RSB Certifies 1,000 SMEs Under ‘Zamukana Ubusunga’ Program

Kigali, October 13, 2025 - The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has announced that 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been certified under its ‘Zamukana Ubusunga’ program, which was launched in 2017 to help local businesses meet quality standards and compete internationally.

The initiative focuses on supporting youth-, women-, and disability-led enterprises that face barriers in meeting production and quality requirements. By improving product standards, the program aims to reduce imports and strengthen Rwanda’s manufacturing base.

According to Jerome Ndahimana, Director of Zamukana Ubutenge at RSB, awareness and participation have grown significantly since the program’s inception. In 2024 alone, over 250 enterprises joined the scheme.

During the World Standards Organization’s annual meeting, Rwanda showcased Zamukana Ubusunga as an effective model for SME quality promotion.

The progress aligns with Rwanda’s broader industrial growth: according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the industrial sector grew by 8.3% in August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Rwanda’s GDP reached Rwf18,785 billion in 2024, up from Rwf16,626 billion the previous year, with services contributing 48% and agriculture 25%.