was no room for lamenting when Rwanda had nothing / +250 788 404138 22 years ago, there, indeed, should be no room for complacency. This is no time for getting satisfied [email protected] with what we have achieved, but, rather, consolidate the gains, review what we would have done www.hope-mag.com better and accelerate the momentum towards our much yearned-for destiny. Recent history has demonstrated that we can; our resolve as Rwandans should drive us there. The leadership has paved the way; we should all tread the path. COPYRIGHT 2013 Reserved by Hope Magazine, a monthly Magazine is published by Hope Magazine Limited. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed We appreciate your feedback. Please keep sending more on in the magazine are not [email protected] or visit www.hope-mag.com, to post your comment necessarily those of the on any published story. We shall pick it and respond to you asap! editors and publishers of Hope Magazine.

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

www.hope-mag.com 7

Providing infrastructure facilities to refine Rwanda’s development path and pace

ff The Ministry of Infrastructure has continuously supported the development of back-end infrastructure that has provided an increasingly firmer foundation for development for the country over the last 7 years. In order to achieve the desired development impact of the 7-Year Government Program, the Government of Rwanda adopted and implemented sound, comprehensive national policies, strategies and plans capable of adapting to dynamic factors such as economic and population growth, natural resources constraints and dispersed settlement patterns.

he performance in the key areas over the last 7 years feeds into the targets that were set in the 7-Year Government T Program (by 2017) and other key objectives as outlined in the long-term national programs such as Vision 2020, EDPRS II, Sector Strategic Plan and other national priorities. Energy Sector: Powering the Nation Access to safe, reliable and cost effective energy is essential to achieve the levels of growth defined in the national strategic documents. Energy is a critical productive sector that can catalyse broader economic growth and contribute significantly to the achievement of the country’s ambitious socioeconomic transformation agenda. It is projected that by 2018, the installed electricity generation capacity will be 563MW, and access to electricity nationwide will reach 70% (48% on-grid and 22% off-grid), with priority to the electrification of economic areas. President Paul Kagame officially launches Kivuwatt Methane Power Plant

Generation of and access to electricity Over the last 7 years, more efforts in the energy sector have been directed towards diversified but balanced power production and supply to meet the national targets. As a result, electricity generation capacity increased from 98MW in 2010 to 190 MW by October 2016.

This resulted in a rapid increase in electricity access whereby grid connections through the government’s Electricity Access Roll- out Programme (EARP) and related initiatives increased from about 110,000 households in 2010 to 590,000 households by August 2016. On average, 75,000 new households have been added to the grid each year for the past five years. This is an increase in electricity access Kigali Convention Centre from 10.8% in 2011 to 24.3% on grid and 2.6% off-grid by 2016.

10 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69 ƒ ƒThe implemented and completed projects that contributed to this achievement include: Nyabarongo Hydro-Electric Power Plant, 28MW: Plant commissioned in November 2014 and fully operational at 28MW. An 8.5MW solar project constructed by GigaWatt Global is operational in Rwamagana district. In the period July 2011-June 2014, a total of 14.338MW from 13 micro-hydropower plants (Nkora, Cyimbili, Keya, Mazimeru, Musarara, Janja, Mukungwa II, Nyirabuhombohombo, Nyabahanga, Nshili I, Gashashi, Rukarara II and Giciye I) have been commissioned. For efficient management of these plants, the Government of Rwanda on 5th August 2015 approved the leasing of 15 MHPPs and the concession of 7 others.

Giciye II micro-hydropower plant (4MW) was commissioned in May 2016.

KivuWatt phase1 (energy production from methane gas in Lake Kivu) has been commissioned in December 2015 and is now operational with 25MW. Another 23MW (15MW Gishoma which is under commissioning, 8MW Kivuwatt) will be Kivuwatt Methane Power Plant added this financial year 2016/17, increasing electricity generation from the current 190 MW to 213 MW. Street lighting: in the 7 years from 2010 to health centres and 300 schools were equipped The Rwanda Energy Investment Plan was 2016, street lighting has been installed on a length with solar photo-voltaic panels. Energy-saving approved in November 2015 by the Scaling up of 464.5km, reaching a total length of 634.9km bulbs are being used for street lighting on the Renewable Energy Plan (SREP) Subcommittee. covered by street lamps today compared to main roads. This saved energy and contributed 170.4km in 2010, which is an increase of 272.6%. to environmental protection. 2,022 solar water The Rural Electrification Strategy (RES) heaters have been installed. was approved by the Cabinet on 27th April 2016. To improve the quality of power supply and reduce losses, a number of transmission lines In order to reduce high consumption of biomass, The Sustainable Energy for All Action Agenda and related substations were constructed and mainly in the form of firewood and charcoal, to (SE4All) was officially launched during the others are under construction to allow power achieve the long-term target of reducing wood Rwanda Energy Infrastructure Forum (iPAD) evacuation and trade across the region. These consumption from 94% to 50% by 2018, 6,188 held on 1st November 2016. The Action Agenda also include regional interconnection lines such biogas digesters were constructed for both highlights the country’s plans to achieve universal as the 220kV transmission lines Mirama-Birembo households and institutions; improved cooking electricity access with a combination of both grid (Uganda-Rwanda); Karongi – Rubavu – Goma stoves dissemination was done and completed extension and off-grid solutions for the most transmission line; the feasibility studies for at 70% countrywide and production units were isolated areas. Rwanda also intends to achieve the 220kV line Kigoma – Huye – Ngozi – Gitega constructed in 15 districts; and trainings was given universal access to clean cooking solutions by (Rwanda-Burundi); and the feasibility studies on the construction of biogas digesters. 2030, with 100% share of sustainable biomass for the 220kV line Rusumo – Shango (Tanzania- and reducing the share of charcoal in urban areas. Rwanda). Furthermore, an awareness campaign on the use of LPG is ongoing countrywide with the There are major projects in the pipeline that main focus on cities and peri-urban areas. For Transport Sector will substantially increase the current installed security purposes and effective use of fuel, The transport sector is critical for achieving capacity. These include the 50MW Symbion storage facilities were constructed and the inclusive growth, and is positively linked to (methane gas to power), the 80MW Hakan (peat strategic reserve storage capacity reached 72 growth in agriculture, industry and services. A to power), and regional projects such as 80MW million litres by June 2016 from 31 million litres in Rusumo and 147MW Rusizi III that are in advanced 2012. In partnership with the private sector, there key assignment of the transport sector was to stages. In addition, there are 7 privately owned are plans to install an additional 60 million litres develop an integrated multi-modal transport hydropower plants with a total capacity of 16MW of fuel storage this financial year. This is being system while ensuring economy, safety, and that are under construction, with commercial done to ensure that there is at least a reserve environmental sustainability, among other things. operation dates planned in the very near future. margin of 3 months. To achieve this objective, the sector set ambitious targets and directed all efforts and strategies to Solar Energy generation achieving those goals. Policies and strategies frameworks Energy sources were also diversified and the Road transport following achievements were recorded: An ƒ ƒThe following policies and strategies 8.5MW solar project constructed by GigaWatt were approved in the energy sector This sector registered incredible achievements Global is operational in Rwamagana district. In over the last 5 years: as evidenced by key performance indicators and January 2016, the Government of Rwanda signed implemented projects. This impacted positively an agreement with Ignite Power Ltd, a Mauritian The Rwanda Energy Policy (REP) and on Rwanda’s social and economic development, firm, for the implementation of a rural off-grid Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) were and brought a significant change in the lives of stand-alone solar electrification project. 50 approved by the Cabinet in March 2015. Rwandans.

www.hope-mag.com 11 No Baseline Current Target by Performance ƒ ƒThe table below illustrates the Indicator 2012 status 2017/18 in % transport sector’s achievements on the targets for key performance indicators. 1 Km of feeder roads upgraded to gravel roads 71.6 1,507 2,550 59%

