The Startup Ecosystem of Kigali

Home to 98% of Rwanda’s startups, Kigali has a vibrant startup ecosystem that is ranked 434 in the world.

CITY RANKING

While Kigali decreased by 39 spot in its global rank in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index of 2023, its ranking in Rwanda remained stable at 1 nationally since 2022.

National Ranking

1st
0
In Rwanda

Regional Ranking

6th
-
4
In Eastern Africa

Global Ranking

434th
-
39
Worldwide

Startups

Kigali Top Startup Industries

Fintech icon
Fintech
#195 worldwide

12 startups

Foodtech icon
Foodtech
#195 worldwide

5 startups

Edtech icon
Edtech
#203 worldwide

3 startups

Ecosystem HealthCheck

Kigali Ecosystem Health Check

The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Kigali has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...

  • Overperformance
  • Performance equal to global ranking
  • Underperformance
ParameterParameter Global rankParameter rank change since 2022ResultContribution to total scoreRank gain / loss due to parameter
Total Score434-390.707100%0
Quantity Score274500.23433.08%62
Sample size of startups238-241724219.79%226
Sample size of accelerators250-328-7922.83%8
Sample size of coworking spaces362-386-30910.46%12
Community Score633-1139-30600%-25

ECOSYSTEM

Browse the startup ecosystem database of Kigali

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Kigali

Startups in Kigali excel in Fintech, Foodtech, and and Edtech. There are some notable success stories contributing to the city’s growing Fintech industry. One of the most promising startups in Kigali in 2023 is Exuus, SmartAfrica, and Babyl Rwanda.

Global Rank

Kigali is ranked within the top 500 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Kigali’s startups excel particularly in Fintech where it ranks 195 and in Foodtech, and Edtech. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in Rwanda - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal Score
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Quantity Score
Quality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
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434th
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39
0.707
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Startups

Notable Startups in Kigali
Exuus startup icon
Exuus
SmartAfrica startup icon
SmartAfrica
Babyl Rwanda startup icon
Babyl Rwanda

Startups

Successful Fintech startups in Kigali
Exuus startup icon
Exuus
SPENN startup icon
SPENN

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Kigali's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Kigali there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Fintech, Foodtech, Edtech. These three industries represent about 47% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Kigali.

1st

National Rank

6th

Regional Rank

Overview

Kigali is Rwanda's 1st best startup ecosystem and is ranked 6th in Eastern Africa. With a population of 1M - 2M people, Kigali is ranked 434th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including Exuus.

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