In a strategic move to simplify and fast-track trade processes in Rwanda, the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), in collaboration with the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has launched a targeted training program for importers, exporters, clearing agents and other key players in trade logistics.
The initiative focuses on equipping stakeholders with practical skills to effectively use the newly integrated Single Transaction Portal (STP), a user-friendly, one-stop digital platform introduced following recent Cabinet directives aimed at streamlining all customs-related services under one online Portal
In his opening remarks, Patrick Hagumimana the Acting Head of Department/Registration, Licensing & Enforcement at RICA emphasizes that the transition to this fully digital platform is designed not only to reduce paperwork and administrative delays but also to enhance transparency, traceability and efficiency in Rwanda’s import-export ecosystem.
“This training is part of our broader mission to make trade in Rwanda smarter, faster and more responsive to the needs of businesses,” He said, encouraging all stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity to stay ahead and fully integrate into the digital trade environment.”
The STP is expected to be a game-changer for businesses navigating cross-border trade, especially those dealing with time-sensitive agricultural and animal products.
Participants are being trained to efficiently use the platform and access key RICA services now available online.
As Rwanda positions itself as a regional trade hub, the STP initiative reflects the country’s continued investment in technology-driven governance and its commitment to easing the cost of doing business.
RICA and stakeholders officially launch the national safe and quality meat campaign
Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) in partnership with different institutions and projects on Thursday launched the national safe and quality meat campaign to raise awareness of meat value chain and ensure its compliance with safety and quality standards from the farm, abattoirs, transportation to the market, butcheries to the last consumer.
This campaign started on May 17th with a press conference to mobilize the media houses in disseminating the message on safety and quality of meat to a wider audience. It is envisaged to be extended till June 13th, 2022 under support of different development partners as well as the local government.
Themed “Safe and quality meat for all”, this campaign will improve meat safety and quality in order to increase its competitiveness and unlock new business opportunities both on domestic and regional markets hence increasing meat value chain contribution to Rwanda’s economy.
It will also provide a unique opportunity for industry operators and stakeholders to reflect on concrete strategies and needed infrastructures to increase the quality of meat as a key to enter into new markets while also raising awareness of consumers’ rights to safe and quality meat processed and sold in hygienic conditions.
The campaign is a joint effort implemented by RICA in partnership with different institutions including the AfDB-funded Meat Competitiveness Project under MINICOM/ SPIU, The USAID Feed the Future funded Orora Wihaze Activity, PRISM/ ENABEL and PRISM/IFAD under MINAGRI in order to streamline the meat value chain towards the production and trade of safe and quality meat.
Speaking to the media Beatrice Uwumukiza, the acting Director General of RICA said the campaign aims at sensitizing current actors in the meat value chain, from farmers to consumers to comply with the standards and regulations governing the meat business in Rwanda.
“We want to ensure the safety and quality of meat starting from farmers to last consumers”, she said adding that citizens who are the consumers of meat, countrywide, will be also sensitized about their rights to safe and quality meat.
Uwumukiza encouraged the private sector to invest in meat safety and quality by complying with the current standards and technical regulations in place to increase market supply for both local and international.
“Assuring high level of safety and quality of meat, requires a certain level of investment in quality infrastructure and equipment along the meat value chain including investment starting from professional farming, sustainable transport, slaughterhouses, meat cuttings as well as cold chain infrastructures.”, She added.
During the event, every stakeholder in the meat value chain presented the current status and interventions needed to improve meat safety and quality in order to increase its competitiveness and unlock new business opportunities both on domestic and regional markets.
Alexis Kabayiza, the Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry insisted on collective efforts by each of all concerned parties to solve problems that are nowadays still affecting safety and quality of meat in Rwanda.
“I hereby call for enforcement of regulations and collaboration of all stakeholders including local government to strictly conduct joint regular inspections to improve the safety and quality of meat industry”, He said adding that measures will follow for those not complying with safety and quality regulations as well as laws in Meat Value Chain.
To realise the potential of the meat industry, more efforts are being initiated by RICA and stakeholders. These include but not limited to the recent approved Technical Regulation governing meat business and the other important documents initiated by the Government in pipeline such as the livestock master plan, the National Meat Value Chain Strategy and the draft law governing animal health and production which is in process of approval.
RICA has also a plan to register and publish the list of all authorized butcheries and is undergoing an activity to work with skilled professional Private Meat Inspectors in order to offer affordable, safe and quality meat for all.