The table above shows that road conditions and 2 Paved roads network 1,172 1,492 1,852 80.5% riding quality improved considerably over the 3 % of national paved roads in good condition 95.6% 95.5% 95% 100.5% last 5 years; the riding quality on the classified roads network (both paved and unpaved) reached 4 % of national roads in good condition (both 63.2 71.4% 80 89.2% 71.4% in 2016 from 63% in 2012; the paved paved and unpaved) roads network was for 95% in good condition 5 % of national unpaved roads in good condition 40.6 48% 70 68.6% in recent years due to periodic maintenance and rehabilitation activities undertaken which is 6 % of District class 1 roads in good condition 37 53 60 88.3% commendable for the next periods. The paved roads network was extended to 1,492km from 1,172km, and 1,436km of feeder roads were Road upgrading projects in pipeline include: total works by June 2016, and 104km of unpaved constructed to facilitate market access for rural Ngoma-Bugesera-Nyanza (130km); Rukomo- roads will be upgraded to paved roads; 76.9km farmers. Though the performance for feeder Nyagatare (73km); Huye-Kibeho (68km); of national unpaved roads will be maintained; roads seems to be a bit behind schedule, the Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo (208km); City of 513.8km national paved roads will be maintained; target is expected to be met since in the remaining Kigali ring road project (80km); Upgrading City 10.4km of urban roads will be upgraded to paved 2 years about 1,000km will be constructed. of Kigali road network project (54.5Km); Bugesera roads and 10km of roads will be constructed to express way (40km). support private sector development; 490.31km of feeder roads will be added to 1507km, totalling Key detailed sector achievements Rehabilitation projects implemented: The 1,997.31km against 2,040 km targeted as per full rehabilitation was done and completed on the Completed road-upgrading projects include: following projects: Kigali-Gatuna (77.8km), Kigali- Kivu Belt Lot 3 Ntendezi-Mwityazo (51km) and Lot Musanze (83km), Rusizi-Ntendezi-Nyamagabe 4 & 5 Mwityazo-Karongi (66km); Access road (63km), Karongi-Rubengera (17km). This to Tumba College (9.5km); Cimerwa-Bugarama represents a total of 240.8km fully rehabilitated. (10km); Access road to Bushenge hospital (3km). 106km of tarmac and stone-paved roads in the Rehabilitation road projects in pipeline City of Kigali: 78.01km were constructed, which include: Huye-Kitabi (53km), Kagitumba- include Kinyinya road, KCC roads, Kabuga-Masaka Kayonza-Rusumo (208km), Kigali-Muhanga- road, Kanombe-Kibaya road, Free Economic Zone Huye-Akanyaru (157km). roads, Kanombe deviation, etc. ƒ ƒRoad maintenance 100 Km of tarmac and stone-paved roads in other towns: 65.3km were constructed in different Multi-year maintenance was continuously carried urban areas of Huye, Rusizi, Rubavu, Gicumbi, out on the following roads: Ngororero-Mukamira Musanze, Nyanza, etc. (55km), Rusumo-Kayonza (92km), Kayonza- Kagitumba (116km), Muhanga-Karongi (78km), Ongoing road upgrading projects include Rusizi-Bugarama (38.4km), Musanze-Rubavu (67 km), Kicukiro-Nemba (61 km), Kigali-Huye- Kivu belt: Lot 6 (Rubengera-Gisiza (24km) & Lot Akanyaru (157km). 7 (Gisiza-Pfunda (44 km) which are planned to be completed by June 2017; Base-Rukomo Road In particular, for this fiscal year (2016/17), a total Upgrading Project (51 Km); Base-Butaro-Kidaho of 261km of national paved roads rehabilitation is Road Project (63km). under implementation targeting to reach 10% of

2016/17 target.

Air transport Huge investments have been made to modernize the airports system and airspace.

Renovation of KIA: Kigali International Airport (KIA) was renovated to cope with exponential traffic growth and provide customer comfort, security and convenience. This saw the KIA Presidential terminal refurbished and the car park expansion completed; Airfield ground lighting system upgraded; Installation of a bird hazard collision avoidance system completed; Construction of a new taxiway, a partial parallel taxiway and apron to the south completed. Extension of Kamembe and Gisenyi Airports: Runway resurfacing at Kamembe was completed and a lighting system upgrade is ongoing; for Gisenyi Airport, an expansion study which Kanombe International Airport considered a runway length of 2000m was

12 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69 completed and the expropriation process is ongoing.

Construction of NBIA: On September 1, 2016, The Ministry of Infrastructure and Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A., a Portuguese firm, signed a major deal to begin construction of the National Bugesera International Airport (NBIA) project costing $818 million. The first phase of the project, worth $418 million, is scheduled to be completed by December 2018. The facility will have a capacity to receive 1.7 million passengers every year, more than three times the capacity of Kigali international Airport. Laying of boundaries for NBIA was completed and the expropriation process 99% complete. Preliminary construction works are ongoing.

The government was able to establish a formidable national airline RwandAir that has established itself among the best airlines in the business in the region and in Africa. With only 5 aircrafts in 2010, the fleet of the carrier has

Transaction and advisory services contract and housing through policy formulation and has been extended and RFP will be received in strategies implementation. The overall goal of December 2016. the adopted policies and strategies is to promote planned urbanization and human settlement Inland water transport development that enhances local and national economic growth and ensures good quality of The study for the development of ports on Lake life for every Rwandan. Kivu was completed and the Tender Document (TD) for works for pilot port in Western Province is available. AfDB and TMEA are interested in Ports Policies and legal frameworks development. Appropriate policies, legal and institutional frameworks for housing and urban development Regional Transport initiatives have been established to foster a system and a network of viable human settlements. In the 4 modern one-stop border posts (OSBPs) were last 7 years, Rwanda has developed a framework constructed at Kagitumba, Rusumo, Nemba, and to guide urbanization and human settlement in Ruhwa, and works to construct Gatuna, Rubavu a way that efficiently uses and manages its and Bweye border post are ongoing. natural resources while promoting sustainable development. Public transport Bus shelters constructed: On asphalt roads, In 2011, the Law No.20/2011 of 21/06/2011 including Kivu belt lot 4&5, Karongi urban roads governing human habitation in Rwanda was Rwandair and City of Kigali roads, a total of 82 bus shelters adopted and gazetted. It governs land occupation were completed. The plan is to have shelters on at and construction on land reserved for human least 300 bus stops planned on the road network. habitation, and makes way for group settlement sites with required infrastructure provision. The expanded to more than 10 aircraft with the recent Bus Parks: 20 bus parks were constructed Law No.10/2012 of 02/05/2012 governing Urban additions of new state-of-the-art Boeings and countrywide: Nyanza-Kicukiro, Giporoso, Planning and Building in Rwanda was adopted; it Airbuses. RwandAir recently acquired a new Nyabugogo, Kimironko, Kabuga, Muhanga, Nyanza, stipulates the basic conditions and regulations Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 737-800NG. Huye, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, Gicumbi, Rusizi, governing planning and building management. Delivery of the Airbus A330-200 is expected Rubavu, Mukamira, Ngororero, Musanze, Kayonza, Rwanda adopted a National Urbanization Policy before the end of November 2016 and of the Nyagatare, Ngoma, Nyakarambi and Nyamata. in 2015, with a view of coordinated and integrated Boeing 737-800NG in May 217. Various new routes planning for viable urban environments. were opened by RwandAir (Lusaka in Zambia, Juba in South Sudan, Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, Each District started articulating this into its Cotonou in Benin, etc.). Currently RwandAir has Urbanization and local economic development strategy, district 19 destinations, and the company is planning to add more with a focus on Africa, Europe, Asia and Rural Settlement development plan and annual plans. Rwanda USA. This expansion saw passengers’ numbers has also adopted National Housing Policy by increase from 314,901 in 2010 to 585,875 in 2016. Sector 2015 to enable access to housing for all, and its implementation strategy is in process. Railway transport Rwanda faces rapid population growth and high Furthermore, Prime Minister’s Instructions population density which requires a holistic determining the Conditions and Procedures for Isaka-Kigali railway (494 Km): The final contract approach to human settlement and housing Obtaining Government Support for Affordable negotiations took place in Dar es Salaam on development for a better positioning in the future. Housing Projects were adopted. These envisage 13th July, 2016. The draft contract was sent to Therefore, Rwanda has taken steps to plan ahead providing financial support to private investors MINIJUST for legal opinion on 20th July 2016. and master its urbanization, human settlement in affordable housing.

www.hope-mag.com 13 respects the reading of the site in its context, and preserves local small-scale economic activities and built heritage, were discussed.

Rural Settlement By the year 2018, the Government targets that 70% of the rural population lives in well planned and well serviced human settlements. Therefore, the Government intensified efforts to establish well-planned and well-managed rural settlements, including a framework for sustainable growth with a view to prevent further informal growth. This led to about 56% of the Affordable Housing rural population living in grouped and integrated human settlements by 2016.

