Strengthening the Capacity of Small Scale Cross Border Traders : A Strategic Partnership Between IOM and RICEM
Written By Admin Published on August 5, 2025

The Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), in close partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has embarked on a mission to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity and resilience of Small-Scale Cross Border Traders (SSCBTs) across Rwanda. This strategic collaboration is aimed at developing tailored, practical training interventions that respond directly to the unique challenges faced by traders operating at Rwanda’s border points.

As part of the preparatory phase of this capacity-building initiative, a comprehensive DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) workshop was successfully conducted last week. The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including SSCBTs from the districts of Rusizi, Rubavu, and Nyagatare, Directors of the Business Development Units (BDUs) from the same districts, as well as experienced RICEM trainers.

The DACUM process, known for its participatory and job-focused approach to curriculum development, allowed for an in-depth analysis of the traders’ day-to-day realities, equipping the project team with valuable insights to ensure the resulting training materials are both relevant and responsive.

This workshop served as a critical foundation for designing practical training tools that align with the real-world experiences and skill gaps of SSCBTs. Participants actively contributed to the identification of core competencies, challenges, and potential learning methodologies that will inform the content and structure of the final training modules. The engagement of traders themselves ensured that the training materials will be grounded in the lived experiences of the beneficiaries, thereby increasing both the effectiveness and the impact of the training.

Through this partnership, RICEM and IOM reaffirm their shared commitment to inclusive economic development by investing in the professional growth of small-scale traders who play a pivotal role in regional trade and local livelihoods. The project not only aims to strengthen individual business capacities but also to foster a more enabling ecosystem for cross-border trade in Rwanda.

As the development of the training materials continues, both institutions remain focused on delivering high-quality, inclusive, and practical training programs that will empower SSCBTs to grow their enterprises, navigate cross-border dynamics, and contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s economic development.