Rinchi
TechInAfrica – Co-Creation Hub’s Design Lab was launched in Kigali, Rwanda a week ago. The Design Lab is an initiative of the Hub’s designers and engineers to create solutions for socio-economic issues in Africa, especially in public health, governance, and the private sector.
As a Ghanaian Economist, George Ayittey, said that the problems facing Africa need African solutions. Thus, the Design Lab is there to solve these biggest issues. The Initiative marked The African continent “ownership” and “genuine love” for the continent by providing African-based solutions. Through the initiative, hopefully, the solutions will be more effective.
It’s often said that western philanthropists haven’t been able to provide solutions for the biggest issues facing African countries. It has indeed improved and developed some of Africa’s most needed-funding sectors, however, at the same time it has also led to corruption and government negligence in the industry.
Therefore, the Co-Creation Hub’s Design Lab is using the narrative on the continent to invent innovative solutions and taking advantage of the growing tech sector, the youths who willing to change world’s perception about Africa, and a country that’s open for business in Rwanda.
According to a Spokesperson for Co-Creation Hub’s Design Lab, even though African countries share many differences, but at the same time, there are also many similarities, especially in term of development challenges. The launch of the Design Lab in Rwanda is a step to build 8 years of networks and partnerships across the continent and other parts of the world. It requires collaboration among African stakeholders to provide their African solutions.
Paul Ingabire, H.E. Minister of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, said, “Rwanda is keen on collaborating with world-class partners to establish ourselves as a leading destination that nurtures innovation-driven enterprises. We see technology as an integral gateway and means of developing society – an ethos and mission shared by CcHUB.”
He added, “As we strive to become a knowledge-based economy, we will continue to build long-lasting, strategic partnerships that celebrate excellence, forge ahead with the progress that’s, essentially, a force for good that will impact thousands of people across the continent.”
