The majority of Rwandans hope that the government will step up measures to support businesses and revive economic activity to minimise the adverse impact of the coronavirus that has left many without a source of livelihood.

Others are counting losses after the total lockdown and restrictions on movement of goods and services imposed globally to contain the pandemic. Some are still mourning their loved ones who succumbed to Covid-19 while others are nursing those who are infected.

Speaking to Rwanda Today, Rwandans expressed disappointment at the shattered dreams while entrepreneurs in different sectors of the economy expressed frustration due to the pandemic that has shattered their plans but remain cautiously optimistic about the new year.

For her part, Yvette Ishimwe, chief executive of Iriba Water Group, this year's pandemic has made it difficult to do business and achieve set targets as sales reduced significantly.

“Many of our goals and plans in 2020 were shattered and we look forward to 2021 with hopes that the pandemic will be less ruthless,” Ms Ishimwe said, adding that her team is working hard to ensure that business rebounds in 2021.

“We would need the government to provide a conducive environment for us to work. They would support businesses to recover from 2020 frustrations with funds, technical support, but also easing policies and requirements to enable us operate smoothly especially with local government.”

For Ernest Nshimiyimana, managing director, Musasa Coffee Co-operative, the pandemic dampened business prospects, leaving the company stranded with unsold stock denying farmers income.

“Next year is unpredictable because of the pandemic but one of our plans as a co-operative is to start learning how to save. The government should look for a way to support us more…” Mr Mshimiyimana said, urging the government to organise exhibitions for women and their products.

Vaccine

For his part, Pie Nizeyimana, a member of parliament, the economy was severely affected during the lockdown. He added that he hopes the Covid-19 vaccine will soon be made available to all Rwandans to allow life to return to normal in 2021. 

For Frank Habineza, a member of parliament, the pandemic made it difficult to carry out citizen outreach which is very crucial to get feedback that should inform government policy.

“My wish in 2021 is for the government to review the property tax law, especially that concerning land and house tax. To either reduce those taxes or remove them completely and find other Alternative sources of revenue for local authorities,” Mr Habineza told Rwanda Today.

Emmanuel Habarurema, an entrepreneur running Tip Top Book Suppliers Ltd, a publishing house said the pandemic has pushed him to innovate around distribution of his content online.

“We came out with new settings and goals helping us to work during this emergency and risky period. Instead of closing shops we moved to the online system allowing us to publish, sell and market our books,” he said, urging the government to support publishing business in 2021.

According to Noel Uwamungu, an agronomist working with a coffee exporting company, his salary was suspended because his employer could not make enough income to maintain his wage bill. He now hopes the government will successfully fight Covid-19 and business will return to normal.

“I expect my company to employ me again. It has really been a tough time sitting home with no single option at hand due to lack of capital,” he said, adding that the government needs to promote local consumption of coffee to minimise the losses by local business.

For Andrew Gatera, travel and tourism operator, this year has been a major setback for his business though as an entrepreneur has learnt to adapt and innovate.

“Next year may not be so different from 2020 looking at how the Covid-19 vaccination process is going and new cases evolving internationally. I hope the government will keep working closely with the private sector and offer tangible incentives more especially to small businesses." he said.

Reporting by Ange Iliza, Christophe Hitayezu, Johnson Kanamugire, Moses K Gahigi, Elizabeth Mutesi