Rwanda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is set to get a new boost with the launch of the country’s first start-up television contest, Tangira which opened submissions this week.
The contest, produced by RG-Consult Inc. and scheduled to air in November on Igihe TV, aims to provide young entrepreneurs with mentorship, networking opportunities, visibility, and access to capital. More than Rwf 10 million in cash prizes will be awarded across six categories.
“Tangira is an opportunity for all Rwandan start-up entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and compete for mentorship, customers, investors and financial support,” said Remmygious Lubega, executive producer of the show and CEO of RG-Consult Inc. “Submissions are open from August 20 to September 8, and applicants can upload a 90-second video pitch through the website tangira.rw.”
From all submissions, 50 entrepreneurs will be shortlisted for public voting. The top 12 will advance to a mentorship program in Kigali, where they will pitch to a panel of judges. Six winners will ultimately be selected for prizes.
Industry leaders have welcomed the initiative. Alex Ntare, president of the ICT Chamber at the Private Sector Federation (PSF), one of the contest’s sponsors, said the show will provide a valuable platform for emerging entrepreneurs.
“We are humbled to support an innovation designed as a public good, offering young people information and resources in Kinyarwanda,” Ntare said. “We believe Tangira will help nurture the next generation of Rwandan start-up founders.”
Igihe Media House, which will broadcast the program, described it as a natural extension of its mission. “We are excited to provide content that educates youth on job creation and growing businesses,” said Ines, a representative of Igihe. “Our journey as a media house shows that local ideas can grow big when nurtured.”
The competition is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors, including technology, health, agribusiness, logistics, education, fashion, and creative industries. While businesses are encouraged to register with the Rwanda Development Board, both early-stage entrepreneurs and formal entities are eligible to apply. Participation is free.
Tangira is backed by a range of partners including the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), 250 Startups, Rwanda ICT Chamber, The Kigali Universe and among others.
The program also aims to build a free entrepreneurship resource in Kinyarwanda, making business knowledge more accessible nationwide.
Submissions close at 11:59 p.m. on September 8, 2025.
https://tangira.rw/#home
