The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has officially rolled out the Hanga Ventures Ignite Facility, a new financing window under the Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project (RDAP) designed to give early-stage startups access to vital growth capital.
The program, part of the Early Stage Startup Financing Facility (ESF), will provide funding ranging from Rwf 30 million to Rwf 145 million, equivalent to about US$23,000 to US$110,000.
The facility is structured into two tiers to match different stages of startup maturity. Hanga Ignite is designed for companies still at the ideation stage with little or no revenue, capped at less than Rwf15 million since incorporation.
These companies may only have a concept or prototype but must demonstrate strong growth potential even without a fully developed product.
On the other hand, Hanga Ignite+ is aimed at startups that already have a minimum viable product and some early traction, with annual revenue not exceeding Rwf75 million, or roughly US$57,000.
Both tracks are open to companies that are less than five years old.
Applicants are required to present incorporation certificates from RDB, proof of tax registration through a TIN number, updated pitch decks, financial statements, certified bank statements covering at least three months, and a valid tax clearance certificate.
Companies that have previously received an RDAP grant in the same tier are not eligible.
By lowering the barriers to early capital, Hanga Ventures Ignite seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges in Rwanda’s startup ecosystem.
The facility is expected to empower founders with innovative ideas to grow faster, scale sustainably, and strengthen Rwanda’s position as a regional hub for digital innovation.
BRD noted that the initiative is not just about financing. It forms part of a broader national strategy to drive youth entrepreneurship, stimulate job creation, and build a competitive knowledge-based economy that can compete on a regional and global scale.
