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  • Non tariff- barriers still a challenge to business community

    The Ministry of Trade and Industry in conjunction with the Private Sector Federation has produced an assessment on the status of Non- Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in the region, which shows that removal of NTBs especially along the Northern and Central Corridors are taking slow progress.

    However, in the northern corridor, progress has been recorded at border posts, which are no longer highlighted as a major barrier by truck drivers. This has likely been the result of introducing One-Stop Border Posts and 24hour 7day operations which avoid duplication of clearance procedures as well as reducing congestion and overnight delays.

     The report suggests that focused attention must be made to other persistent NTBs and not focused solely at improving border procedures. Weighbridges, for instance, remain a cumbersome, time-consuming process that nearly always results in hefty bribes being paid. Corruption also remains a real concern for firms, who face a significant addition to transportation costs as a result. Other NTBs identified suggest that the harmonisation and revision of tonnage regulations in particular must be considered by Kenya and Uganda in the near future.

    Whilst notable progress has been made by the Mombasa port in introducing measures to improve and expedite clearance of cargo such as 24hour 7days operations and a One- Stop Centre for key procedures, consultations with the private sector indicate that Rwandan exporters are still not experiencing the large improvements purported by officials. It still takes two weeks for Rwandan cargo to clear, with local shipments often clearing much quicker.

     Traders along the Central Corridor face similar problems but suffer to a much lesser extent from extortionate corruption than the Northern Corridor, with total bribery payments estimated at around US$20. Yet, significant NTBs exist along the route and have, in some cases, worsened since Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation conducted its baseline study in 2008. Particularly of note is the increase in the number of weighbridges encountered in Tanzania from five in 2008 to the eight currently observed.

    This is seen as a contradiction in respect to an agreement by Partner States aimed to eliminate NTBs and refrain from introducing additional ones. The increased time added to journeys is a significant cost to importers and exporters. Customs checks and police roadblocks are also an unwarranted hindrance.

    The Border Post at Rusumo, for instance, lags behind than other Border Posts in the region and is particularly poorly equipped and closes as early as 6pm due to the reliance on solar power. Additional NTBs, such as, time sheets and transit licenses further complicate the journey, and the risk of highway robbery is such that many drivers refuse to continue driving at night due to risk of theft.

    Dar es Salaam port has made some improvements in introducing competition to container management. However, customs procedures remain lengthy and the modernisation and automating of operations needs to be increased to ensure cargo clearance is expedited. Capacity is still limited in dealing with the demand for cargo handling facilities.

    Concerning the Bujumbura route, there are very few Rwandan trucks that travel to Burundi. Clearance on the Rwanda-Burundi Kanyaru Border Post does not take long, and the Gasenyi Border operates a ‘One Stop Border Post’ and the result is relatively quick. Nevertheless, the infrastructure at the port is still minimal. The port is rarely congested, mainly as a result of low demand. The Port has a capacity of 500,000 tones but the port does not handle even half of that. While driving along the Kigali- Bujumbura road, there are no roadblocks ; customs check points or weighbridges identified. 

  • Ambitious music producer aims to open radio station

    He is one of the most experienced producers in Kigali and is presently a renowned connoisseur of the local music industry. .IGIHE.com’s Dianah Mutimura caught up with the famous and ambitious producer popularly known as ‘JP’.
     
    IGIHE.com : who is jp ? Could you tell us about your background ?

    JP: My name is Jean Paul Gatsinda ; I was born in 1982 in Kicukiro in Kigali city. I completed my secondary education at ETO Muhima and completed my IT degree at KIST. I am the third born in a family.of six children though my parents passed away.
     
    Why do you call yourself JP ?

     JP stands for my name Jean Paul. I wanted something which could be easy for people to pronounce. When I was living in Kampala, Ugandans would fail to pronounce my name, which forced me to call myself JP from my original name. 
     
    How long have you been a music producer ?
     
    I have been in the music industry for over ten years now ; I started in 2003 till today.
     
    What kind of music do you produce ?

    I produce different types of music, because I know how to play different instruments such as the guitar, drums, and piano. This gives me the opportunity to be able to produce any music ranging from R&B, rap, Lingala and so many others. Generally, I produce any song which comes my way.
     
    Are you single or are you currently in a relationship ?
     
    Yes, I am dating a special lady in my life and this year, we are getting married. I am very grateful to have her as my fiancée because she has been patient with me for over four years. 
     
    How many artists have you produced in your career both in Rwanda and abroad ? Could you name these artists ?
     
     The list of artists I have worked with is endless, but I can try to mention a few for you. Some of the most famous ones here in Rwanda include Miss Jojo, Kitoko, Rafiki, Miss Shannel. Outside Rwanda, I have worked with Professor J and Ray C, who are both from Tanzania.  
     
    Can you tell me how it was working with Miss Jojo ?

    Miss Jojo is a nice person in music and outside music. When you are doing a song with her, she’s so nice because she always wants to learn new things and listens to advice. Despite her great music career, Jojo is great person with a great sense of humour. I really love working with her. 
     
