Rwanda is a ‘performance-driven country’, says Trinity Metals CEO
Rwanda's Paul Kagame is credited with setting a clear vision for his country's economy.
Rwanda’s performance-focused administration is a major attraction to international businesses that other nations would do well to emulate, according to Peter Geleta, CEO of Trinity Metals.
Trinity is the largest private employer in the country and counts the government among its shareholders, and Geleta says it wants to expand its presence.
He highlights the ability to register a company in a matter of hours cost-free and the engagement of ministers at the highest levels with the business community. Departments within the government share a common vision which stems from President Paul Kagame, Geleta told Global South World.
Kagame is seeking a fourth term as president in elections this week after leading the country since 1994. Last time around he claimed nearly 99% of the vote.
The president has some vocal critics in the West - including Human Rights Watch who accuse him of stifling free speech in politics and the media. Geleta, however, credits the president with making the country an example for its neighbours.
“There's that common vision that comes through all the different [government] departments, and they're all focusing on the same thing. And I think that goes down to the president's vision and his leadership, which is very aligned,” Geleta said in a video interview.
He added: “The amount of discussions with ministers and mayors who have said to me: ‘Look, we need to get this done, it’s in my performance contract. If I don't get this done, I'll be sitting without a job.’ We see this very performance-driven country.”
Holistic approach
Rwanda has been one of the best-performing east African economies for decades and the World Bank predicts growth will average over 7% for the next two years. However, the focus on development is not purely economic. Sustainability and a people-focused approach are at the core of decision-making, Geleta says. An example - the country has the world’s highest proportion of female members of parliament.
“Any international investor that wanted to come and work in Rwanda, if they weren't complying with international standards, they wouldn't last very long, because the government is really, out of any country I’ve worked in, it's a country that is really committed to its people and, and growing the country into something of substantial.”
