Last Friday, President Paul Kagame and members of the Private Sector held the annual roundtable dialogue in which issues affecting development and growth of business were discussed under the auspices of the Presidential-Business roundtable.

The annual dialogue constitutes a lucid demonstration of how government is committed to the realization of a vibrant private sector led economy, at least by 2020.

During this year’s roundtable discussions, the President’s key message to members of the Private sector revolved around the need for a change in attitude, when it comes to delivery of services. This apt message cannot be re-emphasized.

Whereas government is responsible for creating an environment that enable seamless growth of the private sector, it cannot push down the throat of business owners or force them to embrace the policies. 

The World Bank’s 2009 Doing Business Report rated our country as the top reformer in implementing changes that favour the growth of the private sector.

The first beneficiaries of these changes should be members of our private sector. With the numerous business friendly incentives, the business community should rise to the occasion and tap into these reforms to expand their business operations.

But it is impossible to grow if simple basics like handling customers are lacking. The call for the change in mindset and attitudes has been repeated several times. It’s high time that businesses heed the call.

With our entry into the EAC, competition is going to be stiff. It’s high time, therefore, our businesses became more aggressive, assertive and innovative to survive. We should be active players within these competitive markets. 

However, we can only achieve this, if we embrace the true aspirations and values that define profitable businesses. 

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