JICA Chief Representatives Visit the Ministry of ICT & Innovation and RISA
The outgoing Chief Representative of the JICA Rwanda Office, Ms. Shiotsuka Minako, and the incoming Chief Representative, Mr. Sakamoto Atsuki, paid courtesy visits to Mr. Yves Iradukunda, Minister of State at @RwandaICT , and Mr. Antoine Sebera, CEO of @RISARwanda .
Discussions focused on the longstanding partnership between JICA and Rwanda’s ICT sector since 2013. The Minister commended JICA’s support in strengthening the innovation ecosystem, including FabLab, kLab, and the development of Innovation Hubs (Hanga Hubs) in three secondary cities.
JICA’s support in advancing digital innovation through pilot initiatives such as Procurement for Public Innovation (PPI) and Proof of Concept (PoC), as well as sector co-chairing and capacity-building programs, was also appreciated.
Future collaboration was discussed, particularly JICA’s upcoming AI initiatives aimed at further accelerating support to the sector.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in advancing Rwanda’s ICT sector and digital transformation. @yves_Iradukunda@TonySebera #AI #ICT #Innovation #InnovationEcosystem #InnovationHub #Japan #Rwanda #JICA
We were honored to host the CEO Mr. Antoine Sebera and COS Mr. Innocent Asiimwe Mudenge from RISA at Musanze Hanga Hub. Inspiring conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, and empowering the next generation of changemakers in Rwanda.@JicainRwanda@HubHuye2@RISARwanda
We were honored to host the CEO Mr. Antoine Sebera and COS Mr. Innocent Asiimwe Mudenge from RISA at Musanze Hanga Hub. Inspiring conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, and empowering the next generation of changemakers in Rwanda. @RISARwanda@JicainRwanda@HubHuye2
On February 13, the 7th Joint Coordination Committee of the Digital & Innovation Promotion Project convened at MINICT, bringing together core project members and key stakeholders from MINICT, RISA, ILO, Huye District, JICA Rwanda, and a mission from JICA Headquarters.
The Committee reviewed and confirmed the Project’s overall progress since inception, acknowledging the successful completion of key outputs. Together with all stakeholders, we’ll run through up to September 2026 to refine and disseminate the “Rwanda Model” in this area.
As part of the meeting, the top five startups from the Huye and Musanze Innovation Hubs, graduates of this year’s Hanga Hub Incubation Program, showcased their solutions, creating a valuable opportunity to engage directly with stakeholders and receive insightful feedback to further strengthen their innovations. (Dentalsight AI and Be Life from Huye / VEGGIEFISH, AYASHI GROUP, and CAVGO from Musanze)
JICA extends its sincere appreciation to MINICT, RISA, district partners, and all other stakeholders for their strong cooperation throughout the project. We remain committed to supporting the timely completion of all project outputs and ensuring sustainable impact for Rwanda’s digital innovation ecosystem.
@RwandaICT@RISARwanda@HuyeDistrict@MusanzeDistrict@HubHuye2@HubMusanze@asyv
#DigitalInnovation #DigitalTransformation #PartnershipsForDevelopment
Got an idea?
Working on a startup?
Looking for skills, mentorship or a team?
The MIH calendar is out and this is your moment.
Opportunities don’t wait.
Show up. Build. Launch.
@HangaHubs@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@musanzeDistrict@UR_Huye
Startups pitched their solutions, shared progress, and engaged with partners and ecosystem stakeholders following four months of structured support.
@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@HubMusanze@Theceorw
The day closed with evaluation, awards, certification, and a group photo, a milestone moment for founders and the innovation ecosystem.
@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@HubMusanze@Theceorw
Demo Day at the Musanze Innovation Hub on 30th January marked the culmination of the Hanga Hubs Incubation Program journey for this cohort.
@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@HubMusanze@Theceorw
Celebrating excellence at the Hanga Hubs Demo Day in Musanze. Congratulations to the top 3 startups for outstanding progress, strong pitches, and commitment to building solutions with impact.
@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@HubMusanze@Theceorw
The day featured one-on-one expert sessions on product development, pitch deck refinement, and pitch practice — helping founders sharpen both their solutions and their stories.
@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@HubMusanze@Theceorw
On 29 January, startups in the Hanga Hubs Incubation Program took part in Workshop 5 at the Musanze Innovation Hub, focused on final preparation ahead of Demo Day.
@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@HubMusanze@Theceorw
Strengthening Rwanda’s Digital Innovation Through STEM and the Hanga Hubs Collaboration Network
On 20–24 December 2025, JICA Digital & Innovation Promotion Project supported a 5‑day STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and digital fabrication workshop at @asyv (Agahozo‑Shalom Youth Village), empowering 30 young innovators across @RwamaganaDistr with hands‑on skills in electronics, prototyping, and creative problem‑solving. This workshop was jointly led by hub experts from @HubHuye2 and @HubMusanze (Huye and Musanze Innovation Hubs), marking a promising pilot for cross‑hub collaboration under the @HangaHubs ecosystem.
The ASYV makerspace has also been officially rebranded as the “Rwamagana Innovation Hub”. During our follow‑up visit on 9 January 2026, the team completed the installation of a new wall signboard, marking an exciting new chapter for the hub.
These efforts aim to strengthen hub management, expand digital learning opportunities, and build a sustainable, interconnected innovation network across Rwanda.
#DigitalInnovation #STEMEducation #YouthEmpowerment
With only 5 days left, the Hanga: Smart City Solve-athon application window closes on 22nd December 2025. Take part in building digital solutions that make Rwanda's cities more connected and livable. Apply at https://t.co/wahBIsEkqY or Scan the QR.
#Hanga#SmartCitySolveAthon
On 11–12 December, founders in the Hanga Hubs Incubation Program took part in a two-day workshop at the Musanze Innovation Hub, focused on strengthening the core business foundations of their startups.
@JicainRwanda@RISARwanda@HubMusanze@Theceorw
🚀 Hanga: Smart City Solve-athon 2025 is here!
We’re bringing together innovators, local government, and communities to co-create digital solutions that make Rwanda’s cities smarter, more connected, and more livable.
📌 Apply now!
#Hanga#SmartCitySolveAthon
A big thanks to the newly certified #SIYB & #DYB Trainers who have already trained a total of 175 existing young #entrepreneurs from the PSF Database in Rubavu and Huye districts. Your expertise and professionalism were invaluable to the success of the IYB & DYB training program.