RDB, PSF launch new mobile application to cut down time spent to solve business related issues

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) together with Private Sector Federation (PSF) under the framework of the Rwanda Public Private Dialogue (RPPD) Mechanism with the support of the German Development Cooperation through GIZ Eco - Emploi Program have developed a mobile software application: Integrated Business Management Information (IBMI). The application helps in soliciting business issues and ideas in order to provide a feedback platform. The application was launched on May, 25th 2016, at the Lemigo hotel. The launch attracted entrepreneurs and local government officials. The software works as an SMS application and facilitates finding solutions for business issues and offers a feedback mechanism to the business community across the country. The aim of the mobile application is to improve the business advocacy efforts by providing a platform where issues affecting the business environment are easily collected and tabled for discussion through dialogues between Government and private sector. Speaking during the launch of the application Mr. Innocent Bajiji, Ag. Head of Investment Promotion and Facilitation at RDB said, “The application is a great improvement from the traditional method as this revolutionary system is more efficient and will speed up the rate at which business related issues are resolved. It also fosters stronger ties between the private and public sector in Rwanda.” Mr. Gerard Nkusi Mukubu, the Chief Advocacy Officer at the Private Sector Federation said, “Nowadays e-service is the right way to go and SMS application is a user-friendly solution for PPD’s framework - adding value to the dialogue process. It will also reduce time wastage, and of course improve access to information to ensure sustainability.” Through a structured partnership approach which ensures that there is effective research and representation between the parties, the PPD mechanism in Rwanda has led to harmonized consensus between government and the private business community. This has been achieved by building an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding towards larger business growth. The new application will back further acceleration and quicken feedback on mutual solutions on issues impeding business. Ellen Kallinowsky, the principal technical advisor for the promotion of economy and employment at GIZ congratulated the Government of Rwanda and the Private Sector Federation for the bold and courageous decision of launching the SMS application. She also hoped that the platform would encourage women to participate in decision making. “Women have an important contribution to make in the society and in the business arena. Hopefully this platform will encourage women to share their views freely.” She said. Since its inauguration, RPPD has so far been able to find common ground between private business operators and government institutions thus playing the role of a regulator. Achievements include law interpreting tax regime and specific clarification on patent were conducted by government following private business operators’ request. The recent tax payment process using Electronic Billing Machine was widely communicated and sanctions related to not complying with tax payments were reduced; left hand trucks were allowed in the Rwanda transport system; and private sector representatives have increasingly been involved in decision making instances thanks to dialogue between private operators and government. Forum participants follow through a presentation on the RPPD. (Courtesy) In addition, 140 dialogues have been processed with 150 business issues that led to 388 key SMEs resolutions since 2013. Whereas resolutions monitored and implemented is at 29% by now as follows: - 53 on local taxes and fees in 24 Districts - 30 on relations between businesses & administration in 10 Districts- 11 on access to finance in 7 Districts - 18 on women in business in 7 Districts. Four Districts (Nyabihu, Huye, Gakenke and Nyarugenge) District Councils incorporated PPD in District performance contracts (IMIHIGO). National Women advocacy Forum on access to finance held in November 2015 and exchanges between Districts (Rubavu, Nyagatare and Huye) carried out to foster best practices model. Going forward, RPPD Secretariat will aim at dwelling much on Sector PPDs linking with SMEs clusters, strengthen champions to sustain District PPD and ccontinuously monitor implementation of resolutions and impact on SMEs business environment.Rwanda Public Private Dialogue (RPPD) RPPD was launched by the Prime Minister and the chairman of PSF on October 2012. It is mainly aimed at strengthening the dialogue culture in Rwanda. The platform between the private and public sector in Rwanda to discuss and solve business related challenges. It’s an opportunity for the business community to influence business reforms. Business people in Rwanda are invited to raise their business related issues with RPPD to find a solution. The RPPD secretariat is a joint initiative between the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Together these institutions bring involved parties for business related issues together to find a way to solve it. Depending on the issue it will be carried on involving institutions up to possible law reform instruments. How RPPD will work Business people who are facing business issues can contact champions in their district (Manager Business Development Fund, Business Development Consultant at PSF, Business Development and Employment Unit at District, Permanent Secretary of Joint Action Forum, President of PSF at District level, Women entrepreneur in the District) The business issues are discussed between the public and private sector to find a solution. If there is no solution founded at the district level, the issue is passed on to the RPPD Secretariat to facilitate finding a solution. The District authorities and Ministries/ Department Agencies may also use RPPD mechanism to consult the business community prior to decision making. To raise a business issue, meet the champions in your District or contact the RRPD Secretariat, dial *702# for free. More information about RPPD can be found at www.rppd.rw

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RDB, PSF launch new mobile application to cut down time spent to solve business related issues