Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda abound with aspiring entrepreneurs; people with remarkable ideas that can provide solutions to the different problems of this region. Unfortunately, there are still barriers to accessing capital for the start-up phase. Rwanda has facilitated legislation on business creation, but leveraging investment and support for young entrepreneurs is still l
acking. The Innovative Spirit Challenge is offering to lend a helping hand to these creators. Its vision is to encourage the creation of business by providing the best young companies with the financial support and linking them into a network of local entrepreneurs for mentorship. The competition helps candidates formulate their business strategies in such a way as to get the recognition and networks necessary to succeed. In addition to winning prizes and connecting with mentors, participating in this competition is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and professionals; to create and strengthen networks. This is a unique space for business start-ups. Investment in innovation in Africa focuses on the urban centres of Nairobi, Lagos and Johannesburg. But there is huge potential outside of these hubs in the rural regions. Therefore this competition is focused on showcasing innovative new ideas from the shores of Lake Kivu where exciting new investment opportunities are developing from across the region. We are currently running a crowdfunding campaign, check out https://igg.me/at/innovativespiritchallenge
Organisers Bio:
Nathanael is an entrepreneur and Managing Director of Calafia Cafe, based in Gisenyi Rwanda. A self starter with microfinance experience in Haiti and Colombia, he is passionate about new technologies, renewable energy and good coffee. Helen is Director of an international development organisation in Eastern Congo. A passionate advocate for social justice and women’s empowerment, Helen grew up in Tanzania and has dedicated her life to humanitarian initiatives in developing countries. Cliff MUGISHA is the Western Rwanda Territory Account Manager for Korea Telecom Rwanda Networks company. One of the best selling sales agent (if not the best ) in Rwanda, Cliff is also the co-founder of Walk to remember and an active member of “Volunteer Uganda” and contributor to the online magazine “Workzine”. Hebdavi is a contract coordinator for an INGO in Eastern Congo. He is board member of Congo Tree, a Goma based organisation that trains youth in leadership and transferable skills. He has a background in microfinance in DRCongo and a commitment to empowering the youth for a brighter Africa. Manon est franco-belge, elle a déjà créé deux entreprises en France, été impliqué dans plusieurs club d’entreprise et elle coordonne maintenant un consortium d’ONG en RDC tout en vivant a Gisenyi. Baptiste est français. Ingénieur de formation, il est spécialisé dans le développement de nouveaux produits et dans les stratégies de management. Il a travaillé avec les précurseurs français de l’intelligence économique et avec un organisme rattaché au ministère de la santé et du travail français.
