As told by Craig Barley
The Beginning: A Moment of Uncertainty
I remember one moment early on that stayed with me. I had just committed to starting over in a new country, with a new business, and very little certainty around how things would unfold. There were no guarantees, no pipeline of clients waiting, just the weight of the decision and the responsibility to make it work. It is one thing to have experience and skills, and another to rely on them completely to build something from the ground up.
I had been working since 1997, building my career across electrical and mechanical fields. Over time, I developed experience in steel fabrication, automation, and installations. That foundation gave me confidence in my ability to deliver the work, but it did not remove the uncertainty that comes with starting a business. In 2010, I started my first company in South Africa. Years later, in 2021, I made the decision to move to Rwanda and start Autosol Kigali, knowing that I would once again be building from the ground up.
Why Rwanda
The decision to move to Rwanda was a deliberate one. The country offers a level of safety and order that makes it easier to focus on building something long term. Beyond that, what stood out to me most was the people. There is a willingness to learn and a drive to improve that creates the right environment for growth.
I was not just looking for a place to operate a business. I was looking for a place where I could build a team, develop skills, and create something that could grow sustainably. Rwanda offered that balance.
Building Autosol Kigali
Starting Autosol Kigali was not about launching at scale. It began with one client. That first project carried more weight than most because it set the tone for everything that would follow. Delivering quality work was not optional; it was the only way to earn trust and create the possibility of another opportunity.
“Any business is difficult to start. It requires work, dedication, and consistency.”
Growth did not come overnight. Each completed project led to another conversation, another referral, another chance to prove ourselves. Over time, that consistency began to compound. Today, we work with clients not only in Rwanda but also across Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We take on installation and fabrication projects across these markets, managing the complexity that comes with operating beyond one country.
Building Differently: Local First
From the beginning, I made a conscious decision to build Autosol Kigali using local talent and local resources. All our employees are local artisans, and wherever possible, we use locally sourced materials. This was not just a business decision; it was a long-term approach to sustainability.
“Keeping it local is important to me.”
Investing in local talent means building capacity within the business and within the community. It also creates a stronger sense of ownership among the team. When people are part of the growth of the business, the quality of work improves naturally because there is pride in what is being built.
The Challenges: Competing and Expanding
The journey has not been without its challenges. The market is competitive, and there are many businesses offering similar services. Standing out requires more than technical ability. It requires consistency, reliability, and a clear commitment to delivering on what you promise.
Operating across borders adds another layer of complexity. Projects in Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo require coordination, travel, and the ability to maintain the same standards regardless of location. Each project comes with its own logistical and operational challenges, but it is part of what has shaped how we work today.
The Shift: Enter Pesapal
A significant shift in the business came from something that initially seemed simple. One of our clients requested that we provide a card payment option because that was how their organization handled transactions. At the time, this was not something we had in place.
I went looking for a solution and came across Pesapal. After reaching out and having a conversation with the team, the card machine was installed within four hours. That level of responsiveness stood out immediately and made the transition straightforward.
The New Normal: Faster Payments, Stronger Cash Flow
Introducing card payments changed the way we operate in a very practical sense. It made it easier to close deals because clients could pay immediately, without needing to go through bank transfers or other processes that slow things down.
“The card machine makes it easier to convince clients because it is easier for them to pay.”
This shift also had a direct impact on our cash flow. For a business that relies on timely access to funds to purchase raw materials and keep projects moving, instant payments make a real difference. It allows us to operate more efficiently and respond faster to project demands.
What Sets Autosol Apart
In a competitive environment, the difference often comes down to execution. For Autosol Kigali, the focus has always been on customer service and delivering quality as promised. These are simple principles, but they are not always consistently applied in the market.
“We deliver quality as promised, something many competitors have not mastered.”
Maintaining that consistency has helped us build long-term relationships with clients and has been a key factor in our growth across different markets.
Looking Ahead: Passing It On
As the business continues to grow, my focus has expanded beyond projects and clients. I am increasingly focused on passing on knowledge and experience to the team.
“I am passing on my knowledge, my experience, and my trade to others.”
Building a business should also mean building people. Developing skills within the team ensures that the work can continue to grow and that the impact of the business extends beyond individual projects.
When I look back at the journey, it is clear that Autosol Kigali was built step by step. It started with one client and has grown into a business that operates across multiple countries. The foundation has remained consistent throughout, which is a commitment to hard work, quality delivery, and the ability to adapt when needed.
There is no single moment that defines the journey. It is the accumulation of decisions, effort, and consistency over time that has brought the business to where it is today.
