Following the Rwanda Development Board’s initiative to recognize the achievement of businesses, individuals and SME’s that have made an outstanding contribution to Rwanda’s economic growth, we have realized that the awards have grown not only in terms of award categories but also in participants. According to John Gara, RDB’s CEO, “This is a statement of confidence that the entrepreneurial spirit is growing on a daily basis in Rwanda”.
Analysis of Participants
Over 200 questionnaires were sent to businesses – SMEs as well as Corporate. Of these:
- 85 investors and 27 Exporters returned questionnaires (112)
- Key points on registration form were: complete identification and address, increase of production/sales or exports, new product/services and new markets
- The survey also allowed the participants to nominate; the role model company, the woman entrepreneur, the best company in terms of customer service, the best young entrepreneur
- First selection was based on a 70% passmark: increased productivity/exports, introduction of innovative products/services over the period 2009-2010
- 57 investors and 14 exporters were shortlisted.
- A final list of 35 nominees was shortlisted (both investors and exporters) based on due diligence focusing on the criteria set: profitability, creation of forward and backward linkages with local SMEs, demonstrate innovation and technology transfer, CSR policy, ability to act as role model to other investors as well as reinvestment into the business to sustain growth rates. These are the nominees who will be facing the judges on Feb 3rd and 4th 2011.
Involvement of Private Sector
Particularly, the awards this year are special since we have recorded a growing interest from corporate companies to sponsor and give prizes to the emerging winners in the several categories. Prizes include:
Cash, computers, trainings, financial and HR software, services such as utilities, over 3 month access to high speed internet and IT equipment.
New Categories
This time around, there are 15 categories. The awards shall focus not only on big corporate companies but will also include SMEs in all categories so as to encourage them to grow as they form the largest number of businesses in the country. RDB will also recognize a “Young Entrepreneur of the year.”
Other categories include:
- Investor of the year, (and 1st runner up)
- Exporter of the year, (and 1st runner up)
- SME of the year, (and 1st runner up)
- Sector Winners in Tourism, Hospitality, ICT, General Manufacturing, Agro processing, Mining, Finance, Real Estate, and Special Category Winners; Customer Service Winner, Women Entrepreneur of the Year.
Judges
This year, final winners will be selected by an independent panel of both local and regional experienced private sector experts. The panel is comprised of Mr. Faustin Mbundu (Rwanda), Mr. Robert Mathu (Rwanda), Ms. Antonia Mutoro (Rwanda), Ms. Rose Lyimo (Tanzania), Mr. Andrew Owiny (Uganda) Mr. Reid Whitlock (Rwanda), Eric Manzi (Rwanda).
Rebranding RDB Awards
Formerly known as RDB Investor and Exporter of the Year Awards, the Business Excellence Awards are now acknowledged as the most prestigious award in the investment sector. The awards are in recognition of the companies for their excellence, to promote competitiveness among vibrant enterprises by recognizing and rewarding firms that make a noticeable positive difference.
For further information email pr@rdb.rw or visit www.rdb.rw
