Innovative entrepreneurs have a chance to invest in a local social enterprise, Impact Hub Kigali, to save and grow income streams. According Maria Mayanja, the Impact Hub Kigali managing director, the firm is opening up ownership to the community to support community development initiatives. 

"It will enable individuals and organisations that are passionate about social change in East Africa to become impact investors, owners and leaders of Impact Hub Kigali,” she said on Wednesday during the launch of the share sale.

Up to 127 shares are on offer, with each share representing 0.5 per cent ownership of Impact Hub Kigali. Mayanja said they were targeting social change-makers. The initial private offerings are at Rwf193,750 per share (or $250) each.

"This is an exciting time for Rwanda and for Africa...We have the opportunity to become pioneers and have our ideas transcend the continent and be adapted elsewhere in the world. Our community share offer programme is an opportunity for people across the City of Kigali to come on board and become part of this innovative ecosystem of people making things happen and not just watching it happen,” Mayanja said.

Abdallah Bitunguramye, a software developer from Qlik View Rwanda, one of the attendees, said the Impact Hub Kigali has created an avenue for young Rwandan entrepreneurs to connect with people who are essential in growing their businesses.

Interested social entrepreneurs have up to March 31 to buy shares in the social enterprise and become part-owners. Social entrepreneurship draws on business techniques to find solutions to social problems.

The community at Impact Hub Kigali includes local social enterprises, service providers, international organisations, cultural institutions, embassies, and investor networks..

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