Saturday, April 30, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Gloria Batamuliza



Gloria, 30 years

Gloria has a masters degree and now works with RADA as a communications officer. As a student, she had a business of buying clothes from Uganda and selling them on campus. She wants this training to build up the needed skills to do business and become a successful Entrepreneur.

BUSINESS IDEA: Hostel rental 

Gloria Batamuliza is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Hamim Bazirake


Hamim, 38 years


Hamim has a bachelors degree. He has held different jobs mostly in the Western province. He recently opened a football academy with a partner of his. He dreams to be a successful Entrepreneur and is looking forward to acquiring business skills through this course.

BUSINESS IDEA: Football Academy

Hamim Bazirake is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Don't weary of doing good.

Thurs, April 28, 2011
Dr. John Mulford


Hamim dropped by the office to pay his bill. It is so rewarding to hear how the program is impacting the class. He and Jacques, a classmate, have started a football (soccer to us) academy. They had dreamed about it for years, but couldn’t figure out how to start. Ntare, a graduate from the first class, encouraged them to attend the course. They learned that they could start small, which they did. Hamim also mentioned that has a small business in Congo. He said that it almost failed, but that the skills he has learned in our course helped him to revive it.

Tonight, Willie started his presentation by asking the class how many had parents who could not read or write. No one raised a hand. He was surprised because 57% of Rwandans can’t. His business is developing dramas to explain government laws and regulations to those who can’t read. After class, he told me that his parents can’t read or write. He grew up in a village where working in the field was valued more than education. He said that if it hadn’t been for his Compassion International Sponsor’s encouragement, he probably wouldn’t have graduated from high school and he never would have thought about college. He wishes he could meet his sponsor to thank him for changing his life. I am frequently reminded that small things we do (that is, things that don’t inconvenience us much) can have an enormous impact on others. Don’t weary of doing good.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Final exams begin!

Wednesday, April 27th
(Dr. John Mulford)


Final exams started this evening with the first group of five.  It is fun to see how far they have come—both the presenters and their colleagues who ask tough questions and give good advice.  Everything went smoothly except transitions between presentations.  Some hooked up their own computers to our projector, but they weren’t compatible.  I try to avoid using my computer with their flash drives because they are filled with viruses.  They helped each other to get set up. 
Some are wondering how launch their businesses, because they don’t have any start-up funds.  Others have found ways to launch with little.  Grace, who is developing an on-line business magazine and business directory, said her team will contribute their own funds (about $3,000) and work without salary (in addition to their day jobs), in order to launch now.  The last presenter, Mathilde (grocery supplier with home delivery), showed us her website, developed by her 16-yr old daughter, and showed us her business registration, bank book, and business cards.  She’s moving ahead no matter what!

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Innocen Gisanura

Innocent, 30 years

Innocent was a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide and is a born again Christian. He holds a Bachelors degree in Food science and has worked with the Intercontinental hotel as a project surveyor  for  ISAR, OCIR CAFÉ etc. He now works with Agahozo Shalom youth village, an international NGO that seeks to educate the most vulnerable. He is an open, honest, and a curious person who seeks to develop himself to sustain his family  and enjoy life.

BUSINESS IDEA: Holistic Agro Business (Pig breeding, banana growing)

Innocen Gisanura is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Worldviews go deep

Tuesday, April 26
(Dr John Mulford)


Had some interesting discussions with our South African visiting exec and a Rwandan businessman about the differences between traditional African worldviews and Western worldviews. Even though many Rwandan business people have been educated in Western models, they still retain subtle influences that predispose them to focus on the present and greatly discount or not even consider the future. Thus they resist sacrificing and investing today for a return in the future—the very essence of business.

It is so easy to fall into the trap that everyone thinks like I think. It is a wake-up call and a challenge to realize that isn’t the case. Without trampling on valued traditions, we want to help people resolve conflicts between their stated goals, such as growing a successful business, and their underlying assumptions, such as only the present is important.

We had another discussion with a Rwandan businessman about a problem he was facing in his family’s business. As the eldest son (his father died several years ago), he is expected to take care of the family and provide leadership. As a Christian, he wants the business to glorify God through its excellence and integrity. Others in the family believe that such a “naïve” approach costs them money. They don’t want to come under his leadership and authority. He is struggling with the decision to divide the business among the siblings. He is concerned that they will squander their share and then be jealous and angry when his part prospers. He wants to lead them in righteous business, but they don’t want to follow.

