Hanga Weekly Roundup EP 40
Hanga PitchFest
The Largest in-person technology event in Rwanda designed to ignite & inspire innovation
Industry Insights
We Elevate Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda's Digital Economy
The global online commerce market has reached an impressive value of over $6.3 trillion, presenting vast opportunities for businesses worldwide. In this dynamic landscape, The ministry of ICT and Innovation’s partnership with Digital Cooperation Organization on We Elevate initiative stands out as a beacon of empowerment for women-led businesses in Rwanda. This initiative is designed to help these entrepreneurs harness the power of the digital economy, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
This partnership has reached important milestones that show its positive impact. One of the main achievements is the many skill-building workshops that have helped women learn important digital skills, such as using e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, and improving online customer service. Participants have also gained access to helpful resources like mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and networking events where they can meet and learn from industry leaders. These efforts have led to many inspiring success stories, with women entrepreneurs sharing how the knowledge and support they received through the initiative helped transform their businesses.
Additionally, the program has created a strong community among women entrepreneurs in Rwanda, encouraging them to collaborate and support each other. This has been key in empowering women and helping them succeed in their businesses.
We Elevate is paving the way for a new era of digital prosperity in Rwanda. By empowering women-led businesses to seize opportunities in the global digital economy, the initiative is not only contributing to economic growth but also promoting gender equality and social change.
Major Milestone in Rwanda's National Robotics Program
Last week marked a significant achievement in Rwanda's commitment to enhancing education through technology. The National Robotics Program celebrated the successful handover of 452 robotics kits to 26 piloting schools as part of an innovative sandbox experiment aimed at transforming the educational landscape.
The initiative is set to revolutionize how students engage with learning, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With 33 trained teachers prepared to implement these robotics kits, the upcoming trimester promises to be an exciting time for students eager to explore the world of robotics and programming.
The collaboration between various stakeholders has been crucial for this initiative's success. Notable contributions came from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of ICT and Innovation, GIZ Rwanda and several solution providers who have worked diligently to ensure that this program not only launches successfully but also sustains its impact on future generations.
The introduction of robotics into the classroom is expected to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. As education increasingly integrates technology, initiatives like the National Robotics Program position Rwanda as a leader in educational innovation within the region.
As the program unfolds, it will be interesting to observe how these tools enhance learning experiences and contribute to the broader goals of STEM education in Rwanda. The commitment shown by all parties involved highlights a collective vision for a future where technology plays a central role in education.
EdTech Players Night Highlights Public-Private Partnerships in Rwanda's EdTech Growth
The recent 2nd Edition of EdTech Players Night brought together key stakeholders in the education technology sector, emphasizing the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in fostering innovation within the EdTech landscape. Held in Norrsken, the event served as a platform for discussing strategies to integrate local EdTech companies into broader policy frameworks, ensuring they are considered for larger markets both domestically and internationally.
One of the central themes of the event was the necessity of collaboration between public entities and private sector players. By involving EdTech companies in policy formulation, stakeholders believe that a more conducive environment can be created for innovation. This collaboration is seen as essential not only for enhancing educational outcomes but also for positioning local EdTech firms to compete effectively on a global scale.
Participants discussed various initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent and innovation. The consensus was that by leveraging PPPs, Rwanda can create an ecosystem that supports the growth of its EdTech sector.
Moreover, discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that local EdTech solutions are not only tailored to meet national educational needs but are also competitive enough to attract attention from larger markets beyond Rwanda. This strategic focus aims to position Rwandan EdTech firms as key players in the regional and global education technology arena.
As stakeholders reflect on the outcomes of this event, there is optimism about the future of EdTech in Rwanda, driven by innovative solutions and strategic partnerships that align with national educational goals. The commitment to creating an inclusive environment for local EdTechs marks a significant step towards achieving broader educational improvements and economic growth through technology.
领英推荐
Startup Spotlight
Meet HarakaMeds: A Healthcare Company Enhancing Access through Technology and Logistics.
HarakaMeds is an innovative startup focused on improving healthcare access in Rwanda. By leveraging technology and logistics, HarakaMeds collaborates with healthcare providers to ensure that essential medical services and products are available to consumers efficiently and affordably.
Services Offered:
HarakaMeds is aligned with Rwanda's broader healthcare goals, particularly in improving access to healthcare services through digital solutions. The company's online pharmacy services support the national strategy of achieving universal health coverage, addressing healthcare challenges such as non-communicable diseases and logistical barriers, especially in rural areas.
As Rwanda continues to integrate technology into its healthcare system, HarakaMeds is positioned to play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. With government support for healthcare infrastructure and digital transformation, HarakaMeds is set to expand its services and further contribute to the development of Rwanda’s healthcare landscape.
Learn more about HarakaMeds and their impact on healthcare access in Rwanda here: https://harakameds.com/.
Expert Opinion
"Empowering individuals to pursue their passions is the key to unlocking potential; we shouldn't impose our ideas of success on others but rather support them in realizing their own visions." - Pascal Murasira, Founding Partner of Africa Cities Fund, What I’m building Podcast.
Hanga Quiz
What is one of the key benefits for startups participating in the Hanga Pitchfest?
A. Guaranteed government contracts
B. Access to international markets without any requirements
C. Networking opportunities with investors and mentors
D. Free office space for life