Expo News

Daily Updates: Events and Encounters

26/05/2008: Expo 2008: No more dust!

<Mr. Ephrem Karangwa,Trade and Promotions Manager at PSF,displaying Expo ground plan.

Every year, PSF, the official organizer of the famous Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) comes up with something new, something innovative, something exciting—to give the exhibitors; both local and international the best moment in showcasing their products and services and show-goers a moment to remember in their lifetime. Last year, it was the giant tents with aluminum partitioning that were well labeled with exhibitors’ company names that excited exhibitors most. In an exclusive interview with Mr. Ephrem Karangwa, the Trade Fairs and Promotion Manager at PSF on Thursday he said preparations this time round had to start earlier than the previous years to take care of the innovations that are going to be vested in the architectural design of the expo ground.

The 12-days long expo will officially open on Thursday August 28, 2008. During last year’s expo, much as show-goers were thrilled by Akagera Helicopters’ displays, clouds of dust by helicopters was disgusting to some people. PSF has this time hired a professional gardening company called Plantor sarl to cover the entire ground with grass (pasparum) and fast-growing trees species to get rid of dust once and for all. A visit to the ground on Thursday, scores of women and men were busy clearing the bushy ground, and trucks were ferrying top soil and manure covering the ground. Mr. Karangwa said planting grass would start soon after leveling the entire ground with top soil and manure. Adding: “the ground will be well designed with paved walkways and the grass will be watered until the ground is neat in about five (5) weeks”.

Ephrem said all exhibitors will be accommodated in two giant tents, and there will be 138 standard stands in each—a standard stand is 9 nine (9) square meters. “If the number exceeds space in the two giant tents, we have made provision of two more giant tents. This time there’ll be no more open or isolated stands. All exhibitors will be in tents,” he announced. However, space will be reserved outside the tent for major sponsors of the trade fair and those exhibitors that will be ready to cough higher pay for stands outside the two big tents. He said of the two giant tents that they’re modern; of international standards—with good lights and ventilation.

This year, PSF expects higher number of both local and international exhibitors. Before an aggressive awareness campaign starts next week, Ephrem says, “We already have confirmations from new international exhibitors from German, France, China, Dubai (UAE) and Iran. And, for the first ever the American Embassy in Rwanda and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will also be exhibiting”.

Further, PSF has hired Exhibitions and Events Organizers Ltd, a Kenyan based events management company with rich experience in organizing similar exhibitions in other countries in the region. “They bring in a lot of experience in planning, scheduling and monitoring of the trade fair. We have come up with an Expo 2008 implementation schedule that indicates the roadmap to August 28th and checklist of main activities to execute”. Effective next week, Ephrem said his office will start sending what he called “expo pack”, containing all information an exhibitor may require. “ We’ are set to start sending the expo pack next week to all Rwandan embassies abroad, sister organizations in other countries, and foreign embassies and organizations with offices in Rwanda. The same expo pack has been uploaded on our (PSF) website for easy registration by especially foreign exhibitors,” he explained.

Exhibitors are normally very concerned about the cost of stands. Ephrem says the rates are very affordable by all standards. For a local exhibitor, a square meter, he says, will go for RwF50, 000…meaning it will cost him/her RwF450, 000 to rent a standard 9-square-meter stand for 12days. According to the manager, a company that will require bigger space will have to rent multiple of other 9-square stands. For foreign exhibitors, a square meter will go for US$150 (about RwF82, 000); meaning a standard stand will go for US$1350 (about RwF742, 000). Ephrem is convinced this is a fairer price compared to what is charged at similar exhibitions in the region. “In Kenya, for example, a square meter goes for over $200,” he cited. Also, both exhibitors and show-goers expect maximum sanitation at such a long event, with high number of visitors everyday. Ephrem said: “two permanent flash toilets will be constructed with 24/7 flowing water. There’ll also be water taps at various points within the expo ground. We shall hire a professional cleaning company to take care of sanitation during the expo. And, the health ministry, which is a stakeholder, will assist in this”. As regards security, and safety, the trade fairs and promotions manager said they will be working hand in hand with the national police to ensure peace and order during the expo, and the Red Cross for any emergency.

Last year’s expo reportedly registered an average 30% growth in terms of, among other parameters; visitors, exhibitors (both local and international) and revenues. Ephrem is optimistic of higher performance considering the ongoing preparations standards, especially the awareness campaign that is kick-staring next week. Meanwhile, provincial mini expos will kick-off start next month with Western Province on 4th June 2008. All provinces will hold own expos until July. The Southern Province expo will come last; will be held between 9th and 13th July 2008. Ephrem said BDS centers in collaboration with the office of provincial governors and district mayors are mobilizing businesses to participate. “An aggressive media campaign would start soon to attract higher participation than last year,” he said. Unlike in previous years, this year’s mini expos, according to Ephrem, will attract exhibitors from EAC member countries, especially those that normally exhibit in Jua Kali. Mini expos are an opportunity for SMEs, especially in the countryside to showcase their commodities and share business experiences.

03/07/2008: Expo 2008 registration starts

<The expo ground new look.

The 11th annual Rwanda International Trade Fair, 2008 will be held on August 28th to September 8th 2008 at the Gikondo Expo grounds. The Expo, which is organized by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Minicom), has so far attracted the interest of over 600 local and foreign exhibitors 150 of whom have reserved stands.

The sectors include industrial goods, electrical goods and appliances, trade and services, engineering products, agricultural products, machinery, food and beverages, chemicals and cosmetics, farm implements, timber and furniture, textiles and garments, gift articles and crafts, ICT, cultural and tourist articles. The sectors are represented in six sectoral villages. These are international, ICT, Industrial, services, general trading and small and medium enterprises. There are also special allocations for motor vehicle dealers, fun fairs, restaurants and bars.

This year the organizers of the Expo have introduced ultra modern mega tents that will accommodate over 500 exhibitors. The groundwork at the Gikondo Expo site has already begun and is progressing as planned. The organizers are giving this chance to Rwandese businesses to get an opportunity to advertise their business and products, network with potential investors, share ideas and interact with their clients.

The registration has already started and the rates are RwF 450,000 for a nine square meter exhibition stall or for those who would like to construct their stands or use tents the open space is RwF 27,000 per square metre.

You can register as an exhibitor on line www.exporwanda.com or by calling the event organizers on + 250 08 307330/ 08 358354/ 08 51 34 38/ 08 64 16 96/ 03 54 19 63 or visit the Expo Secretariat at Gikondo Grounds.

