Kenya's tech scene has been a powerhouse in Africa, but recent shifts are turning heads. MPost, renowned for transforming phone numbers into virtual addresses, is causing a stir by relocating its HQ from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda.
What’s the buzz all about? MPost hints at a brighter future in Rwanda, where they've had a footing since 2021 alongside operations in Burundi and Tanzania. They're setting up camp at Norrsken, a Swedish-backed hub in Kigali, prepping to kickstart their continent-wide expansion this November.
Why the big move? Well, it seems Kenya’s tech arena is feeling the pinch of increased taxes, with major players like Jumia and Multichoice airing concerns about potential overtaxation, especially in digital payments. MPost's full-scale shift might just be a sign that Kenya's becoming a tough playground for tech companies.
Meanwhile, Rwanda's gaining traction. Heavyweights like Paystack and Flutterwave are diving headfirst into Rwanda's tech ecosystem. Investors are betting big on Rwandan startups like Kasha and Ampersand, sensing a tech goldmine in the making. President Paul Kagame is positioning Rwanda as Africa's tech hotbed. Recent moves, like offering visa-free entry for all Africans, seem to be beckoning tech enthusiasts to explore Rwanda’s potential.
Rwanda’s got Norrsken House Kigali, a trendy hub enticing companies from all corners of Africa. The chairman of Norrsken envisions Rwanda as the perfect playground for tech experiments and innovations.
Moreover, serious money is backing this transition. Norrsken just infused $205 million into African tech, while the $30 million Rwanda Innovation Fund, in partnership with the African Development Bank, aims to turbocharge tech innovation.
Could Rwanda be Africa's next tech capital? The launch of Norrsken House Kigali might be just the starting point of a tech revolution. With MPost and others making the leap, Rwanda seems poised to spearhead Africa’s tech renaissance.
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