Companies in the manufacturing and agribusiness sectors in Rwanda will receive hands on support to improve performance.

Rwanda Development Board has contracted leading international consultancy, Ernst and Young to help 20 local manufacturing and agro-processing companies design and implement growth action plans.  The Manufacturing Growth Programme, designed by RDB’s Trade and Manufacturing department will use consultants to help companies grow by working with senior managers to identify and exploit opportunities that improve performance.

Eusebe Muhikira, Head of RDB’s Trade and Manufacturing Department said "We encourage companies in manufacturing and agroprocessing who have ambitious plans to build successful businesses to apply for support from the manufacturing growth programme” He continued that RDB aims to provide intensive support to a small group of high potential companies. 

The support will be provided in two phases. First the company and E&Y consultants will together conduct a structured diagnosis of the company current performance identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This aims to identify practical issues and opportunities that may impact a company’s ability to grow.

Based on the results of this analysis an action plan will be agreed for implementation. Action plans may include work on business and marketing strategies, new product development, standards and quality issues, finance and pricing strategies, manufacturing efficiency upgrades to mention only a few of the many options to be considered.

Initial diagnosis and action planning will be funded by RDB while the cost of implementing the plans will be shared between RDB and participating companies.

Companies interested in learning more about the programme can download information and an application form from the RDB web site (www.rdb.rw) or e-mail robert.muhizi@rdb.rw, muhizir@yahoo.com, Tel: 0785342567 to contact an RDB executive to discuss the programme in more detail.