Category: Science &Technology

The mission, which departed from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:11 a.m. EST, is carrying a suite of NASA scientific instruments and technology demonstrations designed to advance the Artemis program’s goals of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

The landers, part of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, are set to touch down on the Moon on Sunday, March 2, near Mons Latreille in the Mare Crisium region—a vast basin on the Moon’s near side.

The mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, includes NASA’s largest payload delivery to the Moon to date. It features cutting-edge instruments designed to study the Moon’s surface, its geological history, and its environment.

The technologies will also address challenges such as radiation protection, lunar dust mitigation, and navigation to ensure future astronauts’ safety and success.

Key features of the mission include instruments designed to explore subsurface thermal activity, analyze lunar soil, test radiation-tolerant computing, and study the effects of rocket landings on the Moon’s surface.

The data collected from the experiments could not only advance lunar exploration but also enhance our understanding of how cosmic forces impact Earth.

“These instruments represent the next step in leveraging what we learned during the Apollo Era,” said Nicola Fox, NASA’s associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. “This mission ensures we’re prepared for the next generation of lunar explorers.”

The payloads will contribute to NASA’s broader goals under the Artemis program, including sustainable exploration and preparation for crewed missions to Mars. By leveraging commercial partnerships like CLPS, NASA is accelerating progress toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface and establishing a permanent presence.

“This mission reflects the strength of American innovation,” said Chris Culbert, manager of NASA’s CLPS program. “It’s an exciting time for space exploration, and this delivery is just the beginning.”

With the Moon increasingly becoming a hub for scientific discovery and innovation, the success of missions like Blue Ghost Mission 1 paves the way for humanity’s next giant leap.

According to Irembo, the upgrade is informed by user feedback and designed to make accessing government services “simpler, faster, and more intuitive.”

As part of the upgrade, the company has introduced various enhancements to help citizens and businesses search for service statuses, apply for and manage service applications, and track certificates and documents online.

Over the coming months, services on the current version of IremboGov (irembo.gov.rw) will gradually transition to the upgraded version (new.irembo.gov.rw).

According to Irembo, the migration will occur in phases to ensure uninterrupted access, with groups of services moved together.

“During this time, both versions of IremboGov will remain available, and we have built features and set up clear guidance to help users navigate between them until the upgraded IremboGov becomes the main version for all government services,” the statement reads in part. The company added that users will receive updates throughout the process.

The upgraded IremboGov platform currently offers three services from IPOSITA: registration, renewal, and updating an ePoBox address.

The ePoBox provides users with a secure and convenient way to manage deliveries by storing addresses digitally, offering greater reliability compared to physical postal boxes. For businesses, it simplifies logistics and postal operations with a scalable and efficient solution, enhancing customer service.

Redesigned user interface

The Irembo platform’s user interface has been redesigned to make it simpler and more intuitive, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.

Unified access to personal and business services

The upgraded platform enables users who own or represent a business to link their business to their account using the business TIN.

This feature allows direct access to government services tailored for businesses, letting users manage personal and business needs efficiently from a single portal. This streamlined approach simplifies account management, saving time and ensuring an organized experience.

Reuse of previous certificates

With the upgrade, users no longer need to download and scan documents repeatedly for reuse. Instead, they can upload documents once and reuse them for future applications.

Additionally, users can access and attach previously approved certificates directly from their accounts, simplifying processes and saving time.

Enhanced security and convenience

Irembo emphasized that the security of personal information remains a top priority. Engineers have implemented robust measures to protect user data while giving users greater control over how their information is managed securely.

With the upgrade, users can verify their identity directly within their account, ensuring personal information remains secure and accessible only to them. This eliminates the need to re-enter National ID details for every application, saving time and enhancing the overall experience.

Additionally, users can now link an email address to their accounts for added convenience and security. This feature simplifies password recovery and ensures that important updates are delivered directly to their inboxes. Once linked, the email address is securely stored, removing the need to re-enter it when applying for services.

To explore the upgraded IremboGov platform, visit https://new.irembo.gov.rw.

The legislation, set to take effect on January 19, would either force TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the platform to an American company or result in a nationwide ban.

