Local entrepreneurs who advance the country’s development agenda through job-creation and innovation stand to win $20,000 (about Rwf14.1 million) at this year’s Outstanding Rwandan Entrepreneur Award.

Only Rwandan-based entrepreneurs below 35 years of age, whose businesses have contributed significantly to job-creation, provide an innovative solution to one of Rwanda’s development challenges, have annual revenue turnover of more than $50,000 annually and were profitable last year can enter the competition, according to the organisers. 

Inkomoko Business Development, a Kigali-based business accelerator, and African Entrepreneur Collective, an organisation focused on addressing unemployment on the continent, are behind the contest.

Julienne Oyler, the executive director of African Entrepreneur Collective,  noted that they want to highlight the achievements and contribution of talented entrepreneurs to the country’s development on a Pan-African stage.     

Interested businesses can submit applications online until October 10 on bit.ly1nSoR2D or log onto www.inkomo.com for more information.

The winner will be announced at the 5th African Leadership Network Awards gala to be held in Kigali in November.   

Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, the African Leadership Network chief executive officer, said the awards started in 2007 to celebrate business excellence across Africa.

"As we learn from Rwanda’s development successes during this year’s annual gathering, it was only fitting to recognise one of the outstanding entrepreneurs who have contributed to these successes,” Fokuo said.

An independent committee made up of prominent business leaders in Rwanda will review applications and select the winner on the basis of their demonstrated job-creation, innovation, profitability, and contribution to the country’s development, Fokuo said.