Kigali - Outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) John Gara handed over office on Friday 13^th July 2012, to the current Acting Chief Executive Officer Clare Akamanzi, who prior to this was the Chief Operating Officer. John Gara served as RDB CEO from December 2009 till June 2012.

At the handover ceremony, that took place at the RDB Headquarters Ag. CEO Clare Akamanzi said: “We want to sincerely thank Mr. Gara for his deep commitment to RDB.” She added that: “Under his leadership, RDB grew to become an even stronger organization capable of fast-tracking our country’s economic development. He leaves behind a strong foundation that we will build on as we remain focused on fast tracking private sector growth and working with our stakeholders to bring value to Rwanda’s development agenda.”

Gara, who is now the Chairman of the National Law Reform Commission, said that he was humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the country and working with a dedicated and dynamic team to deliver on RDB’s objectives. He further urged RDB staff to continue supporting the new leadership. “I request that you spare the same level of co-operation to the acting CEO as you have me. Your consolidated efforts have led to what RDB has so far achieved,” Gara said.

During his tenure as RDB CEO, John Gara played an instrumental role in developing and implementing some of the most significant changes at RDB. He led the re-organization, re-structuring and setting of new strategies for the newly formed merger in order to accelerate the country’s strategic growth and development initiatives with an emphasis of injecting a private sector approach in the organization’s work.

 RDB has been in existence for almost four years and it has focused on merging and creating a strategy that best serves the private sector of Rwanda. After almost four years of success, the organisation will continue to do its core work which is to increase private investments and exports in the different sectors and create jobs for Rwandans. Rwanda is currently ranked the 3rd most competitive economy in Africa and also the 3rd easiest place to do business on the continent.

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