Rwanda: The up and coming Africa tech hub

Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash

We're not here to settle for the status quo. Vision 2020 was about getting back on our feet and reclaiming our dignity. But Vision 2050 is about the future we choose because we can, and because we deserve it. We don't want to just scrape by, harvest to harvest, paycheck to paycheck. We want to build wealth, secure our families, and give them the best. We want world-class education right here at home. We want to explore the world, learn new things, and come back home proud to be Rwandan. If that's what you want, then we're all in this together. Not just some of us, but all of us. - H.E President Paul Kagame, 2015

🌟 Good morning, entrepreneurs & tech enthusiasts!

Today we are diving deep into the story of Rwanda's quest to set a new standard for innovation and prosperity in Africa. Rwanda is charting a new course towards a brighter future, with technology and innovation leading the way. It's easy to overlook this small landlocked country on the African map, but Rwanda is determined to etch its name onto the global stage as an economic powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark for all to see.

So, what's Rwanda's game plan, and what can we anticipate in the near future?

Vision 2050: Steering Towards a High-Income Economy
At the heart of Rwanda's transformation is Vision 2050, an ambitious roadmap crafted by President Paul Kagame. This far-reaching strategy aims to transform Rwanda from a primarily agricultural economy into a knowledge-based powerhouse, driven by urbanization and industrialization. The ultimate goal? To elevate Rwanda to the ranks of upper-middle-income countries by 2035 and high-income status by 2050.

For President Paul Kagame, Vision 2050 is not just an economic blueprint; it's a pledge to the Rwandan people for prosperity, dignity, and a world-class lifestyle. It's a vision that transcends mere survival and embraces a future where Rwandans build wealth, enjoy quality education, and engage actively with the global community. This vision resonates deeply with the aspirations of not just Rwandans but the entire African continent.

Becoming a destination for African Innovation Startups
Rwanda is strategically positioning itself as a hub for African innovation, attracting world-class businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index currently ranks Rwanda 38th out of 190 economies worldwide, making it the second-best performer in Africa. The African continent is brimming with innovation, and Rwanda is placing itself at the center of the action.

Vision 2050 may be a dream for Rwanda, but one can argue the country is already living in the reality of this dream.

Take, for instance, the Norrsken Foundation set up the biggest entrepreneurship hub in Africa, right in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda. Picture this hub as the place where brilliant ideas are born, and groundbreaking solutions come to life within Rwanda's homegrown innovation ecosystem.

And the excitement doesn't stop there – Rwanda is in the process of building something massive, Kigali Innovation City, or KIC for short. It's a $300 million project with Africa50 as a co-sponsor. The project is all about nurturing talent from across Africa and becoming the go-to hub for tech innovation. Think of it as a magnet for African startups and big-league global tech firms, a recipe for creating jobs, and a solid confirmation of Rwanda's standing as an African innovation powerhouse.

Let's not forget the year 2000 when Rwanda kicked off a series of five-year plans called "National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Plans." These plans weaved an intricate web of fiber-optic cables. Fast forward to today, and Rwanda has got a buzzing ICT sector that is fast becoming the backbone of all its industries, transforming every facet of Rwandan society.

Just last week, we celebrated Rwanda's decision to eliminate visas for African citizens entering the country. This remarkable policy change underscores Rwanda's unwavering commitment to fostering continental unity and cooperation, creating a warm and inviting environment for African travelers and businesses alike.

For Rwanda, the future has never shined brighter. Stay tuned for more developments from Rooibos Radar.