Performia Expands to Rwanda, Aiming to Transform African Workforce
Performia, a global company with operations in 27 countries and more on the way, has chosen Rwanda as its headquarters for its African operations. The company’s mission is to empower businesses by providing tools that help build a workforce that is hireable, competent, productive, and ethical. Marten Runow, founder and chairman of Performia International, who is currently in Rwanda, emphasizes the critical role of hiring productive personnel. He believes that the success of any business hinges on this factor.
During the official launch event held on August 6 at Crown Conference Hall, Runow, a Swedish national, engaged with professionals from various sectors who have already embraced the concept. His focus was on the importance of individuals recognizing their personal space within an organization and how it relates to the flow of energy and contribution within a company. For instance, he explained that "power" should be viewed as one's unique ability to contribute to teamwork while genuinely enjoying the process, much like a footballer who plays with skill and passion.
Services Offered by Performia
Performia offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of its clients. One of these is the “Introduction Seminars,” which serve as a great way for clients to learn about the company’s offerings. These seminars provide potential clients with a glimpse into what Performia can offer them, covering how the system works and the benefits it provides.
Clients can also purchase individual “tests and interviews.” This means that the Performia Office tests and evaluates the client’s chosen applicants and delivers their results and recommendations. This service is often the first step for clients before they become licensees.
The main service offered by Performia is the “License.” This service involves training clients to manage their own hiring processes using an internet-based system that streamlines efficiency, speed, and accuracy in hiring. Once trained, clients gain the ability to evaluate tests and interviews and master the Performia system. With this increased understanding of personality, motivation, performance, and knowledge, businesses can significantly boost productivity. Performia provides ongoing support and quality control to ensure continued success.
Why Rwanda?
Sename Agbossou, founder of Performia Africa, believes that Rwanda is a fertile ground for planting the seeds of lasting impact and sustainable growth. As a Togo national who has lived in Europe for over fifty years, Agbossou wants to give something back to his continent. He highlights Africa’s greatest asset as its youth, emphasizing that if this population becomes truly productive, incredible things can happen.
Business owners need competent and contributive individuals to grow their businesses, economies, and the continent as a whole. Performia’s tools aim to address youth unemployment in Rwanda and Africa by matching the right talent with the right companies. Agbossou believes that graduates should recognize their value and approach employers with confidence and purpose, shifting the conversation from asking for a job to offering value.
Impact on African Youth
Agbossou envisions a future where African youth are equipped to be truly competent and productive, reducing the desperate search for opportunities abroad. Many young people end up in unstable, low-skilled jobs overseas, while Africa’s potential remains underutilized. Instead of exporting youth and losing their potential, the focus must shift to unlocking it locally, where it can fuel growth and transformation.
Marten Runow chose Rwanda because the country has taken the right path to development, with opportunities, stability, and a promising future built on purpose. He notes that Performia is focused on making people more productive, helping businesses hire effectively and build productive teams.
Success Stories and Future Goals
Runow shares success stories from other countries that inspire confidence in Rwandan businesses. For example, companies in the Czech Republic showed little promise 15 years ago but are now thriving. In the U.S., a company he met in 2014 with just six people and losing money every month transformed after training, eventually joining the stock exchange and growing to over 3,000 employees.
Venuste Twagiramungu, founder and executive director of Tres Infrastructure, sees Performia’s venture aligning with Rwanda’s leadership and Vision 2050, particularly the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). He believes there is a need for competent people to achieve the ambitious goals set for the country.
Comprehensive Approach
Performia uses a variety of assessments, including personality analysis, leadership index, performance checking, IQ, and others, to find the best candidates for clients. All offices around the world are managed from Performia International, with system development and training conducted there. New office personnel are trained to sell and deliver Performia services upon returning to their countries.
For more information about Performia training, visit the official website.