Rwanda has worked hard over the last decade to promote itself as a technology powerhouse. Despite the fact that it is a small market, it has attempted to attract significant investors as well as startups. The Fintech Innovation Project was recently launched by the government in collaboration with Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), Google, and the Mojaloop Foundation.
CcHUB, based in Nigeria, will support early-stage fintechs and innovators through an incubation program as part of the project. Over the course of the year, there will be two cohorts of 15 entrepreneurs, each receiving a $10,000 grant.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
– The startup must be headquartered and/or operating in Rwanda.
– An already launched product in the market or at least an MVP
– A registered business that has been in operation (since launch date) for at least 6 months
– At least one full time and dedicated founder
The incubation program will provide selected startups with additional funding through the project partners’ investor networks, in addition to support and access to Mojaloop and Google resources.
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
– Equity-free funding up to $10,000
– Product, Market readiness and Investment support.
– Mentorship from industry and domain experts.
– Access to Google products and Mojaloop
– Access to a network of partners and investors from CcHUB
– Funding opportunities.
How To Apply
Interested startups can apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFzIiObl6Vf5APgaRUO8rqW3x-iPt3p_AVzrpcIj8DiBHQsg/viewform).
The deadline for applications is Sunday, February 20, 2022.
CcHUB fintech CcHUB fintech
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer