AMACO Paints is a Rwandan based company specializing in the manufacturing of color paints and related products aimed at boosting construction industry. The company’s overarching objective is to inclusively produce and develop a wide range of paints that meet the construction standards in Rwanda and region.
Headquartered in the Gahanga Industrial Park in Kicukiro, AMACO Paints is leveraging modern technologies to position itself as a market leader in the production of quality paints. Innovation and invention are at the core of the company’s philosophy, and clients’ satisfaction has evidently grown over the time.
Jean Claude Gahunga, a Rwandan entrepreneur the founder of this firm owned a hardware shop and furniture workshop in Rusizi District. Gahunga is a Chemist-turned-businessperson who ventured into the manufacture industry after identifying a gap in supply of quality and affordable products such as varnish, glue, and paints in Rwanda.
“I owned a furniture workshop in Rusizi and consistently faced challenges sourcing locally quality vanish and paint. I decided to establish a manufacturing plant to address the gap, provide accessible quality products,” he recalls.
Jean Claude Gahunga, a Rwandan entrepreneur the founder of Amaco Paints
Gahunga’s motivation extended beyond profit; he sought to create job opportunities for the youth as well as partnering with other stakeholders committed to addressing youth unemployment.
AMACO Paints’ unprecedented growing demand for its services served as an impetus for the company’s drive to spread geographically and gain nation image, and it relocated to Kigali where its operations are centralized. And, the company constructed a state-of-the-art plant in Gahanga Industrial Park.
Since its birth in 2007, AMACO Paints has established three major commercial outlets in Remera, Nyabugogo, and Rusizi. Moreover, the company operates retail outlets nationwide, collaborating with private individuals to serve various trading centres.
To pursue its ambition of expanding beyond borders, AMACO Paints started exporting some of its products to Bukavu in neighboring DR Congo. Plans are underway to extend operations to other neighboring countries.
Quality Assurance
AMACO Paints manufactures a diverse range of automotive, industrial, and specialty application paints and coatings. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction through customized services, offering house paints, auto paints, wood paints, road paints, and related products at competitive prices.
The CEO emphasizes that the company is committed to the production of quality products, which meet recommended standards and have no issues with accreditation.
Equipped with innovative techniques and modern technologies, the Gahanga plant satisfies the local demand and promotes the “Made in Rwanda” initiative. The facility boasts of a modern laboratory, ensuring adherence to standards and safety protocols for workers and factory.
Community Development
AMACO Paints is committed to community development, employing more than 300 workers mostly youths and participates in all programmes aimed at uplifting the welfare of Rwandans. They endeavor to economically empower Rwandans, particularly in its vicinity through offering jobs.
Supporting social causes such as helping survivors of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and they participate in many activities falling under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Hence, they cooperate with authorities to bolster social initiatives.
Future Plans
Gahunga is the Head of the Manufacturing cluster at Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) who advocates for reduction of importation of raw materials to bolster Rwanda’s manufacturing industry. He emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts with the government to realize this vision, highlighting the need for substantial investments.
Acknowledging government initiatives that have created a stable environment for economic growth by facilitating businesses, Gahunga underscores the necessity of ongoing support and cooperation.
However, challenges such as limited access to finance and high-interest rates continue to pose significant hurdles for businesses, leading to inflated operational costs. Addressing these issues would not only streamline business operations but also foster economic growth.
Education plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Rwandan industries have access to skilled manpower, vital for the smooth operation of industries. Investing in education and vocational training programmes can effectively bridge the skills gap.
