Umurava raises for impact investing

Umurava, a platform based in Rwanda, is making waves in the freelancing and gig economy sectors, which have seen significant growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CEO, Vivens Uwizeyimana, shed light on the platform's success and challenges during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Initially launched in January 2021, Umurava has been focused on creating a robust tech and data infrastructure to support the future of work in the gig economy in Rwanda. The platform has garnered positive feedback from both workers and clients, with a growing number of partners eager to utilize the platform for sourcing talent. This includes major consulting firms in Rwanda, as well as interest from international companies seeking to extend their workforce to the African continent. With over 1,200 registered freelancers on the platform, Umurava is facilitating various digital-based projects, with 250 active freelancers currently engaged. The majority of users on the platform are under 35 years old, highlighting a strong interest from the younger demographic in embracing freelance opportunities. Uwizeyimana emphasized the importance of having a mix of experienced seniors and fresh graduates in project teams to ensure mentorship and project success. One key challenge facing the freelancing industry in Rwanda is the lack of specialized creative services, such as videography, photography, and design. While there is high demand for these services, the infrastructure to connect companies with the right talent has been lacking. The recent investment of $12,000 raised by Umurava will be used to launch digital creative services, bridging this gap and providing a platform for companies to easily access and engage with creative professionals. Uwizeyimana also highlighted challenges related to mismatched skill sets and project timelines within the industry. Many agencies in Rwanda specialize in specific types of creative work, leading to difficulties in fulfilling diverse project requirements. Umurava aims to address this issue by implementing a collaborative model that involves partnering with agencies to supply workforce for projects, ensuring efficient project management and a win-win solution for all parties involved. As Umurava continues to innovate and revolutionize the freelancing and gig economy landscape in Rwanda, the platform is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work in the country. By focusing on building a strong tech infrastructure and fostering collaboration within the industry, Umurava is poised to drive growth and opportunities for both freelancers and businesses alike.