Local companies that participated in the 12th edition of the Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) have emerged best in customer care according to a survey.

The study based on voters’ perception indicates that 10 local companies emerged as the best out of the 419 exhibitors from Rwanda, the region and afar.

Emmanuel Hategeka, the Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) said that expo visitors gave feedback on best customer service providers.

"A total of 8,000 visitors participated through a ballot box voting system,” he explained.

According to the federation, this year’s Expo attracted a record 145,000 visitors, which constitute an 18 percent increase compared to last year.

The record is also the highest in five years.

Hategeka attributed the better performance of local companies to the customer care campaign introduced by the newly created Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Prior to the Expo, PSF in partnership with RDB trained 150 local exhibitors and traders on customers care service.
This was aimed at equipping local traders with relevant skills vital for competitiveness.

Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the Minister of Trade and Industry who officiated at the closure, commended the efforts by the private sector in leading the customer care campaign.

Though details were not availed at the closing ceremony, no foreign company featured in the top ten best service providers.

Some of the best providers included Enterprise Sina Gerald Nyirangarama, MTN-Rwanda, Rwandatel and the National Electoral Commission.

Some exhibitors however raised criticisms, saying that the committee was unfair in selecting the best service providers, saying that they may have been aimed at appeasing sponsors.

However the Representative of Foreign Exhibitors, Samuel Matonda said: "Some could have expressed good customer care but it all lies in the eyes of the visitors.”

"It is also worth noting that foreign exhibitors speak foreign languages but employ local people, which raises concern,” he added.

Government budgeted about $0.5 million (Rwf283 million) for a countrywide customer care campaign.

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