“Innovation in Rwanda’s corporate and public sectors is paramount to enabling the country to achieve its ambitions of becoming a pan-African innovation hub. Through these awards, we are recognising institutions that are leveraging ICT to improve their organisational performance, adapt to changing consumer and citizen needs, and unlock fresh talent and perspectives. We want to create a thriving innovation ecosystem in which any Rwandan can come up with solutions for our day-to-day challenges.”

Nominations are ongoing, and the public will vote for shortlisted organisations based on critical criteria, including impact and reach of the innovation, use of frontier technology, use of local content, and the level of disruption, among others.

Regarding the ongoing competition for startups, the competition received 351 applications. Shortlisting the top 25 firms who will join a preparation boot camp is underway, leading to selecting of the top 5 startups that will be awarded during the main event in December.

Last year, Afruduino Ltd, Second Life Storage, Afri-Farmers Market Ltd, BAG Innovation, and Karisimbi Tech Solutions emerged as the top 5 firms out of more than 200 applications. In addition, the top 45 startups received additional business development services support and grant funding.

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and Rwanda Development Board, together with UNDP Rwanda are organising Hanga Pitchfest 2022, a unique platform to showcase tech-entrepreneurs and creative talents from all over the country and promote the use of technology and innovation in the Rwandan market.