Affordable Housing farm job creation and a green-economy approach This was a result of model villages constructed driven by private sector and to avoid pressure in various districts (recently implemented in 4 In the context of accelerated urban development, on peri-urban areas of the City of Kigali and secondary cities Muhanga, Huye, Rubavu and it was found that a top priority for the urban sprawl, and provide socio-economic Rusizi, and 1 in Rweru with 104 dwelling units) Government should be to ensure access to formal opportunities. Subsequent to this, MININFRA and the relocation of households from scattered housing for all households independent of their intensified efforts to ensure a managed increase areas and high-risk zones. For instance, 60,136 income levels. The Government currently engages in urbanization through the development of these households living in scattered settlements and in a housing development through Public-Private cities by providing basic infrastructure (water, high-risk zones were relocated including 104 Partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable, mixed-use households that were moved from Mazane and housing, neighbourhood development, similar to a pilot project tested in 2007/08 in Batsinda-1. So far, 2 projects were successfully approved by the National Affordable Housing Approval Committee established in 2015 in accordance with the above mentioned Prime Minister’s Instructions: Batsinda 2 and Kabuga (which is a project implemented by Abadahigwa cooperative).

The implementation of the Batsinda-2 project with 537 housing units for low- to middle-income households is underway, with infrastructure provision estimated at 20% progress. More sites in Kigali and in the Secondary Cities are open for investment in affordable, mixed-use development, which envisions to assist residents to improve their socioeconomic conditions thanks to the proximity of local economic opportunities. Currently 257.5 ha for affordable housing (in City of Kigali and Secondary cities) are open for investors to develop, and more than 3,600 units are planned to be constructed in collaboration Rural settlements with private investors in Batsinda, Rugarama, Ndera, Abadahigwa and Kabuga.

Other initiatives in progress focus on housing electricity and access roads) and developing Shalita Islands to Rweru in the last year. Current finance to enable large-scale construction and and implementing detailed layout plans of the efforts are directed to scale up the activities in simultaneously facilitate households to access selected cities. Currently, plot servicing was all 30 Districts in Rwanda. Under construction finance. To this end, The Rwanda Development done in 6 secondary cities where 49.3km of are 120 clustered buildings (4-in-1 and 8-in-1 Bank (BRD) has prepared the introduction of roads were constructed. To date, all secondary units), using a model first applied in Rweru. In mortgage-backed securities to deliver affordable cities implement local investment packages to addition, upgrading of informal settlements finance and make a bigger variety of financing address the needed improvements to be able to was piloted in two Secondary Cities (Huye and products available to households. The business accommodate the increasing urban population, Musanze) whereby roads were upgraded and plan of BRD also includes investment into a Real and provide a favourable environment for local public lighting put in place, as well as in one site Estate Investment Trust as a major shareholder, economic development. (Agatare) in City of Kigali located in Nyarugenge to be created to facilitate large-scale housing Sector. This project is extended throughout this construction. The BRD prepares a residential Investments totalling USD 80 million of fiscal year 2016/17. credit line, enforced by the sourcing of USD 200 infrastructure development under a USD 95 million in Rwandan francs for lending to qualified million World Bank loan was secured for the Making local development management work mortgage originators, as well as construction Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP). (District One-Stop Centres) District One-Stop finance in support of developers. A National Road Map for Green Secondary City Centres were officially introduced in 2014 as part Development has been launched and a pilot green of the organizational structure of a District, and Secondary Cities’ development neighbourhood project in Kinyinya Hill and a Green entrusted with managing local human settlement Building Organization was launched in 2016, and infrastructure development. A One-Stop Under EDPRS2, six secondary cities were which will help to establish a Rwandan Green Centre bundles all activities to manage local identified as poles of economic growth to Building Certification. Furthermore, directives for physical development, i.e. land management promote investment in priority sectors, off- culturally appropriate urban development that and administration, permitting, infrastructure drinking water in the City of Kigali. Gihengeri Eau et Assainissement Rural), 447km of water management and public inspection. The City of Water Treatment Plant with 2,500m3/day supply systems were constructed in six Districts: Kigali was the first local government with an production capacity to supply water in Gatsibo Musanze, Rulindo, Gicumbi, Rutsiro, Karongi and operational One-Stop Centre, providing organized District. Nyabimata Water Treatment Plant Nyamasheke. Through the PEAMER project (rural services to city residents. In supporting this (1,500m3 /day) and Mata Water Treatment Plant water supply project in Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Huye, initiative, a number of tools were introduced, (600m3/day) in Nyaruguru District. In order to Nyanza, Gisagara, Ruhango, Kamonyi, Rusizi and such as an online building permitting system address water shortage and fill the demand gap Nyamasheke), 269 km of water supply systems operational so far in Kigali, Musanze and Muhanga, in Kigali, the government has signed a contract were constructed to supply water to 158,225 and further expansion is planned in other districts. with Culligan International for the upgrading of people in these Districts. Through the PEPAPS Nzove II Water Treatment Plant and optimize it to project in rural areas, 628 km of water supply its full capacity of 40,000m3/day; construction systems were constructed to make water A national geo-database linking all initiatives of New Nzove I with a production capacity of available to 298,246 people in Nyaruguru, and containing all country-wide settlement and 40,000m3/day that can be upgraded up to Gisagara and Huye Districts. Through the WASH infrastructure data has been established as a 65,000m3/day; construction of forwarding project in Northern and Western Provinces, 646 basis for integrated planning and is operational infrastructure towards Mt. Kigali (4km 600mm km of water supply systems were constructed for use in spatial decision making. 27 District ductile pipe, construction and installation of 2 to bring water to 522,669 people in Burera, LUDPs elaborated and reports now available; pump houses, construction of 2 reservoirs with Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu Districts. Procurement process for review and elaboration 7,000m3 capacity). of 6 secondary cities master plans is ongoing. Through the FEA project (Fonds de l’eau et Construction of a new intake and installation Assainissement), 86 km of water supply system Government assets construction and of chlorine production unit are also planned. were constructed to supply water to 50,540 maintenance Since 2010 to date, six water treatment plants people in Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru Districts. were rehabilitated and upgraded. These include: Through the JICA Water Project in Western Rwanda has developed a number of key Kadahokwa Water Treatment Plant in Huye City Province, 92 km of water supply system were government asset projects, and PPP’s in public was upgraded from 4,000m3/day to 8,500 m3/ constructed to supply water to 63,000 people buildings. Among the most notable are the Kigali day production capacity. in Kirehe and Ngoma Districts. Convention Centre opened in 2016 and which hosted the 2016 27th African Union Summit in Kigali, as well as the football stadiums Amahoro, Umuganda, Huye and Nyamirambo renovated for the Championship of African Nations (CHAN). The Ministry of Infrastructure through the Rwanda Housing Authority has carried out refurbishment of the tri-ministerial building accommodating MINALOC, MIFOTRA and the Migration offices.

The ministry also rehabilitated the parliamentary building. The government’s aim is to reduce the cost of office rent for government agencies and provide a suitable working environment for the public service. Ongoing projects are: Construction of Bweyeye border post (currently at 79%); Construction of an Administrative Office Complex which will host the Prime Minister’s Office and seven Ministries with their agencies; Construction of National Archives, Construction of the commercial high court and construction of Rwempasha border post. The newly completed Nzove II Water Treatment Plant Water and Sanitation Sanitation In the national strategic development agenda, Mpanga/Nyanza Water Treatment Plant was upgraded from 1,200m3/day to 3,200 m3/day Access to sanitation services has increased from water and sanitation projects and programs are 74.5% in 2010 to 84% in 2015 (according to EICV4 vital to increase access to basic infrastructure production capacity. Nyamabuye/Gicumbi Water Treatment Plant was upgraded from 1,100m3/ results). Some important sanitation projects to both urban and rural households, with the implemented are listed below. In the City of aim of reaching 100% access to clean water day to 1,600 m3/day production capacity. Kigali, the dumping site for solid and liquid waste and sanitation services nationwide by 2017. was relocated from Nyanza in Kicukiro District In this respect, over the last 7 years access to There are 3 water treatment plants under to Nduba in Gasabo District. The Government improved water sources increased from 74.2% construction under the LVWATSAN II project in 2010 (EICV3) to 88.5% by 2016, based on the that are expected to produce 10,210m3/day in started negotiations with investors to design and EICV4 of 2013/14 and considering the households Nyanza, Nyagatare and Kayonza district. It is implement a waste-to-energy project. connected in 2015/16 (423,318 rural and urban expected that water production will be increased connections). to 201,000m3/day by 2017/2018 in the CoK and Modern landfills were constructed in Kamonyi, other towns. Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Nyagatare and Kayonza districts for solid waste collection and Water production capacity Water supply infrastructure management. 15,000 household latrines for Four new water treatment plants were vulnerable people were constructed in Ruhango, constructed since 2010 to 2016 with a combined 2,168 km of new water supply systems were Muhanga and Nyanza. 34,068 latrines for 9- production capacity of 29,600m3/day . These constructed in rural areas to get water to and 12-year basic education schools and health are: Nzove II Water Treatment Plant with 1,481,680 people. Through the rural water centers were built. Sanitation master plans were 25,000m3/day production capacity to supply supply program (PNEARII/Programme National completed in 3 secondary cities.

