Ra's Life

Ra's Life Today, I got out of the office for most of the day to visit Rwandan SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) - this is what the organization I am helping - CAPMER - does... help SMEs.

The tomato paste factory was completely destroyed in the genocide events of April 1994 and resumed this past November. They compete with "Salsa" which produces little cans of tomato paste. Sowartom makes fresh tomato paste and packages it hot in tear open foil packs (think ketchup packs only bigger). They have managed to get almost 50% market share - amazing accomplishment. The manager was a gentle and very smart man with creative ideas and a goal of 100% market share for his tomato paste

I won't bore you with all the other details except to say that everyone I met was incredibly gracious, interesting and willing to help and ask for help. What a pleasure it is be and work in Rwanda!