The purpose of this peer-learning exchange and study tour is to share knowledge and best practices between Rwanda and Benin digital and entrepreneurial ecosystems. It also aims to build participants’ capacity and knowledge in entrepreneurship through a 2-day workshop and ultimately increase the performance of digital entrepreneurs.

The 35 delegates from Benin represent government officials involved in defining the environment of the digital economy in Benin, management unit and partners of the project, support structures for innovative entrepreneurship (SAEI) and Beninese startups and their counterparts from Rwanda (30) will take part.

This rather important event occurs at a time when the growing digital economy in Africa is opening up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and enabling creation of new business models, innovations and value in data-driven industries.

“Africa’s digital economy is making significant strides and digital entrepreneurship is taking shape. Building capacity for African entrepreneurs and sharing lessons between member states is a crucial step towards taking advantage of the immense opportunities this new type of the economy presents,” pointed out Mr. Lacina Koné DG/CEO of Smart Africa, commenting on this initiative.

“This mission to learn about best practices in the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, which will end on 13 December 2022, includes a training session provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and a study trip during which the Beninese visitors will discover the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

It will allow Beninese innovative entrepreneurship support structures to strengthen their knowledge and skills around the support profession and to create a framework for meeting and exchanging with their Rwandan counterparts," said Emmanuelle BOUITI, coordinator of the DigiBoost project implemented by Enabel in Benin.

About Smart Africa

Smart Africa is an alliance of 35 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with Africa’s digital agenda.

The alliance is empowered by a bold and innovative commitment by African Heads of State to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs.

With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, the Smart Africa Alliance brings together Heads of State who seek to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market.

Launched in 2013 by seven (7) African Heads of State, the Alliance now has 35 member countries, representing over 1.1 billion people and over 40 Private Sector members committed to the vision and the advancement of Africa.

Participants of the workshop in a group photo.

The purpose of this peer-learning exchange and study tour is to share knowledge and best practices between Rwanda and Benin digital and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The program also aims to build participants’ capacity and knowledge in entrepreneurship through a 2-day workshop and ultimately increase the performance of digital entrepreneurs.