Young entrepreneurs in Rwanda and beyond have a chance to showcase and market their products and services during the World Economic Forum for Africa courtesy of an initiative dubbed, ‘The African Village.’

The innovative mobile facility, conceived by young entrepreneurs with a vision to create a space for fellow Rwandan entrepreneurs to market their products and services, is located at Hotel des Mille Collines and will be available throughout the forum, from 8am until late.

The organisers say, as delegates network and engage at the forum, there’s need to create alternative platforms for them to facilitate the exchanges and business such as the new initiative.

Raoul Rugamba, the managing director of Hobe Agency, the brain behind the platform, said as Kigali is scheduled to host several international conferences this year, mobile facilities will be solution for boosting access to venues suitable for high standard leisure and business activities.

The theme is inspired by local heritage with flair of modern and global stylish design. The venue was conceived with a view of hosting world-class meetings, corporate functions, private events and late night entertainment.

‘Innovative solution’

Rugamba said The African Village is an innovative solution that will further diversify the tourism and entertainment industry.

"Rwanda being a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination hosting conferences and events, we anxiously look forward to hosting the African Village and showcasing Rwanda’s best talent,” he said.

"We hope that this initiative will serve as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs and that they will fully benefit from such amazing opportunities being brought to us. We believe that the Village is a game changer in the event management space. The core model of such a hospitality facility will certainly contribute to the growth of our economy, individuals and create more opportunities for businesses to develop,” he said.

Some highlights of scheduled events in the Village include the Financial Services Dinner, which will today see leaders across Rwanda’s financial services sector share a meal around a theme powered by Thomson Reuters and confirmed as "Financial Services in Africa – Disruption is the answer.”

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