Hanga Pitchfest 2025: MINICT calls for stronger investment commitment to youth innovation

Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, has called on development partners and private investors to provide sustained financial support and market access to young innovators participating in the annual Hanga Pitchfest.

Speaking on Friday, November 14, 2025, during the closing ceremony held at BK Arena in Kigali, she stressed that the country’s innovation ecosystem can only thrive when partners commit beyond symbolic encouragement.

She urged partners not to limit their involvement to celebrating start-ups on stage, but to follow up with real investment that allows young entrepreneurs to expand their projects.

“Do not clap for our start-ups today only to ignore them in your emails on Monday,” Ingabire told partners.

Min. Ingabire noted that many promising ideas risk stagnation after competitions due to limited funding and a lack of opportunities to enter the market.

According to her, consistent capital injection, mentorship, and broader market exposure are critical for the continuity and growth of these innovations.

“If you love a start-up on stage, love them in your budget too. Follow up and contribute to the financing these entrepreneurs need most,” she said.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Rwandan government stands ready to collaborate with partners to ensure that the projects developed by young innovators mature into scalable businesses capable of addressing national challenges.

She emphasized that applause alone does not advance innovation, but strategic financing and deliberate engagement do.

This year marked the fifth edition of Hanga Pitchfest, an annual competition launched in 2020 to support young innovators developing homegrown solutions in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and technology.

The event concluded with the recognition of six start-ups: Ambucycle, Ingoga Technologies, Nabsil, NEEM, Smart Insole, and Re-Banatex, which collectively received Rwf 113 million to support the development of their projects.

Organized by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation in partnership with UNDP Rwanda, Hanga Pitchfest has grown into a major platform for nurturing Rwanda’s next generation of innovators.

As the 2025 edition came to a close, Minister Ingabire’s message centered on the need for consistent investment and market opportunities to ensure that the country’s young entrepreneurs can transform their ideas into impactful, long-term solutions for Rwanda’s development.