CONTACT Tel: 0783853277 Mobile: 731340421 Facebook: konkaproducts Add: 2000 House Quarter commercial P.O.Box190 Kigali - Rwanda Web: www.konkaproducts.com / www.konka.com.hk

Lake Kivu Serena staff light up lives of Rubavu disabled children

“This is one of the most important events in our calendar where we go beyond decorating our properties during the festive season to focusing on the vulnerable communities to light up their lives,” remarked James Mzalvwa, the acting General Manager of Lake Kivu Serena Hotel during the event. He added that their wish was to have the disabled children become better people in the future. The Ubumwe Community Center was founded by Frederick Ndabaramiye and Zacharie Dusingizimana as a place where the physically and mentally disabled, most of whom end up becoming beggars, are given an alternative, where they can be educated, learn skills and ultimately work, generating a sustainable living for themselves and their families.

If a guest to join Serena in making the young dreams come true, they simply select the scroll of their choice and pledge the funds that will buy what one little child longs for above all else, and the hotel does the rest. The hotel also sends the guest a very special photo- the smile of the face of “their child” as Father Christmas Disabled children of Rubavu district will delivers their gift of love and it dims the brightest remember this year’s Christmas as bauble. This year, the Lake Kivu Serena staff filled the innocent hearts of the disabled children with one of their best after Lake Kivu Serena joy they will fondly remember of. Hotel staff hosted them to a day of fun activities and gifts.

he luxurious four-star beach hotel, under the Serena Hotels Group’s Light up a Life initiative hosted over 65 T disabled children taken care of by the Ubumwe Community Center on 20th December this year at the facility, with the children playing games, dancing and singing to Christmas carols and enjoying a filling lunch and cake before parting back to their home.

Under the Light up a life corporate social responsibility program, all Serena Hotels, Resorts, Lodges and Camps work with selected children’s homes and schools from the communities that surround their African properties to ask hundreds of children to tell them which gift would make their Christmas tide glow. Their wishes, each as bright as a star, are written on a scroll bearing their name and the gift they would love, and then hung on Serena Hotels’ Christmas trees.

www.hope-mag.com 19 Locally-made, eco-friendly and durable Crown Paints has it all

ff Whenever Vipul Kapur hears people say that Crown Paints are expensive, he gets annoyed. Indeed, according to the Country Manager of Crown Paints Rwanda, the complaint overlooks an important point. It is not just about how much one bucket of paint costs, it is about how much area it will cover – when you use our product to paint your house, you will need fewer buckets than with other brands,” he points out.

nd there is also the durability of the paint – ours looks good for 10 to 15 years. That is not empty talk, we give you that as a guarantee.” AAs a result, Kapur says, Crown Paints is the preferred brand for big local and international construction companies, and it adorns the walls of many of the country’s biggest buildings – Kigali Convention Center and the Radisson Blue Hotel, the hotels Mariott and Lemigo in Kigali, and Epic which is coming up in Nyagatare, in addition to the headquarters of RDB and RSSB as well as Kigali City Hall.

The reason for the high quality of Crown Paints is that the company uses the best raw materials from across the globe. “We’re importing from the UAE, Germany, India and Kenya, among others – we’re using the best raw materials and that is why our products are at par with the best international ones,” Kapur explains. “We’re meeting all the global standards – our products are ISO-certified, and certified by all the main international laboratories.” These high-quality raw materials Vipul Kapur, Country Manager of Crown Paints Rwanda can today also be found in the Crown Paints

facility in the Special Economic Zone “Recently I participated in a symposium of the in Kigali. Indeed, while the Rwandan Kigali Institute of Architects, where the Green branch used to import the finished Building Organization of Rwanda was launched,” paints and related products from the Kapur says. “Now Crown Paints is the only paint mother company in Kenya, it has recently company in Rwanda that has green products, started manufacturing in Rwanda. “We which have zero-VOC. VOC means ‘volatile organic have set up a small production unit compounds,’ which are chemicals that evaporate and have started producing our main and create health hazards for the people around. product, which is Crown Paints Ruff Our products don’t have any of these compounds n’ Tuff, basically a texture finish,” the so they’re very safe for the people living in houses country manager notes. painted with our products.” That, too, is certified by the best laboratories in Singapore, Canada and the United States. “This is a very important benchmark for us, and by February at the latest we will expand production by adding one “Our products can be used in any place, even more machine to make other Crown hospitals or houses where small kids are living,” Paints products like weather guards Kapur explains. “Normally, you shouldn’t have and under-coats. That means that children around when you’re painting because of soon, almost 90% of all the products the health hazard, but our paints are entirely safe we sell in Rwanda will be manufactured for the users and the people living in the house.” locally.” “So we can proudly say that our products are, and will be, made in Rwanda,” Kapur adds. What also makes Crown Paints’ products stand out, apart from their quality and durability, is that they are eco-friendly. Crown Paints most popular product, Ruff n' Tuff, is currently manufactured in Rwanda

CITY OF KIGALI Rwanda’s epitome of resilience, prosperity

Monique Mukaruliza City mayor

ff The glamour of Kigali city is so inviting to the eye, endearing to the heart and comfortable to the residents and visitors. The charming shadows and lights beneath the trees, yes it is a green city, where the rankly carpet-like grasses besides the roads are, give a natural exuberance and add to the charm. The pavements, made of interlocking blocks, are sheltered by cliffed honeycombs, articulately designed to create small topographies of their own—their own character, inviting and pleasant to the eye. A water fountain here and another long stretch of green, here and there are a common phenomenon. The streets are dustless, with clean—very clean sidewalks. It is part of the character of Kigali City.

22 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69 his is a city that has evolved over the So we have a capital city which is autonomous President, His Excellency Paul Kagame, pledged years to become an icon of Rwanda’s financially and also administratively. Today, that each child has a right to nine years of free development and its people’s resolve the city is governed by a council that makes education. Since then, the quality of class rooms T to build a country that had been left regulations to govern the city but in respect and quality of programmes have improved. Today in ruins following the 1994 genocide against the with national laws and policies. There is a city there are some schools that do offer Cambridge Tutsi. Prior to 1994, Kigali was a prefecture (called executive committee that makes decisions on programmes and standards in Kigali. In terms of Prefecture of Kigali), led by a Prefet and comprised daily basis as a opposed to the previous system institutions of higher learning, there are now up of Communes until 2001 when it become the City when all decisions were made by one person, to 11 institutions— that is universities, colleges of Kigali. At that time, it had a smaller size than called Prefet. and institutes. Interestingly, most of them are what it is today. In fact the size has more than private initiatives. Out of the 11 we have now, nine doubled. Services are private initiatives.

In 1994 the city was seated on 349sqkm The city has tremendously improved the services Before, the City of Kigali had only branches of compared to today’s 730sqkm with revised rendered in terms of quality and accessibility by government institutions—the faculty of law, subdivisions which are now districts—three viable the residents. one branch of Busogo Institute of Agriculture districts. The districts are viable in the sense that and Livestock and the Public Finance Institute in they are cable of running their own recurrent Education budget by 100 percent with no subsidies from Mburabuturo that was producing a small number the central government which only intervenes The number of schools has increased from 50 of staff for the Ministry of Finance—less than to support development budgets. in 1994 to 184 primary schools. There has been at a rate of 100 per year. After 1994, we had a big increase with private initiatives that have KIST, KIE, SFB and all those public institutions brought in international schools in the city from that have been merged into one university, the Before that, the divisions depended on the central the only two international schools Ecole Belge University of Rwanda. government to pay salaries and other recurrent and former Ecol Française in Rugunga. expenditures. The districts are also increasingly financing their development budgets with some So today there are two government institutions central government support. Since liberation, the Today there are more private and international of higher learning—the University of Rwanda city has not only changed in area and population schools with better infrastructure such as Green with several big colleges and IPRC Kicukiro which size, but also the governance structure that has Hills, La Colombière, Riviera High School among has been modernized. Until 1994, there was changed from prefecture to an autonomous others. The number of public schools has also only one private institution’s branch, Mudende, decentralized entity. increased, especially since 2003 when the headquartered in in Rubavu.