    What is considered more valuable in being a record producer, education or experience ?

    Being a producer does not need education as you think because it’s a talent. But you need to always read different books about musical instruments and be updated on today’s technology. 

    What are the chances for advancement in the music business and within what timeframe ?

    The chances are very small especially in Rwanda because the music industry here doesn’t have great resources or funding. Most of the time, producers have to sponsor themselves which hinders the advancement of our careers. Personally, this took me ten years.

    When you first started out, did you always work as a producer, or did you start out as something else first ?

    I started as musician in a Congolese band where I played the keyboard and the base guitar at times. From there henceforth, I worked with Makoma during their trips around Africa, and when they left, that is when I started a studio.  

    What would you say the job of being a record producer includes ?

    The job of being a record producer needs someone with ambition, determination, an open mind and focus.

    Could you give us a detailed account of your day to day activities ?

    Actually, during the day, I don’t have too much to do because most musicians record their songs at night, so I can’t know my schedule because it keeps changing.  

    Have you ever worked with other producers ? And who would you consider leaders in the field ? And who inspired you to become a producer ?
    Yes I work with other producers. I have so far worked with Steve Jean the famous producer in Uganda and in Rwanda I am working with DJ little and DJ B. in East Africa. As a leader, I would consider Steve Jean of Uganda. My inspiration comes from international producers like Stevie Wonder and Dr Dre. 

    How do you see the music industry in Rwanda ?

    The music industry is doing very badly. Our major problem is the artists’ lack of creativity. They copy international styles of music, not their own. Am not only talking about the artists, even producers. We are not doing a very good job and that is why we are going to have a meeting with RDB to look for ways of developing our music to reach an appreciative and competitive level. 
     
    What kind of problems do you encounter in this business ?

    Firstly, one of the major problems I encounter is dealing with artists who ignore their contracts after becoming famous. Many of them become a huge disappointment.

    What do you think is the solution to these problems can be ?

    I always give artists that fail to keep up to their contracts a second chance because life goes on and these big companies should allow us producers to advertise because we have all the capability. Why should we see sign posts which portray outside models yet we have our own models ?

    Where do you see yourself in the future ?

     I will be big because I have very many constructive ideas. As I am speaking to you now, I just finished a plan to open a radio station by the end of this year. I think in a few years, I am going to be really famous around East Africa.

  • Interview with musical diva Miss Jojo

    Miss Jojo is one of Rwanda’s most celebrated musicians courtesy of her amazing R&B tunes and magnetic voice. IGIHE.com got a chance to interview the dazzling artist, who also doubles as a song-writer and whose music has already crossed boundaries to the whole of the East Africa region. 

    IGIHE : Who is Miss Jojo ? Tell us a bit about your background.

    Jojo :  Am Josiane Uwineza and I am 27years old. I was born in Nyamata in the Eastern province. I went to school at Butare for both my primary and secondary and finished my education at the National University of Rwanda.

    Why did you pick the name Jojo for your stage performance ?

    Since my Christian name is Josiane, I choose the name Jojo because people used to call me Jojo. I also wanted to make it easier for the people who don’t speak French. By calling myself Jojo, I wanted to be different from others and bring something that would be catchy to my fans.

    When was your first stage performance ? Were you nervous ?

    My first stage performance was at the Franco Rwanda cultural centre and I had one song which was released. But I had another song, which was not yet out and some friends of mine who were launching DVDs invited me to perform. Since I was supposed to perform my first song, I was so scared. People were waiting to listen to my debut song which was already out. Fortunately, I started with the one I had not released yet. The audience was at first very quiet while listening to my song, but later started shouting and screaming throwing some money on stage. I was full of excitement after the audience’s reaction to my performance. This gave me the courage to work hard on my music.

    How did you begin loving music ? Who inspired you to join the music industry ?

    When I was still young, I used to sing in school choirs, and one day, I wrote two songs for my choir which were sang at school. The students loved the songs, and that is when I discovered that I could sing and at the same time become a song writer.

    My family was the first to inspire me to sing. I loved South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka because I always dreamed of becoming a great artist like her. I will never forget performing on stage with her. It was something I loved so much, which I shall never forget.

    Do you have a record label, or are you a member of any music organisation ?

    Not permanently because I work with different producers here in Rwanda and in Kenya. In Rwanda, I normally work with Pastor P and JP, but I always go to Kenya to record most of my songs. In Kenya, I work with a studio known as Moja entertainment that is owned by a producer called Robert Kamanzi. I am not a member of any music organsation, because in Rwanda the music industry has not reached the level to accommodate music organisations. Every one is trying to make his/her ends meet, but we are looking forward to it.

    Who writes your songs ? What are the main themes of most of your songs ? Do you think these themes will change with time ? 

     I write them by myself. I compose my own songs. My main themes include love, encouragement towards peoples ‘challenges, and life in general, because in this world, life always has ups and downs. I don’t think my themes will change, because I don’t want to change the world but to give the world a reason to live despite the hard times they face.

    How has your music changed or evolved since you begun singing ?