Then it was time for class. The class responded extremely well to our visiting exec, Eben Nel, both in their one-on-one meetings during the day and in class. Eben told his life story about leaving his job as a government lawyer to pursue business, because opportunities to advance were closed in government. He was fearful leaving a secure job, but he jumped into business with both feet. As a neophyte in business, he tried many small businesses. They all failed, which consumed his life’s savings. Then he met the Lord and realized that he had a calling to business, but he hadn’t listened for God’s direction.

It hasn’t been a smooth path. He has had highs and lows as he learned to listen. As he looks back, he can see God’s supernatural leading in many business situations. Since many in the class currently work in government or other salaried jobs, they could identify with the fear of leaving that security. They could also identify with starting small. They were encouraged to hear of God’s faithfulness.

We used tonight’s class to practice the presentations that every student will do as the final exam in the course. Pascal and Mathilde volunteered to be the practice cases. They each presented their business in 15 minutes. Then we spent about 45 minutes on each, taking it apart and examining how to improve it. The class got the idea of what is required for a compelling, polished presentation. I will hear all 30 of them in five 3-hour sessions Wed, Thur, Friday.

Back in the classroom!

Monday, April 25
(Dr John Mulford)

Met with Chrystel to organize for the final week and a half of the program. She seemed completely recovered from her terrible asthma attach. She said she has one every three years. In reminding students that class resumes tonight, we learned that Aime is in the hospital. Not sure of the reason, but we are praying for him.

Met with Apollo and Brigitte at RDB to finalize plans for graduation. Everything seems on track.

Good to be back in class. Students were excited about graduation next week. To help me remember all their businesses and to force them to be concise, I had each person present his or her business in one minute. Many timed out before finishing. One man said that he needed extra time to translate from Kinyarwanda to English in his head before speaking. Lots of good discussion about the key success factors in their businesses.

Upon arrival back at the guest house, I was greeted by our visiting executive from South Africa, who had just arrived. We talked for an hour and a half. I learned a lot about S. African politics. He is an expert on legal structures of businesses. Many students and graduates have reserved one-on-one time with him.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

He Is Risen!

Sunday, April 24—Easter, He is risen!
(Dr John Mulford)


Warm greeting from Jean Marie, who prepared an excellent breakfast as usual.

Tim Brubaker, Regent PhD student who has lived in Kigali for several years, recommended his church—Christian Life Assembly (CLA). It was tough to be away from home and family on Easter, but the CLA service was uplifting—1,500 Rwandans worshipping joyously in English, except for one Kinyarwanda song. As a first-time visitor, I was invited to meet the pastor and staff after the service. The senior pastor and founder of the church is a Canadian. He was very interested in introducing our Business Development Center program to his congregation. Good potential, because they all speak English.

That evening I met the founding team of a new insurance company to help them map out strategy, capital structure, etc. Strong group of Christians who want to build a company based on trust. Exciting potential.

Safe arrival!

Sat. evening April 23
(Dr John Mulford)


Arrived in Kigali after a smooth flight. Great to see Dona’s smiling face greeting me. We have become family after six trips. Equally good to crash for a good night’s sleep at Solace guest house after 25 hours of travel. Dona brought the refrigerator and Solace set up my room with a work space for my computer and printer.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Innocent Rukundo

Innocent, 38 years

Innocent has a masters degree in economics. He has worked as a consultant for CAMERWA, ITS, RDTECH, MEGASYSTEMS, REMA etc. He has also worked as a lecturer at ULK; a finance manager for  ORTPN; an accountant for  UNIGO and UBS.
Innocent is now working as an Accounting, Finance, Tax and management consultant. His goals are always to achieve more and be the best in his field.

BUSINESS IDEA: Accounting, Tax & Auditing outsourcing

Innocent Rukundo is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Aline Semasaka Uwase

Aline, 27 years

Aline is the youngest child of a family of 7 and is a  born again Christian. She has a bachelors degree in Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness from NUR. She works as a professional in handling and processing at RADA, the Rwanda Agricultural Development Authority. She owns a business of renting wedding gowns and traditional costumes. Aline dreams to become a millionaire by the time she is 35.

BUSINESS IDEA: Mushroom Cultivation & Supply Chain

Aline Semasaka Uwase is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011


Friday, April 22, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Jean D'Amour Mutoni

Jean, 24 years


Jean was born in a family of 3. He was orphaned at an early age. He holds a bachelors degree in Biomedical laboratory sciences.; has worked as an artist designing art; a minister of sports information and leisure at KHI. At KHI, he opened his own printing station  and earned money to survive. He is innovative, likes creating new things and wishes to be a leading entrepreneur.

