KIGALI - President Paul Kagame has commended the business community for their contribution towards government efforts to uplift the Rwandan people from poverty.

The President was speaking at an event at Amahoro National Stadium, Friday evening, organised by the business community to mark the first anniversary since his re-election and to make their contribution to the One Cow per Poor Family initiative, commonly known as Girinka Munyarwanda.

Members of the business community in Kigali and Young Entrepreneurs and Investors (YEI) contributed Rwf 300 million worth 1,000 heads of cattle.

Through the initiative, communities nominate needy families to receive a cow to improve their nutrition and provide manure to increase yields in their farms. They are given the cow with the understanding that they pass on off springs to the next family on the list.

President Kagame told the business community that their contribution was greatly valued and encouraged them to keep working hard and continue helping the less privileged.

The Head of State pointed out that no one was created to live in poverty and that everybody is entitled to equal opportunities and a good life.

He told the members of the business community that if they enjoy a wealthy lifestyle, yet there are poor people neighbouring them, then they are living an indebted life. 

The President reminded them that the people who fought to liberate the country did not do so to live in posh houses, but to provide security and improve the welfare of the Rwandan people. 

President Kagame went on to say that by contributing to the welfare of the poor people, the business community was investing in potential clients.

"Corporate social responsibility is an indirect way of sharing, but I don’t want to look at it in an entirely altruistic sense,” the President said.

"If you are a business person and make a contribution to the wellbeing of the population and empower ordinary citizens, in the end you the contributor benefits. This is the same person who will come to buy what you sell”.

He added: "In a way it feeds back into your business, your profits and your wellbeing”.

The Chairman of the Private Sector Federation, Faustin Mbundu, said the Rwandan business community has vowed to play a significant role in building a strong nation.

"Poverty alleviation is not a concern for the state only, we are prepared to put in our contribution on an annual basis. The private sector promises its full support to the government’s initiatives and programs,” Mbundu said.

He hailed the government for its policy of women empowerment saying that the involvement of women in business has stiffened the competition.

Elvania Nyiramajambere, one of the beneficiaries of Girinka programme, shared her testimony about how her life has changed since she received a cow.

"My children drink milk on a daily basis and are now healthy. I also have surplus which I sell to cater for other domestic expenses,” she said.

Several other members of the business community, both local and foreign, gave their testimonies about how President Kagame’s leadership has enabled them build successful businesses.

Ends