Editor,

RE: "New innovation hub opens in Kigali” (The New Times, July 27).

This initiative is very much welcome and will play a significant role in developing entrepreneurial skills among the youth of Rwanda. Critics would, however, doubt its long-term impact on the nation given that Rwanda’s population is heavily rural (80%: Index Mundi, 2014, Rwanda Demographics) and, therefore, the majority of young entrepreneurs may not be reached.

Concentrating attractive business initiatives in Kigali encourages rural to urban migration, challenges the principles of equity, and weighs heavily on the thin infrastructure within our urban areas (housing, water, electricity).

While investors have a right to do business where they envisage significant economic advantages, government’s commitment to equity should be upheld.

I believe human and social capital in Nyagatare, Musanze, Gatsibo, Rusizi, Huye, Rubavu, Karongi is critical enough to trigger innovation hubs.

Daoud