- This follows signing of a financing agreement of USD 1.571 Million between TradeMark Africa and Rwanda Revenue Authority
- Project is part of TMA’s USD 53 Million programming in Rwanda
- Will focus on adoption of new technologies and inclusion of other trade agencies in a digital platform
Kigali, 30, October 2018: Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) today signed a financing agreement worth USD1.57 Million. This marks the start of the second phase of the Rwanda Electronic Single Window (RESW). The second phase will be marked by various upgrades which will be implemented up until June 2022. This support from TMA is part of the USD 53 Million agreement signed in the MOU between TMA and the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. The funding to RRA is being provided by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) through TMA.
Upgrading of RESW will include the following projects – upgrade of the Customs Management System (ASYCUDA World); digitalization of the management and administration of the Authorized Economic Operators Scheme (AEO); Implementation of the Single Transaction Point and Single Sign On features on the Rwanda Electronic Single Window (ReSW); implementation of the Cargo Community System to support Air Cargo business at Kigali International Airport; digitalization of the Advance Ruling process of Customs; digitalization of Advance Passenger Information System; and digitalization of the Special Economic Zones Management and Administration. Combined, these projects will enable RRA establish a true paperless trade environment in Rwanda. It will enhance its ability to network globally with other customs administrations and the trading Community.
During the signing ceremony held at RRA Headquarters in Kigali, the Commissioner General of RRA, Pascal Ruganintwali said, “the cooperation between RRA and TMA has enabled the institution to improve on endeavours to accomplish its mandate in international trade. It has enabled us ensure compliance with international trade laws and regimes. The better controls we have adopted means we are well placed to facilitate goods and commodities coming into and leaving Rwanda while protecting Rwandan and East African citizens. As a result of various projects we have recorded an improvement in revenue collection that is critical in supporting government development programmes.”
Several benefits will emanate from the upgrades, including: improving economic operators cooperation and coordination with RRA; improving the RRA customs systems capacity to integrate and share information with other international trade agencies within and outside Rwanda, particularly in the Single Customs Territory initiative of the EAC. It will also improve governance of customs systems and procedures, by enhancing transparency and accountability among trade actors. Patience Mutesi, the TMA Rwanda Country Director said that; “TMA has been a long partner of RRA and we intend to continue this relationship in our second phase of funding. TMA would like to see RRA achieve its mandate in the country, and ensure that the trade environment in Rwanda becomes more competitive and attractive to investors from around the world. Ultimately our goal is, through such programmes, to contribute to the improvement of the welfare of the Rwandan and East African people by increasing trade. This programme will improve our international traders’ access to better services from RRA, improved transparency and reduce their cost of doing business in the country. TMA is glad to be associated with RRA in this initiative and we shall also provide technical support to the programme where necessary to ensure that we deliver the results that we have set out to achieve for the country.”
-Ends-
Notes for Editors
- For more information please contact
For TMA Rwanda
Jackline Zizane
Programme Manager
For TMA Regional Office
Ann Mbiruru
Communication Manager
For Rwanda Revenue Authority
Michael Ngabonziza
- Rwanda Electronic Single Window
In 2013, with support from TMA, RRA commissioned the Rwanda Electronic Single Window System which since then has significantly contributed to reducing the time and cost of clearing goods in Rwanda. The system focuses on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as digitalization of the back-end processes of other trade agencies such as Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), Rwanda Agriculture and Livestock Inspection Services (RALIS), the National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB) and the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (RFDA). These have led to the improved efficiency and transparency with which traders access government services related to international trade. These initiatives also have contributed to improved rankings for Rwanda in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index and the Logistics Index.
- About TradeMark Africa
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. 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, Norway, UK, and USA. TMA works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.
TMA seeks to increase trade by unlocking economic potential through three strategic objectives:
- Increasing physical access to markets;
- Enhancing trade environment; and
- Improving business competitiveness.
Increased trade contributes to stronger economic growth, a reduction in poverty and subsequently greater prosperity. TMA has its headquarters in Nairobi with offices in Arusha, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala and Kigali.
To find out more, please visit the TMA website at www.trademarkea.com
