Role of private-public partnerships for business in Rwanda

The Private Sector Federation (PSF) of Rwanda has been at the forefront of fostering a conducive business environment in Rwanda by addressing key challenges faced by private enterprises. CNBC Africa's Flora Limukii recently sat down with Jeanne Mubiligi, the Chairperson of PSF, on the sidelines of the CEO Forum in Kigali to discuss the critical role of private-public partnerships in enhancing the business landscape in the country. The event, organized in partnership with MINICOM, RDB, and the Private Sector Federation, aimed to provide a platform for the business community to express their views on the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2) program plan. This initiative requires the private sector to fulfill ambitious goals and capitalize on the associated opportunities. It also seeks to identify the necessary steps to achieve these goals effectively. One of the major topics of discussion at the forum was the importation of goods into and out of Rwanda. Mubiligi shed light on the challenges faced by local businesses in competing with imported products, particularly concerning packaging regulations. While Rwanda emphasizes sustainable packaging to align with environmental goals, locally produced goods often face competitiveness issues due to the high cost of compliant packaging materials. On the other hand, imported products, packaged in materials not accepted in Rwanda like plastic, benefit from cost-effective packaging but pose sustainability concerns. To address this issue, the PSF proposed a solution that involved recycling plastic materials to make them environmentally friendly. While initially successful, the initiative faced obstacles leading to its suspension. Despite this setback, the PSF continues to explore alternative strategies to promote the competitiveness of locally made products while upholding sustainable practices. In addition to packaging challenges, Mubiligi highlighted the importance of addressing barriers related to access to finance, licensing, and registration processes to create a more business-friendly environment in Rwanda. The PSF emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to find sustainable solutions and ensure that the 'Made in Rwanda' products remain viable in the market. Moreover, the conversation around access to capital and alternative financing methods was emphasized as crucial for the private sector's growth. By engaging stakeholders and fostering dialogue on these challenges, the PSF aims to establish a platform for regular discussions, facilitating the identification of long-term solutions for the business community. In conclusion, the partnership between the public and private sectors, as exemplified by the PSF, plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and promoting a conducive business ecosystem in Rwanda. By actively addressing key issues and working towards sustainable solutions, the PSF continues to champion the interests of private enterprises and contribute to the overall development of Rwanda's business landscape.