Banjo Meets Rwanda’s High Commissioner about Building Africa’s New Silicon Valley for Startups

Last week, our Founder, Lisa Wlodyka, at Banjo Communications, had the privilege of meeting Ambassador Johnston, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK. The subject of conversation was technology and innovation - a shared passion - to discuss Rwanda building one of the most forward-thinking economies in Africa that is fast becoming a continental leader in the startup space.

From government-backed accelerators to cutting-edge startups and ambitious infrastructure like Kigali Innovation City, Rwanda is positioning itself as the new Silicon Valley of Africa. For a small, landlocked country, its progress is nothing short of extraordinary.

A Country Rewriting Its Narrative

Over the past two decades, Rwanda has undergone a dramatic transformation. Known for its complex history - it is now earning recognition for its optimistic future in Innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital-first thinking. This vision has been embedded into its policy and society - turning Kigali into one of the most exciting emerging tech hubs in Africa.

The country’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) places innovation and knowledge-based industries at the heart of development. Rwanda wants to become a middle-income country driven by a digital economy and it’s backing that ambition with action - by attracting top international businesses to invest and establish operations in the country.

Kigali Innovation City: The Beating Heart of Tech

At the centre of this transformation is Kigali Innovation City (KIC) - a flagship development designed to house world-class universities, technology companies, biotech firms, and startups. Located in the Kigali Special Economic Zone, it brings together education, business, and infrastructure in a purpose-built district that rivals some of the best-known innovation campuses globally.

With backing from the Rwandan Government and Africa50, and tenants such as Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) already in place, KIC represents Rwanda’s long-term commitment to homegrown and Pan-African innovation.

VC Investment: Big Growth, Bigger Potential

Rwanda’s startup scene is still young, but investment is accelerating fast. As of early 2025, Rwanda has surpassed $1 billion in investment* - with sectors such as fintech, agritech, and healthtech seeing the largest inflows.

Notable deals include:

• Ampersand, the electric motorbike company helping decarbonise African transport, which secured multi-million dollar backing from global investors.

• Zipline, a drone logistics company operating at scale in Rwanda, delivering medical supplies to remote areas - a model now being exported globally.

• Bboxx, which relocated its headquarters to Kigali and is expanding access to solar energy through innovative tech platforms.

Backing for early-stage startups is also growing, with support from the Rwanda Innovation Fund, development agencies like USAID, and local and regional VCs.

Accelerators, Hubs, and Ecosystem Builders

Rwanda’s success is built on more than just funding - it’s about creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs. There’s a strong ecosystem of accelerators, incubators, and hubs that support talent from idea to scale. This includes:

• 250 Startups – A government-backed accelerator programme designed to launch and grow early-stage Rwandan startups.

• Norrsken House Kigali – A co-working and investment hub supporting social-impact startups across Africa.

• kLab and Fablab – Foundational tech hubs that provide access to mentorship, maker tools, and a thriving community.

• Jasiri – A talent investor that supports individuals before they’ve even launched a business, building entrepreneurs from the ground up.

• Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali – Part of a global network of startup spaces fostering entrepreneurship in emerging markets.

These institutions are creating a pipeline of founders with technical skill, local insight, and the ambition to solve Africa’s biggest challenges - often using Rwanda as a launchpad.

Key Sectors Driving Innovation

While Rwanda is fostering a broad digital economy, several sectors stand out:

Fintech: Mobile money and digital banking adoption are soaring. Startups are providing inclusive financial tools to underserved populations, and Rwanda’s supportive regulation is helping new entrants gain traction.

Agritech: With the majority of Rwandans still working in agriculture, startups like Charis and AgriGo are bringing drones, AI, and precision farming to the fields, helping boost yields and sustainability.

Healthtech: Rwanda’s strong public health infrastructure is being complemented by digital tools and platforms - like Babyl Rwanda, a telehealth startup that’s now part of the public health system.

Green Tech & Clean Energy: Rwanda is deeply committed to sustainability. Companies like Bboxx and OffGridBox are leading clean energy innovation, making Kigali a hotspot for green investment.

Mobility & Logistics: Beyond Ampersand and Zipline, startups are developing intelligent, low-emission solutions to improve the movement of people and goods across Rwanda and East Africa.

The Role of Government and Policy

Crucially, Rwanda’s government doesn’t just talk about innovation - it builds the frameworks to make it happen. Startups benefit from:

• Easy company registration and business-friendly tax structures.

• A dedicated Startup Act under development.

• Proactive support from institutions like the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC).

• Open partnerships with the private sector, international donors, and local universities.

It’s no coincidence that institutions like CMU-Africa and the recently announced UNDP Timbuktoo Innovation Fund (headquartered in Kigali) are investing in the country's future.

Looking Ahead

As a communications agency specialising in technology and innovation, we at Banjo Communications are inspired by Rwanda’s remarkable trajectory. It’s a compelling reminder that when a country combines visionary leadership, clear ambition, and strong infrastructure, those newer to the startup space can rapidly emerge as regional - and even continental leaders. We’re excited to see how Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem continues to flourish and look forward to offering support as it becomes a beacon for entrepreneurship and tech in Africa.

To find out more, please contact lisa@thisisbanjo.com

Source:

Rwanda’s Startup Ecosystem: A Rising Tech Hub Beyond Africa’s ‘Big Four’