Rwanda ICT Chamber’s Alex Ntale on the role of start-ups in achieving Vision 2050

Rwanda is making significant strides in the tech startup ecosystem, paving the way for economic growth and innovation. CNBC Africa's Ridhima Shukla recently sat down with Alex Ntale, the CEO of Rwanda's ICT Chamber, to discuss the crucial role that startups play in realizing the country's vision for the future. Ntale emphasized the importance of transitioning to a knowledge-based economy to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity. With a focus on Vision 2050 and a GDP per capita target of $12,000, Rwanda is actively supporting tech and innovation startups to drive progress. Ntale highlighted the role of the ICT Chamber in collaboration with government agencies and support organizations to build a conducive ecosystem for startups. Key focus areas include financing, talent acquisition, and infrastructure development. The recent investment law introduced incentives to encourage private sector investment in tech and startups. By aligning efforts in digital technology and innovation, Rwanda aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global digital economy. While acknowledging the progress made since the early 2000s, Ntale also highlighted the need for continued growth and development to fully leverage Rwanda's potential in the digital sphere. Rwanda is poised to capitalize on the wave of digital transformation and drive innovation in the years to come.