For the second year running, the World Bank has ranked Rwanda among the top reformers in its annual Doing Business report, released, yesterday.

This year the country was the 2nd best reformer in doing business, after Kazakhstan. Last year, Rwanda took the top spot in the ‘Making a Difference for Entrepreneurs” report.

The WB announced that Rwanda was the 58th country worldwide in doing business, jumping 12 places, from last year’s 67th position. It is important to remember that the country had placed 158th out of 183 countries surveyed two years ago.

The report that benchmarks regulations that enhance business activities, as well as those that hamper business, focuses on business regulation and protection of property rights.

This year, the country was credited for promoting business, notably, expediting the issuance of construction permits, getting credit and trading across borders.

While Rwandans should deservedly celebrate what we have achieved as a nation over the past 16 years, it is important that we stay the course if the ultimate goals are to be realized.

True, Rwanda last year became the first Sub-Saharan African country to emerge as the world’s top business reformer. This time round, we slipped to the second position worldwide, but remained the best reformer on the continent.

Nonetheless, we still have a long way to go. We need to raise the bar. What has been achieved can be used as a springboard that will enable us register even higher success. Any progress registered, in any aspect of life, is, primarily in the best interest of the people of Rwanda, and this should serve as inspiration to soldier on.

A prosperous Rwanda is what the citizens of this country aspire for. And, with continued dedication and hard-work, there is no reason why we shouldn’t top in Doing Business environment, globally.

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