KIGALI - In a bid to boost private sector investment and competitiveness, this year’s RDB Business Excellence Awards, will mainly focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Formerly known as RDB Investor and Exporter of the Year Award, the prestigious awards will be presented to successful companies, recognizing them for their excellence in areas such as increased productivity, product and services innovation, social responsibility and business reinvestment.

Speaking at a news conference, the CEO of RDB, John Gara, said that at least an SME had been included in each award category, in order to recognize the achievement of businesses, individuals and SMEs that have made an outstanding contribution to the economy.

"This time round, there are fifteen categories; the awards shall not only focus on big corporate companies, but will also include SMEs in all categories, so as to encourage them to grow as they form the largest number of businesses in the country,” Gara said.

He noted that the awards had almost doubled compared to last year in terms of categories and the number of participants whereby, out of 200 questionnaires that were sent out, 87 investors and exporters returned them answered.

"The winners will be determined by a select panel made up of experienced national and foreign experts and they will receive prizes which include, cash, computers, training, financial and human resource software and other services,” Gara announced.

"The fact that this year’s awards have been heavily responded to, countrywide, is a statement of confidence that the entrepreneurial spirit is growing on a daily basis”.

The shortlisted companies will receive their awards in a ceremony organized by RDB and its partners on Friday.
Gara took the opportunity to acknowledge the sponsors who include, Bralirwa, KCB, Serena Hotels, The New Times, BCR and Radio Rwanda.

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