Africa-Press – Rwanda. As Rwanda prepares to celebrate International Youth Day on August 12 under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” the nation continues to witness a surge in young tech entrepreneurs driving innovation and economic growth.
Paula Ingabire, the Minister of ICT and Innovation, told The New Times that the government is committed to fostering a ‘smart’ economy by catalyzing and growing tech-enabled businesses. She gave an example of Rwanda Innovation Fund, explaining how the government identified a need to catalyze and grow tech-enabled businesses to foster a ‘smart’ economy.
She said: “It recognized that this need could be met, in part, through a Fund of patient long-term capital that would focus on developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and professionalizing SME companies.”
“We are exploring early-stage financing for startups where the Ministry of ICT and Innovation has supporting grants to companies combined with business support. Other than that, through the World Bank, $15 million has been set aside to support early-stage financing of tech startups. This is expected to catalyze the patient capital for the Rwandan market.”
The tech-friendly ecosystem has created flourishing youth-led startups and positive impact on Rwandan society. The minister listed a number of youth-led startups that are making significant impact in the country.
Fixa Rwanda
Fixa Rwanda, a tech startup that uses technology to help businesses regain confidence in their blue-collar workforce, is at the forefront of this transformation. Founded by Jansen Durham, the company focuses on digitizing informal workers and businesses to drive financial inclusion across the country.
According to an Africa Business report, Fixa Rwanda has onboarded over 6,000 workers, creating digital work histories and facilitating more than 250,000 shifts.
The company has disbursed over $2 million in wages, contributing significantly to economic empowerment. This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader ambition to become a regional hub for finance and technology, fostering skilled jobs and attracting investment.
Lifesten Health
Lifesten Health, a Healthtech company and winner of Hanga 2022, it was founded by Peace Ndoli. This company is addressing local health challenges by leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance cardiovascular health.
The company offers personalized wellness plans, AI-driven diagnostics, and community support via its app. Reports from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation highlight that Lifesten Health has created 200 jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors and reached over 20,000 people, with plans for expansion into Kenya.
Afri Farmers Market
Afri Farmers Market, which secured third place at Hanga 2021, was founded by Norman Mugisha. The Agritech company connects smallholder farmers with stable markets, ensuring fair prices and providing resources to improve farming practices.
Since its inception in 2020, Afri Farmers Market has worked with over 5,780 farmers, facilitated the sale of over 17,000 tons of fresh produce, and benefited more than 4,000 households. This platform plays a crucial role in the economic empowerment of Rwanda’s farming communities.
AC Group
AC Group is a technology company providing smart transport solutions in Rwanda and across Africa. It was founded by Patrick Buchana in 2015. In recent years, he steered it to become a leading provider of smart and interactive IT solutions in Rwanda and beyond.
The firm partnered with the Government and bus operators to put in place Tap&Go system in December 2015 to enhance the smart cities agenda in Rwanda and has since established a presence in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Nairobi, Kenya.
The firm facilitates smart transport by digitising public transport payments that enable passengers to board public buses using smart cards. The AC Group Rwanda annual revenue is $9.1 million in 2024.
Vuba Vuba Tech
Vuba Vuba Tech, co-founded by Albert Munyabugingo, is a leading e-commerce platform launched in January 2020.
Filling the gap left by Jumia Food’s exit, Vuba Vuba connects local businesses with consumers through an efficient online marketplace for food and essentials.
The platform has created 37 full-time jobs, about 50 casual positions, and empowers over 100 delivery riders. Vuba Vuba’s growth, averaging over 1,000 deliveries per day, demonstrates its strong revenue stream and potential for expansion into new markets by 2024.
Loopa Inc
Rwandan climate tech startup, Loopa, in December last year, emerged as the overall winner of Rwanda’s largest startup competition, taking home a cash prize of Rwf50 million, among other prizes.
Loopa Inc focuses on providing innovative tech solutions to bridge the technological gap in Rwanda. By offering digital services and tools that enhance business efficiency and information access, Loopa Inc contributes to economic growth and digital literacy.
Loopa leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology to optimize the conversion of food waste and other agricultural byproducts into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, to assist farmers in transitioning from inorganic to organic fertilizer affordably while achieving higher yields.
Hence Technologies
Hence Technologies, founded by Sean West, Arun Shanmuganathan, and Steve Heitkamp, is revolutionizing legal services in Rwanda through AI and data.
Kigali-based Hence Technologies uses data from various sources to match the internal legal teams of its client companies with external legal service providers — which gives it the ability to recommend lawyers based on the nature of the assignment, location and cost considerations.
“The company began its operations in Rwanda in early 2020. It is headquartered in UK but we are building out the technology base from here in Kigali with a team from across Africa. We want to show the world that you can solve global problems with world-class technology from here in Rwanda,” Arun Shanmuganathan, Co-Founder told The New Times in a March 2022 interview.
Lately, the company has expanded its workforce to around 20 employees, with a strong emphasis on local recruitment. The $2.6 million in funding has supported the company’s growth and impact on the local economy by creating job opportunities and fostering skill development.
Pesachoice
Founded by Davis Nteziryayo, Pesachoice addresses develops HR solutions for business and employee loan products.
With over 150 employees, Pesachoice also invests in skill development for farmers and supports economic empowerment through improved market access.
Eden Care
Eden Care is the first digital insurer in Rwanda and the region. It received its license from the National Bank of Rwanda in August 2022, and it is backed by the largest and second largest reinsurers in Africa, enabling it to insure any size of employer comfortably.
Eden Care staff pose for a picture. Eden Care is the first digital insurer in Rwanda and the region. Courtesy
Eden Care, established by Dr. Jean-Pierre Ndayishimiye and Sarah Uwase, is dedicated to improving healthcare access and quality in Rwanda.
The company has created over 200 jobs and invested in health education and preventive services. Eden Care’s growth is supported by ongoing funding and partnerships, reflecting its significant impact on community health and economic empowerment.
Pindo
Pindo, an instant communication platform for businesses optimized for developers, is scaling to Kenya and Uganda, as part of the agenda to serve the region.
Pindo, founded by Jean-Claude Niyonzima and Catherine Uwase, provides digital solutions that enhance access to technology and e-government services.
With over 100 employees, Pindo contributes to skill development and economic empowerment through its innovative digital services and business solutions.
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