CE Acceleration Programme
The program focused on addressing gaps in Rwanda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing tailored support to startups interested in circularity.
Innovative Startups
Impactful Workshops
What if we could adopt a model inspired by nature’s cyclical processes?
The Circular Economy model promotes extracting fewer raw materials, creating more value from products, and ‘closing the loop’ to minimize environmental harm. For startups, this shift means embedding sustainable practices into their operations, reducing waste, and rethinking product lifecycles.
Impact Hub Kigali, in collaboration with the DOEN Foundation, MAVA Foundation, and the GIZ Digital Transformation Center, piloted the Circular Economy Acceleration Program to enable Rwandan startups to integrate circularity into their businesses. Over six months, the program provided tailored support to six innovative startups from diverse sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and health.
"We only have one planet. If we waste it today, what will happen tomorrow?" – Nshimiyimana Alexandre, Sanit Wing.
CE Acceleration Program: Key Highlights
Capacity Building and Circular Design
The program offered tailored workshops and coaching sessions, equipping startups with skills in product/material journey mapping, circular business modeling, and identifying circular opportunities. This hands-on approach empowered participants to integrate circularity into their business operations effectively.
Seed Funding for Circular Innovation
Startups received $3,000 each in seed funding to prototype and test circular innovations. This funding served as a catalyst for experimentation and scaling solutions that promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
Circular Demo Day
The program concluded with an inspiring Circular Demo Day, where startups presented their progress to investors and stakeholders. The event not only showcased innovations but also opened doors to investments and strategic partnerships, advancing Rwanda’s circular economy ecosystem.
Community of Practice Events
Impact Hub Kigali curated the ‘Circularity Series,’ a platform to foster a community of practice around the circular economy. Events explored themes like Success Stories, Women in Circular Economy, and Fashion in Circular Economy, attracting 20 to 40 participants per session and generating interest and collaboration in Rwanda’s circular economy space.
Meet the 6 Startups
- Aflimba: Supporting rural artisans by creating high-quality handcrafted bags, known as ‘Limbags,’ while improving livelihoods and reducing material waste.
- GreenRev: Reducing post-harvest losses and fighting malnutrition through nutrient-rich, processed agricultural products.
- Sanit Wing: Transforming avocados into organic oils, cosmetics, and soaps while offering eco-friendly solutions to customers.
- Kosmotive: Manufacturing reusable sanitary pads and recycling used products into new items, promoting sustainability and affordability.
- CropTech: Revolutionizing maize farming with on-farm harvest handling technology, reducing drying time from weeks to hours.
- Ngozi Naturals: Producing biodegradable, natural beauty products with recyclable packaging tailored to various skin types.
Venture Highlight: AFLIMBA
AFLIMBA is transforming the artisan landscape in rural Rwanda. This creative social enterprise empowers rural artisans by elevating their craftsmanship and improving livelihoods. Known for their meticulously handcrafted bags, called ‘LIMBAGS’, AFLIMBA blends traditional skills with modern design to create high-quality, sustainable products.
Through the Circular Economy Acceleration Program, AFLIMBA explored ways to integrate circularity into their production processes. The venture identified opportunities for material reuse, reducing waste, and creating eco-friendly packaging, further aligning their business with sustainable practices.
Their participation in the program not only enhanced their environmental impact but also strengthened their capacity to scale and generate greater social value, making AFLIMBA a true champion of sustainable entrepreneurship in Rwanda.
Circular Demo Day
The program culminated in an engaging Circular Demo Day, where startups showcased their circular innovations, shared their progress, and pitched their ideas to potential investors and partners, sparking new opportunities for growth.
The Circular Economy Acceleration Program in Numbers
Startups supported from diverse sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and heal
in total seed funding provided for circular innovation testing.
Circularity Workshops delivered to build knowledge and skills in circular design.
Community of Practice Events engaging over 120 attendees to promote collaboration.
Ecosystem Partners actively involved in supporting program activities.
Months of intensive acceleration to drive sustainable change.
Our partners in change
"I thought I knew a lot about the circular economy, but I realize there's so much more to learn!" – Plante Josue, Aflimba.
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