03/09/2007: ARDI promotes modern bee farming at expo

<PSF SG Emmanuel Hategeka explains to Senate President Dr Vincent Biruta ARDI products during the opening of 10th RITF.

New markets for Rwandan honey were recently discovered in Middle East, especially in Qatar and Oman. But Arabs are keen on both honey quality and supplies [quantities] sustainability—a challenge to Rwandan bee farmers.

The Association of Rwandaise Pour la Promotion du development Intergre (ARDI), exhibiting at the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) is working hand in hand with Agriculture ministry (Minagri) to promote modern bee farming in the country by selling modern bee hives to farmers at subsidies rates..

ARDI is one of the oldest associations in Rwanda, established in 1983. It sensitizes farmers on modern bee farming. “We sell modern bee hives at subsidized prices to member associations across the country,” said Lillian Umutesi ARDI’s sales and marketing manager.

ARDI member associations are found in four zones; Cyangugu, Gikongoro, Butare and Gitarama. “The market price for a modern bee hive is Frw14, 000 but we sell them at Frw7, 000 to member associations which is the half price,” Lillian said.

She is indeed informed about of Middle East market. “We were once contacted by RIEPA (Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency) about Middle East market. It is a sensitive market though which is so particular about quality and honey supplies. Thus, there’s need to ready all our bee farmers before we encroach Middle East market.”

For demonstration purposes, ADRI does some bee farming but on small scale. At the expo, the association is promoting its top quality honey, and also selling some at between Frw1, 000 for per kilogram. ARDI’s honey is still entirely sold on local market. “People like our honey so much because it is pure.” The association won both quality and price prizes during 2000 and 2002 RITF. A modern ARDI bee hive is made out of materials mostly imported from Europe and Asia plus a few that are fabricated locally.

Honey is medicine for treating many diseases such as Asthma, Hypertension, Flu, and Diabetes among so many others.

03/09/2007: Nyirangarama exhibits agribusiness techniques

<Nyirangarama boss_middle_explains his product line to Senate President Dr Vincent Biruta_R_and PSF SG Emmanuel Hategeka_L_.

Nyirangarama stand at the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) is so crowded as usual. It is a hustle and bustle to buy discounted products of this famous local soft dinks and foods enterprise. Nyirangarama stand stands out. It is a storied wooden white stand, in like other stands that are grey aluminum. It is one stand one cannot miss at the expo.

Reliable sources say the enterprise’s stand is worked on months before the expo opens. It is a medium size enterprise though. Whereas other enterprises of the same category use natural voices to lure clients to their stands at the expo, Nyirangarama uses loud speakers with state-of-art microphones to canvass for customers.

Pèlagie Nsabimana, a sales executive explained that during this year’s exhibition people visiting Nyirangarama stand are sensitized on modern agribusiness techniques. “We are demonstrating to farmers from across the country how they can grow improved fruits and vegetables”. Nsabimana added: “We need o do this because their horticultural products are our raw materials,”. Nyirangarama uses horticultural produce like passion fruits, grapes, apples, pineapple, sweet bananas among other to locally produce pineapple juice, passion juice and banana wine of various flavours like strawberry.

Nsabimana says farmers of Rurindo District have benefited most from Nyirangarama agribusiness sensitization campaign. “They are now producing improved varieties horticultural products, fetching them relatively higher returns,” he said.

At the expo, Nyirangarama is also exhibiting modern green housing techniques. The enterprise trains farmers to grow crops like cabbages, carrots, pepper and other vegetables under green house. With limited land and infertile soils in some parts of the country, we believe green house farming will help many Rwandans,” remarked Nsabimana.

Surprisingly, Nyirangarama is putting giants with big promotion budgets like East African Breweries Limited (EABL), MTN Rwanda and Bralirwa on their toes.

The enterprise’s stand is few meters away EABL and Bralirwa stands but it is more crowded at Nyirangarama’s.

Nyirangarama’s products range has won prizes at almost each main and mini exhibitions organized locally by Private Sector federation. The company is so proud of them, in fact displaying all them at the 10th RITF.

03/09/2007: RITA popularizing telecenters project at expo

<RITA official explaining to Senate President Dr Vincent Biruta during the opening of 10th RITF.

Rwanda, in her vision 2020 aims at having a productive populace that is knowledge-based through competitive ICTs [Information Communication Technologies]. In doing so, it must make sure that a bigger part of its population have access to modern ICTs and most importantly ensure that they are affordable.

Thus, the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA), a body charged with coordinating and developing national ICTs will by the end of this year complete the pilot phase of Telecenters Project. This will see twelve (12) Telecenters opened and tested in 12 districts across the country. Te project is top notch on the list of services RITA is exhibiting at the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF). A demonstration plan of a telecenter is being showcased at the RITA stand as well.

Emile Musonera, the Provincial ICT Coordinator at RITA explains that the telecenter project targets rural Rwandans mostly. “Rural folks will be able to access internet services, access private sector and government services, access internet use and computer trainings, fax, scanning, telephony among other services at a telecenter,” promised Musonera.

If the pilot phase is successful, RITA will replicate the project to all districts next year, said Musonera.

However, the project has so much delayed, thus causing varied negative speculations and suspicions among Rwandans especially the beneficiaries—rural folks. “The awareness campaign and construction process took longer than expected,” Musonera precisely explained the cause of the delay.

In contrast, Electrogaz, a parastatal that solely provides water and electricity in the country reports only 5% electricity distribution in mainly urban centers. RITA is thus faced with a challenge of power supply to rural telecenters. Musonera acknowledges: “Power supply is our major challenge in this project especially in rural areas. But we hope to work with solar energy companies for power supply. In some centers we shall use low power computers that can use car batteries in the meantime as the government works sustainable power supplies”. Each telecenter will accommodate about 25 computers, fully connected to internet.

RITA is also exhibiting a horde of other projects it is directly involved such as National Computing Center, National ID project, the government portal, telemedicine, video conferencing, Public Free Information Kiosks (PFIK)—also starting this year.

03/09/2007:Leather firms exhibit value added products

<Commerce minister, Mr.Protais Mitali _R_and Central Bank Governor_L_admire a locally made pair of shoes at the 10th RITF.

