The Internet Society (ISOC) Rwanda Chapter recently wrapped up a comprehensive digital business training program for rural entrepreneurs in Rukomo, Nyagatare.

Held from 1 to 3 November 2024, this training aimed empower rural entrepreneurs with essential digital skills for business growth and social inclusion. Recognizing the transformative potential of digital skills, ISOC Rwanda designed this program to support entrepreneurs in leveraging digital tools to enhance their businesses and broaden their market reach.

The training encompassed a wide range of topics, all carefully chosen to address the unique needs and opportunities for entrepreneurs in rural areas:

1. Introduction to Digital Entrepreneurship: Participants gained foundational knowledge in digital entrepreneurship, understanding how digital platforms and tools can create new business opportunities and improve operational efficiency.
2. Digital Skills and Tools: The session covered essential digital skills, including navigating the internet, using email, and leveraging digital tools like Google Workspace to streamline business operations. This segment aimed to enhance participants’ productivity and connectivity, enabling them to engage with wider audiences.
3. Digital Marketing and Branding: Participants learned the importance of creating an online presence and utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach new customers. By understanding digital marketing and branding principles, rural entrepreneurs can now establish a unique brand identity and promote their products effectively.
4. Introduction to Financial Management and Business Planning: Basic financial literacy and business planning skills were also taught to provide participants with the tools needed for sustainable growth. Topics included budgeting, record-keeping, and setting realistic financial goals.
5. Introduction to Domestic Taxation: In a session focused on domestic taxation, participants were introduced to Rwanda’s tax system. They learned the importance of tax compliance, registration, and how to avoid penalties—key knowledge for running a legitimate and successful business.
6. Using the Irembo Platform: The training also provided an introduction to the Irembo Platform, which enables citizens to access various government services online. Participants were shown how to navigate the platform for services like applying for permits, birth certificates, and other government documentation essential for formalizing business activities.

This initiative aligns with our mission to support and promote the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society. By equipping rural entrepreneurs with digital business skills, ISOC Rwanda hopes to drive economic growth and empower communities to participate fully in the digital economy. Rural communities are often left out of digital opportunities, and this training is a step toward reducing that gap and ensuring equal access to digital tools.

The digital business training in Rukomo, Nyagatare, represents ISOC Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable community development through digital literacy. By fostering digital skills, the organization is not only supporting local entrepreneurship but also contributing to Rwanda’s broader vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.

ISOC Rwanda remains dedicated to its mission of fostering digital inclusion across the country. Plans are already underway to expand similar training sessions to other rural regions, enabling more communities to harness the power of digital technology for economic and social empowerment.