{{Three Finalists Interviewed by RDB, MYICT, and VISA Representatives}}
Kigali, Rwanda, 1 November 2014,{ An expert panel of business and government leaders interviewed the finalists for the Outstanding Rwanda Entrepreneur Award, presented by Inkomoko Business Development and African Entrepreneur Collective.}
The top 3 entrepreneurs were selected through a nationwide search that included in-person and online outreach to over 50,000 people in every province and industry. These leaders, all of whom started their companies at the age of 35 or younger, demonstrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Rwanda and represent the wide variety of industries that are powering Rwanda’s economic transformation.
The independent selection committee who interviewed the top 3 finalists is composed of some of Rwanda’s top leaders:
– Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board
– Didier Nkurikiyimfura, Director General of the Ministry of Youth and ICT
– Lucy Mbabazi, Business Leader of Emerging Market Solutions at Visa Rwanda; and
– Harish Subramanian, Executive Director of ALN Ventures.
From among hundreds of applicants, the top three finalists are:
Gilbert Gatali, KZ Noir
KZ Noir is a fully-integrated specialty coffee company that owns and operates eight coffee washing stations, exports green coffee, and has two roasted coffee brands. Gilbert launched KZNoir in Kigali, and works with more than 10,000 farmers each year to bring the best Rwandan coffee around the globe. In Rwanda, Gilbert has launched Neo café, to bring Rwanda’s finest coffee to a Kigali market.
Clement Uwajeneza, AXiS
AXiS develops and implements web and mobile applications and solutions in Rwanda for clients including small businesses, medium enterprises, and government. Clement is a pioneer in ICT in Rwanda, co-founding both kLab and also the Private Sector Federation ICT Chamber. Clement embodies the entrepreneurial spirit not just through his business and investment endeavors, but also through cultivating an industry of accomplished ICT entrepreneurs.
Lydie Hakizimana, Drakkar Ltd
Drakkar Ltd publishes and distributes books to schools, teachers, and students, and offers laboratory equipment for schools and teacher training. When the Government of Rwanda changed the national language of instruction from French to English, Lydie saw a dramatic market opportunity to translate and publish Rwandan curriculum. With visits to more than 3600 schools, Lydie now has 80% market share in educational content, and has begun providing the laboratory equipment that will also help propel Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy.
“Each of these business leaders run impressive companies while also serving as role models to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. We want to shine the spotlight on the Rwandan entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the nation,” said Julienne Oyler, Executive of African Entrepreneur Collective, and investor in the award.
Inkomoko and its international partner, the African Entrepreneur Collective, launched the Outstanding Rwandan Entrepreneur award in order to recognize Rwandan business leaders who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Applications for the Inkomoko-AEC award were open to Rwanda-based entrepreneurs who started their businesses at the age of 35 or younger and have annual revenue turnover of more than $50,000 USD annually. The winner will be announced and awarded a $20,000 USD prize at the 5th annual gathering of the African Leadership Network (ALN) in Kigali on 6 November at the Serena Hotel.
African Entrepreneur Collective is creating a new class of entrepreneurs. Focused on developing young, growth-oriented entrepreneurs in Africa to create jobs for others in their communities. To learn more, visit www.AfricanEntreprenuerCollective.org
Inkomoko Business Development is a Kigali-based full service business accelerator that works with a range of small and medium enterprises across the nation and provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes strategic advising, mentorship, capacity building, and investor relations. To learn more, visit www.Inkomoko.com
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