Believe in what you are doing, be confident, and seize the opportunity to learn and network, said Cynthia Umutoniwabo, the 2023 winner of Hanga PitchFest and co-founder of Loopa, a climate tech startup, as she shared insights and tips for this year's participants. ALSO READ: Hanga Pitchfest, a path to innovation-led opportunities The annual Hanga PitchFest is set to take place on November 10 and, for the new participants, Umutoniwabo emphasises the importance of confidence and authenticity. “Believe in what you’re doing. No one knows your business better than you. Stay confident and seize the opportunity to learn and network,” she advised. ALSO READ: A look at Hanga Pitchfest progress through the eyes of past winners “The competition is about learning and personal growth. You’ll receive mentorship and feedback from experts, helping you refine your approach.” Umutoniwabo shared her strategy, noting: “Each stage brought its own pressure, and I focused on giving my best each time. ALSO READ: Hanga Pitchfest 2023 top 5 finalists announced “I’m particularly grateful for my team who helped me practice my pitch. My advice? Practice and practice some more! The more comfortable you are, the better you can handle the pressure.” According to Antoine Kundimana, the Senior Technologist at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, this year’s event promises to “reach new heights with more diverse startups and innovative solutions”, including a new support track for technology aimed at assisting persons with disabilities. The Government of Rwanda believes that innovation should be inclusive and accessible to all, he said. Loopa's journey Loopa focuses on transforming organic waste into fertilisers, addressing waste management while providing small-scale farmers with affordable fertilisers. Umutoniwabo explained that they are currently working with Nyamata market, providing organic wastes to be processed into nutrient-rich fertilisers for farmers in eastern Rwanda. The startup currently employs seven full-time staff and an average of 15 temporary workers each month, according to Umutoniwabo. “Our production capacity has increased from three tons to 15 tons per month, and we are still expanding thanks to new machinery,” she said. Looking ahead, Umutoniwabo outlined two key expansion strategies: increasing production capacity from 10 tons to 60 tons per month and reducing logistics costs by opening branches in other regions, beginning with northern Rwanda. Reflecting on her journey, Umutoniwabo expressed gratitude for the opportunities that Hanga PitchFest has provided. “Winning the competition has opened doors to incredible opportunities, from gaining credibility with clients and investors to personal growth and networking,” she said. “I knew Hanga PitchFest was significant in Rwanda, but I didn’t realise it had attracted attention from around the world,” she said, noting that people from various countries have since reached out to her. This year, competitors will vie for a share of Rwf110 million set aside for prizes. Over the past three years, 88 percent of the 135 participating startups have continued to operate, according to Kundimana. The startups have created different job opportunities for Rwandans. The ministry envisions transforming Hanga PitchFest into a regional event, aiming to attract participants from across East Africa and beyond. “Our goal is to create a truly Pan-African innovation platform,” Kundimana explained, highlighting plans to support startups from neighbouring countries. “We have already seen people from the East Africa Community, registered in Rwanda applying in Hanga PitchFest,” he added. “This expansion aims to tap into Africa’s vast talent pool and provide young entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive.” However, he said, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring diverse participation. “Efforts are underway to engage more startups from rural areas, which currently make up less than 30 percent of submissions. Expanding access to mentorship and networking opportunities beyond Kigali is a priority moving forward.”