Trump’s appeal, filed just weeks before his inauguration, aims to buy time for a “political resolution” to the issue once he takes office.

TikTok’s troubles began when U.S. lawmakers accused ByteDance of posing a national security risk due to alleged ties with the Chinese government—claims the company has consistently denied.

Earlier this year, Congress passed a bill requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok, and President Biden signed it into law. Despite ByteDance’s legal challenges, no buyers have emerged, leaving the app’s future in limbo.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on January 10 about whether the law infringes upon First Amendment rights. However, Trump’s legal team has requested a stay on the January 19 deadline, arguing that the incoming administration should have the opportunity to address the matter diplomatically.

Trump’s latest stance represents a stark departure from his 2020 efforts to ban TikTok over similar security concerns. His recent shift appears tied to his burgeoning presence on the platform during his presidential campaign, which he credits for his strong support among younger voters.

“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points,” Trump remarked during a recent press conference, highlighting the app’s impact on his outreach efforts.

In a court filing, Trump’s lawyer, D. John Sauer, stated that the president-elect “takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute” but seeks a delay to “pursue a political resolution” to the complex tensions between free speech and national security.

Trump has also expressed confidence in his ability to broker a deal that would preserve TikTok’s operations in the U.S. without compromising security concerns.

The case has drawn sharp divides. Free speech advocates argue that banning TikTok would set a dangerous precedent akin to authoritarian censorship.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department and a coalition of 22 state attorneys general, led by Montana’s Austin Knudsen, contend that TikTok’s Chinese ownership poses an ongoing threat to American national security.

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, met with Trump twice in recent weeks, reportedly discussing potential paths forward. While TikTok has long maintained that its U.S. operations are independent—with data stored on Oracle servers and content moderation handled domestically—the allegations have persisted.

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could mark a pivotal moment for TikTok and its 170 million American users. If the court declines to delay the deadline and no deal is reached, the app faces an imminent ban just a day before Trump’s inauguration.

Trump’s legal team argues that extending the timeline would allow for a diplomatic solution that avoids litigation.

“The incoming administration has the mandate, expertise, and political will to address this matter in a way that safeguards national security while preserving free expression,” Sauer’s filing stated.

The researchers showcased this AI-enabled technology, which aids coffee farmers in identifying crop diseases and reporting them to relevant authorities for prompt action.

The technology is available as a smartphone application for Android devices and a web-based application. Using a photo of diseased coffee leaves, the system can instantly identify the disease and pinpoint the affected area.

This innovation empowers farmers to report crop health issues early, ensuring timely interventions. The data is transmitted to agencies such as the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).

Previously, delays in identifying and addressing issues led to significant losses for farmers.

Dr. Eric Hitimana, a lecturer, researcher, and project lead at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology, explained that the technology was developed to simplify reporting for farmers.

“We designed this technology to enable farmers to report crop health issues easily using their phones. Although farmers work with agronomists, one agronomist often serves over ten cooperatives, making it difficult to address all reported issues promptly,” he said.

“Now, farmers can take a photo of a coffee leaf, and the technology will identify the disease. The data will be sent to a central system accessible to various stakeholders like sector-level agronomists, district agriculture officers, RAB, and NAEB.”

He urged stakeholders in the coffee industry to extend the technology’s reach and support its adoption.

“We ask stakeholders to promote and add value to this technology so that it benefits farmers and agronomists nationwide. As developers, we’ll continue collaborating to enhance and upgrade it.”

Dr. Simon Martin Mvuyekure, RAB’s coffee research and promotion specialist, praised the research outcomes, stating that the technology will advance coffee farming through innovation.

He also emphasized ongoing efforts to address other aspects of coffee farming.

“This is just the beginning. Coffee diseases affect all parts of the plant, from roots and stems to leaves and berries. This initial focus is promising, and future work will tackle other areas. We highly value technology and AI because they improve efficiency and reduce agricultural costs. This research will help farmers thrive in a tech-driven world where coffee farming must keep pace,” he said.

He added, “We’ll integrate this initiative into national plans. We call for collaboration from all sectors, including the private sector, to ensure its success.”

