Reference is made to the article that was published in The New Times on April 24th, 2012 entitled RDB criticised over faulty online business registration.RDB would like to explain to the public the true picture of its business registration services. First, we wish to stress that RDB is continuously simplifying business registration services in the country. This is why the World Bank Doing Business 2012 Report ranks Rwanda as the 8th easiest country in the world to start a business. This is because our basic physical registration which has been improved from 24 hours to just six hours in 2012 is world class and one of the top ten globally. Secondly, in order to make this performance even better and to further modernise business registration, RDB rather than be satisfied with being the 8th in the world, introduced electronic business registration. The online business registration project was created to ease business registration and therefore facilitate those who cannot physically go to RDB headquarters or Business Development Services (BDS’) offices to register their companies. The online registration system is currently fully functional and there are companies that we register every day using this system. Almost 2000 companies have submitted online applications since 2010. Therefore, there is nothing faulty or wrong with the system. However, the feedback that we have received is that the system is complex and difficult for first time users and those that cannot access good internet connectivity. RDB is looking at ways of simplifying the online system to ensure that all Rwandans are able to use it on their own. Thirdly, RDB has two types of business registration; one is basic registration, where a client physically comes to RDB or the different BDS’ and the other is online registration. Basic registration is used by the majority (80%) of our clients and therefore RDB has put emphasis in making this process more efficient for the business community; thus reducing the process from 24 hours to 6 hours. We are equally committed to making our online registration as world class as the basic registration, in keeping with the government’s vision of promoting the use of ICT and transforming Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy. RDB has begun the process of procuring technical expertise to ease the technological process and has already done preliminary work in this regard. This process was initially scheduled to take six months, however, given the legitimate interest of the public in online registration, RDB is working round the clock and is confident that this work will be finalised in a much shorter period.Lastly, Contrary to what the writer says that “the process has come under fire mainly from the upcountry’s business community claiming the procedure being faulty leaves them no option to come to Kigali which is very expensive and time consuming.” We encourage the business community to register their businesses through the Business Development Services (BDS’) offices that are available across the country. The 30 BDS’ throughout the country provide business registration services.Moreover, while the system is being simplified for first time users, RDB will carry out training sessions for interested clients who would like to familiarise themselves with the current online business registration system, every Friday starting on April 27 2012 for one hour from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. One can also find an online manual that guides users on http://org.rdb.rw/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Online-Business-Registration-User-manual.pdfSimilarly, RDB is developing an online system to facilitate online mortgage systems that will link with all the bank branches all over the country. This is also aimed at easing access to mortgage registration for all Rwandans. For RDB, facilitating investors is our primary responsibility and commitment. We look forward to continuous engagement and partnership with the media and the general public as we strive for excellence in serving the business community.For further information, please contact pr@rdb.rw
