The Rwandan government has signed a Host Country Agreement with Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy to promote entrepreneurship skills development and employment for young Rwandans. Rwanda will also become a hub of the organisation in the sub-Saharan region.
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said that, “Rwanda understands the importance of entrepreneurship, and we are very excited that Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy have chosen Rwanda as their Eastern Africa hub. This kind of investment is critical and their entry fits into Rwanda’s strategy of becoming a Pan-African innovation and entrepreneurial hub. We are all excited about the future of entrepreneurship in Rwanda.”
Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy (AGGP), part of the Gray philanthropy ecosystem with a vision to alleviate poverty through job creation by supporting high potential individuals to become high impact, responsible entrepreneurs seeks to implement its activities under two programs; Jasiri and Wavumbuzi.
Jasiri will offer a one year Talent Investor program for high potential individuals who display exceptional entrepreneurial potential and drive to take their aspirations through the entire entrepreneurial development journey towards launching and growing their businesses.
The Jasiri Accelerator will support businesses created through the Talent Investor program as well as existing businesses that show potential for significant growth by addressing critical barriers to entrepreneurship success.
The Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge, an online program, will nurture entrepreneurial mindsets and shift perceptions of the value of entrepreneurship among secondary school students.
“For the 21st century to genuinely be the African century, we have no choice but to harness the full potential of the entrepreneurial spirit across the continent. After 15 years in this field, in establishing a regional hub in Rwanda and launching the Jasiri and Wavumbuzi programs, we seek to give further energy and support to the increasing momentum of the entrepreneurial activity and leadership in the country.” Said Anthony Farr, CEO of Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy.
According to Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy Country Director, Aline Kabanda, “Entrepreneurship has been identified as a catalyst for Rwandans to not only bring to life their own business ideas but to also build enterprises which create employment opportunities for others. I am excited at the prospect of contributing to the basis from which our young people can launch their entrepreneurial ventures and develop job creating opportunities together.”
