Local Entrepreneurs Urged to Cease Illegal Operations, Embrace Safety and Quality Standards Certification

By Elias Hakizimana.

In a bid to enhance business integrity and ensure public safety, local entrepreneurs, particularly manufacturers and traders, are being urged to halt illegal and substandard operations.

This call to action comes amidst Rwanda’s concerted efforts to bolster compliance with safety and quality standards across various industries. With a significant increase in the number of certified products and services, there is a pressing need for all businesses to embrace standards certification programs.

Over the past seven years, Rwanda has witnessed a remarkable surge in safety certification registrations, with over 900 products and services now meeting recognized standards, up from 300 in 2017. This uptick underscores the country’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety and quality in the business sector.

However, there remains a segment of entrepreneurs who continue to operate outside regulatory frameworks, posing risks to both consumers and the reputation of the business community at large.

Raymond Murenzi, Director General of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), recently issued a clarion call to these individuals during a press conference held on February 29, 2024.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of the ‘Zamukana Ubuziranenge’ Program, initiated in 2017, Murenzi urged businesses to eschew clandestine practices and instead collaborate with RSB.

‘Zamukana Ubuziranenge’ Program offers comprehensive support, including training on standards rationale and technical assistance to help businesses produce goods that meet local, regional, and international standards.

To further promote adherence to safety and quality standards, RSB conducted a nationwide campaign from February 26 to March 1, 2024, aimed at evaluating the success of existing initiatives and identifying areas for improvement. This proactive approach underscores RSB’s commitment to continually enhance the safety and quality of Made-in-Rwanda products.

“I urge those who operate covertly, fearing local authorities or others, with intentions to start businesses, to collaborate with us. We’re prepared to offer guidance through our nationwide outreach programs, which include training on standards comprehension. It’s crucial for them to transition from substandard practices to pursuing safety certification, ensuring they don’t jeopardize lives,” stated Murenzi.

Subsidized Certification Costs

Murenzi explained that getting the Standardized Mark (S-Mark) costs RWF 230,000 per product. But the good news is, thanks to a 50 percent subsidy from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), applicants only need to pay RWF 115,000 in three installments of RWF 38,333 each. Even though there’s help with the cost, RSB still wants to make sure people understand why standards compliance is important.

The journey ahead

Looking ahead, RSB aims to assist even more businesses in producing quality products for export markets. By ensuring that local manufacturers meet international standards, Rwanda can enhance its reputation as a hub for safe and high-quality goods, thus fostering economic growth and competitiveness on the global stage.

The call for local entrepreneurs to prioritize standards and safety certification is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral imperative. By embracing these initiatives, businesses can build trust with consumers, protect public safety, and contribute to Rwanda’s economic development goals.

It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to create a business environment characterized by integrity, quality, and safety.

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