The recent total ban on exportation of raw hides and skins might have been an eye opener to Rwandese to start adding value by producing leather products of European standards. At the ongoing 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair RITF) scores of firms producing leather garments and footwear are exhibiting. During the official opening of the expo, senior government and PSF officials including guest of honour Dr Vincent Biruta the Senate President, Mr. Protais Mitali, Commerce Minister and others spent more minutes at Dapeco sarl—a cortage unit specialized in leather garments and footwear—seemingly wondering positive things value addition in hides and skins can bring.

Dan Ntambara, the General Manager of Depeco says his firm produces jungle boots, leather sandals, belts, money passes, key holders among other related products that compete with imported leather products from Europe. However, the firm produces only for local market, “but with admission of Rwanda to East African Community (EAC) we hope to extend to other countries in the region,” said Ntambara.

Ntambara says when he thinks about a lot other leather products his business can do, the sky is the limit. “But we are still limited by lack of enough operational capital yet cost of borrowing is exorbitantly high in Rwanda”. Other limitations to Ntamabara’s business are limited awareness/promotion and general lack of appropriate skills and technologies on local market. He says RIEPA [Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency] has taken some of his products samples to Middle East for promotion, awaiting feedback.

Depeco sarl is a direct beneficiary of Technology Business Incubation Facilities—a program by Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)—aimed at facilitating graduates in Rwanda to become self-employed. It started last year.

03/09/2007:Artisans reap fortunes at expo

<Senate President Dr Vincent Biruta visiting artisans during the opening of 10th RITF.

The notion; “Rwanda—the land of a thousand hills and a million smiles” is best illustrated by artisans at the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF). It is all natural here. Drawings that depict the true Rwanda and other artistic products made out of local materials like wood, horns, fibres, sisal and clay are being exhibited by organized groupings like associations or cooperatives. “The annual international exhibition is great opportunity for us to not only market our art works but also sell,” said Gaspard Harerimana an executive of KIAKA cooperative.

Associations and cooperatives of artisans sell products ranging from sculptures, domestic items like chairs, tables and carpets (made out of fibres), decorated wall frames among other items—mostly promoting the Rwandan diverse culture. Thanks to Capmer—a body charged with developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country—that sponsored most (about ten) cooperatives and association to exhibit. “What we sell during the expo is not comparable to what we sell elsewhere,” remarked Harerimana. Most artisans’ stands are fully packed with products mostly for sale, with some [products] even bulging out of stands range to walk ways.

Women associations and cooperatives are mostly selling textile tailored to depict Rwandan culture, others selling weaved products such as the common traditional basket known as “Agaseke”. They are all happy making big sales, also sharing experiences with their foreign counterparts from Kenya, Uganda and Ghana at the expo.

Recently, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) passed the law governing associations and cooperatives in the country. In effect, the commerce ministry (Minicom) developed a policy and strategy to promote cooperatives in the country. Harerimana says: “The law and policy on cooperative is indeed welcome for it will ensure better regulation”.

23/08/2007: Indians lecturing agribusiness at expo

<NRDC India Deputy Manager Govind Sharma explains Indian appropriate technologies to Senate President Dr Vincent Biruta, government and PSF officials during the opening of the expo.

The Indian stands at the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair have been turned into lecture rooms. The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)—the representative of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and the National Research Development Center (NRDC) of India are holding tutorials on use of appropriate technologies in light engineering, habitat, Non Conventional Energy and Green Technology. Scores of expo goers have stormed the Indian stands to benefit from the initiative.

After the 10-15minutes tutorials, NRDC and NSIC give beneficiaries promotional materials of simple technological equipment like; Toilet Roll Making Machine, Automatic Paper Making Cup Forming Machine, Paper Napkin Plant, Solar Drier, Bio Mass Gasifier, Bio Diesel from Jatropha, Micro Concrete Roofing Tiles, Concrete Blocks and Pavers, Hand Made Paper Unit, Banana Fibre Making Unit, Fuel Briquette Machine and Mini Paper Recycling Unit. The prices of the equipment are in a range of USD500 only.

NSIC Manager, A.K Singh said: “our role is to promote and assist in the growth of SMEs by way of promoting affordable equipment, marketing support and technological support”.

According to Singh, NSIC also exports projects on turnkey basis—“this means complete setup of project from inception to capacity building”.

On a positive note, Singh said NSIC is planning to start a few projects in Rwanda, “But this will only depend on techno-economic feasibility”. “We are looking at investing in manufacturing of tomato paste soon here”.

On the other hand, there exists a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Private Sector Federation (PSF) and NRDC, signed last year for NRDC to develop a demonstration center of appropriate and affordable technologies. The objective of the center would be to demonstrate and train Rwandans to eventually start businesses on their own using appropriate technologies. Govind Sharma, the Deputy Manager NRDC said the demo center should be operational by next year. “The objective of the demonstration center is to create employment in Rwanda in the long-run to enhance self-sustenance,” said Sharma.

NRDC is also exhibiting a unique farm tractor of 60HP (Horsepower) that is dual purpose. Its engine also works as a generator. A farmer uses it for farm works during the day and for power generation at night. The Indian tractor goes for USD25, 000 and can be obtained in Uganda at FEIL (Farm Engineering Industries Limited).

23/08/2007: Senate President urges on quality and cost

<President of the Senate Dr.Vincent Biruta testing MTN service, watching are;MTN CEO Themba Khumalo(Right) and MTN COO Andrew Rugege (Left) at the MTN stand at the ongoing 2007 expo.

While presiding over the opening of the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair Thursday, 23rd August, the President of the Senate Dr Vincent Biruta noted the remarkable increase in number of exhibitors and visitors over the last decade of exhibition in Rwanda. He, however, urged businessmen that, "you should now go beyond numbers and focus on quality, price of products and services for it is the ultimate to competitiveness".

Final records of exhibitors indicate that participation increased by thirteen percent. This year's trade fair attracted 307 exhibitors of which ninety-seven are foreign and the rest are local. Foreign countries represented are; - Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, India, Burundi, Egypt and Ghana. Last year's expo attracted a total of 271 exhibitors; eighty-five foreign and 186 local with nine foreign countries represented.

The theme of the expo is: "Enhancing Trade though regional integration". The senate president underscored that Rwanda's private sector has been very instrumental in regional integration such as East African Community and COMESA. "Economic integration enhances competitiveness and promotes peace and security in the region," underscored Biruta

He singled out efforts by Private Sector Federation (PSF) to establish an export pavilion which is a cluster of enterprises that deal in exports such as tea, coffee and horticultural products. "This initiative is welcome for it will not only promote Rwandan exports but will also increase volumes".