BUSINESS IDEA: Hair Salon

Jean D'Amour Mutoni is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Willy Mugenzi Mwumvaneza

Willy, 32 Years
 
Willy is the last born of a family of 10. He is an orphan; married and a father of 1.
He has his masters degree and is currently working as the National MDG Campaign Coordinator for the UN. He started the PLUSCOM company that seeks to design communication strategies. He is an analytical and critical person; with the dream of ethically accumulating wealth and contributing to changing the lives of the most vulnerable.

BUSINESS IDEA: Rural communications outreach

Willy Mugenzi Mwumvaneza is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Ritah Umurungi

Ritah, 24 years (scholarship student)

Ritah is a 2nd year student at SFB. She has worked as a coordinator for the Civic education for the Students Financing Agency of Rwanda SFAR; and an assistant researcher for FACE, an American NGO.
Ritah has a passion for traveling and wishes to open her own tour company. Her main goal is to be self employed by 2017.

BUSINESS IDEA: Travel Agent consultant

Ritah Umurungi is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Rwanda Entrepreneur Profile: Grace Mugabekazi

Grace, 25 Years

Grace is the first-born of a family of 5. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the National University of Rwanda (NUR). She has worked as a translator at JCI, president at NUR, and marketing officer of a new event management company. She now works as the Communications Officer of Digital Opportunity Trust Rwanda, a company dealing in vulnerable youth capacity-building with the objective of creating entrepreneurial opportunities. 

Grace is creative, innovative, and loves working with people and discussing business. 

BUSINESS IDEA: Online portal for businesses


Grace Mugabekazi is one of the 29 entrepreneurs studying at the Rwanda Business Development Center, Spring 2011

Monday, April 11, 2011

Churches in India endorse protests against corruption

Bangalore, India (ENInews)--Churches in India have joined the growing support for social activist Anna Hazare*, who launched a hunger fast on 5 April to call attention to the problem of corruption in government and is urging the passage of a strict anti-corruption law. [ENI-11-0177]

ENI Online - www.eni.ch
Ecumenical News International
PO Box 2100,  CH - 1211 Geneva 2,  Switzerland

*from annahazare.org:
Anna Hazare is one of India's well-acclaimed social activists. A former soldier in the Indian army, [he] is well known and respected for upgrading the ecology and economy of the village of Ralegan Siddhi which is located in the drought prone Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state. The erstwhile barren village has metamorphosed into a unique model of rural development due to its effective water conservation methods, which made the villagers self-sufficient. Earlier, the same village witnessed alcoholism, utter poverty and migration to urban slums. Inspired by Hazare’s unique approach of salvaging a hopeless village, the state government has implemented the `Model Village’ scheme as part of its official strategy. Hazare is now synonymous with rural development in India.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Anti-Corruption Hotline


by Jason Benedict

RCE Strategist

One of the impediments to economic development in Africa is corruption, and Rwanda has taken great strides to deal with this matter. For example there is a very effective anti-corruption hot line that allows people facing corruption to report it and get results!

We put a lot of emphasis on life purpose in our program. Students learn that purpose (and not just money) will sustain the entrepreneur. I wish you could hear the presentations that students have been doing this week. Not only do they talk about marketing, operations and finance – they are talking about how their businesses will meet real needs and lead to a better Rwanda.

Tonight is my last class with this cohort – they will now begin two weeks of field work and will culminate the program with Dr. Mulford in early May. Please pray that this group will succeed and become worldchangers!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Thinking of a better Africa

by Jason Benedict
RCE Strategist

Yesterday was the national holiday here in Rwanda that commemorates the Genocide of 1994. It is a sober day of remembrance – essentially a day for Rwandans to remember what happened and set their resolve to never let it happen again.


Our visiting executives and I took time with Rwandan friends, building relationships, sharing stories and thinking of a better Africa. I have had numerous occasions over the last couple of weeks to deepen friendships with student and graduates. Conversations often lead to times of testimony and prayer. I think that one of the most powerful ideas in our center is this aspect of long term relationships. Too often those involved in economic development take the approach of “throwing money at the problems.” This rarely yields lasting fruit or brings change. It seems to me that be agents of real change – transformation as we call it – are truth, community, and the Spirit of God. It is through walking together that these agents are most powerfully brought to bear.

