Are you a fintech innovator building inclusive financial solutions in Africa? Apply now for the 2026 Visa Accelerator Program by 15 August 2025.
Are you a fintech innovator building inclusive financial solutions in Africa? Apply now for the 2026 Visa Accelerator Program by 15 August 2025.
Visa is now accepting applications for the 2026 Visa Accelerator Program, a high-impact initiative designed to support the growth of early-stage fintech startups across Africa that are building solutions for the future of digital finance.
Now entering its third year, the program has supported over 60 startups from more than 25 countries through a combination of business development training, mentorship, and investor access. Selected enterprises gain direct exposure to Visa’s global network and expertise, unlocking new opportunities to scale and strengthen their value proposition.
The Visa Accelerator Program is designed for fintech startups that:
- Are legally registered in Africa or planning to expand into the continent
- Operate at the Seed to Series A stage
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) and some market traction
- Are led by a strong team with demonstrated commitment to innovation in digital finance
The 2026 program will focus on startups that contribute to advancing Africa’s digital economy through areas including new payment flows, embedded finance, SME enablement, merchant solutions, payment infrastructure, open banking, and future-of-finance technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and central bank digital currencies. Inclusive and sustainable fintech innovation is a cross-cutting priority.
Up to 15–20 startups will be selected to participate in a three-month hybrid accelerator consisting of a comprehensive onboarding and orientation week, followed by ten thematic learning weeks covering product development, technology, marketing, sales, finance, and investor readiness. Participants will receive tailored one-on-one mentorship from Visa executives and industry leaders, hands-on technical support, and access to Visa Developer tools and APIs. The program will culminate in an in-person Demo Day, where participants will pitch their solutions to a curated audience of investors, corporate partners, and key stakeholders in the fintech ecosystem.
In addition, three startups from each cohort will be selected for follow-up investment opportunities and strategic partnership support with Visa and its venture capital partners.
Participants will also benefit from a perks package valued at over US$200,000, which includes access to essential software tools, infrastructure credits, and professional services. Visa will cover travel and accommodation expenses for one founder to attend Demo Day. While the program is free of charge, selected startups are expected to manage their visa applications and related travel documentation. The primary language of instruction throughout the program is English.
Are you a young agripreneur in Rwanda driving food systems transformation? Apply now for the 2025 FAO-HASTEN Business Incubation Programme by 27 June 2025.
Are you a young agripreneur in Rwanda driving food systems transformation? Apply now for the 2025 FAO-HASTEN Business Incubation Programme by 27 June 2025.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is now accepting applications for the 2025 FAO-HASTEN Business Incubation Programme — a unique opportunity for youth-led enterprises in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone committed to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems.
This initiative is part of HASTEN—Harnessing SDG-based Agrifood System Transformation through the Empowerment of the Next Generation of Agrifood Leadership in Africa—a project funded under FAO’s Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) and operating in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.
HASTEN aims to:
- Promote capacity development in transdisciplinary systems thinking for SDG interlinkages
- Foster multistakeholder collaboration through strengthened public-private-academic partnerships
- Support agripreneurship and youth empowerment by scaling eco-inclusive business models that generate employment and contribute to the SDGs
Up to 8–10 enterprises per country will be selected to join a five-day, in-person incubation workshop focused on:
- Strengthening sustainable and inclusive business practices
- Developing tailored business plans and financial strategies
- Engaging in hands-on sessions led by international and national coaches
- Leveraging interactive tools and workbooks to build viable growth models
The final day of the workshop includes an ecosystem networking event, where participants will pitch their business models to a broad audience of public and private sector stakeholders, academia, and development partners.
In addition, three enterprises per country will be selected for tailored follow-up support aimed at scaling their operations and building strategic partnerships.
Interested applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Legally registered in Lesotho, Rwanda, or Sierra Leone
- Operational for 1–3 years
- Led by entrepreneurs aged 18–35
- Demonstrate a clear contribution to sustainable agrifood systems transformation
- Comply fully with FAO integrity standards and must not be engaged in any UN-prohibited or unethical practices
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to present their business virtually before final selection. Review full eligibility, exclusion, and selection details on the HASTEN webpage.
