Inkomoko, a Rwandan business accelerator that supports micro and small enterprises in refugee and host communities, has been ranked the 8th fastest-growing private company in Africa by the Financial Times. It is the only company from Rwanda and the highest-ranked in East Africa to appear on the 2025 list.
Founded 12 years ago, Inkomoko has invested more than $35 million and supported over 100,000 entrepreneurs across Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and most recently Chad. The organization says its efforts have impacted more than 1.2 million people across the region.
“This isn’t just our growth story — it’s our clients’ and the communities we serve,” said Emmanuel Mugabo, Inkomoko’s Rwanda Managing Director. “Every business we support is a reminder that talent is everywhere, but what is missing is access — and that’s something we can fix together with partners, investors, and policymakers.”
Inkomoko specializes in providing training, financing, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs in communities affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty. Its model is built on the belief that entrepreneurship in marginalized communities is a powerful tool for economic inclusion and resilience.
The company’s inclusion on the Financial Times list comes amid growing global concern over displacement driven by conflict, climate change, and economic inequality. Inkomoko positions its work not as charity, but as a sustainable strategy for long-term development.
Looking ahead, Inkomoko aims to invest $150 million in 550,000 small and micro businesses by 2030. The company is currently seeking partners who share its commitment to inclusive economies and scalable impact.
“This recognition from the Financial Times is an honor,” Mugabo said. “But the real measure of our success will be how many others join us in this work.”