He said the parliament and government will continue to support private sector growth and development "because vision 2020 stipulates that the economy has to be private sector-led." "Government has given land to PSF to construct a bigger International Trade Exhibition Park. This will enable you [businessmen] to exhibit in even larger numbers and more regularly in a year," he said. He said parliament is also in support of private sector growth, citing that a couple of trade laws have been adopted and are yet to promulgate organic law.

On his part, the commerce minister, Hon Protais Mitali urged investors to add value to their products so as to increase returns, especially in international markets. "Persistent increase in number of foreign exhibitors is indicative of good relationship between Rwanda and other countries," remarked the minister, adding; "Rwanda warmly welcomes foreign investors."

The chairman of private sector federation Mr. Robert Bayigamba thanked the government, development partners and other stakeholders for the continued support aimed at improving the private sector in Rwanda. He also thanked chief sponsors of expo 2007; - MTN Rwanda, BK, CSR, Bralirwa, BCR, Electrogaz, BCS Tuvugane, ORINFOR among others.

At the expo, exhibitors are showcasing variety of new products, new services and up-to-date technologies in various domains especially ICT.

Dr Biruta officially opened the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair Thursday evening in company of senior government officials, local and foreign investors and scores of ambassadors to Rwanda. He visited stands of various exhibitors, both local and foreign, before guests were treated to a cocktail organised by private sector federation.

The expo is scheduled to run until 3rd September. It is open for twelve hours—between 8am and 8pm. Entrance fee is only Frw300

20/08/2007: MTN unveils Frw20m expo sponsorship

< Emmanuel Hategeka, PSF SG officially receives Frw20million 2007 expo sponsorship cheque from Themba Mkhululi Khumalo, the CEO of MTN Rwanda (courtesy photo) .

MTN Rwanda issued a Frw20million cheque to the Private Sector Federation (Psf) as part of its contribution to the 10th Rwanda International 2007 Trader Fair..

The two weeks-long expo is being organized under the theme: “Enhancing Trade Through Regional Integration”. The expo is scheduled to kick-off Thursday next week and will run up to September 03, 2007. The telecommunication giant topped Platinum category of expo sponsors.

“We set a Frw20million sponsorship mark for the platinum category of our corporate members. So far, it is only MTN that has hit the mark like it did last year,” said Emmanuel Hategeka, the Secretary General of Psf.

Among other key sponsors are; Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR) and Caisse Sociale du Rwanda (CSR) who have so far contributed half the platinum category mark each, that is Frw10m, says Ephrem Karangwa the Promotions and Fairs Manager at Psf. He said Banque de Kigali (BK) is also yet to give almost the same amount.

Among other key sponsors are; Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR) and Caisse Sociale du Rwanda (CSR) who have so far contributed half the platinum category mark each, that is Frw10m, says Ephrem Karangwa the Promotions and Fairs Manager at Psf. He said Banque de Kigali (BK) is also yet to give almost the same amount.

“It our pleasure once again to learn that we have offered the biggest sponsorship ever from the private sector companies in Rwanda,” said Themba Mkhululi Khumalo the CEO of MTN Rwanda. He pledged MTN’s continued support to the federation and government of Rwanda in organizing the expo by leading the sponsorship lot.

Rwanda’s telecommunication giant is sponsoring the expo for the seventh time and has maintained the same amount of sponsorship as last year. It has also been sponsoring Psf mini expos across Rwanda, predominantly attended by rural folks and entrepreneurs.

In the spirit of Private Public Partnership (PPP), Psf, in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Investment promotion, Tourism and Cooperatives (Minicom) are organizing the annual expo.

The federation SG spoke of the expo theme that, “the theme is quite timely and comes at a crucial moment when Rwanda has fully joined the East African Community, not forgetting the larger COMESA trading bloc that we already embraced seven years ago”.

Adding that: “This is a signal of commitment on the part of the leadership of this nation [Rwanda] to eliminate any trade barriers by opening up doors to foreign trade, a phenomenon that has become a global trend”.

The budget for this year’s expo has however gone down to about Frw 297 million from Frw325million spent last year. Karangwa explained that “it is because the federation this time round didn’t have to spend on some permanent infrastructure like toilets, ground leveling and compacting, and partitioning like it did the previous expo.

Khumalo, who is hardly a year as CEO of MTN said his company is indeed satisfied with the way the federation organizes the expo. “The reason for sustained MTN sponsorship is because there is consistent improvement in how the expo is organized over the last couple of years,” he said.

On number of exhibitors, Karangwa said the number will certainly increase. “So far 149 local companies have confirmed participation out of 250 projected. Eighty four foreign firms from the region, rest of Africa, Asia and Europe out of 86 projected have also confirmed. Our experience is that many companies register at the last minute, so we expect many more by end of this week,” he explained. Last year, out of 271 total exhibitors eighty-five were foreign and 186 were local.

He added that the number of visitors is also expected to almost double because of some organized unique features. “A helium balloon will be flying over Kigali to attract people to the expo. Akagera aviation will also be promoting their services by offering airlifts around Kigali to expo visitors at Frw20, 000 each”. The number of general public visitors totaled 135, 000 and 1,500 business visitors during last year’s expo.

20/08/2007: PSF hires consultant for expo ground designing

<Deal sealed;PSF Secretary General, Emmanuel Hategeka and Spacial Solutions CEO Roland Dieterle shake hands after signing agreement of designing the ITEP project at Serena Hotel Kigali.

The Private Sector Federation (PSF) Tuesday, 21st August, 2007 signed an agreement with Spacial Solutions, a German-based consultancy to design the International Trade Fair and Exhibition Park (ITEP). The agreement was signed between Emmanuel Hategeka, the Secretary General of PSF and Prof Roland Dieterle, the CEO of Spacial Solutions at Serena Kigali Hotel. .
The consultant, according to the agreement, will have to produce the inception and conceptual designs of the ITEP project within exactly four and half months effective the date of signature. The consultancy will cost PSF Euro358, 670 (about Frw251million), payable in three installments.

The inception and conceptual phases of the project will both cost about Euro7.6million (Frw5.3billion), spent on; preparation and site development, construction and outdoor facilities.

Currently, the expo ground is on 5, 500 sq meters area made of makeshifts and tents as exhibition stands. The proposed new ground will occupy twice the area—about 12, 000 sq meters. Hategeka said PSF may have to consider looking for bigger space elsewhere to match the ITEP project.

