LuxAid Demonstration Fund

Pitch Days spotlight: Rwandan innovation through the LuxAid Demonstration Fund

The LuxAid Demonstration Fund (LDF) in Rwanda has reached an exciting stage with the successful completion of its Pitch Days in Kigali. This important milestone brought together seven shortlisted enterprises who presented their innovative business ideas to the Fund’s Preselection Committee.

From more than 60 applications received nationwide, the seven finalists stood out for their creativity, relevance, and commitment. Their solutions reflect the LDF’s three priority themes FinTech, AgTech, and fish feed. These solutions aim to deliver tangible benefits to local communities while unlocking new pathways for sustainable growth.

Backing local innovation

The Luxembourg Cooperation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Rwanda, noting that the LDF is part of a broader set of co-financing tools aimed at strengthening the private sector and encouraging bold, impactful innovation (www.luxaidbusiness4impact.lu).

The Selection Committee made up of representatives from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency commended the quality and determination of the entrepreneurs, recognising their strong potential to create lasting impact.

What’s next

During the event, each enterprise pitched its vision and business case, followed by in-depth discussions with the Committee. Based on these sessions, four solutions were selected which will receive a co-financing from the LDF – up to EUR 350,000 each -, giving them the resources to scale their solutions and maximise their impact.

What solutions

Maggot Farm –alternative protein sources 4 Rwanda – Maggot farm grows Black Soldier Flies that are converted into a protein dense flour that can be used in fish feeds essentially providing a cheaper alternative to import dependent traditional fish feeds.

Kayko – digitalizing SMEs in Rwanda – Kayko allows SMEs in Rwanda to digitalise their their processes and cash/payment systems.

Exuus – banking farmers, one group at a time – Exuus supports the digitalization of savings groups using AI to leverage credit and insurance scoring.

RTN – bridging financial and digital services throughout Rwanda – ITEME allows agents to manage several financial and digital services via a single account or wallet making it easier to offer difference payment services, government services in one go, especially in rural and underserved areas.

More details about the winners coming soon!

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