Rwanda Shines at Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders (ASEB) Summit & Awards 2024
The 3rd annual Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders (ASEB) Summit & Awards 2024, held from October 1-5 in Accra, Ghana, concluded on a high note, recognizing the unsung heroes of Africa’s startup ecosystem. Rwanda made a significant mark at the event, securing multiple wins that celebrated the country’s efforts to drive entrepreneurship and innovation across the continent.
This year’s ASEB Awards saw an impressive 2,089 nominations from 44 countries, with a distinguished panel selecting 45 winners across 30 categories. Rwanda emerged as a standout, with top honors in several key areas.
Rwandan Winners at ASEB Awards 2024:
•Coworking Space of the Year: UR-CAVM Agribusiness Incubator, 1st Award
•Startup Coach of the Year: Dr. Alphonsine Mukayisenga Dushimimana, 1st Award
•Policy Initiative of the Year: i4Policy, 1st Award
The UR-CAVM Agribusiness Incubator, based at the University of Rwanda’s Busogo Campus, was celebrated for its crucial role in nurturing young entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. The incubator’s coordinator, Dr. Alphonsine Mukayisenga Dushimimana, was recognized as Africa’s Startup Coach of the Year for her outstanding mentorship in agribusiness innovation. Kigali-based think tank i4policy was honored for its pioneering frameworks that support startups across Africa, solidifying Rwanda’s status as a hub for innovation.
McKevin Ayaba, Founder & Convener of ASEB Summit & Awards, highlighted the importance of the event: “The ASEB Summit & Awards is a celebration of Africa’s unsung heroes—the ecosystem builders who work tirelessly to create opportunities and drive innovation across the continent. Our vision is to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and resilient startup ecosystem that transcends borders.”
Winners were selected through a rigorous nomination and selection process, and recognition at ASEB opens up significant opportunities. These include enhanced visibility, access to international training and capacity-building, and the chance to network with leading ecosystem builders across Africa.
Dr. Alphonsine Mukayisenga Dushimimana, speaking on behalf of Rwanda’s winners, noted: “We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the Rwandan startup ecosystem and our commitment to driving entrepreneurship and innovation.”
The ASEB Summit & Awards 2024 was powered by Setup A Startup and Orange Corners, with the Government of Ghana as host, and was featured as part of the Ghana Digital & Innovation Week (GDIW). Rwanda’s success at the event underscores its growing influence as a leader in Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
