Doing Business 2012 report: Rwanda 3^rd easiest place to do business in Africa and 2^nd five year top global reformer

The Government of Rwanda today welcomed the country’s improved ranking in the World Bank’s 2012 Doing Business Report from 58^th last year to the 45^th position this year in ease of doing business worldwide. The business reforms are part of the government’s extensive efforts to promote Rwanda as an attractive business and investment destination, in order to drive the growth of the private sector and generate wealth. This performance makes Rwanda the 2^nd most reformed economy in the world over the last five years and the 3^rd easiest in Africa, as well as the 1st in EAC.

Speaking on Rwanda’s rise in the ranking from 58^th last year to 45^th this year, the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, John Gara said “we are encouraged by this ranking, it is a result of extensive efforts by government to streamline business procedures, create a conducive legal framework, reduce bureaucracy and improve service delivery in order to promote both domestic and foreign investment.”

Rwanda is the # 2 global reformer over a period of 5 years from 2006-2011, after Georgia. These two countries have been the most consistent in reforming over the years. Rwanda is the 3^rd easiest place to do business in Africa (1^st is Mauritius which ranks 23^rd globally, and 2^nd is South Africa which ranks 35^th globally). Other African countries in the top 5 are: Tunisia (4^th) which ranks 46^th globally and Botswana (5^th) which ranks 54^th globally.

The country will continue to enhance progress beyond the World Bank Doing Business indicators to enhance the business environment.

Rwanda has improved in the following areas of Doing Business:

• Starting a business: Rwanda is the 8^th easiest in the world from 9^th last year. This was eased by shortening required procedures and introducing free online registration.
• Getting credit: Rwanda ranks 8^th in the world (from 32^nd last year) after putting in place a fully functional private credit reference bureau.
• Paying taxes: Moved from 43^rd last year to 19^th easiest place to pay taxes in the world.
• Enforcing contracts: Rwanda is the 39^th easiest in the world; this 39^th position remains unchanged from last year.

The Rwanda Development Board will continue the public private dialogue that has precipitated some of the reforms as well as drive the efforts to provide a better and conducive business climate in order to encourage private sector growth. In addition, building on positive gains made in cross-border trading, Rwanda will continue to work with partner states in the region, particularly in the East African Community to promote a regional approach to business reforms.