The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), in collaboration with Irembo, today launched the CEO Forum, a quarterly platform aimed at strengthening structured dialogue between the government and the private sector.
Opening the forum, RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika emphasized that the session focused on two critical priorities for Rwanda’s business community: recently approved tax policy reforms and the ongoing digitization of services offered at the RDB One Stop Center.
“Today’s session is focused on two immediate priorities: the recently approved tax policy reforms, and the ongoing digitization of the RDB One Stop Center,” Afrika said. “Both areas directly impact your operations and investment decisions, and our goal is to present progress, listen to your feedback, and adjust where necessary.”
Afrika reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business by integrating key services such as tax payments, business registration, and licensing into a seamless, fully digital system through the One Stop Center.
“The aim is to offer businesses a more accessible and efficient way to engage with government — particularly around tax compliance and regulatory requirements — by using digital tools,” he explained.
The forum comes in the wake of a Cabinet-approved tax reform policy announced in February 2025. Officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) used the session to explain the government’s vision for building domestic revenue and gradually phasing in new tax obligations.
Abel Ndagano, head of the tax policy division at MINECOFIN, told participants that some previously exempted sectors, especially in technology, will now be taxed. He also referenced new taxes on non-electric vehicles, gambling, and other sectors, to be implemented progressively.
“The government’s goal is long-term financial self-reliance,” Ndagano said. “These reforms are not abrupt. Implementation will be gradual to allow for clarity and adjustment.”
During the open discussion, entrepreneur Denis Karera urged RDB to accelerate service delivery, particularly for essential documents such as land titles.
“Sometimes we are told that officials are in the field, and we wait for days. These services need to be better coordinated,” Karera noted.
In response, Afrika acknowledged the concern and confirmed that system upgrades are underway to ensure faster, more responsive service.
“Yes, that’s a valid issue. We’re actively working to consolidate all key services under One Stop Center and make them digitally accessible. It’s a challenging but necessary task,” he said.
Afrika also revealed that RDB is finalizing a new digital feedback platform that will allow businesses to receive timely responses to inquiries submitted via email, WhatsApp, or other digital channels.
The broader aim, officials reiterated, is to align with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by reducing reliance on external aid and financing national development through domestic revenue mobilization.
The CEO Forum is expected to serve as a recurring mechanism for real-time feedback and policy alignment, reinforcing Rwanda’s reputation as one of Africa’s most business-friendly environments.
