Rwanda to set up entrepreneurship hubs across the country

In a move aimed at boosting the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Rwanda, the government has announced plans to establish entrepreneurship hubs across the country. The ICT and Innovation Minister, Paula Engabide, unveiled the ambitious initiative during the launch of Norrsken, a Swedish company that recently opened an entrepreneurship hub in the country. The entry of Norrsken into Rwanda's innovation landscape is seen as a significant development. Minister Engabide highlighted the importance of addressing the critical mass of talent needed to drive innovation and growth in the country. She expressed excitement about the partnership with Norrsken, emphasizing the network and resources they would bring to Rwanda. This collaboration is expected to fuel the country's vision of becoming a prominent innovation hub not only for Rwanda but for the entire African continent. One of the key aspects of this partnership is the commitment to co-create solutions tailored to Rwanda's specific needs. By leveraging the expertise and global network of Norrsken, the aim is to foster a culture of collaboration and transformation within the local entrepreneurial community. This strategic alliance is set to enhance Rwanda's efforts in nurturing over 100,000 entrepreneurs through structured support systems. The Minister further elaborated on the importance of decentralizing innovation hubs beyond the capital city, Kigali. Recognizing that talent is dispersed throughout the country, the government aims to establish hubs in various provinces to enable entrepreneurs from all regions to access necessary resources and support. By leveraging existing service access points in different communities, the plan is to create a network of innovation hubs that will facilitate collaboration between citizens and entrepreneurs, ensuring that innovation permeates all corners of Rwandan society. Looking ahead, the government's timeline for setting up these hubs involves establishing one hub in each province within the next financial year. The selection criteria for these locations include the concentration of entrepreneurs and the presence of educational institutions, recognizing the importance of academic environments in fostering entrepreneurial growth. This strategic approach is expected to lay the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem across Rwanda.