Investors to score big as Rwanda Development Board automates critical processes Kigali, 22 October, 2015: Investors to Rwanda should expect better and more efficient services from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) as the government arm automates critical services offered to investors. The RDB and TradeMark Africa today unveiled a new online system that will enhance the capacity of RDB’s One Stop Centre to process and issue licensing certificates including the Investment Registration and Environment Impact Assessment Certificates, at the click of a button.

This will bring key government agencies responsible for the entire investor experience under one screen. The portal will link and exchange important information with among others: Rwanda Electronic Single Window, Online Business Registration, this will further speed the process of application for investment certificate, tax exemption requests and environmental impact assessment.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Mark Nkurunziza, the RDB Chief Financial Officer said, “Investors coming to Rwanda will now find it easier to register their investments. Importantly, the new online system will help us to attain our mission of transforming Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation.
The scope of our work includes all aspects related to the development of the private sector.” TradeMark Africa Rwanda Country Director added; “The launch of the portal is a sign of our continued support and partnership with the government of Rwanda as it works to achieve its vision 2020. We are happy to be involved in creating an enabling environment for investors.
We believe the portal will lead to the reduction in time and cost of processing documents as well as lead to increased revenue collection. TMA will continue to support the board in automating its key processes” Through the new portal, traders can apply for investment certificate, environment impact assessment certificate or a tax exemption. Initially, the process for applying for these certificates was tedious and involved a lot of paperwork. TMA and RDB estimates that the new portal will reduce the processing time by more than half. It is also expected that transparency afforded by the portal will lead to increased compliance and informed resource allocation.
Source: TradeMark Africa (TMA)

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.