Norrsken East Africa has launched its second round of the Women in Business Initiative in Rwanda, aiming to support female entrepreneurs in the tech sector. The program, unveiled on April 17th, is a collaboration between Norrsken East Africa and its partners, including the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda.
Fifteen female entrepreneurs are participating in a six-month training program designed to empower and accelerate the growth of their tech-enabled ventures. Phionah Ingabire, the initiative manager, highlighted the program’s focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women founders in the tech space.
The selection process for the program involved input from business experts in Rwanda, ensuring that businesses with early traction received tailored support. Alongside traditional workshops, wellness sessions have been introduced to support founders’ mental well-being throughout the program.
Ambassador Alice Nkulikiyimfura, BPN Rwanda Country Director, stressed the importance of commitment to the six-month training period, emphasizing the opportunities available in Rwanda’s growing economy.
Michelle Umurungi, Deputy Managing Director of Norrsken East Africa, commended the cohort members for their innovative solutions and urged them to persevere regardless of gender stereotypes.
During the launch event, founders shared their visions for their companies over the next five years. Sandrine Ingabire, Founder of Tulivu Home Solutions, expressed her ambition for her company to become a leading household help provider in the region, focusing on social impact.
Amina Niyigena, Co-founder of Bookly Africa and an alumna of the first cohort, described the program as transformative, emphasizing the importance of networking and peer support for personal growth and business success.
