The support programme contributed to sustainable economic development in Rwanda through closer integration and increased participation in the global economy

Two-fold purposes: Improve the e-commerce environment in Rwanda; and Promote exports of the Rwanda private sector including SMEs.

Four-fold outputs: The Support Programme contributed to:

• Development of a framework for an enabling environment for e-commerce;
• The establishment of a framework for the Rwanda business information (RBI) platform;
• Strengthening the capacities of trade support institutions in providing packaging related support to SMEs; and
• Business communities are aware of the trading opportunities and benefits under the EAC-EU EPA.

Intervention areas:

• Develop a legal framework for e-commerce;
• Prepare a framework for shared business information platform;
• Develop a “Made in Rwanda” promotional strategy;
• Preparation of training materials;
• Develop an awareness programme for the business community;
• Undertake training workshop for the private sector and trade support institutions on e-commerce, product packaging, and the benefits of the EU-EAC EPA and the EU EIP.

Purpose 1: Improving e-commerce environment in Rwanda

• E-commerce legal and policy framework Assessment carried out;
• E-commerce Readiness Survey carried out;
• RBI Content Map and Market Access Guide prepared;
• Made in Rwanda e-commerce promotional strategy prepared.

Purpose 2: Promoting exports of the Rwanda private sector including SMEs

• Packaging Needs Assessment Report prepared;
• Packaging Sensitization Report prepared;
• Packaging guideline prepared;
• TSI/SME Training materials prepared on the following subjects:
• Training workshop report prepared;
• Made in Rwanda Promotional Strategy developed
• NIRDA intervention matrix prepared.