If the expo has to be located at Gikondo grounds, PSF will perhaps have to face the wrath of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) because it is a wetland. According to commerce ministry (Minicom) and REMA, all establishments in Gikondo Industrial Area will have to relocate to gazetted industrial zones because the area is a wetland. Asked how PSF will handle the issue of ITEP project in the Gikondo wetland with REMA, John Bosco Kalisa, the Director of Trade and Integration at PSF said: “Spacial Solution will also produce an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report on how to well-manage the area environmentally”.

With membership contributions plus all other sources of PSF revenues, it certainly cannot finance the ITEP project alone. The federation expects financial support in the project from the government and donors. “We intend to lobby the government and donors for financial support for the project,” said Kalisa. On a positive note, the Secretary General of Minicom, Justin Nsengiyumva disclosed during a press briefing on 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair that, “the government has allocated some funds in 2007/08 budget for the constructing an international exposition ground”.

According to ITEP plan, immediately after the two phases, the development phase will set in, which involves awarding tender to the constructor, and ground breaking would start February next year. In organizing the expo, a substantial amount—about 20%-- goes to hiring tents and constructing makeshifts that are used as exhibition stands. This so costly, according to Hategeka compared to world-class permanent stands that will be built in the ITEP project.

Daily Updates: Events and Encounters

Monday 27/08/2007

Kenya Seed Company eyes Rwanda

Efforts to enhance increased agriculture production in Rwanda will soon be supplemented if Kenya Seed Company Limited opens in Kigali. Julius Korir, the Head of the delegation of Kenyan exhibitors at the ongoing 10th Rwanda International Trade fair (RITF) disclosed that, “the company may open in Kigali if it finds it viable”. “The company and many others are exhibiting to assess the market. Rwanda is now part of EAC. Kenyan firms are now seriously eyeing new markets in the region like Rwanda and Burundi.”

Korir is also the manager of export market development at Kenya Export Promotion Council. The Kenyan Seed Company is exhibiting at the Rwanda expo for the first time. It specializes in research and development and sale of improved seeds varieties. Among the varieties are; maize, beans, pastures and vegetables. The company is showcasing the varieties at the expo. Mr. Korir said: “the Seed Company is already networking with Rwandan agriculturalists visiting the expo Kenya export promotion council is charged with promoting and developing Kenyan exports.

Among other new Kenyan ventures at the expo is Kenya Diary Board. It is charged with promoting diary products export markets on behalf of Kenyan diary processors. It is however not exhibiting products but marketing using promotion materials.

Kickstart International is another Kenyan firm that manufactures irrigation pumps for small scale farms of up to 2 hectares. The irrigation pumps go for USD1, 000 (about Frw500, 000. “The irrigation pump is nicknamed “money maker in Kenya because small scale farmers there are making a lot of money with it,” said Kiror.

Kiror said he is quite impressed with the way the Rwandan international expo is organised, noted that: “It keeps growing every year”. Other new companies featuring for the first time are; Welding Alloys Limited that welds rods and Tincan Manufacturers that make containers for products.

New software for docs management here

Dash-S Technologies (dst) Inc. a company incorporated in Rwandan with partners in USA, UK, India, Luxemburg and South Africa is exhibiting at the 10th Rwanda International Trade Fair a new technology about managing office documents; both electronic and physical.

The software, dubbed: “Dash-S” manages all documents and business processes records. “We are committed to help organizations reduce costs on storage space of hard archives and improve productivity in retrieving and sharing organization documents and information,” said Patrick Gihana, Chief Executive Officer dst.

Dash-S uses specialized high speed scanners to scan physical documents so as to convert them to electronic documents that are digitalized into manageable formats. Dst uses two types of scanners; one which can scan 120 documents per minute and another that can scan twice the number a minute. “We install small scanners for our clients for subsequent scanning, electronic archiving and maintenance of the system. We also train staff on software usage,” he said.

Companies and organization have a combination of both paper and electronic documents and need to secure the availability of documents for duration of their lifecycle.

“For most organizations the volumes of documentation is growing at an exponential rate and is becoming increasingly difficult to manage,” noted Gihana.

He explained that the whole process is done in three phases; scanning the physical docs; indexing for easy retrieval and sharing; and storage in a mega database. “Our target market are companies, professional SMEs, (Small and medium Enterprises) government institutions, and NGOs.

Dst also supplies and configures bank cheques scanners. “Bank scanners make the process of cheques, traveler’s cheque verifications and approvals at different levels in the bank simpler and faster,” explained Gihana.

Dash-S Technologies Inc. is located at Kigali ICT Park, Telekom house-Kacyiru.

“Facilities should meet international standards”

< Mr. Sehmbey and two assistants.
Expo 2006 has welcomed a big Indian delegation, thanks to the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a company set up by the Indian Government to promote, aid and foster the growth of small industries. One of the companies that responded to NSIC’s invitation to participate in the Rwanda International Trade Fair was Ajaco, a company specialized in industrial agricultural equipment, such as combine harvesters and chaff cutters, as well as hydraulic presses. “We were informed by NSIC about this international trade fair”, explains Jagdev Singh Sehmbey, director of sales of Ajaco. “We were told that twenty countries would participate, and that there would be daily visitors. That attracted us, being able to expose our products to businessmen from twenty countries.”

“Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to find any partner”, continues Mr. Sehmbey. “Nevertheless, the response is good, there are inquiries about our machines. Through the Expo, we can explore potential markets in Rwanda; we do hope to do business here.” The Indian businessman is, however, disappointed with some of the facilities. “I have participated in several international trade fairs, but the stalls here are not up to international standards”, he says, pointing to the tent which houses the NSIC delegation and the tarpaulin floor covering. “You should have standard-type shells, and well-carpeted floors”, is his advice.

< A chaff cutter exhibited by Ajaco

If you are interested in Ajaco’s products, pay them a visit in NSIC’s stand located in the international village. Or visit their website http://www.ajacoengg.com/

Wednesday 30/08

Banking made mobile

< Mr. Ndangamira Nsoro besides the mobile bank.

With so much business going on, and so much money going around, several banks have set up offices at the Expo grounds. One of them, however, has come up with something original: the Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR) has rolled in the mobile bank, an armored van fully equipped to do any kind of banking business.