The technology has been well received by those working closely with coffee farmers, who previously struggled to detect and report diseases, often incurring losses. They expressed hope that similar innovations could extend to other crops.

Josiane Dusenge, a quality controller at KOAKAKA Cooperative in Huye, said, “This technology will help coffee farmers identify issues early, preventing losses. We also suggest making the app accessible on simpler phones for easier reporting.”

Didier Ndinayo, Manager at RWACOF Rwinyoni in Rutsiro District, added, “Previously, we struggled to monitor coffee plantations and diagnose diseases due to the vast number of farmers and scattered fields. Now, farmers can share real-time updates from their fields, allowing us to respond with solutions. This is a valuable project that deserves support and promotion.”

The research, conducted in Rulindo, Gicumbi, Ngoma, Rutsiro, and Huye districts, involved 300 coffee farmers from 10 cooperatives, including COCATU, TUMBA COFFEE, NOVACOFFEE, and KOAKAKA.

The findings are accessible through the platform https://rwandasmartcoffee.com/ and are documented in two scientific publications.

1. Publication 1
2. Publication 2

Coffee remains a vital export for Rwanda. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the country exported over 20,000 tons of coffee, generating $115.9 million (about 147 billion Rwandan Francs), a 53.39% increase compared to the previous year’s $75.5 million.

Grok was first launched on November 4, 2023, and has over the past year undergone significant improvements with the company launching Grok-2 in August 2024.

Previously, Grok was only available to X Premium and Premium+ subscribers, a move that limited access to paying users.

However, in a strategic shift, X has now rolled out Grok for free to all users on its platform. This decision aims to broaden the AI’s user base, gather real-time feedback, and refine its capabilities through more extensive interaction.

According to a recent statement, X said the latest version of Grok is faster, sharper, and offers enhanced multilingual support, making it more accessible and effective for users around the world.

The AI chatbot now includes additional features such as web search, citations, and Aurora, X’s recently released image generator.

“Since launching Grok-2 in August, we have been hard at work improving Grok on X, adding new features like web search, citations, and our recent image generator, Aurora,” the statement read.

“Over the past few weeks we have been quietly testing a new version of the Grok-2 model, which is three times faster and offers improved accuracy, instruction-following, and multilingual capabilities.”

This development is part of X’s broader push to enhance user experience through artificial intelligence.

Grok, inspired by Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, was designed to be playful and capable of handling a wide range of conversational topics, including those deemed “spicy” or complex.

According to the social media giant, the design also aligns with Musk’s advocacy for free speech, allowing Grok to tackle challenging and sensitive subjects with greater openness compared to its competitors.

Despite being free, access to Grok comes with certain limitations to ensure smooth performance and maintain a balanced user experience. Free-tier users can send up to 10 messages every two hours, analyze up to three images per day, and generate no more than three images daily.

Additionally, to access Grok, a user’s account must be at least seven days old and linked to a verified phone number.

Premium and Premium+ subscribers, on the other hand, enjoy significantly higher usage limits. Premium users can send up to 50 messages per day and face fewer restrictions on features like image generation and analysis.

With this move, X is aiming to establish Grok as a formidable rival to other leading AI chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude.

The decision to make Grok free is also a part of X’s long-term strategy to integrate AI tools seamlessly into its platform, both on mobile and web. Users can interact with Grok through a dedicated section where they can engage in conversations, analyze content, and generate images using Aurora.

In this article, we highlight notable events and achievements in the tech sector over the past 12 months.

Launch of Kigali Innovation City

After more than a decade of conceptualization, Rwanda, in September, laid the foundation stone for Kigali Innovation City in Gasabo District.

Spanning 61 hectares, the project aims to promote innovation and technology-driven growth. With an estimated cost of $2 billion, the development will host international universities, technology companies, commercial facilities, and more.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), in collaboration with Africa50, an investment platform focused on infrastructure projects that drive development across Africa.

Kigali Innovation City will feature a state-of-the-art center with specialized bases for Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. Notably, some buildings will feature solar-powered roofs, and electric vehicles will serve as the primary mode of transportation within the area, further promoting efforts toward environmental sustainability.

