Hanga Hubs: €4.8mn EU investment to bridge Rwanda's digital skills gap

Rwanda is set to witness a digital revolution with the unveiling of the Hanga Hubs project, made possible by a €4.8 million investment from the European Union. The initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap and tackle unemployment by providing access to entrepreneurship support services. The project will establish four incubation hubs in secondary cities across the country, namely Mohanga, Rosisi, Robavu, and Nyagatare. These hubs will not only boost tech-based innovation but also create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators outside the capital, Kigali. The Technical Advisor at Hanga Hubs, Pascal Murasira, highlighted that the goal is to support and empower at least 1,000 young individuals and foster the creation of 192 startups in the designated cities. This endeavor seeks to pave the way for increased job prospects, particularly within the digital economy, for the youth in these regions. Although the European Union has funded the project, the Rwandan government has played a pivotal role in its implementation. The government, alongside the districts where the hubs are located, has provided existing buildings to house the hubs. These structures are being modernized and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including computers and machinery, to cater to the needs of the young entrepreneurs. While the project has faced challenges in terms of infrastructure development and attracting ecosystem partners to secondary cities, efforts are underway to overcome these obstacles. Murasira emphasized the importance of engaging local stakeholders, such as universities, district officials, and the youth, to ensure that the project is locally-driven and sustainable. Activities have already commenced in some districts, with training sessions on ideation and the digital economy underway. The official launch of the hubs is expected by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in the project's progress. The long-term success of the initiative will be measured by its impact on job creation, entrepreneurial growth, and the overall transformation of the digital landscape in Rwanda. Murasira underscored the potential of Africa's youth in driving innovation and addressing major societal challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, energy, and climate. The Hanga Hubs project is poised to unleash the creativity and aspirations of young Rwandans, positioning them as catalysts for positive change in the country's development trajectory.