MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) in partnership with Inkomoko Entrepreneur Development (Inkomoko) has announced and awarded the top three winners of the second season of the Youth Empowerment Initiative, Level Up Your Biz. Level Up Your Biz is geared at empowering and providing youth-led businesses with the right entrepreneurial skills and knowledge that will strengthen their innovative capabilities amidst an evolving digital world.
The 2022 winners are VUGA UKIRE- That deal with Online mental health services, ROUMEZA- Made in Rwanda sportswear & sporting accessories, and FLOVE whose business is in Eco-friendly and reusable bags.
The three winners walked away with Rwf2 million each in support of their start-up business and support in Communication essentials and advertising platforms from MTN Rwanda.
Inkomoko also gave the three winners a 4-month accelerator program that includes training, assessment, and consultation.
The Managing Director of Inkomoko Aretha Rwagasore said, “It has been a long journey for these participants, and we are pleased to see these top 3 entrepreneurs emerging as the winners of the Level Up Your Biz program. Level Up Your Biz is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain business skills from Inkomoko and digital tools from MTN. Inkomoko is proud to support Rwandan youth-led businesses in creating opportunities in fast-growth sectors and contributing to the country’s economic development”
The selection, awarding and subsequent support of the selected SME’s, is part of MTN Rwanda’s commitment to the ideals of a robust economic growth as enshrined in its vision.
Speaking at the press conference Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer said: “MTN continues to invest in sustainable projects that drive digital and financial inclusion such as Level Up your Biz, which aims to support young entrepreneurs, who are keen to make an impact in their communities, through innovative digital capabilities that provide relevant solutions for society. We ask individuals to share their dreams and aspirations that they hope to achieve in business and partner with them on their journey, to realize their entrepreneurial dreams.
Each start-up will eventually translate to thousands of lives being uplifted and transformed. We are ecstatic to award the 3 winners of the second season of the Level Up Your Biz program. This re-affirms our commitment towards supporting youth-led businesses as they play a critical role in creating jobs for Rwandans and contributing to economic growth. We believe the support provided to this initiative will go a long way in boosting SME’s and giving them the momentum required for the development and growth of their businesses”.
SME’s play an important role in driving the economic growth of Rwanda, creating a high spread effect through innovation and employment creation for the development of the country. Level Up Your Biz is aligned with the economic growth priorities of the nation and an enabler for SME’s to thrive.
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernizing our network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
The telecom offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalized voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers. (End).