Rwanda is open to new possibilities, and unique opportunities – especially for local entrepreneurs. Meet Bernard Matabaro who built his business from scratch.
After years of working as an employee, Bernard Matabaro decided to become his own boss. His dream was to make independent decisions as a self employed businessman. So, moving out of his comfort zone to take up the challenge, he took his first bold steps towards building a business. He began by looking for industries where he could supply a service or product that wasn’t readily available – yet met with a demand. He found his answer in the business potential of plastic. At the time of starting his business, very few companies produced plastic products in Rwanda and he was able to break into the industry. Finding the gap in the market, Bernard seized the opportunity and set to work.
- Bernard Matabaro: Owner and Managing Director of Rwandan Plastic Industries
Today, with the help of a group of investors, Bernard Matabaro is the managing director of his own plastics company that is serious about doing business in Rwanda. Walking among his employees in the factory, he is proud to have established something of his own. His company manufactures chairs, crates, and a variety of PVC products.
As an entrepreneur, Bernard is constantly in motion – thinking of new ways to approach business and innovate in the company. For the future, he hopes to broaden his range of plastic products to plastic containers and water tanks. In order to do this, however, he needs to obtain further investment and gain more clients. While this may seem like a challenging hurdle to clear, Bernard feels that it all comes with the territory. For Bernard, making a successful business requires hard work and dedication.
Having anchored opportunity in Rwanda, Bernard Matabaro feels it’s important to keep looking out for new possibilities. He believes that creating products with export potential may be the next wise step for entrepreneurial Rwandans.
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- Bernard Matabaro: Owner and Managing Director of PV Plastics
AMOS KINGORI
September 2, 2010
the forum has been great to many let us work hard to make africa a better place
i would wish to get in touch bernard from rwanda
we provide services in installation of cooling systems
which increase the late of production
Eugene Rusanganwa
November 23, 2010
I appreciate people like Matabaro. But I need to know the steps he went through before leaving his job and before he reached the level of having an industry. I wonder if he stopped the job and started the industriy the following day.
I have also a dream, but leaving my job is a risk I fear. What can you advise? What are the main steps I have to make before I jump to my own business?
Thanks
Africa Report Team
December 6, 2010
Hi Eugene
That’s a good question and depends entirely on you. Many entrepreneurs only leave their jobs once their own business starts taking off. Often, it’s a case of working double time – staying with a job while slowly working on your own business in your spare time. Most people need the income from their current job not only to sustain themselves but to put towards their start-up. Until your own business is generating income it’s probably not advisable to leave your job unless you have other means to support yourself. Always think long and hard about these decisions. It is best not to rush into anything.
Best of luck!
WALTER BWIRE
December 16, 2010
its a noble idea which requires a thumb up also if i may ask i have been doing different kind of businesses and i gave up i want to start farming especially rearing i have tried to borrow too from friends but nothing is forth coming what can i do i will appreciate your response thanks. all the best in your business am proud of you sir.
DULYU KONAH
December 29, 2010
Benard is a good interpreneur and i congratualate him for being a good interpreneur in Rwanda becaure he provides employment for the Rwandese. He is a good example for the other interpreneurs in African countries and I congratualate you reporters for giving us this interestingly report. God bless you.
amos
May 7, 2011
One question that has never been answered is how ppl can network – either service providers or so.
Regards