By Leana Bisa Ntete
Someone once told me that having an idea is one thing, but turning a startup into a scale-up is a
different game altogether. While most startups crumble by their fifth year, Rwanda’s government
policies and support programs are rewriting this narrative, making Rwandan entrepreneurs the
exception rather than the rule.
We have businesses like Kanyana World Fashion, which has been operating since 2019 after
participating in the first cohort of Art-Rwanda-Ubuhanzi. Similarly, RGF has benefited from
various business and innovation competitions, including the 2018 YouthConnekt Awards.
The Rwandan government continues to encourage its predominantly young population (78%
under 35) to embrace entrepreneurship, tackling community challenges with creativity and
innovation.
Despite the odds stacked against them, a significant movement of young entrepreneurs with
incredible ideas is emerging. Global studies indicate that most startups struggle to survive
beyond five years, a reality Rwanda faces. However, these young Rwandans are determined to
defy the statistics.
Through the Entrepreneurship Development Policy (EDP), implemented by various government
institutions, young people gain access to technical and financial resources to turn their ideas into
successful businesses, surpassing the five-year survival mark.
Various youth competitions organized by different ministries and partners—such as Hanga
PitchFest, YouthConnekt Awards, Youth-Led Organizations Hackathon, Ignite Rwanda, Cyber
Stars, Art Rwanda, and TVET Youth Challenge—reward the most impactful and innovative
ideas with crucial funding.
However, receiving funds alone isn’t enough for startup success. Many falter without ongoing
support, particularly in their critical early years.
Ignace Turatsinze, Co-founder and CEO of Payingtone and second-place winner of the 2022
Hanga PitchFest, emphasized in an interview that success hinges not on funding alone, but on
continuous learning and effective implementation: “Money is not the ultimate point here. The
point is how you are going to implement your solution.”
Recognizing this, the government has focused on initiatives like Hanga PitchFest, providing
essential mentorship and business development services alongside funding. By enhancing access
to the necessary skills and know-how, Rwanda ensures young entrepreneurs have a real chance
to thrive.
Peace Ndoli, Co-founder and CEO of Lifesten Health and first-place winner of a competition
with a $50,000 prize, highlighted the importance of mentorship: “One of the biggest supports you need as a startup to scale up is actually the mentorship and support system around the
solution.”
Mentorship is just the beginning. The EDP streamlines supportive tax regimes, market
opportunities, access to technology and innovation, and fosters an inclusive entrepreneurial
culture.
In my work, I frequently meet young entrepreneurs. Earlier this year, I spoke with a young
woman who said, “It’s easier to be an entrepreneur now than ever before.”
Aligned with Rwanda’s vision to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and achieve
high-income status by 2050, entrepreneurship is pivotal in reducing poverty, driving social
change, fostering innovation, and transforming the economy. With a goal to create 250,000 jobs
annually, young people can become job creators with the support of government initiatives.