“We can offer all our usual services in here”, says Jean Pierre Ndangamira Nsoro, Customer Relationship Officer at BCR. “Deposits, withdrawals, transfers, … We are here to serve the exhibitors. And also, of course, to inform people about all our products and services.” “The mobile bank has been in use since 2000”, explains Mr. Ndangamira Nsoro. “We use it at major conferences and seminars, at expositions and fairs. On request, we even send it to our big clients when they prefer to do their banking operations at their place. It’s really an entire bank packed in a van.”

Talking about the Expo, he regrets that the arrangement of the fair ground is quite similar to last year. “They should have changed the arrangement, it is just the same as last year – the stalls, the events podiums at exactly the same spot, … Also, when they told us the terrain had been leveled, we thought that there would be tarmac; but that is not the case, so we’re still annoyed with too much dust. They promised that a truck would come to water the grounds every day, but we haven’t seen much of it.”

Mr. Ndangamira Nsoro also thinks the exhibitors should take more advantage of the Expo. “The objective of a trade fair is the promotion of your products and services. But now we see that companies are selling their products at the same price as usual, so what kind of promotion is that? Some people come from far away to visit the Expo, in the hope to do some good bargains, only to find out they have come for nothing.” Yet he has praise for the organization of transport for visitors. “That has been very well organized; even people who stay until the end have no problem in finding transport to return home.”

The mobile bank, and the BCR stand, can be found in the Services Village

Learning people to communicate

< Mr. Numa at the Rwandacell stand.

In Rwanda, as in lots of other African countries, MTN does not need an introduction. Yet the telecommunications giant, who introduced the mobile phone in the country in the late 90's, is also painting the Expo yellow - with a telecom stand, an internet stand and an entertainment podium.

"We have always been official sponsors of the International Trade Fair", says promotions assistant Alain Numa. "But also of the mini-Expos, which are held in the provinces. There, we try to show people how to do business: how to promote your products, how to arrange and present them, how to address customers - in short, how to communicate."

"At the international trade fair, it is more a question of customer care", adds Mr. Numa. "Showing what we're capable of, making a difference."

And MTN does not come to the Expo empty-handed. On offer is a telephone for Frw 23,000 ($40). "The biggest category of customers are people who cannot afford a very sophisticated handset, they simply need a telephone without a lot of options. Well, they can buy this one, and immediately start talking."

The company also showcases its recently introduced internet services. "First, there is the GPRS system for personal use", explains Alain Numa. "Everywhere the MTN network reaches, which is about 80-85% of the country, you can get internet connection, on your laptop or on your mobile phone. Secondly, we have the Wimax system, designed for large organizations. We have installed it here at the Expo, to connect exhibitors, and we have an internet stand where people can have a free trial."

Last but not least, there's the entertainment podium, where MTN organizes throughout the day dance sessions, sketches and creative games.

As for the Expo 2006, Mr. Numa is quite satisfied. "We have never had a better one - the site, the stands, the organization, the communication… everybody is satisfied. However, there might be a bigger sensitization to attract foreign exhibitors. You see, this year there is a lot of emphasis on ICT, but not everybody is interested in that. Most people come to the Expo to find things you don't normally find in Rwanda. Nevertheless, this year we have the biggest number of foreign exhibitors ever, so there is progress."

You can find MTN's stand near the entrance, it's internet stand at the ICT village and the podium in the entertainment area.

Thursday 31/08

Cooking in a basket

< Prisca and Jeanne d'Arc with one of the stoves and the basket.

Sorwathé was the first, and for a long time the only, private tea company in Rwanda. They were the first to introduce several new technologies in their factory, and they have always behaved as a socially responsible enterprise, being involved in alphabetization campaigns, healthcare and cultural events. So we shouldn't be surprised that Sorwathé, in collaboration with Rotary Club, now uses the expo to promote environment-friendly cooking.

Jeanne d'Arc and Prisca, as they introduce themselves, are two of the four trainers hired by Sorwathé to teach people how to use, and fabricate, environment-friendly stoves and ovens. They have already trained 23 groups of about 25 people each, who can now pass on their knowledge.

"The stoves use only one third of the firewood of conventional stoves", explains Prisca. "There are simple ones, for use at homes, or bigger ones for restaurants." The home version goes for Frw 2,100 ($4), no wonder they have already sold their entire stock.

But the fun - and the inventiveness - doesn't stop here.

Imagine you want some nice rice. Once the water starts boiling, it takes at least another 20 minutes to get it cooked, monopolizing the stove. Not so at Sorwathé - they put it in the basket.

The basket is a big one (the kind you throw your dirty linen in) filled with colorful tissue - we first took it for decoration. Not so; in fact, the tissue is filled with cotton. "Once the water starts boiling, you put the pot in the basket", instructs Jeanne d'Arc. "Wait for 30 minutes, and your rice will be nicely cooked." And in the meantime, you can use your stove to prepare other things.

< The solar oven

And then there's the solar oven. It looks like a torn-apart box covered with aluminum foil. "You have to use a pot which is black on the outside, which you put in a transparent bag", explains Priscilla. "The aluminum reflects the light, the black color of the pot retains the heat, and the nutritional value of the food remains intact." For Frw 3240 ($6), it's a bargain.

And it doesn't end there. Because even Sorwathé's stoves need some firewood. So, says Prisca, "when you cut a tree, you plant another one." Which is why the stand also shows ways of preparing soil for tree-planting, how to make cuttings and nurseries.

As for the Expo: the stands have been well organized, it's much better than former editions. But the timing could have been better: "The children are returning to school, so the people do not have much money left", says Prisca. "So there are too little visitors."

The Sorwathé stand is located in the Agricultural Village.

Rice is forever

< The artist at work

It's not really a stand, it's just a table. Yet you haven't seen this before - if you want something really original, let Abraham Katiku write your name, and the one of a beloved one, on a grain of rice. It takes 3 minutes, and only Frw 1,000 ($2). Welcome to Katiku Creative Arts.

The Kenyan has various shapes of plastic tubes in which to put the grain of rice, depending on whom you want to give it to. "We have the heart, for lovers of course, in which we put a grain on which both names are written. There is the elephant's tusk, which is for special ones, for remembrance - because ivory is special. Or the rose, for good wishing, and the rhinoceros horn, for serious people with strong characters", explains the artist.

Apart from grains of rice, Mr. Katiku also has key-rings and pendants in bone, as well as earrings. On each, he writes your personal message. This he can even do standing up, writing the name on the rice ("it took me more than 6 years of training to get the knack"), filling the plastic tube with oil ("this makes it last for 5 years"), heating the top of the tube, putting a cap with the necklace on it. It takes just a few minutes. "I serve people on the spot, and I give them quality products. If the quality is low, then people don't come back."

