Innovation Hubs and Start-up Ecosystems in Kigali: A Policy Analysis

In Kigali, Rwanda, there is a growing interest in fostering an innovative ecosystem to support start-ups and drive economic growth. The research employs a qualitative approach, analysing existing literature on innovation hubs and start-up ecosystems, as well as interviews with stakeholders including government officials, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. A notable finding is the significant increase in the number of established innovation hubs from to , which has contributed to a growing cluster effect in Kigali. The analysis reveals that while there are efforts to support start-ups and innovation hubs, there remains room for improvement in terms of policy alignment and resource allocation. To enhance the effectiveness of existing policies, it is recommended that the government should focus on streamlining regulatory frameworks and increasing funding opportunities for early-stage companies.