Bagnnovation on how Rwanda can bridge the gap between education & workplace

Rwanda has been making significant strides in the entrepreneurship scene, positioning itself as a hub for East Africa. One company that has taken note of this potential is BAGinnovation, a collaboration between Swedish and Rwandan nationals aimed at bridging the gap between education and the workplace in the country. Gabriel Ekman, the managing director of BAGinnovation, sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss their innovative approach to strengthening the capacity of university students and preparing them for the workforce in Rwanda. The company has been working closely with universities in Rwanda to integrate real-time assessments based on the skills needed by local companies into the students' curriculum. One of the key focuses of BAGinnovation is on addressing the skills mismatch that exists in various sectors. Ekman highlighted that there is a significant gap between the skills possessed by graduates and the current needs of employers in sectors such as finance, logistics, operations, marketing, and sales. By working closely with local businesses and universities, BAGinnovation aims to equip students with the practical skills required to succeed in the job market. Rwanda's conducive business environment and strategic geographical location have also played a significant role in attracting BAGinnovation to establish its base in the country. With a strong commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and a focus on transparency and ease of doing business, Rwanda has created the ideal ecosystem for companies like BAGinnovation to flourish. Ekman emphasized the simplicity of the registration process and the government's support from the initial stages of setting up a business. Moreover, BAGinnovation's expansion efforts have been supported by a seed funding of $150,000, which has allowed them to invest in technology and talent to scale their operations. By partnering with key industry players and attracting top talent, such as the former creator of Candy Crush, BAGinnovation is leveraging gamification to enhance the learning experience for university students in East Africa. The company is on track to reach over 2.3 million university students in the region, with plans to pilot their innovative approach outside Rwanda in the near future. In a bid to revolutionize the education-to-employment journey for students in Rwanda, BAGinnovation's mission is not only to equip them with the necessary skills but also to connect them with potential employers seamlessly. By collaborating with universities, businesses, and key stakeholders, BAGinnovation is paving the way for a more efficient and effective transition from academia to the workforce, ultimately contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in Rwanda and beyond.