Project 9

MY PROJECTS

Project 9: Mapping Rwanda’s Innovation Ecosystem: A National Study on Entrepreneurial Support for Youth in IT and Digital Innovation

Overview:

The International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF) commissioned a nationwide study in Rwanda to evaluate the existing ecosystems and support mechanisms for young entrepreneurs in the IT and innovation sectors. This work was part of AIMF’s strategic partnership with the European Union and aimed to identify key structures—such as incubators, FabLabs, TVETs, universities, investors, and innovation events—that support young people launching tech-based enterprises.

Conducted by Gloria Kantengwa and Ivan Karegeya, the study focused on understanding the gaps, opportunities, and strengths within Rwanda’s entrepreneurship landscape, particularly the urban–rural disparities in access to innovation infrastructure and funding.

My Role

I co-led the research design and execution, including:

  • Mapping out the entire ecosystem of entrepreneurship support structures in Rwanda
  • Conducting interviews and focus groups with entrepreneurs, hub managers, educators, FabLab leaders, and local officials
  • Leading data analysis and writing of the final report with targeted recommendations for policy and investment

Key Deliverables: National Ecosystem Map, Gap Analysis by Institution Type, Strategic Recommendations Report for AIMF & EU Stakeholders

Approach

  • Qualitative, ecosystem-wide analysis covering urban and rural perspectives
  • Used thematic analysis and PRISMA method for desk research
  • Engaged over 50 entrepreneurs, 21 districts, and reviewed over 30 ecosystem actors
  • Structured assessment across 4 support domains: Hubs, Universities/TVETs, FabLabs, and Investors

Techniques Used

  • Thematic analysis (six-step model)
  • Key informant interviews and focus group discussions
  • Literature review following PRISMA (systematic review approach)
  • Data categorization by institution, support type, and gaps
  • Tools: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Survey forms (online and offline)

Stakeholder Communication

  • Engaged city officials, entrepreneurship program leaders, FabLab and TVET managers
  • Presented interim findings to AIMF coordination team
  • Developed final recommendations and data annexes tailored to municipal decision-makers and donor networks

Artifacts Produced

Based on interviews and desk reviews of programs across all 30 districts in Rwanda

Key Findings

  • Hubs: Existing mainly in Kigali; support offered includes training, mentorship, and co-working. However:
    • Only 13 out of 53 entrepreneurs surveyed had accessed investment
    • Most programs end at prototype development, not market readiness
    • Rural entrepreneurs lack access to hub infrastructure
  • Universities and TVETs: Offer career guidance and entrepreneurial courses but:
    • Lack practical facilities like innovation hubs or FabLabs in most campuses
    • Students face difficulty accessing info about support programs
    • Few reach funding stage—many abandon ventures for employment
  • FabLabs: Provide prototyping tools and showcase opportunities but:
    • Dominated by recurring users, limiting access for new innovators
    • Most FabLabs concentrated in Kigali
    • Hardware support strong; software innovators need external developer support
  • Investors: Numerous players (e.g., Inkomoko, Mastercard Foundation, JICA), but:
    • Investors prefer post-growth stage ventures with proven market share
    • Some entrepreneurs are forced to alter mission and vision for investment
    • Few funding models support ideation-stage entrepreneurs

Recommendations

  • Decentralize incubation and innovation hubs to cities like Musanze and Huye
  • Develop rural-focused programs that connect technical TVET skills to entrepreneurship pathways
  • Support FabLabs in capacity planning and equitable access policies
  • Build a funding pipeline that includes early-stage grants or seed funding
  • Foster platforms for investor-startup dialogue that preserves mission integrity
  • Include practical entrepreneurship training and mentorship continuity in all support programs