In this photo you see visiting executive Renier Schonken from RSA (Republic of South Africa) mentoring our students.



Thursday, April 7, 2011

Never Forget

17th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi:
Honoring memory, Telling our stories, Rebuilding Rwanda

by Grace Mugabekazi
BDC Rwanda student, Spring 2011 Cohort

Every year in April Rwandans together take a reflective journey in memory of the innocent men, women and children who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide of Tutsis. It is a past we have to live with each day, one which has affected some of us more than others, yet no one remained untouched. Bear with me if I have to take you back to some painful facts, but we have learnt that we should forgive and move on but never forget lest we let it happen again.

In a span of 100 days over 1,000,000 people lived through the horror of tortures and watched their loved being tortured to death. Why? Because they were Tutsi or Hutu who refused to take part in the atrocities. Why would human beings be filled with so much hatred that they didn’t care any more? It was just killing, it was torturing people to death, letting them die the worst death. When you think of it, it is beyond what the human mind can understand or justify.

However it didn’t happen over night, it started many years before, almost a century before; it started when the Rwandan people accepted divisionism in their once united culture. Children at very young age were taught to despise and hate the other “ethnic groups”.

I wonder how parents and teachers got around answering children’s innocent questions – “I like him/her, why are you telling me to hate them?”

One young man recalled how one day, when he was small boy, he came home anxious. His teacher had said that him and other kids were different, they were Tutsis! When he met his father back home he asked: “Dad, I was told I am Tutsi. Is it true? Did I do something bad? Why did the teacher treat us differently?”

Eventually one thing led to the other. Social injustice and hatred grew until the day it all unfolded and evil was unleashed. People didn’t fear day light. They didn’t care for the cries of plea. The innocent looking faces of children who didn't know what had befell them. The husband and father who begged that his family would be spared. The women whose faces expressed desperate helplessness …

Let us not forget how the world closed up on them, left them alone to face fierce and hateful neighbors. In memory and respect to them, let us not forget. Let us not stand by for any form of injustice. Every human being has the right to life; everyone has the right to equal access to health care, education and economic opportunities. Don’t stand aside for any injustice, lest it grows and we see history repeat it self.

Today, Rwanda unites in voice to say “Never Again” to Genocide. Never again to social injustice! Never again to divisionism! …Never again because Rwanda is one people!

Each year as we remember our loved ones, we also stand aside all the broken families – orphans and widows. For them the reality of what happened has been stonger than for others. Please take part. Don’t go home and close your door but support all the activities. Visit these families. Join other Rwandans around the fireplaces each evening and listen to the stories of those who lived through it, let us not forget. We learnt our lesson the hard way, let it never repeat it self.

Every evening during the Genocide Commemoration week (April 7 – 14), communities will gather around a fireplace, light candles each and revisit the history that led to the genocide, listen to the testimonies of those strong enough to tell. Throughout the week and over the next 100 days, people will bury in honour their loved ones (over the years people have been discovering sites where bodies were amassed and buried during the genocide); many institutions, corporations and individuals will visit orphan and widows to share a meal and support them morally and financially.

One of my favorite authors, Rick Warren, wrote :"Life is a gift...Life is a test... Life is temporary assignment...." Life is indeed a test of the will. Is the nation willing to move forward? To hope again, to rebuild and promise a better future for its children? Yes! We the Rwandan people are willing to live. We have chosen to overcome our differences, our past, and our failures and have hope.

Yesterday I was talking to Mr Renier Schonken, a visiting executive from South Africa; he is in Rwanda to mentor local entrepreneurs through the Rwanda Business Development Centre program. It’s his first time to Rwanda. I asked him what he thought of our country. He said: “I want to go back and invite other South Africans, I will tell them to come and see what hope looks like! That is what I see in Rwanda!...”

Visit the CNLG website to find out more about the Genocide Commemoration week events and to read more about the 1994 Genocide of Tutsis.

Editor's note: some pictures related to this topic may be seen here, taken by Paul Stenner and Laura Newton, who spent a week on a field seminar in Rwanda with the AEGIS Trust (Google Images).




Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Opportunities to Impact Lives and a Nation

by Jason Benedict
RCE Strategist

One of the things the students learned to do last week was calculate loan payments. Here in Rwanda, interest rates on commercial loans are around 18% (no that’s not a typo) and loan terms are fairly strict. We spend a considerable amount of time in the program helping our students find creative ways to start businesses that have serious growth potential, but a small up front capital requirement.