Are you a young entrepreneur driving climate and energy innovation? Apply now for the IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator by 10 May 2025.
Are you a young entrepreneur driving climate and energy innovation? Apply now for the IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator by 10 May 2025.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in partnership with Enel Foundation and Social Alpha, is launching the third edition of the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) — a four-month, equity-free hybrid programme designed to empower youth-led startups, scale-ups, and growth-stage businesses in the renewable energy and climate technology sectors.
NewGen supports emerging entrepreneurs worldwide by providing the tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to scale their solutions and drive meaningful change in the energy transition. Participants will engage with leading renewable energy and business experts to strengthen their business models, expand their customer base, and improve investment readiness.
Accelerator participants will benefit from:
- A tailored acceleration programme focused on renewable energy and climate technology
- Webinars, workshops, and dedicated mentorship facilitated by IRENA
- Access to pitching events and investor matchmaking opportunities
- Visibility through IRENA’s global platforms, including the IRENA Youth Award
Eligibility Criteria:
- Entrepreneurs aged 18–35 from anywhere in the world
- At least one founder must be under 35 years old
- At least two founders must commit 16 hours per month to participate in accelerator sessions
- Startups must focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, hydropower, green hydrogen, geothermal, bioenergy)
- Climate adaptation technologies (water, agriculture, livestock, extreme weather, early warning systems)
- Climate mitigation technologies (transport, decarbonization, circular economy, energy efficiency, smart grids)
- Submitted work must be original and not infringe on intellectual property right
To apply, download the Application Form Template and Startup Profile PowerPoint, then submit your completed application via this application link.
Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions from UNICEF – Apply before 8 May 2025
Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions from UNICEF – Apply before 8 May 2025
UNICEF has launched an exciting opportunity for startups developing innovative technological solutions aimed at improving the lives of women and girls. The UNICEF Venture Fund is offering equity-free funding of up to $100,000 to early-stage companies leveraging frontier technologies to address pressing challenges in the fem tech space.
Selected startups will receive:
- Up to $100,000 in equity-free funding to help scale their solutions without giving up ownership.
- Access to UNICEF’s global network, which includes mentors, investors, and experts in technology and social impact.
- Technical guidance and business development support to refine their innovations.
- Opportunities to pilot solutions in UNICEF program countries, gaining real-world experience and validation.
Startups must meet the following requirements:
- Be registered in a UNICEF program country.
- Have a working prototype of their technology-driven solution.
- Be committed to open-source principles, meaning their solution should contribute to a wider tech ecosystem for social good.
- Preference is given to women-led startups and young entrepreneurs (under 35 years old).
For more details on eligibility, application guidelines, and required documentation, visit UNICEF Innovation website.
Are you an entrepreneur looking to expand your business operations to export from Rwanda? Join RDB’s Export Coaching Sessions before 23 March 2025.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through its export development activities under the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Export Facilitation Department, is organizing a series of Export Coaching sessions to enhance export competence among Rwandan SMEs.
Building on the previous sessions, the next one will focus “on introducing international market entry and customs procedures to export from Rwanda”. This session will feature presentations from key institutions, including the Rwanda Standards Board, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority and the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority.
Participants in the Export Coaching sessions will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of international trade regulations and market dynamics.
- Learn practical strategies to enhance competitiveness in global markets.
- Connect with key stakeholders, including potential buyers, trade experts, and policymakers.
- Receive guidance on leveraging trade agreements to maximize export potential.
Register now to secure your spot in the upcoming sessions and take advantage of international markets.
For application details, visit Export Coaching Sessions.
Are You an Edtech Startup Looking to Scale? Apply for the WISE Edtech Accelerator 2025-2026
Are You an Edtech Startup Looking to Scale? Apply for the WISE Edtech Accelerator 2025-2026
The WISE Edtech Accelerator, a program by the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), is now accepting applications for its 2025-2026 cohort. This initiative supports innovative early-stage education technology startups by providing mentorship, networking, and strategic business guidance.
