PSF’s quest for new face takes shape

Italian philosopher Noccolo Machiavelli once stated that, ‘sometimes it takes a big change to make a small change.’

A recent visit to the Private Sector Federation (PSF) headquarters in Gikondo last week brought that statement to life.

Right there, the same old structure all of a sudden has a fresh look, glamour and an executive look that befits the importance attached to the private sector in this country.

At the main gate, one immediately knows where they want to go, either to the Kigali International Arbitration Centre or PSF. These sound small changes really but it is small details that really make a change in a corporate environment.

Before the new look at PSF, one had to use the ‘back door’ to access the reception, itself a woodwork partition with a small window curved out through which visitors would talk to the receptionist.

There was even no receptionist. There was no register or a waiting lounge.

Without increasing the size of the building, a small row of soft seats has been introduced facing a modern front office counter where a welcoming young lady is stationed.

“I love my job as a visitor’s impression of us starts with me; I can win or lose their love for PSF forever,” said Apophia Umutoni, the receptionist.

According to Hannington Namara, PSF’s chief executive officer, the facelift at the head office is part of campaign that aims at redefining and conserving the relevance of the federation’s advocacy.

“The impressive rate of economic growth is testimony of the importance of the private sector; we can only achieve more through remaining focused and re-strategizing to ensure our businesses are more profitable,” he said.

The main challenge affecting Rwandan business community is capacity and lack of effective competitiveness at a time when borders are bound to open to usher in regional competition.

Namara says the new strategy will seek to organize members into associations so that their issues are addressed collectively.

“The journey of transformation is a challenging one and requires well thought out plans and clear mechanism of measuring performance. This strategic plan comes in handy and reinforces energy of the team at PSF to take on the challenge”.

Mbundu Faustin, Chairman, PSF board of directors is also optimistic that as business blossoms, Rwanda will continue to achieve growth and poverty reduction and PSF’s here-year strategy is seen as a vehicle to that destiny.

Posted by Kenneth Agutamba on Aug 6 2012. Filed under Business, Other News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.