Local producers seeking certification and test reports from the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) will henceforth see results wait timelines reduced from about 28 days to a week as well as reduced trips to the agency. This is a result of the completion and launch of a Single Window Information for Trade (SWIFT) project that was launched on December 9. The project received financial and other inputs from partners such as TradeMark East Africa and USAID. TradeMark East Africa is a regional organisation established in 2010, which works with governments and the East African Community to grow prosperity through increased trade. Some of the equipments .The project received financial and other inputs from partners such as TradeMark East Africa and USAID. Photo by Craish Bahizi The initiative is part of a broader goal and ambition to to improve operational efficiency and enabling easier access to information and services for the business community and the public. In the previous phase of the initiative, the standards body Rwanda had automated both internal and external processes and workflows; by developing the e-Portal and Management Information System(MIS). The latest development, Single Window Information for Trade (SWIFT) will have impact on time and cost savings for local producers seeking test results and certification as they will be delivered electronically in reduced time durations compared to previously. Previously, a business seeking a test report or certificate would physically drop the samples at the Agency’s office in Kicukiro, Pay at the bank and submit proof of payment , then wait for a about 28 days with regular trips and calls to follow up on the stage of their certification. The launch of a Single Window Information for Trade (SWIFT) project was held at RSB headquarters in Kicukiro on December 9. When ready, they would make another trip to physically collect the results or certificate. However, with the new platform, they no longer need to frequently call or visit RSB to check the status of their test results submitted to RSB but can now receive electronic test reports/certificates that are digitally signed from the system. Additionally, RSB stakeholders now receive notifications on a submitted sample, turn-around time depending on the parameters to be used and a notification when the test reports are ready. The development has been lauded by experts as ideal to facilitate local producers’ trade processes including exports as it is not only cheaper but with faster turnaround times. The new platform will also see businesses easily access services such as application and processing of Made in Rwanda Logo; application for calibration of instruments, application and processing of sample testing, application for license and Lab designation. Other eased processes include purchase of Rwanda Standards which has been reduced from a 3 to 5 day process to about 20 minutes. Rwanda Standards Board Director-General Raymond Murenzi said that the developed is expected to have impact such as promoting trade, easing and unlocking export market opportunities and increasing eligibility of goods for trade on local and regional markets. Patience Mutesi, the Rwanda Country Director, TradeMark East Africa said that the development serves towards ambitions of reduced time and cost for business process facilitation, increased exports as well as increased investment and jobs. “This greatly reduced the time and cost of such services, making Rwandese goods more competitive, making them access more local and international markets, ultimately improving the economy and standards of living she said. The new system is also integrated to national payment gateway (IREMBO) where clients can make payments online using mobile money services (MTN and Airtel), Bank of Kigali (App, Agencies and BK Yacu), credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and any other methods available on IREMBO platform.