www.hope-mag.com 23 Today there are a number of universities including; Roads Construction of cobblestone paved road of University of Rwanda, Central Africa Adventist 100km has also started for the Remera, Gatenga, University, ULK, INLAK , University of Kigali, In Kicukiro District there was only one tarmac Rwezamenyo; ravines at Rwarutabura, Kove Kigali Institute of Management in Nyandungu, road—from Kanogo to Remera and Kanombe. Only and rehabilitation of Mpazi; building bridges of University of Tourism, Technology and Business a few kilomitres of tarmac were in Nyarugenge Nyabugogo (2), Kanogo, Rugunga, Cyumbati, Management, and international ones like Carnegie and Kiyovu—that is in the city centre. There Gisozi and Karuruma. Mellon University, Mount Kenya University and was also Kacyiru-Kimihurura where there are Jomo Kenyata University of Agriculture and ministries and the main road to the airport. But Murram/earth roads maintenance has also been Technology and Agha Khan University. today, Nyarutarama, Kibagabaga, Kimuhurura, carried out in Ndera-Jurwe-Gikomero (17km), Kimironko, Remera have cobbled stone roads as Karuruma-Amakawa-Bweramvura (7km), Gahanga well as tarmac. National roads such as Gatuna to roads (3km), Gatenga (2.5km), Nyarugunga (2.5), Health Nyabugogo had 102km of tarmac roads by 2001. Gakoni-Ruharabuge (2.5km), Suncity-Rugarama- In 1994 there was only one hospital, the CHUK. Gasharu (3km) and Nyamweru-Mont Kinyinya Today, there are three district hospitals—the Today there are 360km of national roads with (1.5km). Hospital of Muhima, the Hospital of Kibagabaga tarmac. There were no cobblestone roads then, and Hospital of Masaka. All sectors in the city, now there are 25km and recently launched a new except five have got health centers. But even Street lighting has too been carried out in project of 100km of cobbled stone road. That the sectors without health centers can access much of the City of Kigali. Modern markets and will make 125km of cobblestone from zero in medical services within very short distances. selling points have been established in different 1994. There are plans to cover all areas between suburbs where they never existed before. These cobblestone roads and tarmac. include; Gikomero modern markets and market Water infrastructures constructed (COPCOM, ADARWA, Less than 50 percent had access to improved Since the inception and eventual implementation Gisozi Complex, Mulindi Commercial complex and clean water in 1994. As per now, 89 percent of the Kigali Master Plan, all activities including and Rusheshe and Nyamirambo mini markets. have access to clean water. construction of buildings and roads are done into step with the plan. The recent past has witnessed Construction permits construction of asphalt roads (ETO Muhima road Electricity The City of Kigali (CoK) has played a pivotal role network , 0.7km, and completed a 3 year project in enhancing the doing business reforms in the In 1994, only 40 percent had access to electricity, of 34km in Nyamirambo-Rugarama (3.3km), construction industry, reducing the number of now we have 67.4 percent of the whole city with Gishushu-INILAK-Shell (4.5km) and Cercle sportif- procedures of obtaining construction permits access; including schools, hospitals, households Rwampara-Gikondo (2.4km) and working on a from 10 to 5 and costs to Rfw 60,000, as water industrial complexes among other entities. project of 15.5km. and electricity connection fee. The time of obtaining a construction permit Recreational public spaces for a While the KN 4 is a car free zone, cars will not be has been reduced from 77 to 20 days. Special greener city prohibited on the Kimihurura round about. observance is paid to the quality of buildings in the city, working in collaboration with professionals In the midst of this unprecedented development, in the construction industry like the architects, the City of Kigali has undertaken a project that is Poverty reduction engineers, and supervisors. It is important to going to see public spaces revamped into calm In the city of Kigali, the rate of people below the indulge these associations because it enables yet attractive recreational places where busy poverty line is 16.8, according the latest housing them to take part in the formation of rules and Kigalians can retreat to and refresh. and population census. This is already lower than regulations relating to the construction business. the national target of 20 percent by 2020. Street KN 4 and Kimihurura roundabout are to be This draws them into executing works in developed into recreational parks before the end National development professionally acceptable standards, codes and of this year and if successful, the parks will be regulations. CoK has introduced Construction replicated in other parts of the City. Development Industry and service sectors are some of the main Permit Information Management System where of the parks is in line with City of Kigali master drivers of Rwanda’s economic growth and the City applicants for construction permits are able plan goal of encouraging green transport within of Kigali has contributed a lot to the development to access the service online. Memoranda of the City Centre. of especially in manufacturing and construction. Understanding have been signed with telecom Tremendous changes have been registered in the companies to ease payment for permits using Currently a car free zone, Street KN 4 will construction industry—in real estate, commercial and modern buildings in the city. this system. experience total transformation as pavements will be replaced with more aesthetic materials. Bicycle lanes will be created to encourage cycling In the hospitality industry, hotels have increased City Beautification instead of using vehicles and reduce pollution. and significantly improved quality of services, According to Mugisha, 70% of the population in City beautification enhanced by; landscaping contributing to flourishing of the tourism sector. Kigali does not own vehicles and it is therefore 77.5km of roads with 25,848 ornamental trees, International hotel brands such as Serena Hotel important for City of Kigali to consider their needs. maintaining existing green and paved areas and and Mariott have a presence in the city center. increasing green and paved areas by 55ha and free WI-FIED hotspots installed in several public By creating car free zones, spaces are provide Today there are more than 50 hotels in the city of places.New road designs have been developed for them where they can walk comfortably and Kigali—including five and four star hotels that are a and the placement of signage posts has been safely without the fear of being knocked down by big blessing the promotion of Meetings, Incentives, done on all the main and some peripheral roads. a vehicle. The Kimihurura roundabout, covering Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE). Other new While upgrading the road system, the City of Kigali close to 8 hectares, will be transformed into a services that have developed include; IT-oriented takes into account not only the motorists but the unique modern park with attractive recreational business entities, financial institutions including pedestrians as well. facilities including coffee and refreshment shops. local and regional banks; currently, there are more than 10 private commercial banks, Microfinance building, and especially finishing materials give Greening and sanitation institutions and SACCOs.The city remains the main the structure a look of grace and spectacle, that market for agricultural commodities produced has come to be an explicit architectural symbol The efforts to keep a clean green Kigali have in other parts of the country and hub for job of Kigali’s nascent architectural landscape. been supported by the government and the opportunities. Kigali residents themselves who have ardently participated in the greening process. Other than The Kigali Convention Center is conveniently observing a strict code against crude dumping, The taxable population and taxable base in Kigali located just five kilometers from the city center proper liquid and solid waste disposal, residents City is higher than elsewhere in the country. and Kigali International Airport. Constructed on invest their efforts in landscaping during the Such taxes as VAT, income tax, Withholding tax 12.6ha, and an ample gross flow area of 8000 communal work –Umuganda. among others are collected by Rwanda Revenue meters, it is one of the biggest conference Authority on behalf of the central government and facilities in the region as it can accommodate used in supporting the city and other development This is because they are the primary beneficiaries 5,500 delegates. It consists of three flours, an activities of the entire economy. of this pleasantness. When they keep their lawns auditorium, four multi-purpose built halls and tidy, the road reserves and the adjacent buffer more than fourteen meeting rooms, banquet and land between their property and public land, it is Kigali Convention Center: Symbol of special events spaces spanning over 14,000 sq everyone’s benefit. Cleanliness is enjoyed by all, international positioning meters. their properties gain in value and the environment is conserved as the soils are protected from the Kigali Convention Center is a new addition to ravages of erosion. It is a win-win situation. the city’s booming skyline and conference and The iconic dome houses the auditorium with three exhibition infrastructure as Rwanda is now levels galleria sitting, retractable seats, 1257 sq establishing herself as a regional hub for MICE meters of flat space which can cater for 2600 There are some companies hired to do the tourism. The instantly recognizable building is a people of various configurations. The adjoining collection of garbage from public places—one symbol of a country that s rising from an abyss in Radisson Blu Hotel has 292 rooms and suites with in every district—and are paid on a monthly basis. which it had sunk 22 years; rising into personifying amenities that include private balconies and free With the implementation of the Kigali Master hope and unwavering resolve. The architectural WiFi connection to all site restaurants including Plan, hygiene and sanitation conditions will marvel has got its roots in the Rwandan historical one with all day dining, serving continental and tremendously improve. Unplanned settlements, buildings; the exterior designed with an imitation Rwandan dishes as well as a super breakfast with spontaneously erected buildings are getting of basket weaving and African beads. The wrought buffet. alleviated, replaced with planned residences, making it easy to connect households to the from black water (sewage) and grey water the catchments to provide eco systems services water and water systems, collection of garbage (other domestic wastewater apart from sewage) such clean water and climate change resilience. and simplifies access when disasters of any kind generated from the City. strike—like fires and epidemics—they become very easy to contain. To approve any new This project was designed to cater for full flows The Kigali City Sanitation Master Plan is now being building plan, it has to meet all the yardsticks of at saturation levels in areas covering Kiyovu- implemented starting with priority areas including sanitation, hygiene and landscape considerations. Rugenge, Nyarugenge, Gitega and Muhima–the Kigali Central Business District. A number of There is zero tolerance to unauthorized illegal Central Business District’ including residential projects to address wastewater management constructions. This is done in the spirit of challenges in Kigali are under development, and housing, high, middle and low-income, both formal preventing disasters and avoiding suffocation. these are: and informal with the possibility of expansion of Buildings must meet standards to ensure safety the area of the project. of the people. ƒ ƒ Kigali Centralized Sewerage System including a Waste Water Treatment Plant, covering Kigali Decentralization and civil Addressing sewage challenges in the Central Business District with the option to City of Kigali extend sewage network to Kimihurura and participation parts of Kacyiru and Gisozi in Gasabo District. Since the decentralisation policy was adopted The City of Kigali is one of the fastest growing in 2000 and implemented since 2001, there has cities in Africa with high demand in utility ƒ ƒ Kigali Faecal sludge treatment plant which will infrastructure including Water and Sanitation. receive and treat sewage and sludge exhausted been more effectiveness and efficiency in service The Government of Rwanda through the Ministry from decentralized sewage systems. delivery with better participation in planning of Infrastructure, WASAC and the City of Kigali and implementation of different programmes is undertaking measures to deal with waste ƒ ƒ Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Semi- amongst their respective communities. management in the city in order to improve urban Centralized Sewerage Systems in Kigali Estates. sanitation as well as protecting the environment. The cost of transaction has been tremendously Centralized sewerage system reduced because service providers to government The Kigali city Sanitation Master Plan was The overall objective of the Kigali Centralized institutions bid and supply from their localities. developed and adopted in 2010 after which sewerage project is to improve collective Decentralisation has also cemented democracy— a number of sanitation projects to address sanitation services, enhance public health giving the population chance to participate in wastewater management issues are being resilience and protecting the City water voting their leaders. Formerly, the Prefet were undertaken. The projects under development catchments and rivers. This will enable the appointed but today all local leaders are elected will reclaim clean water that meets the required provision of well-balanced ecosystems in the at all levels—down to Village (Umudugudu) level, standards for discharge into the environment environment, and thereby enhance the ability of working in councils and committees.

