Thirty young Rwandan entrepreneurs last week trained in developing mobile applications, thanks to Usaid’s Akazi Kanoze project that is being implemented by Education Development Centre (EDC). The two-day workshop held in partnership with the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) and international information technology companies, Mozilla and Souktel, aims at teaching participants the basics of using Mozilla’s Appmaker. The workshop is part of Mozilla’s mobile applications building pilot project, also known as the Webmaker project, which is being launched in Rwanda and Cambodia. “The two countries were chosen because of the great interest local youth expressed in furthering their skills in building mobile applications to better leverage the broadband connectivity,” reads the statement from the facilitators. Rwanda is making headway in information and communications technology, and the recent launch of 4G LTE has opened doors to vast opportunities that can make use of the Internet in creative ways. Through the workshop, participants would be able to build mobile applications using the Webmaker platform and trainees will also be part of the Appmaker developer’s network and will gain mentorship and insight in entrepreneurship and mobile applications development, as well as use the learned skills to improve their businesses and add mobile technology as a competitive advantage. Over the last five years, Usaid’s Akazi Kanoze project has impacted over 18,000 youths by providing training and opportunities in work readiness, entrepreneurship and self-employment.The project is currently in its second phase during which it will work to institutionalise its workforce development programmes and provide innovative livelihood opportunities for young Rwandans. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
