NIRDA's Open Calls Program boosts firms' competitiveness

In an effort to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of local industries, the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) has empowered eight value chains with upgraded equipment through its Open Calls Programme. The achievement was revealed during a press conference on Friday, October 27, in collaboration with the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel). ALSO READ: NIRDA woos investors to takeover, commercialize developed research products The Director-General of NIRDA, Christian Sekomo Birame, pointed out that over time, NIRDA has consistently implemented the programme across eight pivotal value chains. This brings the number to 10 value chains supported through that programme. He emphasized that in the agriculture sector, NIRDA has helped in a farming revolution in three value chains including poultry, piggery, and animal feeds. “Companies acquired fully automated feed plant, automated eggs grading, and tray-making machines. NIRDA also acquired aflatoxin readers ensuring good product quality. In addition, modern farms and abattoirs have been equipped with cutting-edge technology to raise the bar for pig production. To keep products fresh, cool facilities and refrigerated trucks have been introduced,” he explained. ALSO READ: Five innovative projects awarded in NIRDA’s smart agro-processing hackathon In the urbanization sector, he pointed out that they have seen remarkable advancements in stone and clay for construction materials value chains. “Companies acquired CNC bridge saws and automated edge-polishing machines. Lime production and crushing plant are also paving the way for progress, while caterpillar excavator and automated brick-making machines are building the future, one block at a time,” he added Sekomo explained that NIRDA has been working with Enabel to support value chains in agriculture and urbanization sectors. “Selected firms acquired upgraded equipment at a 50 percent grand, 50 percent loan, zero interest, and no collateral,” he said. ALSO READ: NIRDA awards young innovators in cow value chain Commenting on the other chains, he mentioned the wood processing value chain where beneficiaries received panel saws, polishing, and planning machines. As well as the introduction of hot presses for plywood, stainless steel, and temperature control. NIRDA also provides a modern kiln for wool drying which is expected to increase the quantity of local wood products. Wood processors have been complaining about the lack of a modern drying facility for years. “In the fruits and vegetables value chain, companies have not only acquired upgraded equipment but have also received zero-interest loans and collateral-free support, empowering them to boost their production and quality,” he said. Companies in wood processing and fruits and vegetables acquired free interest loans at zero interest rates and without collateral from the government budget, according to officials. He pointed out that in a strategic partnership with OCP Group and the South Africa Trade and Development Bank, one company in the car value chain is set to acquire technology through a grant, further enhancing this value chain. According to Sekomo, over Rwf9 billion has been injected into supporting over 35 industries. He said this is a revolving fund as the invested money will be paid back to support more firms in the future. NIRDA works with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) as a fund manager. Manuel Iglesias, the Country Portfolio Manager at Enabel, emphasized the positive and productive experience of collaborating with NIRDA. Discussions are underway regarding the potential continuation of the programme in the future, he said. Beneficiaries speak out Some beneficiaries who received the upgraded equipment have expressed gratitude and commitment to make the equipment more productive. “We acquired the machines through NIRDA’s open call programme. We applied for the support, and we were selected from many other companies. We have acquired all the equipment as a 50 percent grant, 50 percent loan with zero interest, no collateral,” Jen Paul Hanganimana, Managing Director of the Regional Food Processing Industry, said. Etienne Uwimana, the Managing Director of ALCOMEC, expressed his gratitude to NIRDA and Enabel for providing them with upgraded equipment that they could acquire at an affordable cost. “We got the machine for a 50 percent grant, 50 percent loan with no interest rate, this is a huge support, and we are so grateful,” he added. Apart from technology acquisition, NIRDA also equips firms in the identified value chains with Business Development Services (BDS) and technical assistance to ensure that they improve their businesses. Currently, NIRDA is helping firms in the agriculture and urbanization sectors to acquire subsided loans where it covers 8 percent of the interest rate required by banks and beneficiaries cover the rest.

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NIRDA's Open Calls Program boosts firms' competitiveness