30 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69

FOCUS ON MANIFESTO REVIEW Focus On

Celebrating Achievements

PILLAR 1 PART III GOOD GOVERNANCE Youth development takes high-table position on Rwanda government programs

s a way of strengthening and important role of employment for economic The National Employment Program is built empowering youth through, development and poverty reduction and, on 4 Pillars which guide the especially, capacity building, the accordingly, calls for “200,000 [off-farm] jobs implementation of the Program: government committed to increasing to be created each year” to meet the employment Skills development, Entrepreneurship Athe number of youth cooperatives through needs of the labour force, influenced by and Business Development, Labour establishment of new cooperative, whereof 930 demographic trends and the growing youth share Market Interventions and Coordination new cooperatives operating in different fields of the working age population which constitute and M&E of national employment were created. So far, there is a total of 1664 70%. National Employment Program is articulated interventions. Employment promotion Youth Cooperatives. Besides, the government under EDPRS2 as a tool to strengthen the is a cross-cutting issue and the has enhanced capacity building among the youth coordination of employment programs through the result of multiple and multi-layered (knowledge and know-how). As a result, according establishment of a framework for better planning, interactions involving various actors to the 4th General Census report, unemployment implementation and coordination of employment and stakeholders at the national rate is at 4% nationwide among active youth (16- programs from different stakeholders engaged and District levels. At central level, 35 years of age). in job creation and employment promotion, all of the key institutions involved in NEP which feed into the annual creation of the 200,000 implementation include MIFOTRA, jobs for Youth and Women, the most affected MIGEPROF, MINICOM, MYICT, National Employment Program groups by unemployment. MINEDUC, MINALOC, RDB, LODA, Over the last six years, economic growth has WDA, NIRDA, NYC, NWC, NCPD, RCA, NCBS, BDF and PSF. averaged 8% a year whilst 1 million off-farm jobs NEP objectives have been created. A structural shift has been introduced towards an economy led by higher value The Government of Rwanda decided to establish Every year, Rwanda organizes an added industries and the service sector. Over the the ‘National Employment Program (NEP), to Annual Employment Forum which medium term, economic transformation has called optimize the impact of employment interventions aims at providing a platform for for continued and significant investment from the with the following key objectives; interaction and integration of diverse private and public sector in skills, technology ƒ ƒ Creating sufficient jobs that are adequately ideas for Employment Promotion in and infrastructure, supported by a business remunerative and sustainable across the Rwanda. It is also an opportunity environment that is conducive to the creation of economy; of connecting job seekers with high productivity jobs. ƒ ƒ Equipping the workforce with vital skills and potential employers through a JOB attitude for increased productivity that are NET organized by the City of Kigali in Rwanda through its development goals aims to needed for the private sector growth; collaboration with MIFOTRA. In line transform Rwanda into a middle-income country ƒ ƒ Providing a national framework for coordinating with the EDPRS II, Kigali Employment with a knowledge-based, private sector-driven all employment and related initiatives and Services Center contributes to economy and Job creation is a cornerstone activities in the public, private sector and civil promote employment through to achieve that goal. EDPRS II recognizes the society. providing employment information,

32 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69 career guidance and application writing. The all levels of education; career focused courses partnership arrangement where the District / center targets three categories of clients in secondary, TVET and higher education; Rapid cooperatives provide land and building whereas who include job seekers, employers and those Response Trainings responding to investors the GoR, through MINICOM avails technology, individuals who wish to be self-employed. To job demand for specific skills, enhancement of career equip the centers with appropriate equipment seekers, KESC ensures access to job opportunities services and guidance, intensification of part-time and technologies and ensure that effective from public and private sector as well as national and distance learning; operationalization of sector management systems are in-place. and international institutions. skills councils serving as platforms to adapt skills development to the specific needs of the private The Integrated Craft Production Centers (ICPCs- sector, increased productive internships and Agakiriro) are being operationalized with the aim Interventions to meet NEP objectives apprenticeships have all been brought to the fore. of establishing standardized and modern business The implementation of the NEP has required a wide center to accommodate local craftsmen and range of integrated and well-designed policy and For the enterprises to increase investment in artisans including TVET Graduates and facilitating programme interventions, cutting across both capital and technology through accessible and them to up-grade skills and embrace innovation macro and sectoral dimensions and addressing affordable finance, the government has ensured in all Districts. Main Trades performed in ICPCs both labour market demand and supply. In order increased access to finance and technical training include Carpentry, welding, electronic repairing, to create a critical mass of skilled employees for household enterprises and MSMEs and artisanal products etc. So far 10 Districts are built in key economic sectors, the government scaled up MSME financing through BDF products at final stage of constructing ICPCs and 12 is targeting to have 65% of learners enrolled in including SME guarantee (up to 75%), youth & have commissioned construction works. Other TVET schools. There has therefore been mass women grants and quasi equity finance; proximity government initiatives such as the Electricity training in targeted skills through TVETs. business advisory (BDA) services and provision of start-up toolkits to youth graduating from Access Rollout Program (EARP) are feeding massive vocational training and apprenticeship. into the creation of new commercial activities There has also been a shift towards the creation that need energy throughout the country trade of incentives for investment in youth by private The BDF, for example, has embarked on supporting centers. employers to scale up apprenticeships, internships the establishment of Community Processing and on-the-job training. Developing the necessary Centers (CPCs) in collaboration with MINICOM In Karongi district, the Principal IPRC West, supply of skills for a productively employed aimed at adding value to local produce in different Habiyambere Idelphonse, explains that EARP population has called for coordination with communities. The government has committed connections have had a significant impact other sectors to ensure education and skills to establishing various Community Centers to great social, economic and geographical development applicable practically to the specialized in processing dairy products, banana reach. “People are constructing homes and labour market. Project-based learning through wine and Irish potatoes, through a public-private commercial buildings at good speed; and because the geographical reach of EARP connections are deeper into trading centers and villages, then the demand for electrical and electronic technicians to do the wiring becomes overwhelming, the result being little or no room for redundancy of IPRC graduates.

