MAGERWA: A Logistics Company That Gives Back To Communities

MAGERWA ltd. is a logistics company in Rwanda that was established in 1969. The company was previously government-owned in a Public-Private Partnership. Since 2009, a strategic investor from Singapore called Portek East African Terminals Ltd owns 75 % of its shares after the government withdrew its shareholding rights. MAGERWA’ offers storage facilities, equipment rental services and operates as a public bonded warehouse experienced in managing assorted varieties of cargo; Land freight, Air Freight, Transit goods among others. As the first custom bonded warehouses of Rwanda, the company has been handling most imports and exports. It also provides transit facilities for all cargo passing through Rwanda to the neighbouring countries. Besides providing services of its core business, the company as a corporate citizen has always given back to communities in which they do operate from. “MAGERWA has embraced the responsibility of giving back to communities that have equally played a key role in its growth,” says Mr. Lambert Nyoni. The company has mostly contributed to the welfare of communities surrounding areas where MAGERWAs branches are located. It has even provided accessory services to the communities. This highlights the good relationship MAGERWA has maintained the community. In Gatenga, Kicukiro District, where the headquarters of MAGERWA are located, the company has been working closely with the local authorities to improve the security of the area. This is a form of community policing, where stakeholders are involved in matters of security. MAGERWA contributed to acquire a security patrol car for the community in February 2017.Ms Sylvia Mutesi, the Director of Finance in Gatenga says, “We received the car which has helped greatly in curbing crime in the area.” In addition, about 1000 people have been beneficiaries of Mutuelles De Sante, paid by MAGERWA. In Runda, Kamonyi District, the company has constructed a school for the community and has also provided items like desktops. There are also about 209 families (1000 people) that have received Mutuelles de Santé, paid by MAGERWA. MAGERWA has supported widows in Kamonyi to improve their welfare. The company has also contributed to the AGACIRO Development Fund and other initiatives for the development of the country. During the Icyunamo period, it has also been able to work with a number of umbrella organizations that support genocide survivors. The company identifies the different needs of these organizations e.g. preparation of the memorial sites, and then facilitates them with the required funds to organize the commemorations. According to Mr. Lambert Nyoni, MAGERWA is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of different communities for as long as it is still operating. He adds that they will continue to work closely with the communities by discussing the needs and priority areas where MAGERWA can be able to assist. This is a sponsored article

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MAGERWA: A Logistics Company That Gives Back To Communities