ISOC Rwanda Empowers Rural Entrepreneurs in Rukomo Sector with Digital Skills

Elias Hakizimana Nov 4, 2024Nov 4, 2024 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

The Internet Society Rwanda Chapter (ISOC Rwanda), in collaboration with Standards for Sustainability (SfS), has on November 3, 2024, successfully completed a three-day digital business training program designed to boost digital literacy and business insights among rural entrepreneurs in Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District.

The training, conducted from November 1-3, focused on equipping participants with essential digital marketing skills and analytical thinking tools to enhance their businesses.

Supported by SfS, the program aimed to provide entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on utilizing smartphones and digital platforms to effectively market their businesses.

SfS, an organization dedicated to sustainable economic development through standardization training and awareness, played a pivotal role in coordinating the initiative.

Rev. Pastor Felicien Kanzeguhera, a representative of SfS in Nyagatare, commended the introduction of digital training to the district, emphasizing the need for participants to apply their newfound skills productively.

***Rev. Pastor Felicien Kanzeguhera of SfS Nyagatare praises the new digital training, urging participants to use their skills productively.***

“This training is a foundation, and we encourage trainees to implement these skills to manage their businesses efficiently and maintain high standards,” he said.

“Today, we began with digital business and job creation, with a focus on youth and teen mothers, equipping them with the necessary skills to create jobs, combat hunger, and drive development.”

Why Rukomo sector was selected

According to SfS, Rukomo was strategically chosen for this training due to the active involvement of three local SfS members who have consistently participated in standardization discussions in Kigali and demonstrated a commitment to supporting local economic development initiatives.

Trainee testimonials

Participants shared insights into how the training has transformed their approach to business:

A fashion and design entrepreneur expressed how digital marketing opened up new income opportunities.

“Learning to use my smartphone for more than calls has been transformative,” he said.

**Participants following keenly and taking notes.**

Réné Vincent Hashakimana, a supplier of construction materials, highlighted the training’s impact on his understanding of smartphone usage.

“I used to think of my phone as just for calls and WhatsApp. Now, I have learned advanced digital skills that directly benefit my business,” he noted.

Francois Tuyishime, a mobile transaction agent, emphasized the importance of digital security, saying, “I learned how to avoid sharing unauthorized information, like images and contacts, without consent.”

Yvonne Muhongayire, a small-scale vegetable trader, shared, “I used to rely on word-of-mouth to find suppliers. Now, with digital business skills, I can connect with people on WhatsApp for quicker and more efficient communication.”

Ernestine Mukankiko from Gatunda Sector appreciated the training’s focus on project writing, adding, “These skills will help me try creating a job.”

**From right to left: Yvonne Muhongayire, Ernestine Mukankiko, and other participants during a digital skills training session aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs.**

A call for purposeful digital engagement

ISOC Rwanda Chairperson Emmanuel Mfitumukiza urged trainees to utilize digital tools purposefully and economically.

“It is essential to think about how we invest in internet usage and ensure it yields benefits,” he advised. “Rather than spending on activities with no return, make each digital interaction count towards advancing your business. Digital literacy opens doors to greater skills and knowledge, but only through consistent practice will it lead to lasting impact.” Mfitumukiza added.

Mfitumukiza also encouraged participants to integrate technology with business standards.

“If you have a business, use your online presence to market it rather than sharing personal issues,” he added. “Let technology enhance the quality of your work and contribute to business growth.”

The digital business training marks an important step for rural entrepreneurs in Nyagatare, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic success by promoting digital literacy and modern business practices.