“When households and commercial buildings get connected, the owners, as well, acquire electronic gadgets of which repair will require professional technicians. These have been trained by IPRC West and have opened small and big workshops throughout the district, while other technicians such as builders and plumbers provide creative solutions to the construction industry throughout Karongi district and beyond,” enthuses Habiyambere.

Rwanda is implementing a package of policies that foster entrepreneurship while nurturing a more skilled workforce and promoting private sector investments. The Government of Rwanda gives incentives to both local and foreign investors to help them make their businesses more Rwanda Defence Forces rebuilding Communities profitable and thus create more jobs.

FOCUS ON MANIFESTO REVIEW

PILLAR 2 PART III JUSTICE Accentuating fight against injustice and corruption

The last seven years have seen the sensitized on bad effects of corruption and at Sector and Cell levels have been formed government stepping up efforts in the encouraged to play an active role in fighting and a National Advisory Council to Fight programme of sensitizing Rwandans from it, getting different groups of citizens against Corruption and Injustice has been all walks against corruption, injustice and sensitized on corruption and injustice established and operates up to the sector nepotism so that every Rwandan citizen using pamphlets, billboards, media, etc level while the Office of Ombudsman was understands their rights well; that no and toll free calls numbers were put in empowered by giving it a special unit in one is allowed to deprive him/her of his/ place to enable citizen report corruption. charge of investigating grand/sophisticated her rights or make him/her to pay for it. Organs in charge of fighting corruption and corruption. The structure of the office of During anti-corruption week which takes injustice, more particularly empowering Ombudsman was revised to increase the place in December every year, Citizens are the consultative Committee on Corruption number of investigators, add prosecutors and

President Kagame in a group photo with members of the Judiciary and other top government officials including Premier Anastase Murekezi

Government maintains an anti-corruption stance, with 97.3 per cent of Rwandans expressing confidence in the government’s efforts to fight corruption

36 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69 Participants in the training of judges and registrars in Kigali

Transparency International, in its 2015 Corruption Perception Index, ranked Rwanda Using various platforms, Rwandans have been urged to report more about corruption cases and the response is positive, seeing adoption of anti-corruption values as well as cooperation in reporting corruption cases judgement review specialists. The government Rwanda is among the least corrupt countries anti-corruption values as well as cooperation has also put in place anti-corruption policy and in the world, with Transparency International’s in reporting corruption cases. The media has strategies to prevent and fight corruption and 2015 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), putting been supportive in sensitizing the public about related crimes. The National Anti-corruption the country among Africa’s five least corrupt the ills of corruption and reporting about its Policy was elaborated and adopted by nations, the least corrupt country in East cases. Entrepreneurs in the private sector Cabinet in June 2012. The Policy contains Africa and 44th globally. were also urged to always report challenges anti-corruption strategies and responsible they are faced with during bidding for public institutions (RNP, CSO, NPPA, Citizens etc.) The progress in the fight against corruption tenders. for their implementation was made possible by the strong political will and low impunity for corruption related As for members of the civil society, their There is an Anti-Corruption Advisory Council offences. Government maintains an anti- role is to sensitize the general public about which is made up of the Minister for Local corruption stance, with 97.3 per cent of the problems of being corrupt and report Government, two Deputies of the Ombudsman, Rwandans expressing confidence in the bribery to anti-corruption institutions such the Minister for Justice, the Vice President government’s efforts to fight corruption, as the National Police of Rwanda, the National of the Supreme Court, the Inspector General according to the 2014 Rwanda Bribery Index by Public Prosecution Authority, as well as the of Rwanda National Police, the Prosecutor Transparency International Rwanda chapter. Office of the Ombudsman. General, the Auditor General of State Finances, Transparency International, in its 2015 the Executive Secretary of Rwanda Public Corruption Perception Index, ranked Rwanda Procurement Authority, representatives Using various platforms, Rwandans have been The goal is to support national development of the Civil society platform, and the Chief urged to report more about corruption cases that will sustain; better quality of life; a Executive of the Private Sector Federation. and the response is positive, seeing adoption of strong, competitive economy and efficient

www.hope-mag.com 37 FOCUS ON MANIFESTO REVIEW

The Bar Association fulfills the role of Legal Representation and Regulation for its members and plays a key role in the Administration of Justice for a strengthened Rule of Law in Rwanda

public services. The Government has put in periodic reports as required by these conventions consideration of the third and fourth periodic place mechanisms and institutions that are has been observed. report (CRC/C/RWA/3-4) was submitted; Initial geared towards a public service characterised report of Rwanda on protection of right of by integrity, transparency and accountability. These include; Convention on the Civil Aspects migrant workers and member of their families The private sector that operates on a level of International Child Abduction, adopted at the was prepared and submitted in Sept 2012 and playing field is a key partner in the fight against Hague on 25/10/1980 (Presidential Order N° ratification of the Protocol on convention corruption. 52/01 of 25/08/2011; additional information against torture and the protocol to the covenant (report) in response to issues raised during on Civil and Political Rights is under the process. Upholding Protection for Human Rights

The government has, too, enhanced the teaching and sensitization of Rwandans from all walks about their basic human rights with leaders responsible for solving 100% of identified human rights abuses. Various categories of people are trained with the objective of increasing their knowledge on human rights.

This training is conducted by different public and private institutions including MINIJUST, MIGEPROF, NCHR, HAGURUKA among others. Today, all reported human rights abuses are solved by concerned authorities. Ratifying and domesticating international human rights conventions of interest to Rwanda and submitting in time all Rwandan Youths celebrate on the occasion of International Human Rights Day December 2015

38 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69 PILLAR 3 PART III ECONOMY Private Sector Development, Cooperatives and Investment

The government has not relented on mobilising acquisition by the private sector. The National ƒ ƒOther responsibilities are; Rwandan private operators in joining others Industrial Research and Development Agency both inside and outside the country to exchange (NIRDA), which is under the supervision of the Contribute to establishment of trade companies information and to devise strategies enabling Ministry of Trade and Industry was established of research products; Train business entre- Rwandan Private Sector to take part in in 2013 by the Government of Rwanda with the preneurs who wish to invest in new or improved programmes promoting environment, research mandate of implementing the national industrial industrial research products; Establish and and technology towards improved production. development policy, patent inventions and develop industrial research and development traditional knowledge in relation to industrial partnership with international, regional and NIRDA development and trade of research products national institutions, whether private or public; and carry out industrial and technology Facilitate the vertical growth of small and Government has established an agency National development research through the establishment medium enterprises for them to enter new Industrial Research and Development Agency of technology incubation centers and pilot plants markets and increase new improved products; (NIRDA) to coordinate research and technology and rural industrialization. Advise the Government on the national industrial

Panoramic View of Kigali City's Suburb 2016 FOCUS ON MANIFESTO REVIEW

Rwanda to be among the top 30 countries in the world and top three (3) in Africa in Doing Business ranking. Today, Rwanda is 62nd in Doing Business ranking (Globally) and 2nd in Africa with 6 reforms out of 10 areas of business regulatory environment implemented.

Local Banks and Financial Inclusion In the 7YGP, the government committed to increasing strategies to enable local banks to improve customer care services and the payment systems for local and international payments in accordance with international One of Kigali's Car free zones standards and increase private sector borrowing and housing financing. Some of research and development policy if necessary in agro-processing, biotechnology, chemical and the strategies enabling local and Build the capacity of small and medium pharmaceutical driving industries in order to banks to provide better service to customers enterprises by providing prototype development, identify their strength, weaknesses, opportunities have enable establishment of 361 ATMS and 1,339 reverse engineering, manufacturing facilities and and threats (SWOT). Points of Sale devices as of 2015. business incubation.

