KIGALI - As part of a major Business Reform Agenda aimed at easing doing business in the country, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) yesterday officially unveiled the online business registration service which will be accessed by prospective investors wherever they may be.

The new business registration went live on Friday at the RDB offices and can be accessed on www.org.rdb.rw.

The new system provides a single point registration where the RDB clients will have interface with a single agency by filling a single consolidated dossier.

The online registration form is then confirmed by a registration certificate and a single identifier (unique identification number) signed by the Registrar General of companies.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, the RDB COO Clare Akamanzi, said that the online registration service is one of the many reforms completed this year in the doing business reforms.

"This is a new service which started last Friday. You no longer have to come to RDB physically to register a company as has been the case. Previously if you had to register a company, you had to leave wherever you were--whether you are a foreigner or not,”

"Today you have a choice; you can either come and register within RDB using the Basic Computerised System, or you can register a company wherever you are, as long as you have internet--whether you are at home or abroad,” Akamanzi said.

She added that both systems are computerised and simple because it is just a single process, but the online process targets those who have no time to travel--particularly from abroad to come and register a company.

"This is a very good development particularly for those who are not in the country. You can register a company in the comfort of your home, or somewhere sipping coffee,” Akamanzi added.

The new system which has been under construction for the last one year, was built by a Norwegian firm, Norwegian Registry Development (NRD).

The online system also connects to the Social Security Fund of Rwanda (SSFR) and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) with a single TIN number and it is expected to further streamline the existing business registration service by reducing the client interaction   from two procedures to one.

Clients will receive signed certificates after submitting all relevant documents online and payments using a Credit/Visa Card.

The new system also provides web based information service. By logging in at www.org.rdb.rw, a client can have access to  business registration database with aggregated information with  fields on specific businesses identification number, name, business activities, geographical location, verified print outs.

According to Akamanzi, the online registration system is secured and guarantees cyber security to clients. She further added that the verification process is also ensured to avoid any possibilities of fraud or forgery.

The new development is part of the major reforms the country has undertaken and it is hoped that it will improve in the country in the 2011 World Bank Doing Business rankings.

Other reforms this year include the establishment of the Private Credit Reference Bureau, the One-Stop Construction Centre for construction permits and land transfers.

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