Challenge
Smart cities make use of digital technologies to improve the operational efficiency of a city, promote economic growth, or improve the quality of government services. In the Global South, smart cities can be a key driver for inclusive development and urbanization is progressing rapidly – especially in Africa. Rwanda serves as a flagship country on smart cities and communities in the Smart Africa Alliance. It has set itself the goal of establishing the country as a pan-African hub for digital innovation, specifically as a pioneer in the field of smart cities. Therefore, the Smart Cities Innovation Programme (SCIP) aims at supporting high-potential African tech startups operating in the field of smart mobility, CleanTech & smart housing, and FinTech for affordability in Rwanda and beyond.
Approach
In close collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry for ICT and Innovation and our partners, we developed SCIP: a 6-month accelerator fostering the growth of 31 promising startups with a focus on social and environmental impact from 13 African countries. They benefit from training and capacity building, individual coaching, and mentoring. The programme is implemented in partnership with stakeholders from the private sector and other implementation partners to bring in highly specialised technical expertise as well as to build the startups’ networks
© Smart Cities Innovation Programme
Goal
SCIP aims to support local innovations within communities and promotes African innovation for smart cities. The pan-African setting of the programme strengthens the local and continental ecosystems. By spotlighting the potential of African innovation ecosystems and cities, we encourage private partners to increase investment in the participating startups and smart cities across Africa.
Rwanda as a Champion of Smart Cities – Statement of Alice Higiro, Project Director at Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation. © GIZ
Highlights from our SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali in November 2021. © GIZ
Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi Impressions of the SCIP Bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2021. © GIZ/Serge Marlon Muhizi