    I began singing as a modest Jojo and it wasn’t that easy for me at first. However, my first album made it easy for me because I can now perform in different areas around the country and outside the country, mostly, in East Africa. This shows that my music has grown to some extent.

    What have been your biggest challenges as an artist ? Have you been able to overcome them ? If so how ?

    Like I said, at beginning, in life, there are always so many challenges but it does not mean that you back off. Most of the challenges I face are in failing to get sponsors who can develop my talent. This is not a predicament I face alone. Even my fellow artists face it too. Secondly, when concerts are organised, people do not turn up, yet, you have invested a lot in organising it and you end up losing a lot. But I try to always cheer up and focus on tomorrow.

    How many albums do you have so far ? Any collaboration with other artists within the country or outside the country ?

    I have only one album so far and another one is in progress but I don’t know the exact release date. I just know it will be very soon. For the case of collaborations, yes, I have many collaborations with different artists both outside and within the country. I have collaborated with such artists as Rafiki,Patino, Just family, Kidumu, Michael Rose and so many others.

    Apart from music is there any other talent you have that people don’t know about ?

    I really don’t know if I have another talent apart from singing.

    What advice do you have for the young upcoming artist who wants to make it big in the music industry ?

    My advice will be brief, I would love to tell them that they should stand focused on what they want and go for it. They should know that you cannot reap what you do not sow.

    How can fans gain access to your music ? Do you have a website ?

    You can get my songs anywhere, in different shops, around the country.

    Where do you see yourself in the future ? Let’s say in five years to come ?

    I want to see my music to be known around the whole of East Africa and if possible see my songs being played on MTV Base.

    Is there any one you would like to thank who contributed to your singing career ?

    Am very grateful to my family, first and foremost, because they have been there for me from the beginning. I cannot forget all my fans and my supporters around the country. All I am asking is that they continue to support my music and help contribute to the development of the music industry in Rwanda.

  • Rwanda’s candidate wins top EAC job

    Dr Richard Sezibera, Rwanda’s Health minister is the new East African Community’s secretary general. He is replacing Tanzania’s Juma Mwapachu.

    Dr Sezibera, 46, took oath of office in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday at a ceremony witnessed by Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki and his counterparts from Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi.

    Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame who had earlier put up a spirited campaign for his country’s candidature was represented by his country’s Prime Minister Bernard Makuza

    The election of Dr Sezibera, a surgeon, who also served as Mr Kagame’s special envoy to the Great Lakes Region, concludes months of debate over the appointment of the region’s top civil servant that had pitted Kenya against Rwanda.

    It therefore means Dr Sezibera will resign as minister next week when Mr Mwapachu’s term ends officially.

    His appointment comes only a day after the Business Daily reported a behind-the-scenes deal that saw Kenya withdraw her claim to the position in favour of Rwanda.

    “The EAC jobs are always distributed equitably among member states and I am sure partners that fail to get the Secretary General’s position will still serve in other areas”, Kenya’s EAC minister Hellen Sambili said a few weeks ago after the council of ministers failed to agree on Mr Mwapachu’s replacement

    On Tuesday, Kenyan Judge Isaac Lenaola was appointed the new head of the East African Court of Justice while Dr Enos Bukuku of Tanzania was appointed deputy secretary general.

    Under the EAC treaty, the secretary general has a fixed five-year term and the position is rotates among members.

    Mr Mwapachu’s retirement means Tanzania now joins Uganda as member states which have fully served their full terms.

    Rwanda had, maintained that the one year period that Kenya’s head of Public Service Francis Muthaura served between 1999 and 2000 should count as a full term.

    It was, however, not clear whether Kenya accepted this argument which would effectively mean her candidate can only get the bloc’s top job after 10 years after Burundi.

    The EAC treaty also entitles partner states not represented by the Secretary General to have a deputy secretary general each, heading a department at the Secretariat.

    The appointment and swearing in of Dr Sezibera means Mr Alloys Mutabingwa, the 45 year old commercial lawyer and head of planning and infrastructure department, who has represented Rwanda as the deputy secretary general since 2009, has lost his position.

    Kenya will continue to be represented by Dr Julius Rotich, the 57 year-old accountant and former managing director of National Cereals and Produce Board, as deputy secretary general.
    Dr Rotich has been heading the finance and administration docket since he was appointed in June 2007.

    Only woman

    Uganda has Ms Beatrice Kiraso, 47, as the only woman secretary general. She heads the political affairs department Burundi’s Jean Claude Nsengiyumva, 37, heads productive and social sectors.

    Dr Sezibera has the immediate task of overseeing the implementation of common market protocol whose timeframe goes until 2015.

    He will also oversee the ongoing negotiations for the monetary union protocol and ultimately prepare ground for the political federation.

    Burundi’s president Pierre Nkurunziza who is the current chairman of the summit, said economic challenges facing the region have come from the recent extended drought that hit most parts of the region, as well as from rising fuel prices.

    “The growing incidents of piracy in the western rim of the Indian Ocean have also negatively impacted our region and it is important to collectively reflect on these issues,” said Mr Nkururunziza.