Alibaba’s Training Programme benefits Rwandan entrepreneurs in overcoming biz challenges

Around 30 Rwanda-based entrepreneurs have been provided training at Alibaba’s headquarter in China’s Hangzhou. The programme was organized by Alibaba Group’s University and Alibaba Business School.

The entrepreneurs were given the training on the tools required to run successful business in the digital era. This was the first cohort of the Alibaba ‘Netpreneur Training Programme’ that aimed to assist the entrepreneurs in Rwanda in bringing a metamorphosis in their businesses for the digital era and overcome country-specific challenges.

The programme is the outcome of a collaboration between Rwanda Development Board and Jack Ma-owned Alibaba. The programme ensured to assist them in solving problems and issues that every business owner confronts within their local ecosystem, as reported by The New Times. Hence, it is believed to surely benefit both digital entrepreneurs and leaders of traditional businesses, spanning from tea growers and shoe manufacturing to financial technology and logistics, in seizing the opportunities offered by the digital economy.

A joint statement released by Alibaba and Rwanda Development Board stated that Netpreneur Training Programme aimed to establish digital success cases that could serve as role models for other entrepreneurs and business owners across the country and even the entire continent.

“We are thrilled to be launching a programme that will impact businesses that can benefit most from the adoption of digital technology. We believe by sharing our lessons and experiences with local entrepreneurs, we can enable multiple segments of the local value chain and strengthen Rwanda’s overall capabilities to utilise e-commerce for local and international trade,” Brian Wong, Alibaba Group’s Vice President who also heads the Global Initiatives programme opined.

On the other hand, the programme follows the unveiling of the first African eWTP (electronic world trade platform) hub in Rwanda in October 2018. Based on the eWTP agreement, the government of Rwanda and Alibaba are committed to work together to promote policy innovation and ensure the augmentation of digital economy in Rwanda.

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