Barry Ndengeyingoma a.k.a Ndengeye is a very prominent businessman in Kigali. The Sunday Times’ Bryan Kimenyi caught up with him to get an insight into his life and find out what has made him such a successful businessman. Excerpts below:

Who are you?

I am Barry Ndengeye, very simple though conscious of some things. I was born on December 6, 1967, which makes me 41 years old. I am Rwandese by birth and I love my country.

Are you married?

No, but I have a lady (fiancée) I love with a passion. I’ve also got kids. Generally I am happy the way I am.

What is your field of operation?

I am an accomplished businessman; actually I went into business at the tender age of 18. Since then I’ve been into many kinds of businesses and I can now reveal that I consider everything I’ve done a success.

What kind of business do you mean?

I do a lot of things, but I am interested in tourism and entertainment. That’s the field that has interested me since I was young.

I do have night clubs, fitness clubs and beauty centres in Europe. I also own outlets of art collections around Europe, designer shops and gift shops. And I am also the chief designer of most of the things I sell.

What inspired you to do business?

My dad; he was quite prosperous, but as time went on, he squandered his money and in an instant, we were poor like the rest of the village.

My fellow children at school even went ahead to compose a song about my dad’s misfortunes. However, I also realised that I liked living a comfortable life, of affording every thing I wanted.

That is when I began designing my own art crafts and sold them to tourists roaming around Gisenyi. I also started organising holiday bashes for holiday makers. Generally speaking, I kick started my career at such an early age.

What is the secret behind your success?

It is a collection of characters, but I beg to exclude luck. The major talent I have is analysing situations before I throw in my money. I critically study every business I intend to join or begin. Creativity, however, is my biggest weapon. I am blessed with the ability to do something that is unique from what others are doing. I thank God for that.

How do you see the business climate in Rwanda?

Promising, most especially with the vision the current Government has (Vision 2020). Technology which is the major tool of achieving the vision is well supported.

Rwanda Revenue Authority is also doing a fine job; otherwise almost all the taxes from citizens would end up in the hands of the collectors.

How many businesses do you run in Rwanda?

Sincerely speaking, I have not started serious business. The short time I’ve been here, I’ve been trying to analyse where and what to do.

I am trying to make an analysis of my intentions such that I don’t lie to myself. What I have now is just a bar and restaurant.

But I intend to do more business in Rwanda, especially in the field of tourism. I now have full control of Palma Hotel in Gisenyi.

I am eyeing an island between Lake Kivu and Gisenyi and a plot around Lake Muhazi. Kibuye is another option I am looking at and many more will come as time goes on.

Have you encountered any problems during your stay in Rwanda?

Not many really. The other time it was alleged I broke into a certain lady’s shop of clothes during the 1994 Genocide. A lady I did not even know until the time these allegations came up. I proved to the Gacaca courts and all those who think I did hideous work to get my wealth that I am innocent.

Is Rwanda the only country you faced such allegations?

No! I’ve also appeared before courts in Europe, and it’s always the same thing; prove your innocence every other time because saboteurs never cease from doing what they do.

What do you like about doing business in Rwanda?

The government’s initiative to improve security and create a doing business environment is the major factor that encourages business people.

As a Rwandese national, I am also encouraged by what Vision 2020 has got for the future generation. Vision 2020 is a major inspiration to anyone who would want to do business.

What is lacking to make business better?

The biggest problem I’ve encountered is the lack of quality service. We should do a lot to improve customer service and to create a formidable human resource. Local government can also try to increase efficiency in clearing certain documents to further motivate the business community.

What advise do you give to other people doing business?

Creativity is where successful business revolves. I’ve seen people opening up businesses because others have done so. They forget that they will share the market. I have always tried to make a difference in whatever I do, because that’s what is lacking in doing business today.

What do you consider to be your biggest success?

Every time I receive a compliment from a client, I feel I have made it. Every man in my business will agree with me because it implies that, that person will come back.

What kind of education is behind this success?

Not much really. I studied design in a couple of institutions, but that was to enrich my creative skills. But we never cease to learn. Everyday brings a new experience that ought to be grasped.

What philosophy oils this success?

Plan ahead! It will make others experience what you have already achieved.

Ends