Please pray for our students as they bring everything they have learned together and prepare to launch their businesses – they will be facing all kinds of challenges including where to get capital.

From our experience with the first cohort, most of these students will want a prayer partner – someone who will commit to pray regularly for them and their business. Perhaps that person is you. If so let us know. There are a lot of other things to pray about as well.

We (our visiting executives and I) had lunch this week with a government official, who has been very helpful to us. This gentleman has a real heart to help his country. I asked what led him to take his current role with the government. As he related the story, I could see that his life had been orchestrated. I made the comment that it seemed like he had been specially prepared step by step for this role.

With that, the conversation turned to Lord, and God really blessed the time. We began talking about God’s purposes in our lives, and businesses, and were able to share from the Word of God. He seemed to hang on every word. It was a real opportunity to share truth and see just how much opportunity we have through our center here to touch those who are crafting government policy and influencing the future of Rwanda.

Monday, April 4, 2011

by Jason Benedict
RCE Strategist

I had a good weekend - Saturday morning I worked on developing a resource for the students. Saturday afternoon I went to a wedding reception for a graduate. In the evening one of our two visiting executives for this week arrived from South Africa. Sunday morning I awakened to a tremor (we are in an earthquake zone – African Rift Valley), the rest of the day was calmer. I briefed our visiting executive on the week ahead and spent some time reading. :)


This morning I awakened to construction sounds: shovels scraping on concrete and hammers banging. From my guesthouse window I have been watching the progress on a home being built just up the hill. The workers are very busy and remind me of ants on a hill climbing the ramp with concrete blocks on their shoulders - crawling over the scaffolding. This is a common site in sub-Saharan Africa, but this group seem more industrious that most I have observed over the years. Here in Kigali you have a sense of progress – that seems unique. You see it in new construction, infrastructure development, conversations you overhear in the restaurants and you can sense it in our business development center!

I am looking forward to tonight’s class. The entrepreneurs are working on refining their business model, pulling together all they have learned, preparing to launch (some already have). I wish you were here!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Isn't skype great?

by Jason Benedict
RCE Strategist

April 1, 2010
Well today was my son Josh’s 7th birthday – I miss being with him – we will Skype this evening. I’m loving Skype in Rwanda – the connection speeds here are quite good for sub-Saharan Africa, and begin able to use a combination of Skype, email, SMS, cellphones, our website http://www.bdcrwanda.com/ and other communication technology here makes life easier. That is not to say that there are no challenges.


Yesterday the wireless internet was down in our offices, so we had to make do. Thankfully, today it is back up, and things are rolling again. I have had a long association with Africa, and I remember when the first cellular and internet providers came in 1994 to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire where we were living at the time. Things have progressed since then, and with all the freshly installed fiber optic cable here in Kigali, I think Rwanda is on the cusp of a high speed internet revolution.

Speaking of Cote d’Ivoire, I’m praying for my friends there. I heard that the forces backing Ouattara are now fighting in Abidjan. That country once had the 3rd largest economy in Africa, but periods of war and unrest have had a huge negative impact. This is such a poignant reminder of the importance of political stability in economic development. I would like to enlist your support in praying for our effort here and the continued stability of Rwanda.

Friday, April 1, 2011

By Jason Benedict
RCE Strategist

March 31
The day has been full:  in addition to teaching and facilitating the training, we have a center to run here – we are working on marketing, arrangements for our upcoming graduation, taxes were due today (whew – got them in in the nick of time), etc. Our team here includes Donatien, Chrystel, Anatole and Henry – they are a pleasure to work with.


The training itself is progressing. The entrepreneurs are developing their skills in operations and finance this week. It is almost the weekend and about half of them are where I would like them to be, another quarter of the class is almost there, and the remaining group will need a little more attention. I dispensed with the exercise I had planned for the second half of the session last night and instead Gary (our visiting executive) and I worked with individual entrepreneurs and groups, coaching them through the process of calculating their startup capital needs.

An especially bright part of the evening was when one of my students called me over to look at his projected cash flow. His business is supplying sand for construction, and he started it around the time our program began. Things are going well, and he was excited to show me that by learning new skills this week, he discovered the main constraint on increasing his profitability. He now knows the problem and is developing a solution. Furthermore, I was delighted to discover that he has teamed up with one of our graduates from the first cohort and they are doing the business together. Their heart is to develop this business to be a blessing to Rwanda.