Entrepreneurs in the country were boosted with an opportunity to compete for an international business award from renowned auditors, Ernst & Young.

After the launch of the East African chapter of the Entrepreneur of the Year, Ernst &Young officially opened Rwanda’s programme for the prestigious award at Kigali Serena Hotel on Wednesday.

Regional Managing Partner for Ernst& Young East Africa, Gitahi Gachahi, said that the award targets successful businesses that are visionary and demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial spirit to create sustainability.

"We want to recognise, honour and support courageous and talented individuals who are contributing to the region’s economy and social progress,” he said.

"We firmly believe that this programme will enhance our region’s entrepreneurial excellence and stimulate others to exert themselves to the best of their abilities.”

The Ernst & Young Regional Coordinator, Hannah Njoroge, said that the award would give winners exposure as well as opportunities to network with international business magnates.

"Winners from East Africa will participate alongside winners from other parts of the world in a forthcoming event in Monte Carlo, France, next year,” Njoroge said.

 Gachahi further expressed satisfaction over the general performance of businesses in the region, saying that they stand a great chance to win the international award amidst stiff competition from the West and Asia.

"East Africa emerged as a very attractive destination for investment.

The region is looking to leverage on its collective size, standardise and improve laws governing business, remove tariff barriers and encourage free flow of skills and products,” he said.

He added that Africa is the untold story and could be next big story of the next decade.

The award contains two categories; the Master Entrepreneur and the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Master category belongs to businesses of over ten years and with a turnover of at least US$50 million (Rwf30billion), whereas the Emerging category involves firms that are 2-7 years with a turn over of at least US$5million.

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