Dr. Francis Gatare, CEO of RDB, lauded the project as a major milestone for Rwanda in its quest to establish a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.

“We are here to celebrate this achievement for our nation, its leadership, and the people of Rwanda, who are committed to building a knowledge-based economy that fosters innovation and sustainable development,” he said.

Once fully completed, the project is expected to generate $150 million annually from the technology developed there and attract $300 million in foreign investment.

Rwanda Unveils National FinTech Strategy to Spur Financial Growth

Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT launched a five-year FinTech Strategy (2024–2029) on November 28, 2024, aiming to foster a robust FinTech ecosystem and position the country as a regional financial hub.

The strategy prioritizes improving financial literacy, expanding access to investment, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and developing digital infrastructure.

“Today marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey as we launch our national fintech strategy. This strategy represents not just a policy document but our country’s commitment to positioning Rwanda as a leading fintech hub in Africa,” Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said during the launch in Kigali.

Rwanda aims to attract 300 FinTech players, generate 7,500 jobs, and raise $200 million in investments by 2029.

AI Connect Hackathon

In September, Irembo, a Rwandan technology company behind the development of the government’s one-stop service platform, hosted its first-ever hackathon on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The 48-hour competition, co-hosted by Irembo and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), brought together more than 20 teams of talented software developers to create solutions addressing real-world challenges and driving meaningful impact in sectors such as public services, healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and cybersecurity.

21-year-old duo, Cedric Izabayo and Libériste Clarence, emerged as the winners of the hackathon, which was hosted in Nyarutarama from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, 2024.

The young software engineers’ AI project, dubbed Bwenge, was ranked first among 18 projects reviewed by judges, securing them Rwf 5 million in cash prizes and VIP passes to the Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025.

Bwenge is an AI-powered chatbot that allows any citizen with a phone, even without internet access, to make a call and access digital government services. The winning team integrated the bot with IremboPay, ensuring seamless payments.

Peter Charles Djomga, Director of Software Engineering at Irembo, said the project has the potential to revolutionize access to information, especially for persons with limited internet access.

The second place went to a team of four developers with a technology titled Immersive AI. It’s a platform that enables businesses and individuals to create their own AI workflow agents to automate processes and improve productivity. The project developers included Dirac Murairi, Landelin Gihozo, Julien Barezi and Kevin Nkusi.

Somatek AI clinched the third place. The project was also undertaken by group of four young software developers, who built an AI-powered browser extension that simplifies complex technical documentation. The team, comprising Janvier Ntwali, Laura Celine Ishimwe, Dean Daryl Murenzi, and Leny Pascal Ihirwe, developed the extension to assist the government in its recently rolled-out scheme to train one million coders under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by 2029.

The two teams won Frw2 million and Frw1 million, respectively.

The hackathon underscored Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for sustainable development.

Digital Innovation in Museums

The introduction of virtual reality (VR) technology in Rwandan museums on August 30, 2024, has revolutionized the visitor experience by offering immersive historical and cultural exhibits.

The initiative was launched in partnership with Innorios, a local tech company specializing in the implementation of VR solutions.

The project offers two distinct types of virtual tours: a self-guided 360-degree virtual tour accessible via smartphones and computers and a more immersive VR experience using headsets. With this solution, one can experience facilities such as the Ethnographic Museum in Huye from the comfort of their living room.

“The self-guided virtual tour allows users to navigate through the museum’s exhibits at their own pace. With just a few clicks, visitors can move from one section to another, exploring artifacts in stunning 3D detail,” said Musa Shumbusho, Founder of Innorios, during the launch.

Broadband and Connectivity Developments

Over the past 12 months, Rwanda has continued its efforts to expand high-speed internet access nationwide, contributing to its Smart Rwanda Master Plan.

Partnerships with global tech firms have bolstered infrastructure for digital services and e-governance. For example, MTN Rwanda, the country’s largest telecommunications company, and Ericsson, on November 5, 2024, announced the completion of the expansion and modernization of MTN’s network in Kigali, Rwanda, to extend network coverage, enhance user experience in the country, and prepare the network for the full rollout of 5G.

