If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re looking for a place where you can find ideas and opportunities for your business, Kigali, Rwanda is the right place to be. Continue reading to find out why.  

Rwanda is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. With about 78% of Rwandans under 35, it’s easy to see that its growing economy is deeply intertwined with its youthful populations’ contribution. This is all thanks to the policy reforms and regulations that have fostered an attractive business environment for investors and entrepreneurs.

And Kigali, aside from being the capital, is fast becoming the heartbeat of a thriving creative economy, attracting young entrepreneurs from around the world. The city boasts a vibrant ecosystem of local startups at the forefront of its creative economy — from art and fashion to tech. Here are five reasons why you should consider Kigali as your ideal destination for business ideas and valuable opportunities. 

Reason #1: A Vibrant Creative Community

The creative communities in Kigali are pioneering a new type of collaborative ecosystem where new ideas across different sectors can thrive. There are hubs scattered around the city that provide creatives with technical support, resources and collaborate with other like-minded creatives to build sustainable businesses. Some of these hubs include the Inema Arts Center, a well-known art gallery and studio where young artists can develop their skills, showcase their work and even get mentored. Another is The Impact Hub Kigali, a must visit innovation hub that hosts hackathons, training programs and networking events where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas and build amazing tech projects. 

For young creatives in fashion, you should consider attending the Kigali Fashion Week. It is an annual fashion event where fashion designers, models and stylists from all around the world have the chance to showcase their collections of local and international designs. 

For young creatives in fashion, film making, digital arts you should consider attending the next Kigali Triennial Fashion Show, scheduled for 2027. Launched by the Rwanda Arts Initiative (RAI) art center, the City of Kigali, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts in 2024, the event is a brilliant showcase and convergence of fashion, art and culture in Kigali.

Reason #2: Government Support

Rwanda's government policies and ministries have been instrumental in nurturing the creative economy in Kigali and across the country. For instance, through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), business registration processes have been streamlined, making administration simpler.  The government has also implemented policies that provide tax breaks and exemptions on equipment imports for businesses in the creative industry.

It also established the Creatives Industries Fund to provide financial support to help creatives scale their innovative ideas that have the potential to contribute value to Rwanda’s economy and cultural value. Policies, incentives and initiatives like these matter to creatives as they reduce the barriers to entry or expansion in Rwanda’s economy, allowing them to focus on the innovative aspects of their business ideas. 

Reason #3: A Safe and Eco-friendly Environment

Kigali stands out as a safe and eco-conscious city. In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Rwanda was ranked 92nd out of 163 countries globally and placed 14th for Sub-Saharan Africa. The 2024 Numbeo “Africa: Crime Index by Country” report ranks Rwanda as the safest country on the continent having a relatively low crime index and high safety index.

Now, many may think this isn’t important but the truth is that a safe, clean environment is a recipe for building sustainable ideas and networks. For young creatives visiting, being able to explore the city’s gems at any time of the day due to safety is a big plus. It’s the “not so little things” like this that encourage innovative ideas to thrive, reduce operational anxieties, attract international talent, and foster trust with investors who prioritize stable economies. 

The city’s eco-friendly policies and innovative solutions invite  creatives in this sector to visit, learn and invest. Since Rwanda’s ban on single-use plastics in 2008, businesses have experienced lower operational cost and entrepreneurs in the sustainable packaging or recycling sector have created innovations others from other countries can learn from.

Reason #4: Low cost of living and business operations

The cost of living and business operations in Kigali is a game-changer for young entrepreneurs in the creative economy. The city offers financial flexibility, reduced risk, infrastructure and a supportive environment for innovation that is important for capital intensive creative projects. For example, the city has an affordable fiber-optic internet network that is crucial to the operations of tech-enabled creative businesses on a tight budget. Kigali is also a hub for affordable talents and creative products, from handmade crafts to digital content. 

The country’s central location in East Africa and its membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an added advantage as it helps creative businesses tap into regional markets with lower export costs. 

Compared to other thriving African cities, Kigali’s  lower operational costs for businesses  allow for more experimentation without high financial risk.

Reason #5: Enhanced Global Reputation

The positive impact of the Rwandan government policies has earned the country a global stance in comparison to other business hubs around the world. In fact, some experts are terming Kigali as “Africa’s Singapore”. The city is home to iconic venues like the BK Arena which is hosting the 2025 edition of the Move Afrika Tour on February 21.

Kigali is also a tourist destination for conscious travelers, creating spillover demand for sustainable startups in hospitality, food, fashion and retail. This gives young entrepreneurs visibility and credibility by operating in a city that’s both a sustainability leader and a regional business gateway.

Kigali’s safe, green, and forward-thinking environment provides young entrepreneurs in the creative economy a rare combination of stability, inspiration, and market opportunity. With government support, minimal risks, lowered operational costs, and aligning with global sustainability trends, the city empowers young creatives from all around the world with an unparalleled potential to turn ideas into impactful ventures. 

For entrepreneurs seeking a hub where safety and sustainability are not just buzzwords but lived realities, Kigali stands out as a model for Africa’s future.