At least 26 business centres locally known as Agakiriro are under construction in different districts in the country, in a bid to facilitate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) growth.

The programme is also aimed at promoting the Made-in-Rwanda initiative.

Among the 26 business centres, seven have already been completed while construction works for the remaining 19 are still ongoing, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Presiding over the inauguration ceremony of a new privately developed business centre in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District on Thursday, Francois Kanimba, the minister for trade and industry, said government has pledged to invest heavily in SME growth as a way of fighting unemployment among the youth.

The new Gahanga business centre is envisaged to create more than 3,500 jobs.

It was constructed by Kicukiro Steel and Wood Work Cooperative at an estimated Rwf1 billion.

The 72 member cooperative aims at promoting locally made products.

Kanimba said small and medium enterprises is the foundation of the country’s development as the majority of the population falls under this category.

"SMEs contribute 14 per cent to the economy of the country. At least 98 per cent of enterprises are under this category. The Government has vowed to create at least 200,000 jobs every year. Such initiatives will, therefore, help us deliver that,” he said.

The Government will also help the artisans in these centres get market for their products, according to Kanimba.

"Our aim is to reduce imported products and promote Made-in-Rwanda. The Government is working closely with local businessmen to solve all challenges that small and medium enterprises face,” the minister added.

Kanimba called on local leaders to sensitise people to relocate from isolated places to facilitate the implementation of new business centres, adding that beneficiaries (businessmen) should also change their mindset and embrace government policies.

Commenting on the benefits of business centres, Kanimba said when people from isolated places come together in one place, this will ease their security, boost Made-in-Rwanda products, team work, sharing experience and help beneficiaries in case of any support.

Dr Jeanne Nyirahabimana, the mayor of Kicukiro, said the business centre is an opportunity for Rwandans to promote their products which will reduce much dependency on imported products.

She called on Gahanga residents to profit from such facilities to improve their welfare as well as developing the country.

Claudie Uwanyirigira, the president of Kicukiro Steel and Wood Work Cooperative, said the new commercial complex is an opportunity for Rwandans to work toward self-reliance, adding that the center will help the graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training centres to start their small businesses.

Théogène Ahimana, a carpenter at the centre, said clientele is still low, adding that Government should push the relocation for other businessmen.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw