Project idego, Rwanda

Project name: idego

Project location: Kigali, Rwanda

Website: www.idegoafrica.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/idegoafrica

Project discription

"The outside knowledge is the key. I truly believe that entrepreneurship can solve our problems." Henri, entrepreneur from Rwanda.

Our aim is that people in developing countries are able to live a self-determined life by fostering entrepreneurship so they can solve the problems of their countries independently.

Digitalization is the key to achieve this goal. Therefore, we enable startups to make use of the digital transformation and to adapt their business models to the needs and opportunities of digitalization. 

idego supports startups in Africa to overcome obstacles and to grow the businesses by connecting them with experts - students and young professionals - worldwide to close knowledge and experience gaps.

In order to do that we developed and online platform on which African entrepreneurs can get in contact with experts from all around the world. The support of the expert is given for one to six months on-site in Africa. Currently, we are focused on Rwanda – a country with a positive economic development and outlook. idego contributes strongly to the vibrant startup eco-system in Rwanda.

In addition to the value we create for startups, experts – students and young professionals – learn about cultural differences and how to handle them. This training and development opportunity is a unique way to become a vigilant global citizen. Hence, idego is a win-win scenario for startups and experts.

Goal and purpose of the project

The overall goal of idego is to allow people in developing countries to live a self-determined life. We do this by showing entrepreneurs how they can use the digital transformation to grow and develop their business.

We evaluated the startup ecosystem in developing countries and identified a gap in the support entrepreneurs can receive. Before, only small businesses in the idea-phase, as well as larger businesses were able to receive support. Small-to-medium size startups were not able to receive the support they need. By giving small-to-medium size startups the opportunity to receive expert knowledge in a specific area in which they needed it we close this gap.

Motivation of the applicant team

The motivation we had to put this project in place was to show that entrepreneurship can have a positive impact and can improve the lives of others.

We believe that a cultural exchange between Africa and the rest of the world is highly valuable for everyone involved. Having lived and worked in Africa we know the importance of interaction and cultural diversity and now have the opportunity to foster this with idego.

Use of prize money

The entire prize money will go directly in the support of the entrepreneurs as well as the experts supporting the entrepreneurs. The prize money would be used to increase our marketing expenses in Rwanda in order to reach more entrepreneurs and to make them more aware of the services being offered.

In addition, a scholarship program will be set up to allow financially disadvantaged students to support a startup in Rwanda in order to foster cultural exchange and diversity.