It seems to pay off. "My customers are not only Rwandans, or Africans, but people from everywhere."
< Writing on rice

Abraham Katiku has several reasons for entering this line of business. "I want to promote the African arts, I don't want the traditional creativity to get lost", he says. "Also, Africa has no jewelry industry, we import it from China and India. So I want to start the business here, and exchange with these countries."

And he does not want to remain on an 'arts-and-crafts' level. "Companies have started with one person", he explains. "I discover one thing, my friend has another idea, then we join hands and it gets bigger."

The Kenyan is very excited about the Expo. "I have participated in trade fairs in Dar-es-Salaam, Kampala and Nairobi, but this is one of the best in East Africa. I was here last year, but now the organization is much better, and the facilities have improved. If it goes on like this, the Rwandan expo will be the best within a few years."

Katiku Creative Arts can be found at the back of the International Village, close to the ICT Village and the Bell bar.

Friday 01/08

Turning whips into furniture

< Ms. Mujawayezu in one of the association's creations.

When you're looking for furniture, Expo 2006 has a lot to offer. There's the classical furniture made out of wood, and the cheaper but less durable models made out of banana leafs. The Association Twubake u Rwanda (ATR), however, has come up with something unique: furniture made out of rattan and bamboo.

"ATR is a women's association, created in 2006 to combat poverty and create employment", says Jacqueline Mujawayezu, president of the association. "We got the idea to make this kind of furniture from catalogues from Malaysia and China. Also, we saw in history books how colonialists used flexible branches to punish people; but the material was strong, it didn't break." It was rattan, and the women decided to use it for more peaceful (and restful, considering the couches and the beds) purposes.

Consequently, an expedition of three women went to explore the forests in Rwanda and in neighboring countries, and found the material. All was set to start.

Here, ATR benefited from the support of Capmer (Center for the support of small and medium enterprises). They helped us to enter the market, among others by assisting us in participating at the Expo", explains the association's president.

ATR does not only provide employment to women. "It's the men who prepare the wooden support," says Ms. Mujawayezu, "but it's the women who plait." The result is beautifully designed couches, chairs, tables, beds and shelves. As well as custom-made bamboo window coverings.

< Wouldn't it look nice in your living room?

"Until now, we do everything manually; but with increasing demand, we will have to find an industrial production system. Now, making a double bed takes three weeks work by three women. Currently, we employ 5 people permanently and around 10 on a temporary basis."

As for demand, ATR clearly targets a high-end market. "Yes, it's expensive," admits Ms. Mujawayezu. "But people start to appreciate our furniture. Until now, we haven't done any active market prospecting, but people come to our workshop in Kimironko, and business is going quite well. Even the Prime Minister, when he visited the Expo, has promised he would come back."

ATR can be found at the SME & Artisan village, or at their workshop located at Kimironko. Tel. 51.64.67 / 0858-6515

A bank for everybody

< Jean Pierre Iyamuremye and his colleague welcome you at BK.

Apart from being one of the major commercial banks in Rwanda, Banque de Kigali is also one of the main sponsors of Expo 2006. High time to pay them a visit, and see what they have in stock for this year's trade fair.

"BK is Rwanda's first bank, but people do not really know how the bank works," says Jean Pierre Iyamuremye, commercial representative of the company. "They think we are only for rich people, whereas we're a bank for everybody. So we want to use the Expo, and our sponsorship, to invite people to come and learn how we work."

"What is more, the Expo is a window to the economy of the country, through which we can woo economic operators", he adds.

The office BK has set up on the fair grounds serves several purposes. In the first place, it showcases the bank's new services. "We have recently introduced homebanking, whereby you can do banking operations on your PC at home. Also, we offer international credit-cards, because traveling with cash is not only dangerous, but more and more countries simply refuse cash."

< BK's new headquarters.

Another novelty is BK's new headquarters, of which a model can be seen on the stand, which are currently being constructed next to their current offices. It should be ready late April 2007.

"We are also here to inform, advice and receive feedback", continues Mr. Iyamuremye. "We can show our national and international network, but we are also ready to present you our financial statements, sow that people can see how healthy the company is. And we are always open to suggestions on how to improve our services."

The realizations of BK are also on display through various posters. "We are active in various sectors: real estate, transport, industry, financing the imports of raw materials or the export of coffee, …" One poster is dedicated to the amusement park, which is planned near Kigali. "True, it's seems a risky business, but we are sure it will bear fruit because it's a new concept. People need some distraction, they need somewhere to go."

Finally, BK being a bank, you can also go to their Expo office to deposit, withdraw or change money - the latter service mostly targeting the foreign exhibitors.

The commercial representative's opinion of Expo 2006 is that it is more professional than previous editions. "The arrangement is better, with stands grouped according to sector, and with uniform stands. Improvement can still be made in the construction of the site, because there's still too much dust. Also, the current cacophony should be avoided; our office, for example, is located opposite the Radio Rwanda stand, which often makes it difficult to talk to visitors. In general I think the organization should start earlier; for instance, we only got our telephone connection two days ago."

The BK stand is located near the entrance.

Saturday 02/09

Putting tradition into practice

< Mr. Nsanzabaganwa at the phyto-medecine section.

The Institute for Scientific and Technological research (IRST) is located in Butare. A regular complaint is that they have taken root there, that they do not come out enough. This is indeed a pity, because IRST offers local solutions to very practical local problems.

Modeste Nsanzabaganwa, researcher at IRST, welcomes us to the stand. "IRST is a research institute that concentrates on three major areas: phyto-medecine, social sciences and applied research."

The phyto-medecine department uses locally available plants, often used traditionally, to make medicines. "These are entirely natural drugs, without chemicals", explains Mr. Nsanzabaganwa. For example, if you think that geraniums are just decorative flowers, you are wrong; put some under the windows of your house, and see how mosquitoes flee the area. Besides that, IRST also uses geranium extract in the production of candles - they light your house, and keep out mosquitoes.

Another example. Next time you use pili-pili (chili peppers) to spice your meal, be gentle to the poor vegetable and don't squeeze it too hard. Its brothers and sisters can help you, in your old age, to combat rheumatism. IRST had developed salves, based on pili-pili, that can help you ease the pain.

"We sell our products through village health centers", say Mr. Nsanzabaganwa, "at very moderate prices."

