Rwanda has nothing to sell in EAC bloc? Think twice

One might be worried just like the writer on what Rwanda could sell to the regional Economic bloc. I think our worries should be comforted by the saying from the President Paul Kagame that ‘our people are our wealth’. If we identified where we measure up, we would make a significant wealth in the region regardless of having young industries and limited natural resources compared to other member states like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Rwanda is the only country in region with a privilege of bilingualism, an opportunity that can be exploited in the job market not only in the region but worldwide. Not only being a bilingual country, last year government decided to introduce English as the language of business but it’s so amazing how people have managed to switch to English speaking, a move that puts them in a better position to compete in the regional market of about 120 million. The dynamism in languages is also illustrated in efforts of learning Swahili to be able to do business with EA member states. The other advantage with Rwandans is the link Rwandans have with EAC partner states because of historical background. In about 15 years back, many Rwandans lived in these countries and definitely have links with their counterparts and this makes it easier and comfortable to do business or work with Rwandans. One more thing that Rwandans should identify and own, is the quality services; this would be more selling than what we think are outstanding industries because there can be no substitute for quality service. Two days before as I was watching Channel 10, a Tanzania TV channel and there was this person on TV sharing his experience in Rwanda, which might have disappointed anyone who watched. “I was in one of the biggest restaurants but it took hours to get a cup of tea,” he said. This person explained that the waiter could bring thing things in intervals, first was the cup, sugar and then teaspoon all with an interval of 10 to 15 minutes. I am not sure when this person was in Rwanda, but trust me; if this person comes back things will not be the same. Thanks to the customer care campaign and customer care steering committee for the awareness created across the country hope it give a huge positive impact. It might be a challenge to adopt it operational processes and difficult to make up to our expectations but it could be the only way Rwanda would remain economically competitive in the regional Economic bloc. Rwandans should not be overwhelmed with the removal of trade barriers, the recently launched customs union and other barriers. We need to overwhelm EA member states with unique things like quality services, better communication skills and value added products it will change their mindset that Rwanda is likely to feed on EA states like parasites because we don’t have bulk exports. However, Rwanda will benefit more because of the country’s being landlocked, which made it isolated and would hamper the realisation of rapid development. Enjoy the fruits of regional economic integration. Ends

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Rwanda has nothing to sell in EAC bloc? Think twice