MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) in partnership with Inkomoko Entrepreneur Development (Inkomoko) has announced the finalists of the second season of the Youth Empowerment Initiative, Level Up Your Biz.

The 6-youth led local SMEs will receive intensive business skills training sessions, communication and advertising platforms, The identified businesses from the 6 finalists are:

Roumeza Limited (Misozi brand): They manufacture sportswear in Rwanda, they sell sportswear and sporting accessories like gym bags proudly made in Rwanda.

The Kandid makes decorative candles from natural waxes such as coconut wax, and beauty products including body butter made from shea butter and plant oils.

Flove ltd is also a Fashion and textile. This is a startup that manufactures eco-friendly and reusable bags with a drive of empowering teenage mothers in Rwanda by providing them with employment opportunities.

Kayko deals in ICT solutions with an android application that allows micro-businesses to record their sales, expenses, and credits, and accept digital payments.

VUGA UKIRE INITIATIVE offers online Psychotherapy and psychoeducation while Real Brothers LTD produces mushrooms and mushroom tubes (seeds).

Speaking at the press conference held at the MTN Headquarters on Wednesday, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer, Mapula Bodibe said: “We are thrilled to be announcing the finalists of the second season of Level Up Your Biz. SMEs account for 41% percent of all private sector jobs in Rwanda.

By supporting youth-led SMEs, we re-affirm our commitment towards them for they play a critical role in creating jobs for Rwandans and an impetus for a robust economic growth. We believe that such an initiative will go a long way in boosting these businesses and giving them the momentum required for healthy growth.”

Level Up Your Biz was first launched in 2021 and 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.

“Level Up Your Biz is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain business skills from Inkomoko and digital tools from MTN. Inkomoko is more than proud to support Rwandan youth-led businesses in creating opportunities in fast-growth sectors that contribute to the country’s economic development,” said Aretha Mutumwinka Rwagasore, Rwanda Managing Director, Inkomoko.

The announcement and subsequent support of the selected SME’s is part of MTN Rwanda’s commitment to the economic growth of the nation and as an enabler for SMEs to thrive.

About MTN Rwandacell

MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernizing its network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.

The telecom also offer 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.

About Inkomoko

Inkomoko is an organization that supports micro and small enterprises across East Africa so that they can grow to create jobs, improve livelihoods and create thriving communities.

It began operations in Rwanda ten years ago and has now opened offices in Kenya and Ethiopia. Inkomoko provides entrepreneurs with business development services, including bookkeeping and other financial management training.

It offers them one-on-one consulting, so they can put these lessons into practice.

Through in-house investment fund, Inkomoko offers financing to grow these businesses. Ultimately, its work seeks to help some of these tremendous entrepreneurs throughout Africa improve their lives, create jobs for others in their communities, and most importantly, be strong economic contributors to their communities.

AE News