Six Rwandan companies have been selected among the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) 2026 Top 100 entrepreneurs, a competition backed by the Jack Ma Foundation that celebrates Africa’s most promising business leaders. ABH is one of several initiatives supporting startups, particularly those led by young people. The New Times highlights key funding and business support initiatives available to Rwandan startups and entrepreneurs. 1. YouthConnekt Awards The YouthConnekt Awards are an annual competition and empowerment programme that promotes youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. Organised by the Ministry of Youth and Arts in partnership with organisations such as UNDP, the programme recognises young innovators across multiple sectors, with top prizes reaching Rwf25 million. In the 2025/26 edition, 260 young entrepreneurs and creatives shared a combined prize pool of Rwf41 million through the YouthConnekt and ArtsConnekt Awards. Over the past decade, the initiative has supported 2,240 businesses, some of which have expanded into international markets through exports. ALSO READ: New youth fund targets offering single-digit loans Applicants must be Rwandan citizens aged between 16 and 30 with a viable, revenue-generating business or an innovative project that addresses community challenges and creates jobs. Women and young people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply through dedicated categories. 2. Youth and Artists Fund (Aguka Fund) Young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 will soon be able to access loans through the newly established Aguka Fund, which offers financing at an interest rate of 9 per cent, according to the Ministry of Youth and Arts. The age requirement does not apply to artists. The fund is implemented by the ministry in partnership with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD). So far, Rwf1.5 billion has been mobilised, with plans to increase the fund's size as more resources are secured. 3. IGNITE Challenge The IGNITE Challenge provides funding, acceleration support, investment-readiness training, market linkages, and visibility for participating ventures. Across its first three editions, the programme supported 19 agrifood enterprises with US$725,000 in milestone-based funding. Beneficiaries have strengthened operations, launched new products, entered new markets, and created jobs, including in refugee and host communities. ALSO READ: AGUKA drives 128,000 jobs The fourth edition, launched by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Impact Hub Kigali in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, offers up to US$24,000 in equity-free funding per venture, alongside five months of technical support, coaching, and masterclasses. The programme culminates in a Demo Day connecting startups with investors. Eligible applicants must have a registered business operating in Rwanda for at least two years, demonstrate revenue and market traction, and maintain a team of at least three full-time employees. 4. Hanga PitchFest Hanga PitchFest is a national startup pitching competition that forms part of Rwanda’s broader innovation ecosystem. Co-organised by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, and UNDP Rwanda, the initiative showcases technology-driven and creative solutions to local and global challenges while supporting innovators at different stages of development. 5. iAccelerator Programme The Innovation Accelerator (iAccelerator), run by the Imbuto Foundation, is a mentorship-driven programme that supports young entrepreneurs through seed funding, training, and skills development. It focuses on innovative solutions in sexual and reproductive health, mental health, sexuality education, family planning, maternal health, and broader population development issues. 6. IMALI Agribusiness Challenge Implemented by the Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, UNDP, FAO, and Friends of Imbuto, the IMALI Agribusiness Challenge supports young agricultural innovators. In October 2025, under its second phase, the programme awarded 10 entrepreneurs Rwf10 million each in seed funding for innovative agricultural projects. 7. Innovate Rwanda Platform Launched by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Innovate Rwanda is a national digital platform designed to strengthen the innovation ecosystem by connecting startups with investors. It serves as a central hub where entrepreneurs can access funding opportunities, innovation programmes, and support organisations across the country. 8. Rwanda SME Growth Fund Managed by Enko Capital Rwanda, the US$50 million Rwanda SME Growth Fund provides long-term financing, mainly through debt instruments, to help small and medium-sized enterprises expand, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. The fund targets mature SMEs with at least three years of operations and proven profitability, particularly in agro-processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, tourism, and healthcare. It does not finance startups or early-stage businesses. Anchored by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and managed by Enko Capital, the fund works with institutions such as BRD and commercial banks. In April, RSSB and Enko Capital launched the first US$30 million tranche, with a target size of US$100 million. 9. Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Launched in 2019 by the Jack Ma Foundation, Africa’s Business Heroes is a flagship philanthropic initiative supporting African entrepreneurs through grant funding, training, and ecosystem support. The programme aims to recognise and empower 100 entrepreneurs over 10 years. Annual applications have grown from about 10,000 in the early years to more than 30,000. The 2026 edition expands recognition to a Top 100 Finalists list, reflecting growing demand and a commitment to spotlighting more innovative businesses across the continent. 10. Kura Na AgTech Programme The Kura Na AgTech programme supports scalable agritech startups that benefit smallholder farmers, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Implemented by Swisscontact in partnership with Impact Hub Kigali, the programme provides catalytic grants, technical assistance, coaching, investment-readiness training, and market linkages. Up to 10 startups are shortlisted for pitch interviews, with four advancing to a full acceleration programme running from April to October 2026. Eligible businesses must be registered in Rwanda, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate revenue generation and market traction. 11. Skills Development Fund (SDF) The Skills Development Fund (SDF), established through a financing agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the World Bank, is implemented by the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB). The fund operates as a competitive challenge facility that provides matching grants to training institutions and enterprises to address labour market needs through demand-driven vocational training. Priority sectors include manufacturing, construction, ICT, energy, agriculture, and hospitality. 12. WFP Rwanda BRIDGE WFP Rwanda BRIDGE is a blended finance facility established by the World Food Programme and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). Launched in November 2023, it provides affordable financing and risk guarantees to micro, small, and medium-sized agribusinesses, with a particular focus on youth- and women-led enterprises. The facility supports agricultural value chains while promoting job creation. 13. Urumuri Initiative Established by Bank of Kigali in 2017, the Urumuri Initiative is a six-month business accelerator programme that offers mentorship and zero-interest loans to selected participants. Funded through BK Group profits, the initiative helps early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses access finance and strengthen their business capabilities.
