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.
World Consumer Rights Day 2022: Time to strengthen fairness and safety on digital marketplace
Digital technologies are remarkably reshaping all forms of financial services and have allowed consumers to access online payments among many other services but all stakeholders must play their part in building a digital financial services marketplace that is fair, safe and sustainable to ensure all consumers have all the necessary information to make an informed decision, Uwumukiza Beatrice, The Director General of Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), said on Tuesday.
Uwumukiza made these remarks as Rwanda joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 39th World Consumer Rights Day celebrated on March 15 under the theme “Fair Digital Finance”.
The event attracted various entities including but not limited to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Rwanda Utility and Regulatory Authority (RURA), Rwanda Consumers Rights Organization (ADECOR), Civil society, academia, research institutions, media outlets among other invitees.
The event celebration ceremonies took place in Kigali Marriot Hotel and awareness messages about this year World Consumer Rights Day theme were read and explained to the residents countrywide via community gatherings locally known as “Inteko z’Abaturage”.
Prior to the celebration ceremonies, a consumer rights week (from 8th March-14 March 2022) was organized to increase awareness and re-examine how all stakeholders are responding to several policies geared to promoting digital finance and trade in general and how consumers are protected from new development in digital trade.
“This year’s World Consumer Rights Day theme intends to generate new consumer-centered insights and campaigns for digital finance that is accessible, affordable, inclusive, safe, private, and sustainable”, Uwumukiza said in her welcome remarks calling other specific regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to reflect on whether current regulations work and might be needed to improve to keep consumer rights at the heart the daily activities.
In fact, the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic has seen the use of digital finance rising considerably where consumers were urged to support the country’s initiatives aimed at containing the pandemic by making use of approved e-commerce platforms as an alternative to normal shopping and payment methods such mobile money among other online payment methods.
According to Nsabimana Gerard, the Director of Market Contact at BNR, the World Consumer Rights Day is a great opportunity to reflect on what we have learnt during Covid-19 pandemic, weigh up consumer experience in a digital world and share our experiences. He added that this year’s theme is even becoming more relevant to Rwanda in general and the Financial Sector in particular as enacting the Financial Sector consumer protection Law No 017/2021 highlighting key principles and provisions on Fair Treatment of consumers.
“The prices of digital financial transactions should be transparent, the cost of digital financial services (should be fair and not detrimental to consumers, the accounts of consumers should also be protected in a sense that the consumer should not be victim of frauds or errors caused by the FSPs”, he highlighted adding that BNR will continue to be a good partner to ensure that the rights of consumers specifically in the financial sector are protected.
The World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is commemorated every year on the 15th March as a way of raising awareness about consumer rights and needs. This year WRCD theme is in line with the spirits of the Smart Rwanda Master Plan (SRMP) which seeks to digitize the economy and position ICT as one of key exports of the country and also contributing significantly to job creation and GDP growth.