Most local business people struggle to make a breakthrough in export ventures due to lack of knowledge about potential markets, while others are not familiar with the legal regime in those countries.

However, this could soon end after the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and Trade Mark East Africa unveiled an Exporters Handbook that will act as a resource and guideline for local exporters on such issues.

Gerald Mukubu, the PSF acting chief executive officer, said the handbook will be a guiding tool for local firms interested in the export business or those that want to improve their export operations.

"PSF is determined to assist Rwandan companies to benefit from trade opportunities out there by providing existing and potential exporters with updated information on the different trading regimes for their products,” he said during a consultative meeting in Kigali on Thursday. The handbook is expected to be launched next month.

Annable Wittles, a research analyst who helped put together the handbook, noted that it will provide a clear insight into the export processes in Rwanda.

Wittles said the handbook will have five export processes, including how to venture into the export business, market research and getting goods certified, as well as guide exporters on packaging, clearing and shipment.

"The handbook will help exporters to get more  knowledge on how to certify their goods before export by informing them about the required standards, how to get the requisite documents like certificate of quality, certificate of origin, procedures on how to obtain certificates from National Agricultural and Exports Board and Rwanda Standards Board,” Wittles explained.

It will also provide a clear insight about the available markets across the world, an overview of the key markets, like East African Community, the DR Congo, the EU and US, and the possible exports to these markets.

Mubuku said the guide will also contribute to existing support mechanisms to facilitate Rwandan exporters.