About Rwf 4.1 billion ($7.3 million) is needed for the African capacity building programme, that aims to build capacity among all sections of the private sector.

The programme which is administered under the auspices of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) is also meant to attract Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Rwanda in a four-year programme that started in 2007.

"The major aim of this program is to build capacity for the business operators in the country in all the private sector sections that is small scale, medium and large scale enterprises,” said Mansur Kakimba, PSF’s publicist.

"The emphasis is put on SMEs because 85 percent of businesses are small and medium size and 90 percent of the proprietors lack any formal education,” added Kakimba.

According to the business operator’s census in 2008, it was found that there are over 72,000 registered businesses in the country. All these businesses could benefit from the programme.

Under this initiative, PSF carries out training with business leaders. It also trains people to train others on how to manage their businesses and drafting of business proposals which they can present to banks for the acquisition of loans.

PSF has taken it upon itself to solicit for the funds to ensure the success of the programme.

Presently, donors include the African Capacity Building Foundation which has contributed $1.3 million. The African Development Bank has also given $1 million and the government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has also contributed to this project.

In partnership with the Harvard School of Business, the African capacity building has trained top executive officers in corporate governance, micro-economics of competitiveness and cluster development concept.

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