The program is designed to help entrepreneurs refine their solutions, expand market reach, and enhance their impact on education. The 2025-2026 cycle introduces two distinct tracks:
- Local Track (Qatar-focused, for startups targeting Qatar’s education market, with mentorship and funding support)
- International Track
- Open to early-stage edtech startups worldwide.
- Access to a global network of mentors, investors, and education specialists.
- Business support valued at $50,000, including strategic guidance and market expansion resources.
- Exposure to a global audience of education decision-makers.
Participants in the WISE Edtech Accelerator receive expert mentorship in business strategy, product development, and scaling. They gain access to key education networks, including policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, helping them establish a market presence. The program also provides international visibility through WISE platforms and events, offering recognition and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, startups receive tailored support to refine their business models and maximize impact.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an early-stage edtech company with a working product beyond the MVP stage.
- Have demonstrated traction and initial sales.
- Be pre-Series A or pre-Seed with less than $500,000 in raised funding.
- Show measurable impact in education within their target markets.
Applicants must complete an online application form in English detailing their edtech solution, the problem it addresses, and their business model. Applicants must also submit a pitch deck highlighting their startup’s value proposition, market fit, and growth potential. A product demo login must also be provided to allow the WISE team to evaluate the solution’s functionality.
For more information and to apply, visit WISE Edtech Accelerator.
Applications for the Cohort 8 of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program are open. Apply now!
Applications for the Cohort 8 of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program are open. Apply now!
Jasiri, an organization focused on tackling poverty in Rwanda and Kenya, is now accepting applications for Cohort 8 of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program. The one-year, fully funded program is designed to help high-potential East African entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge they need to launch and grow successful businesses.
Through the program, successful applicants will receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors and access to resources, including business training, networking and financial support. Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be citizens of Ethiopia, Kenya, or Rwanda with residence in their country or diaspora
- Be ready to pursue entrepreneurship as a full-time career and spend three months of residential intensive in Rwanda
- Be well informed and possess professional skills, with the ability to identify gaps and opportunities within the sector of interest
- Demonstrate problem-solving and value-creation abilities
- Be able to collaborate with equally ambitious peers within their cohort and co-found ventures from scratch
Interested participants will be taken through a comprehensive selection process including:
- Submission of the application
- Entrepreneurial assessment for successful applicants within seven days
- Innovation scenario assessment and pitch video for entrepreneurs that have passed the entrepreneurial assessment
- Psychometric test for entrepreneurs that have completed the innovation scenario assessment phase
- Selection conference to announce selected fellows to the program.
For more information on the program, visit Jasiri Talent Investor Program
To apply, visit Applications
Are you an entrepreneur eager to leverage AI for business growth? Apply for the Global AI Summit on Africa before 20 February 2025
Are you an entrepreneur eager to leverage AI for business growth? Apply for the Global AI Summit on Africa before 20 February 2025
The Global AI Summit on Africa, happening in Kigali, Rwanda, on April 3-4, 2025, is your gateway to AI-driven innovation, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships. This inaugural event is organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Rwanda in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
Themed “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce”, the summit is designed to empower entrepreneurs, startups, and industry leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections to scale AI-driven businesses.
The summit is designed to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Government leaders and policymakers
- Industry executives and entrepreneurs
- Investors and venture capitalists
- Academics and researchers
- Civil society organizations
- International organizations
Successful applicants will be offered the following
- Access to AI Innovation: Learn from industry leaders and discover cutting-edge AI solutions tailored for Africa.
- Investor & Funding Opportunities: Meet venture capitalists and funding partners looking to invest in AI-powered businesses.
- Networking & Collaboration: Connect with policymakers, tech pioneers, and fellow entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s AI ecosystem.
- Skill Development: Gain hands-on insights into AI applications, market trends, and growth strategies.
- Market Expansion: Discover opportunities to scale your AI-powered business across Africa and beyond.
Participation in this Summit is by invitation only. Interested individuals and organizations should request an invitation to join the event here.