With the expansion and modernization, communities in the country are expected to benefit from boosted connectivity and digitization, better access to education and healthcare, and more. These benefits are expected to bolster stronger social connections, stimulate economic development, and empower communities.

Hanga Pitchfest 2024

The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), successfully organized the 2024 edition of the Hanga Pitchfest in November in Kigali.

The competition, held annually, supports young entrepreneurs with ideas that could contribute to Rwanda’s development and technological progress.

The Hanga Pitchfest 2024 concluded with five youth-led projects winning a combined total of Frw110 million, aimed at promoting innovative, technology-driven solutions.

This year’s winner, Sinc-Today Ltd, received Frw50 million for its platform that revolutionizes event planning and coordination.

The second and third prizes went to Geuza Ltd (which manufactures assistive devices for people with disabilities) and Afya Wave (focused on producing ultrasound devices for medical use), receiving Rwf 20 million and Frw15 million, respectively.

The competition recognizes projects addressing diverse issues, from waste management to healthcare innovation. Finalists were selected from over 300 entries and awarded based on their potential impact.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth through investment and collaboration to drive sustainable development.

He stressed the need for further investment in technology skills, which are essential for job creation and economic growth in the digital age. Additionally, the government launched the Hanga Hubs initiative, in partnership with the EU, which aims to support entrepreneurs and foster innovation in Rwanda’s districts.

Since its inception in 2021, Hanga Pitchfest has supported over 200 projects and invested over Frw600 million in entrepreneurial development, cementing its role as a key player in Rwanda’s technological and economic future.

Meanwhile, one of the high-level tech events scheduled for this year, the Global AI Summit on Africa, which was originally set for October, was rescheduled to April 2025. The event is being organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

According to the organizers, the summit will bring together distinguished government and business leaders, along with experts from academia and civil society, to engage in an in-depth, collaborative dialogue on AI’s transformative role in shaping Africa’s future. The summit will be held under the theme, “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.”

The organizers stated that the event was postponed as part of a strategic effort to broaden perspectives, ensuring the achievement of their collective goal of fostering impactful discussions and forging transformative partnerships that will advance Africa’s AI agenda.

The training focused on using technology to monitor and improve the coffee value chain through a system called the Digital Farm Extension Monitoring System (DFEMS).

TechnoServe, a long-time partner in Rwanda’s coffee sector for over 15 years, developed the technology in collaboration with BK TechHouse, which implemented the project aimed at enhancing coffee farming by collecting, storing, and quickly disseminating data to the relevant stakeholders.

Sildio Mbonyumuhire, TechnoServe’s Global Technology Lead, explained that the technology helps farmers track their farming activities and apply what they’ve learned about improving coffee quality.

He said, “In the 50 coffee washing stations we tested with, we saw positive results. The agronomist at the station uses the technology to track farmers in the zone they work in, learn where their farms are, and understand how they are implementing the advice they’ve received.”

Mbonyumuhire said that that this technology helps uplift farmers with weaker performance, leading to increased productivity in both quantity and quality.

The system requires tools such as tablets, computers, and low-cost mobile phones using the USSD technology, easy to use for many farmers who are not familiar with advanced tech.

“For low-income farmers, using a basic mobile phone, they can perform simple tasks like confirming receipt of fertilizers or seeds,” he added.

Marcel Abimana, the district officer from Gatsibo, where coffee is grown on 5.2 hectares, producing 12.5 tons per hectare, noted that this technology eases their work. It helps them connect farmers’ information to their yield securely.

He said, “In the past, when someone visited a farmer and wrote information down, it could get lost or damaged. Now, all the data shared during farmer discussions will instantly reach the intended recipients.”
Abimana believes that this initiative will improve coffee quality and boost productivity, making the entire coffee value chain more efficient starting with the farmer.

Dr. Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), who concluded the training, emphasized that Rwanda’s coffee has become a symbol of national pride.

He urged all those involved in coffee farming to keep improving its quality, noting that the government continues to support this effort.

He praised TechnoServe’s contributions to Rwanda’s development, especially in coffee farming from planting to market preparation.

