When Vivens Uwizeyimana founded Umurava in 2021, his dream was simple yet ambitious: to build Africa’s most prominent digital workforce and address the twin challenges of global digital talent shortages and African youth unemployment. Just two years later, his journey as CEO of Umurava has not only exemplified the resilience of African tech entrepreneurs but also showcased the transformative power of initiatives like the Africa Tech Startup Forum (ATSF).
The ATSF, funded by the African Development Bank and implemented by Ndarama Works in collaboration with Catalyze and ComeUp Korea, is designed to equip African tech startups with the tools, networks, and exposure needed to thrive globally. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities, the forum is creating pathways for African innovators to bridge international gaps in the tech ecosystem.
For Vivens, the ATSF provided a springboard to international markets. As one of the 20 finalists selected from a highly competitive pool of 160 participants, he gained access to the ComeUp Korea initiative—a program carefully crafted to expose African tech entrepreneurs to South Korea’s thriving innovation landscape.
“The most significant insights came from our visits to places like the Global Startup Center and Seoul Business Agency,” Vivens shared. “I learned that for startups, generating revenue early from products and services is critical to attracting investors. We also saw how sectors like DeepTech offer immense funding opportunities.”
His visit to Samsung Innovation Lab was enlightening, providing agility and innovation lessons. “Samsung’s ability to adapt to market demands and integrate AI into its products showed us what’s possible when startups align innovation with global consumer needs,” he added.
African tech entrepreneurs face multiple hurdles: insufficient technical support, a lack of business acumen, siloed networks, and limited market access. The ATSF tackles these issues head-on. Ndarama Works, a cornerstone of the project, played a pivotal role by designing tailored training programs, fostering networks between African and South Korean entrepreneurs, and facilitating vital B2B matchmaking sessions.
By 2024, ATSF had achieved remarkable milestones: training 160 participants from eight African countries, enhancing enterprise support organizations’ capacity (ESOs) capacity and fostering connections with 20 potential investors. These efforts were particularly impactful in nurturing youth- and women-led ventures.
One of ATSF’s core strengths is its ability to foster meaningful relationships. Through visits to innovation hubs, pitch competitions, and networking booths at ComeUp Korea, participants like Vivens engaged directly with global industry leaders. These interactions not only broadened their market understanding but also paved the way for collaborations and investments.
“Collaboration is key to building a global presence,” Vivens noted. “Through the ATSF, I’ve been able to network with South Korean counterparts, gain valuable mentorship, and develop a roadmap for scaling Umurava.”
The ATSF’s impact is not just measured in numbers but in the tangible transformation it brings to startups like Umurava. With the knowledge and connections gained, Vivens is now better equipped to fulfil his mission of building Africa’s digital economy workforce.
Programs like ATSF, powered by visionaries like Ndarama Works, serve as catalysts for a brighter future—one where African tech startups are not just participants in the global market but leaders shaping their trajectory.
As Vivens puts it, “The journey has just begun, but with the right support and networks, African innovators can achieve extraordinary things.”
Company registration number: 2012/181311/07
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Ndarama Works meets the threshold for BEE scoring, with a shareholding of 51% black female and 49% black male ownership. It is a fully black-empowered company.
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