Technology sector players have been urged to develop innovative ideas into profitable businesses, which can then be listed on the local capital market. Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) chief executive officer, Pierre-Celestin Rwabukumba, said the exchange provide firms, including technopreneurs, a platform where they can access affordable investment finance.

"RSE is ready to help technopreneurs to raise the money you need to bring your innovations to life,” he said. All you need is to improve your governance and accountability to quality to list on the capital market and raise affordable long-term funding, he added.

Rwabukumba was speaking during the ongoing "Access and Grow” three-month campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness about opportunities the local capital market presents businesses, including tech firms.

Meanwhile, 10 firms have already registered for the upcoming RSE listings forum 2018. The companies are from different sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness and ICT, according to officials. Bugesera-based agro-processor, GEFAPRODO, a mango growing and mango juice making firm, is one of the SMEs that have expressed readiness to list on the exchange’s SME market segment.

Marie Goretti Mukanzigiye, the founder of GEFAPRODO, urged other small-and-medium enterprises to come to the market, saying it provides them an opportunity to access funds they need for expansion, among others.

The listings forum is on March 30.