President Paul Kagame on Thursday evening at the opening ceremony of the 11th Rwanda International Trade Fair called on Rwandans to be more entrepreneurial.

Private sector development is crucial for growth, development and employment creation in Africa. A growing private sector means more jobs and more jobs mean a wider tax base.

The fair is yet another example of Rwanda’s commitment to the private sector. But development of the private sector depends not on the government but on businesses and businesspeople. How then to be entrepreneurial?

Entrepreneurship is a process, not a person. Individuals are part of an ongoing process: It’s not about the ‘I,’ it’s about the ‘We.’

In order to believe that one can become an entrepreneur, we need good role models. President Kagame called on local businesses to foster partnerships with international companies.

"This provides a wider scope of business which also increases the profitability of a company. Family-based and individual businesses fetch less profit,” explained the Head of State.

But closer to home we can look to people who aren’t larger than life, with whom we can identify. Rwanda boasts several success stories; one need not look far for inspiration. Take for example Sina, the juice manufacturers or Bourbon Coffee.

Entrepreneurial management is not simply inspiration: There’s a lot of perspiration-you actually have to run the numbers.

That winning business idea is not just going to come to you in the night, you are going to have to search for it. Reading, surfing the net, discussion and the exchange of ideas will all help you do this.

As the government continues to honour its commitment to the private sector by providing an environment conducive for businesses to grow, it is up to individuals to play their part and become determined and persevering entrepreneurs.

Ends