Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), an international project that focuses on empowering youth entrepreneurs with information and tools to start their new businesses, launched its activities in the country on Monday.

Speaking during the launch, the Minister of ICT, Ignace Gatare, said that his ministry welcomes DOT’s programs and activities as they are in line with Rwanda’s vision.

"Our country is investing considerable efforts in developing policies, strategies and actions aiming at putting in place the enabling environment to accelerate socio-economic development and growth using ICT as an empowering tool” he explained.

The minister noted that he was impressed by the wide range of activities targeted by DOT, such as training young ICT entrepreneurs to develop job creation skills.

"I am very encouraged by DOT’s vision of eradicating poverty, vulnerability and gender inequality, by giving all people the appropriate skills and knowledge to achieve educational, social economic opportunities,” he said
"Such a vision is not only commendable but represents a value which is shared by Rwanda”.

According to Janet Longmore, the President and CEO of DOT, the program is passionate for the ability of young people to be the agents of change in their communities.
"DOT will enable the youth to acquire knowledge and skills that will create livelihoods for them,” she said.She revealed that the program will equip disadvantaged community members with ICT and basic business skills and develop an entrepreneurial spirit to spur income generation and creation of micro-enterprises.

The project was created in 2002 with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), USAID and CISCO foundation. It operates in Canada, China, Kenya, Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico and the USA.

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