HANGA Hubs is an initiative funded by the European Commission, JICA and implemented by RISA, operating in MUHANGA, NYAGATARE, RUBAVU, RUSIZI, HUYE, MUSANZE and RWAMAGANA. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s and partners’ (EU & JICA) efforts to foster private sector development and job creation through innovation and incubation hubs.

The Hubs aim to address challenges faced by early-stage, tech-enabled startups by providing necessary resources, mentorship, and infrastructure. The initiative is structured into three main components: Open Innovation Space: A well-equipped hub serving as a collaborative space for young entrepreneurs, Startup Support Programs: Tailored programs guiding startups from ideation to market entry and Ecosystem Building: Strengthening local innovation communities and fostering collaboration.

HANGA Hub curriculum follows a human- and society-centered approach, emphasizing customer needs, local market conditions, and contextual adaptability and integrates Understanding value chains and power dynamics and equipping startups with strategic market-entry skills.

The program runs in three phases over nine months which include: Ideation during which they develop and validate startup ideas, Pre-Incubation to refine prototypes and identify target markets and lastly Incubation period for 6 months dedicated to supporting startups in market entry and scaling.

In order to select suitable startups, HANGA Hubs employ interactive workshops, peer learning, and mentorship, culminating in pitching sessions where the best ideas progress further. Selection involves: Attending an Information Desk Workshop, Submitting an Application Form, completing Entrepreneurial and Innovation Assessments and participating in a Final Selection Workshop.

All 7 Hanga Hubs are fully operational, equipped in terms of furniture, office equipment, Computers, Printers, various kinds of machines, security appliances to name a few.