The institute also delves in Rwandan culture. "Here, we concentrate mostly on language and literature", explains Modeste Nsanzabaganwa. IRST has published works concerning traditional tales, the structure of Kinyarwanda, poetry as well as dictionaries (Kinyarwanda-French in 3 volumes, and a 4-volume explanatory Kinyarwanda dictionary).

"We also research history and society. For example, we have study of the social effect of imidugudu, grouped housing."

The third section deals with applied research. "We look at practical problems that need an immediate solution", says the scientist. "At this moment, energy is a pressing issue. Lots of people still use wood to cook, but government cracks down on tree cutting. So we researched peat: we extract it, remove noxious substances that can damage pots, and offer it as an alternative cooking fuel."

< The solar pump.

In the same field, IRST exhibits a solar pump: solar cells are connected to a set of batteries, to store the electricity and to run the motor that operates the pump.

It is no wonder that IRST stand has already received lots of visitors. "People are very interested", confirms Mr. Nsanzabaganwa. Due to that, the institute gets lots of comments and suggestions. "They think that we remain too much in our corner in Butare, they want us to be present everywhere. Also they find our publications too scientific, they should be vulgarized. And they ask us to write the real history of Rwanda; you know, every government has related the country's history as it suited them, but people now want to know the veritable history."

According to the researcher, "Expo 2006 has been well prepared, the stands are nice and the site has been well arranged. However, you should harmonize the interior of the stands: we have a tarpaulin floor cover, which is sometimes difficult to keep in place, whereas our neighbors have a wooden floor."

However, Mr. Nsanzabaganwa is very satisfied with the security. "Overnight, we leave everything in the open stand, without problems. And every morning the police come to check if everything is in order, if we're not missing anything. Yes, I think the organization is very good."

You can find IRST in the Services Village

Educating people in energy use

< Comparing electricity consumption of light bulbs.

Now we all complain about the power cuts and the high electricity costs, but we might not realize that we are partly responsible for this. Pay a visit to the Electrogaz stand and learn how to reduce your energy consumption, how to avoid electrocution or how the water from the tap is made drinkable.

Good news for all of us who are tired of spending several evenings per week by candlelight: our troubles should be over by 2008. Thanks to the use of methane gas for electricity production. This and more you can learn from an instructive presentation shown on a big screen central in the Electrogaz stand.

But the water and electricity company, which has this year clearly opted for an educative stand, has also more visual ways of showing things. How you can save energy simply by choosing the right type of light bulb, for example.

There's a panel with three series of bulbs: normal, energy-saving and TL. The panel also has a dial to show the volume of consumption, and a rotating disk that indicates the speed of electricity use. When the energy-saving bulbs are lighted, everything is moderate; in fact, the needle of the dial hardly moves, and the disk isn't in a hurry either. Now turn on the normal bulbs, and the dial acts like it's ascending Karisimbi volcano, whereas the disk resembles the wheel of a Formula-1 car. Slightly exaggerated, but you get the picture. The TL's are somewhere in between.

Electrogaz is also concerned about our safety. Because the majority of Rwandan houses has no earthing, there's a real danger of getting electrocuted. By the casing of your fridge, for instance. This is shown in another panel. Luckily, the panel also shows how you can protect yourself: by installing a differential switch, which reacts to power surges by interrupting the circuit. One of those is enough to protect an entire house.

< Which one would you drink?

On the other side of the stand, Electrogaz' water department gives us an idea of how a water treatment plant works. All kinds of chemicals are added to clean the water, but the dosage is important, and depends from day to day. To determine the right quantity, the Electrogaz stand shows, six jars are used with different dosages. In the first one, the water still looks like something you would not want to swim in, but it becomes clearer along the line. A panel then shows how the clean water is distributed.

Expo 2006: business, entertainment and education.

The Electrogaz stand in in the Sponsor's section near the entrance.

Monday 04/09

Three novelties in one company

< Ms. Salama Bishumba, your hostess at the BCS stand.

Few of us might have heard of Business Communication Solutions (BCS), but we all know the Tuvugane payphones, and the shiny new vehicles of Kigali Taxi Service are becoming a familiar sight. Add to that the Call One Centre, Rwanda's first call center, and you have three novelties in one company.

Salama Bishumba, normally a call center operator but for the duration of the Expo hostess at the BCS stand, shows us around and explains the company's services. Best known among those are the Tuvugane payphones, introduced by BCS in partnership with MTN; these are fixed phone look-alikes which you can carry around and use the cell-phone network.

"We sell Tuvugane phones at Frw 250,000 ($450)", explains Ms. Bishumba. "Then you buy airtime worth Frw 20,000 ($35), but you only pay Frw 16,000 ($29), so your profit is Frw 4,000 ($6)."

Up to now, BCS has sold around 4,000 of the sets. But the company does not only sell the phones. "We also repair them, or can supply spare parts. We also sell special antennas for regions where the network is not very strong."

Second novelty introduced by BCS is its taxi service; apart from the fact that the cars are brand new (contrary to the rather worn-out cabs we are used to), they have a unique feature inside: a meter. "No more discussing about the price", says our hostess. "The meter registers the distance, and you pay Frw 450 ($0.8) per kilometer."

The taxi services also have the advantage that you can order one by calling a simple 4-digit number, instead of frantically searching for the cell-phone number of the taxi-driver that brought you home the other day. "All our taxis are equipped with a radio, so if the driver has difficulties locating where you are, we simply call you back and ask more details." BCS currently has 12 vehicles, 10 of which are 4-person cars and 2 with a bigger capacity.

Last but not least, the company has created the Call One Centre, the first call center in the country. "Most questions of visitors at the Expo concern this service, because people don't really understand what it is doing", says Salama Bishumba.

Yet the principle is simple: instead of having several telephone operators to reply to customers' questions or inquiries, or other services, a company outsources this to a call center, which has a bigger number of operators so that clients will not be frustrated by frequent "busy" tones.

< The BCS stand.

"For example, BCS has signed an agreement with the airline company Rwandair Express to handle their clients' inquiries concerning flights or departure and arrival times, as well as reservations."

Another advantage of the service is that the call center can be miles, even continents, away from the company in question. "Several European companies have already shown interest", says the call center operator. Currently, Call One employs 14 operators and 4 radio technicians.

Concerning the Expo, Ms. Bishumba is very positive. "It's very nice and it's clean, even around the bars. You can see the organization is different. Yes, it's okay."

BCS is exhibiting at the ICT Village