Hanga Weekly Roundup EP 42

Industry Insights

Hon. Paula Ingabire advocates for Africa’s Digital Revolution at UNGA79

The 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) has served as a significant platform for discussions surrounding Africa's digital future. Hon. Paula Ingabire participated in the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) panel titled “Solutions for Igniting Africa’s Digital Revolution.” This session emphasized the critical importance of investment and inclusive policies to ensure equitable access to technology across the continent.

During her address, Hon. Paula Ingabire highlighted that empowering Africa's youth is essential for driving digital transformation. She articulated a vision where young innovators and entrepreneurs can leverage technology to create a brighter future for Africa. The conversation at the GABI panel focused on the need for collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and educational institutions to foster an environment conducive to innovation.

Hon. Paula Ingabire visited The Tech Interact in San Jose, California, where she explored innovative STEM exhibits aimed at inspiring young minds in technology and engineering. Engaging with CEO Katrina Stevens, Hon. Paula discussed ways to enhance STEM education and innovation in Rwanda.

Additionally, she met with the CEO of eBay to explore potential collaborations that could bolster talent development and infrastructure in Africa. These discussions highlight opportunities for tech investment and e-commerce growth across the continent, aligning with the goals of fostering a robust digital economy.

The events at UNGA79 reflect a growing recognition of the critical role that technology and innovation play in shaping Africa's future. With leaders like Ministers Ingabire and Musoni advocating for inclusive policies and strategic partnerships, there is a clear path toward igniting Africa's digital revolution. As the continent continues to navigate its unique challenges, the emphasis on youth empowerment and technological investment will be essential in building a sustainable and equitable digital landscape.

The momentum generated during this assembly reinforces the belief that Africa is on the cusp of a transformative era, ready to embrace its potential as a global leader in technology and innovation.

EdTech Awareness Campaign 2024 Concludes at Kepler College.

The EdTech Awareness Campaign 2024 recently concluded with a closing event hosted at Kepler College, bringing together various stakeholders in the education sector. The campaign aimed to foster collaboration among EdTech companies, students, university administrators, and professionals to address the challenges and opportunities of educational technology.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in discussions about the current landscape of EdTech, sharing insights into the tools and innovations that are shaping the future of learning. Key topics included how technology can enhance educational outcomes in universities and the barriers institutions face when integrating these technologies.

Among the primary challenges identified were ensuring equitable access to EdTech resources for all students, providing sufficient training for educators and administrators to utilize new technologies, and securing funding to support these initiatives. Stakeholders worked together to develop strategies aimed at overcoming these obstacles and promoting more inclusive and effective learning environments.

As the campaign wrapped up, participants expressed a strong commitment to continuing their efforts to explore and implement innovative EdTech solutions. The event not only heightened awareness about the importance of integrating technology into education but also sparked ongoing collaboration among the various players in the field, paving the way for future improvements in educational outcomes across universities.

Rwanda Shines in Inaugural World Bank Business Ready (B-READY) Report

Rwanda has emerged as a standout performer in the inaugural World Bank Business Ready (B-READY) Report, which evaluates the business environments of 50 global economies. The report, launched recently, highlights Rwanda's significant progress in fostering a conducive business climate, solidifying its reputation as a leading investment destination in Africa.

During the launch event, Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), participated alongside global experts to discuss Rwanda's ongoing journey toward private sector-led growth and the crucial role of continuous reforms. Gatare emphasized the country's commitment to reform over the past two decades, building upon the foundation laid by previous assessments like the Doing Business Report. He stated, “Rwanda has been part of a continuous reform journey for the past two decades... with private capital driving significant economic growth throughout this period.”

The B-READY Report assesses business environments based on three main pillars: regulatory frameworks, public service delivery, and operational efficiency. It includes ten specific indicators such as Business Entry, Utility Services, Financial Services, and Market Competition.

Rwanda's impressive scores in the 2024 B-READY Report include:

Operational Efficiency: 81.31 (3rd globally)

Public Services: 67.37 (8th globally)

Regulatory Framework: 70.35 (17th globally)

These results not only position Rwanda among the top performers globally but also as the leading country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

As Rwanda continues to build on these achievements, further improvements to the business environment are planned. Ongoing initiatives include enhancing the digitization of services at the One Stop Center and integrating trade services under a Single Transaction Portal.

In summary, Rwanda’s impressive performance in the inaugural World Bank B-READY Report underscores its dedication to creating a robust business environment that supports private sector growth and positions it as a leader in Africa's economic landscape.

Startup Spotlight

Meet Uplus Mutual Partners: A Platform Transforming Group Financing and Savings in Rwanda

Uplus Mutual Partners (Uplus) is a digital platform focused on group financing and savings. Based in Rwanda, Uplus provides tools that empower individuals and communities to raise funds and save collectively, making financial tools more accessible and user-friendly.

Services Offered:

• Social Crowdfunding: Uplus offers a social crowdfunding service, allowing users to collect funds from friends and family for group projects or personal milestones. This feature simplifies the process of gathering contributions to achieve shared financial goals.
• Group Savings (Ikimina): Uplus provides a group savings tool that encourages regular contributions among group members. Users can request loans, earn interest on their savings, and withdraw their funds at the end of a designated cycle. This product promotes saving and financial literacy within communities.

• Individual Savings: Uplus also offers a personalized savings product, allowing users to save for specific goals such as purchasing a home, going on vacation, or any major life event.

• Client Portal: The platform features a client portal where users can track their contributions and savings across all available products.

Uplus Mutual Partners aims to drive financial empowerment in Rwanda and across Africa by fostering collective saving habits. The platform is designed to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for individuals and communities looking to achieve their financial goals together.

For more information about Uplus Mutual Partners and its mission to transform group financing and savings, Visit Uplus Mutual Partners Website: https://uplus.rw/.

Expert Opinion

"In every venture, the most valuable asset you have is your people. Empowering them and fostering a culture of communication and collaboration is what drives success." - Dr. Jack Kayonga, CEO of Crystal Ventures Limited (CVL), The Long Form Podcast Podcast.Hanga Quiz:

Hanga Quiz

What type of innovations does the Hanga Pitchfest encourage among participants?

A. Traditional crafts and arts

B. Technology-driven solutions and social enterprises

C. Cooking techniques and recipes

D. Historical research projects