Comprehensive Staffing Resources Ltd (CSR), a business management consulting firm based in the United States, marked their first anniversary of operations in Rwanda on Friday, September 1.

ALSO READ: Global outsourcing firm officially opens in Rwanda

The celebration was attended by clients, potential investors, and various stakeholders who have played a crucial role in CSR&039;s journey.

The gala event was not merely an occasion for festivities; it provided a unique platform for CSR to showcase innovative ideas that their team has been working on. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in vibrant discussions, pose questions, and offer valuable suggestions to further refine these ideas. Client testimonials also showed CSR's impactful work in Rwanda.

One of CSR's notable clients, Chrispin Ogama, Hospital Director of Finance at Cohesive Healthcare Management and Consulting, shared his experience with The New Times.

He highlighted the collaboration between CSR and Cohesive Healthcare, "We oversee five critical access hospitals in the US, each with its finance director. In August, we faced a challenge—finding a full-time accounts payable clerk. Realizing the vital role of this department, we turned to CSR. We partnered with them to outsource accounts payable for one hospital. Within two to three months, CSR managed nearly all AP functions. They handle invoice entries, ensuring accuracy and timely processing. This solution streamlined our operations, enabling us to close AP efficiently. CSR's remote capabilities make them an invaluable partner. We now trust CSR to provide similar services for any future facility needs."

Victor Feh, the Managing Director of CSR Rwanda, sat down with The New Times to reflect on the significance of their one-year anniversary and the growth they've experienced.

What's the significance of CSR Rwanda's one-year anniversary in the country?

Reflecting on our journey, we started on September 1, 2022, and today, we proudly mark our first anniversary in Rwanda. This milestone is a celebration of not just our growth, but also the challenges we've encountered and overcome. We believe in transforming these challenges into remarkable opportunities.

Our decision to commemorate this one-year anniversary is driven by a desire to gauge our progress, learn from our past, and harness our challenges to create even greater opportunities. Our core mission is to empower fresh graduates and high school leavers, bridging the gap that experience often imposes. Through rigorous training, we equip them to thrive in the global job market, unlocking a world of possibilities.

What services does CSR Rwanda currently offer?

Back when our journey began we had a focus on accounting and financial services, encompassing bookkeeping and lightweight payroll management. However, come January 2023, we experienced significant growth.

Responding to the demands of the US, Canadian, and UK markets, we expanded our services. Our offerings now include software development, digital marketing, tech support, and graphic design. CSR boasts a comprehensive suite of five services, meticulously tailored to cater to the needs of any businesses worldwide.

While our current presence is primarily in Rwanda within the East African region, our headquarters and coordination hub reside in the United States. Looking ahead, our vision extends to expanding our footprint across East Africa, with aspirations to explore opportunities in countries like Uganda and Kenya in the near future.

Why did CSR choose Rwanda as its second base of operations?

Hailing from Cameroon and with business operations in the United States, our decision to establish a presence in Rwanda was deliberate and rooted in several compelling reasons. Firstly, Rwanda impressed us with its impeccable security and the pristine, conducive environment it offers for business.

However, the primary draw for us was the talent pool among Rwanda's young workforce, often untapped and seeking opportunities. Recognizing this potential, we set out to provide a path to employment for these individuals. Our journey began with just one team member, and today, we take pride in a dedicated team of 59 individuals who are enthusiastically serving our mission in Rwanda and we’re proud of them.

What kind of relationship does CSR Rwanda have with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)?

Indeed, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) plays a pivotal role in the journey of establishing and operating businesses in Rwanda. It serves as a one-stop shop for anyone seeking to engage in business activities within the country. RDB's invaluable support has been instrumental in our endeavors,their commitment goes beyond just facilitating regulatory processes; they have actively collaborated with us to enhance our programs.

Their internship department has been an active participant in our training programs. Recognizing the value of our initiatives, RDB has channeled their pool of interns to participate in our training sessions.

This partnership goes beyond mere enrollment; RDB facilitates and supports these interns' attendance, reinforcing our commitment to equipping young talents with essential skills. Furthermore, RDB's engagement extends to connecting us with various sectors within their organization, fostering relationships with businesses, including those in the B2B sector.

What are CSR Rwanda's sort term goals and long term goals?

CSR Rwanda's short-term goals focus on addressing ongoing challenges, particularly in practicalizing the theoretical knowledge possessed by fresh graduates.

To achieve this, we have initiated a comprehensive soft skills program, aimed at equipping them with essential interpersonal skills. This endeavor is made possible through partnerships with RDB and GIZ, facilitating not only soft skills training but also honing their proficiency in hard skills such as digital marketing, software development, and accounting.

Our goal is to prepare these individuals for employment, and we can employ about 80 percent of our trainees. Our training cycles will run bi-annually, from January to June and from July to December. During these periods, we’ll gather, train, and subsequently seek suitable employment opportunities for them, leveraging our role as a staffing company.

Any parting words

Our journey began at Norrsken House Kigali, with just a single staff member. Over time, we expanded our team to seven members and relocated to the Star Times office, where our staff grew to approximately 40 individuals.

In our latest chapter, we've continued to grow, welcoming new team members into our family. However, our ultimate goal, shared by CSR as a whole, remains unchanged: to empower the young people of Rwanda, especially recent graduates who often face barriers due to their lack of experience.

Our vision is to provide comprehensive training and skills development, enabling them to enter the workforce confidently. By doing so, we aspire to play our part in reducing unemployment rates in Rwanda.