“TechnoServe started by helping us build coffee farmer cooperatives, and now they’ve introduced technology that helps us reach farmers more effectively, eliminating the strain on agronomists. It also helps secure all the data, including what an agronomist would normally discuss with a farmer, reducing the chance of forgetting crucial information. More so, national data base will be promptly updated,” he said.

One of the successes in Rwanda’s coffee farming is that at least 82% of Rwandan coffee reaches the market well-processed, adding value on international markets. This has been achieved through close partnership between TechnoServe and NAEB.

Rwanda’s coffee sector generated $112 million in revenue in 2022, benefiting over 400,000 households across the country.

The DFEMS technology was implemented as part of the ‘Rwanda Ikawa Nziza Project’ that started in January 2021 and will end in January 2025.

TechnoServe has also integrated the DFEMS system into the government’s existing Smart Kungahara System (SKS) to ensure the technology reaches all districts in Rwanda even after the project ends, while continuing to expand and improve.

In addition to the technology, the project has been instrumental in distributing high-quality coffee seeds, with at least two million seeds provided in six districts; Gisagara, Huye, Nyamagabe, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, and Karongi.

Strettch was among over 70 startups that participated in the contest organized by the Ministry of ICT and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) under the Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) framework, which is currently being piloted. This framework aims to enable public institutions to procure solutions from the innovation ecosystem.

The current research and innovation project is the second of four initiatives funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The first project focused on health.

The first phase of the project implementation began on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with a meeting between the partners and Strettch software engineers at the Rwanda Polytechnic Campus in Kicukiro.

The meeting was attended by key officials including Ephrem Musonera, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Training, Institutional Development, and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic; Parfait Yongabo, the Division Manager in charge of Institutional Development, Research, and Consultancy at Rwanda Polytechnic; Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA; Dr. Said Ngoga, Technology Innovation Division Manager at RISA; and representatives from PWC Rwanda.

PWC Rwanda serves as the Contract Manager overseeing the project on behalf of PWC Japan.

Yongabo stated that the project will create digital solutions for institutional challenges, primarily supporting students and lecturers in their mandate of teaching, learning, and research.

The platform will enable students to document their learning journeys, support the implementation of innovative projects for both students and researchers, and foster collaborations.

The platform will also increase the visibility of students to potential employers through the generation of eCVs or e-portfolios.

“The portal will be able to generate e-portfolios where employers can quickly access a summary of the competencies and skills of the students. If they are interested, they can reach out to them for employment opportunities,” Yongabo explained.

Additionally, the platform will be integrated with Artificial Intelligence assistance to increase its efficiency and save students and researchers time.

Yongabo noted that while many of the companies that expressed interest in developing the platform had good solutions, Strettch provided the best solution that responded effectively to the challenge at hand.

Sauvé Jean-Luc, the co-founder and CEO of Strettch, was ecstatic that their startup won the bid, noting that the victory came after intense preparations and sleepless nights.

“We were very happy to hear that we were among the finalists because we also had to pitch and do intensive work after pitching,” Jean-Luc explained.

“More than 70 startups applied. It was very tough. We had a tight timeline and had to work hard to make the most of every hour. We needed to understand the problem and the client’s needs while being creative, too.”

The 21-year-old made the presentation alongside Libériste Clarance, one of the five founding members of the company. Both are graduates of the Rwanda Coding Academy, an institution they credit for their skills and exposure.

“Rwanda Coding Academy trained us from the ground up as engineers and encouraged us to think outside the box. We gained knowledge across different sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. We learned a lot, so we feel the need to give back more than what is expected,” Jean-Luc said.

The startup founders intend to use the new funding to develop the project and scale up their operations to create even bigger impact.

Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA, emphasized that the PPI initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of startups by removing obstacles in traditional procurement.

This will allow emerging companies to compete on equal footing with more established firms, helping them gain valuable experience and contribute to innovation.

“For young startups, tendering their solutions through normal procurement procedures is not possible, as it often requires five to ten years of experience to bid for certain tenders. But with this policy, young startups are being supported to participate regardless of the experience they may lack, so it’s a privilege for JICA to support them,” she quipped.