Private Sector The percentage of loans to private operators as The activities of NIRDA are strongly built on a share of GDP has reached at 19.7% of GDP as Public private dialogue, a plat form where issues its Department of Research and Development, of Dec-2015 from 13.2% as of 2011. Capacities of of private sector growth are discussed has which is composed of four Divisions:1.Agro- been established and is fully functioning. processing and Biotechnology; 2.Pharmaceutical A Public Private Partnership Policy and and Chemical Industries; 3.Cleaner Energies law are in place. Private sector federation and Environmental Management and 4.Process has strengthened the professional Engineering, associations, and these have acquired the mutual recognition agreements with Manufacturing and High-Tech NIRDA has so far their EAC counterparts while the Rwanda- unveiled an ambitious strategy designed to help Uganda business forum is held every year, more than double the country’s industrial output with 4 editions so far conducted. in the medium-term; foster industrial growth across Rwanda under its community processing Labour information system centres model, create the much-needed jobs and reduce the prevalent rural-urban migration. The government has also put in place a permanent monitoring system to show how new employment through the private The processing centres also act as vehicles sector is increasing in the country so as of skills transfer in the long-run, and provide to lower unemployment rate; there is a market for residents. Already, such centres labour information system that tracks are operational in Nyabihu, Burera, Gatsibo and employment creation in the country and Rwamagana districts, crucially providing dairy government has consolidated different farmers, and Irish potato and banana growers job creation initiatives into a National in those areas a ready market for their produce. Employment Programme. National Institute of Statistics has been given more The multiplier effect that comes with the capacity to monitor and report through establishment of these industrial centres will surveys about employment trends. ultimately help improve people’s living standards and help the country reach its development Doing Business Reforms targets in the coming years. NIRDA has already concluded a research study whose main objective The government has pursued strategies was to conduct a technology needs assessment to facilitate trade and investment, for

40 HOPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 69 microfinance institutions (Microfinance, UMURENGE SACCO, Umwalimu SACCO, COOJAD etc) for rural Investment promotion and development have been strengthened with all 416 SACCOs having Loan Granting Licenses. The government took a decision to consolidate all Umirenge SACCOs into a cooperative Bank.

And the process of strengthening and consolidation of Umurenge SACCOs is ongoing with actions taken towards the same including; the drafting and validation of Umurenge policies, manuals procedures and chart of account has been finalized and computerization of Umurenge SACCO is under way.

IT Hardware has been provided and procurement of a core banking system is in process; Migration of existing data from the first 90 SACCOS in phase one to Mass Transportation System establish Umurenge SACCO MIS system has been done and in terms of human small and medium enterprises and encouraging loans while youth have been funded to the level capacity, training of SACCO management on the of 29% of all BDF guarantee funds. Currently, new policies is ongoing. them to explore virgin sectors while making innovations in income generating activities. BDF is in the process of restructuring to be more BDF was established and it is in the process of effective in financing youth; women and SMEs BDF decentralising all its services. BDF has taken Currently there is a 72% financial inclusion from 48% in 2008 while the percentage of loans to overall the BDCs across the country and has Business Development Fund (BDF) was put in private operators as a share of GDP has reached extended the guarantee loans for 333 loans and place as one of the mechanisms to facilitate 19.7% of GDP as of 2015 from 13.4% in 2011. investors in securing loans especially those in the agriculture sector has been 63% of all these

Cooperatives Under the program, the government has been educating members of farmers’ associations to operate through cooperatives and for those financially able, to join trade and investment companies. A total of 2105 farmers‘cooperatives were formed and have invested Rwf12,027,247,436 (Cumulative for two successive years).

To this end, the government has promoted a programme of uniting cooperatives into unions and federations by their sectors of operations and inviting them to make their products and services competitive both at the national and international markets; 120 unions, 13 federations and one Confederation formed (cumulative: target reached)

Government decentralised cooperative inspection and audit services at the provincial level and annually inspection and audit reports are produced. In 2012/2013 more than 1557 Cooperatives were inspected (465 financial Coops: SACCOs and 1092 non- financial Coops: marketing coops; 54 SACCOs and 69 Marketing Cooperatives audited.

FOCUS ON MANIFESTO REVIEW

kigali often organizes workshop for students on writing fundable business projects proposals

PILLAR 4 PART III Social Welfare Education, Sports and Leisure Development

In the government program of building capacity in sports and leisure, the target was to have the national football team in the first 10 places in Africa while Volleyball and Basketball teams rank well Africa.

As of 10th June 2014, Rwanda was ranked; 107 position globally in football and Rwanda is currently in 4th position in Africa for U-21; 35th at continental level in Football; 5th in African Championships of Volley ball; 12th in African championships of Basketball and 3rd as a country, by Team Kalisimbi 2nd, Akagera 4th in cycling.

Investments in sports and leisure In line with building a new national stadium for football with seating capacity of at least 60,000 and construct a covered basketball /volleyball stadium, a piece of land of 60ha in Gahanga Sports Development in Kigali sector has been secured and its expropriation was done and negotiations with potential investors to construct a new stadium are still received level 1 in Coaching; 15 in football have to teach sports was selected for each Province and on-going. The feasibility studies for the Volleyball been trained at different levels at international City of Kigali thus; East: GS St Aloys Rwamagana; and basketball indoor stadia were completed and level; 25 coaches in Basketball have completed West: Inyemeramihigo College; South: GSO of the Government is currently looking for interested Module 2 Young Coach; 72 volleyball coaches Butare, Lycee de Nyanza and College St Joseph investors to start the implementation of the received trainings of level 1 and 2 in Volleyball de Kabgayi; North: GS-Runaba (Butaro) in Burera project. Building an Olympic Village in Nyanza has and 60 handball coaches received a training of District and Kigali City has Lycee de Kigali. Some been taken over by the Southern Province and are level 1 and 2 in Handball. of the pilot schools have been supported in terms currently mobilizing for the required resources to of equipment by MINISPOC including; GS St Aloys implement the project. This has meant and called Rwamagana, GSO of Butare, Inyemeramihigo Sporting activities have been taken beyond the for a continuous encouragement of investors College and College St Joseph de Kabgayi ordinary landscape which has seen 25 coaches to enter into partnership with Government for people with disabilities and 5 coaches for towards promoting sports and leisure through women in football getting trained. establishment of sports schools. Teachers’ capacities in figures Upgrading the quality of education at all teaching levels, especially in higher learning institutes and universities:

In Primary: ƒ ƒ Pupils teacher ratio: 58 :1 while the target is 46:1 ƒ ƒ % of qualified teachers: 95.6%

In Secondary ƒ ƒ Students qualified teacher ratio: 30:1 ƒ ƒ % of qualified teachers: 68.6% ƒ ƒ 32 398 teachers were trained in English language in primary and secondary schools; ƒ ƒ Curricula of primary and secondary schools are being revised ƒ ƒ Science kits were distributed in secondary schools, especially where there are not yet laboratories; ƒ TVET NEP Programs in Kigali as University graduates undergo training ƒ Libraries were installed and relatively equipped in secondary schools

In HLIs To this effect, a National Sports Development Nurturing talent Policy was adopted by Cabinet in early 2013. The ƒ ƒ All academic staff are 4038; There has also been streamlining the program policy gives clear guidelines as to what Rwanda ƒ ƒ PHDs: 683 (16.9%) plans to achieve in the sports sector and also of placing children with specific sporting skills ƒ ƒ Masters: 2116 (52.4%) elaborates the role of all relevant stakeholders in schools that have the capacity and means as well as the private sector in promoting sports. to promote their talents with Government ƒ ƒ Bachelors: 967 (23.9%) support (Sport studies). Therefore, students Different sports facilities across the country ƒ ƒ Others: 272 (6.7%) continue to be rehabilitated. with specific sporting skills are identified in regular inter-schools competitions organized by MINEDUC. Best students in sport skills are Streamlining 9YBE Five schools have received financial support helped to be accommodated in identified schools The 9 Year Basic Education program was fully from MINISPOC for developing sport facilities. with good sport equipment in order to conduct achieved and streamlined by availing 1,000 The schools include; Groupe Scolaire Official de sport trainings in those schools. There are mentors who teach English to other teachers. Butare, College du Christ Roi Nyanza, G.S. Saint football academies for children (one by APR- FC IN a bid to promoting basic education from 9 to Joseph Kabgayi, G.S. Saint Aloys Rwamagana and and another by FERWAFA) and another football 12 years (with a six year primary and another six College de Gisenyi “Inyemeramihigo”. academy was established at Musanze. year secondary levels) with specific emphasis on vocational schools. Training sports professionals New school sports facilities in 2014 school year, the program of 12YBE reached The Ministry of Sports and Culture has availed For better implementation of action with available its target by enrolling students in 6th years of in-service training courses to staff employed in resources, the Ministry in charge of Sports after secondary school and 12,410 new classrooms sports and leisure activities (medical, security, discussing the issue with MINEDUC opted to were built in the program of 9 and 12YBE while information and others). It is in line with the build new sports infrastructures in selected 1000 mentors were recruited to teach English same that 75 advanced referees of football existing schools instead of constructing new to other teachers. About 308 new TVET schools received MA courses; 24 Coaches in Athletics sport schools. In this context, one pilot school were built from 2010 up to 2014.