The five year initiative ‘Hanga Ahazaza’, meaning “create the future”, worth US$50 million, will increase economic opportunities for young people while enhancing access to financial services and training so that small tourism and hospitality sector enterprises can expand.
The Tourism and Hospitality Accelerator was officially launched on June 5 at a panel discussion event with experts in the sector.
Speaking during the launch, Ariella Kageruka, Director General of Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, urged entrepreneurs in the tourism and hospitality sector to be unique, “the vision of the country is to uncover unexplored markets in tourism and explore the niches.”
Inkomoko’s Managing Director Nathalie Niyonzima echoed her remarks saying “We see great potential in the tourism and hospitality sector and we believe that this is a sector where Inkomoko can significantly support job creation”.
“Inkomoko’s comprehensive approach to business development will support promising young entrepreneurs in a priority sector,” said Rica Rwigamba, Program Manager at the Mastercard Foundation. “We are excited to work with Inkomoko to ensure small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector can expand and create more employment opportunities for young people.” She added
According to Kenn Munyeki, General Manager of Ubumwe Grande Hotel, “Rwanda almost surpasses Cape Town and Addis Abeba” in the tourism sector.
During the next three years, 300 businesses will participate in the Inkomoko Accelerator, helping them become more professional and successful in this demanding sector. Businesses will receive finance, operations, and sales support depending on their needs during the six-month program, consisting of trainings, a thorough business assessment, one-on-one consulting, and often access to finance.
Any business that qualifies as a tourism or hospitality business can join the Accelerator, as long as they are registered with RDB and have been operating for minimum six months.
“I am excited to join the Inkomoko program, and I am looking forward to improving my finance and accounting skills as well as having the possibility to access financing at a later stage. I’ve chosen to work with Inkomoko because of the strength and diversity of their team and the intensive trainings offered,” said Wilson Habimana, the CEO of Wilson Tours and a new participant in the Accelerator.
Inkomoko’s offering this Accelerator at a 60 percent discount. To join the program, contact Christian Kitumaini, Inkomoko’s Client Relationship Manager, at [christian@inkomoko.com->christian@inkomoko.com] or +250786779012.
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