Rwandan start-up Kitech wins $150.000 in a global tech competition

Rwandan startup Kitech has made waves on the international stage by winning a significant award in a global tech competition organized by the Global Startup Ecosystem. The founder of Kitech, Fridolin Niyonsaba, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the impact of this achievement and how the startup has been navigating challenges, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. The victory in the Global Startup Ecosystem competition has been a validation of Kitech's efforts and a testament to the support available for startups in Rwanda. Niyonsaba expressed how this win showcases that starting a business in Rwanda comes with both local and global support, encouraging other startups to persevere and understand that they are not alone in their journey. In a year marked by the challenges brought on by the global health crisis, Niyonsaba shared that Kitech, being an online-based startup, managed to maintain its day-to-day operations smoothly. However, the pandemic did pose hurdles in reaching clients and customers due to limitations in accessing necessary materials for project execution. The lack of content caused a delay in moving forward, highlighting the indirect impact the pandemic had on the startup's workflow. Prior to the pandemic, startups across various industries have faced issues related to inadequate capital and essential skills needed for growth and scalability. Niyonsaba acknowledged that access to finance has been a recurring challenge for Kitech, limiting its ability to fully meet the market demand. Despite making progress by utilizing existing resources, the startup has only been able to address approximately 50% of the requests received. The founder emphasized the need for increased financial support to enhance production and cater to a larger customer base. Attracting investors and securing funding is a crucial aspect for startups looking to scale their operations. Highlighting the importance of proving revenue generation potential, Niyonsaba emphasized the necessity for startups to demonstrate their capabilities in producing tangible outcomes. Investors seek assurance that their investments will yield returns, making it imperative for startups to showcase their ability to generate income from existing resources. By focusing on solidifying their business model and showcasing revenue-generating potential, startups can position themselves as attractive investment opportunities for potential investors. In conclusion, Kitech's success in the global tech competition serves as a beacon of hope for startups in Rwanda, showcasing the potential for local businesses to thrive on the international stage. Despite facing challenges stemming from the pandemic and limited access to capital, Kitech's journey exemplifies resilience and the determination to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of growth and success.