Tips for Managing your Cash Flow
Tips for Managing your Cash Flow
Good cash flow management is a critical skill for every small business owner, and it is important for cash flow to remain positive for your business to thrive. Positive cash flow occurs when the money entering your business from sales and accounts receivable is higher than the amount of the cash leaving your businesses through expenses like rent, employee salaries, and other costs. Positive cash flow ensures your business can manage unforeseen circumstances. Negative cash flow happens when the cash you are spending from your business is more significant than your incoming cash into the business. This indicates trouble for the company. Without adequate cash flow, your business may underperform – canceling orders and ultimately needing to lay off employees. In Rwanda, 42. 5% of entrepreneurs are still operating, partially or fulltime, but only 35.8% are selling, while 57.5% of entrepreneurs are not operating at all at the moment as a result of negative cash flows.
Luckily, there are several steps your business can take to fix the harmful cash flow problems and get into a positive zone.
Here are some tips on effectively managing cash flow in your business.
Get invoicing right.
Invoicing is one of the essential pieces of the puzzle regarding cash flow management. Speed up your cash inflows by delivering your invoices quickly so that you receive faster payment from your clients. Consider investing in automated invoicing such as point of sale machines so that you can improve your turnaround times and minimize delays in sending invoices.
Keep your financial records up to date.
Update your financial records as often as possible. This can help you gain a clear insight into your business’s financial health, which will give you a more precise foundation from which you can forecast your future cash flow, make important decisions, and plan for high and low seasons.
Build a cash reserve you can rely on in tough times.
Building a cash reserve is very important, and it can be done once you hit the break-even point. Businesses face highs and lows – having enough cash to fund your working capital needs can be critical for its continued survival during a low season business.
Liquidate cash that may be tied up in outdated assets or overstocked inventory.
Businesses sometimes have unused equipment, outdated assets, or too much inventory, all of which can be put to better use as income. Equipment and inventory can lose value as new equipment is produced or as customer preferences change. Regardless of whether you sell below initial value, liquidating assets that will not be utilized can contribute to a healthy cash flow.
Consider implementing these strategies to improve cash flow management in your business.
Want to Start a Business? Here’s a Quick Guide to Taxes in Rwanda!
Want to Start a Business? Here’s a Quick Guide to Taxes in Rwanda!
All businesses in Rwanda are required to comply with the tax laws, including payment of taxes within a given period of time. As someone starting a business or who already runs one, understanding your tax obligations is crucial for compliance and smooth operations. The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) provides essential guidance on taxation for new businesses. Here’s a simple breakdown of the taxes you need to know to keep your business legal and running smoothly in Rwanda.
Registering Your Business
- Business Registration: Must be completed within 7 days of starting operations through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Assigned upon registration, required for all tax-related transactions.
- Electronic Invoicing System (EBM): Mandatory for issuing invoices.
Types of Taxes
- Income Tax:
- Personal Income Tax (PIT) for individuals.
- Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at a standard rate of 28%, with incentives for publicly listed companies.
- Micro-enterprises (≤ RWF 12M annual turnover) pay a flat tax based on revenue.
- Withholding Taxes:
- 5% on imports for commercial use.
- 3% on public tenders.
- 15% on gaming winnings.
- Value Added Tax (VAT):
- Standard rate: 18%.
- Registration required for businesses with annual sales > RWF 20M or quarterly sales > RWF 5M.
- Excise Duty: Levied on select products such as alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and luxury goods.
- Local Taxes & Fees: Includes property tax, trading license tax, and rental income tax.
Tax Compliance & Penalties
- Filing Deadlines:
- Annual income tax due by March 31.
- VAT filing: Monthly for businesses earning > RWF 200M annually, quarterly otherwise.
- Trading license tax due by January 31.
- Penalties:
- Late tax payment: Interest of up to 1.5% per month.
- Non-compliance with EBM: Fines up to 10 times the evaded VAT.
- Tax evasion: Punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Taxpayer Rights
- Right to fair assessment and appeal.
- Option to seek amicable settlement in disputes.
- Representation by a qualified tax professional.
For more details, visit the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA).