The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi left over a million Tutsi dead, resources looted and infrastructure destroyed, and entire economy in ruins. In spite of such an appalling situation, the liberators and Rwandans were determined to rebuild the nation from scratch.
Jean Malic Kalima is one of the patriotic Rwandans who has contributed to the rebuilding of Rwanda with rare dedication. He rose through the ranks to become the Chief of State Protocol before heading to private sector and providing solutions aimed at addressing outstanding gaps in specialized medical services.
Kalima who boasts of a mining background is the Founder of Wolfram Mining and Processing Ltd (WMP) and the Chairman of Legacy Clinics and Diagnostics Ltd, that is itching to upgrade the medical facility into a fully-fledged hospital.
Have you ever had money and resources but still failed to get the services you desperately needed? Jean Malic Kalima says he faced such a situation when his mother was sick. In spite of several efforts, he couldn’t get medical care she urgently needed, and overwhelmingly worried over the uncertainty that surrounded his mother’s health situation.
Then, Kalima, driven by irresistible confusion and uncertainty about his mother’s health, acted swiftly and sought medical services in another country.
“This is not the Rwanda we want,” Kalima reflects. “A nation with a vision to always aim higher, wants the best for its citizens as the top leadership encourages us. I realized I had to do something myself to help build the Rwanda we want.”
This realization led to the birth of world-class medical services, which still define Legacy Clinics and Diagnostics Ltd.
The vision of this health facility is to provide world-class medical services.
Resolute Return to a Devastated Homeland
Kalima joined Rwanda’s liberation struggle in the early 1990s while he was still a University student due to drive to cause societal change. After graduation, he returned to Rwanda, even though the country was reeling from the devastation caused by 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Like thousands of Rwandan refugees, Kalima was born and grew up from the diaspora. His parents fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to poor leadership in their homeland. Kalima always dreamed of returning to Rwanda, and when the opportunity arose, he joined the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) as a cadre to participate liberate the country.
The Genocide left over a million Tutsi dead, resources looted and infrastructure destroyed, and entire economy in ruins. In spite of such an appalling situation, the liberators and Rwandans were determined to rebuild the nation from scratch.
As a fresh University graduate, Kalima never expected a salary as the country’s coffers were empty and country saw the worst economic times. This was the situation when Kalima joined public service after the liberation.
After 10 years in the civil service, he had another call inspired by the advise of his leaders and this time was in private sector.
In 2006, equipped with some savings and a $15,000 bank loan, Kalima secured his first mining concession in Gifurwe, Burera District. However, he faced challenges as local miners were skeptical of a Rwandan mining investor – a role mistakenly identified with the government or foreign investors.
“Mining was operated by the government and foreign investors; no local investors were known in the sector,” observes Kalima,“our leadership has always encouraged local investments and offered incentives. Also, my experiences opened my eyes. Moreover, my family had once worked in mining, it interested me.”
Building Wolfram Mining and Processing into a Sustainable Enterprise
Kalima together with his partner founded Wolfram Mining and Processing Ltd (WMP) with a vision of integrating local expertise and sustainable mining practices. Gradually, local operators began to trust him, and WMP formed partnerships with foreign investors, further solidifying its foundation.
There were many challenges but with determination, the company flourished. It didn’t just focus on profits but also on building vital infrastructure for the communities where it operated from. Roads were constructed and water systems were established, breathing life back for local communities.
With each success, WMP’s reputation grew, culminating in the acquisition of one of Rwanda’s largest mining concessions in Rwinkwavu and Bugambira, Kayonza District
Today, WMP is a leading mining and processing company in Rwanda. The company is committed to enhancing its operations by focusing on sustainability and fostering a fair working environment while contributing to community development.
WMP has created job opportunities for thousands, employing over 3,000 people across its three concessions. The company promotes gender equality and is among the few in Rwanda that provides childcare facilities as well as breastfeeding rooms at the workplace.
The company utilizes modern equipment to enhance mining operations, reducing risks and improving safety measures for miners. WMP emphasizes environmental protection, implementing initiatives such as tree planting to guarantee a safe and sustainable environment.
Vividly, contribution to community development is WMP’s pride. From constructing schools and roads to providing housing for the vulnerable, the company’s footprint extended far beyond its mining operations. Additionally, it ensured easy access to healthcare for the neediest households through Community-Based Health Insurance.
Kalima’s story isn’t just about building a successful mining company but about Rwanda’s development, focusing on one sustainable initiative at a time. And, as he underlines, as RPF leadership continues to strive for a better future, Rwanda’s journey towards prosperity will know no bounds.
Established in 2015, Legacy Clinics & Diagnostics Ltd has steadily grown and is now upgrading into a fully-fledged hospital.
Kalima, founded this medical facility with a vision of providing world-class healthcare services. Determined to bridge the gap in specialized medical services, significant investments have focused on modern equipment and advanced medical technologies.
Even in areas where local medical expertise is still inadequate, the top management reiterated that patients receive accurate diagnoses and authoritatively establish the health problems. This commitment to high-quality healthcare and continual improvement is central to Legacy clinic’s mission, ensuring that every Rwandan has access to the best possible medical care.
This medical facility boasts a clinical plaza with a variety of specialized units and a comprehensive dental department, all supported by state-of-the-art imaging, laboratory facilities, and a cutting-edge Diagnostics Department.
Legacy Clinics’ unique model lies in its ability to offer a broad range of medical services under one roof, provided by an array of experienced medical specialists. This holistic approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs, all within a single, convenient location.
As Legacy Clinics continues to enhance and expand its services, it remains dedicated to its founding spirit of helping the Rwandan community by providing accessible, high-quality healthcare.
“We commit efforts to providing world-class medical services in the quickest time humanly possible. To this end, we leverage state-of-the-art medical equipment, facilities, and personnel to create a feel-at-home environment for both our patients and staff,” says Kalima.
Located at KK3, Nyarugunga in Kicukiro (popularly known as Cumi nagatanu), the facility boasts more than 200 skilled personnel, including 53 medical doctors. The customer care unit has been enhanced and now features a help desk, receptionists, a call center, and an online doctor appointment system to ensure quality service.
Kalima attributes his success to having a country and, most importantly, a leadership that cares about its citizens, ensuring that people can develop while contributing to the nation’s progress.
