Meet the Man Bridging the Gap Between Rwandan Startups and Global Capital

Alex Ntare is a central pillar of Rwanda’s digital transformation, currently serving as the CEO of the Rwanda ICT Chamber. A strategic bridge-builder between the private sector and government policy, Ntare has spent over a decade helping transform Rwanda into a regional gateway for technology. His leadership is defined by a commitment to integrating ICT into the foundational fabric of the national economy rather than treating it as an isolated sector.

The Educational & Academic Foundation

Ntare’s expertise is built on a strong dual background in engineering and high finance. After earning a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Makerere University, he obtained an MSc in Investment and Quantitative Finance from the University of Westminster and a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Business IT.

This mix of "hard tech" and "market strategy" allowed him to combine software logic with data-driven finance; a skill set essential for managing complex partnerships between the government and the private sector. Upon returning to Rwanda, Ntare bridged the gap between theory and practice as a lecturer in Finance and Banking at Université Libre de Kigali (ULK).

In this role, he mentored young professionals by showing them how to apply global financial concepts to the realities of the local market.

The London Masterclass

Before leading Rwanda’s tech scene, Ntare honed his skills in one of the world’s most competitive professional environments. Working as both a computer engineer and a financial services broker in London’s financial district, he gained firsthand experience in how global capital moves and how technology underpins modern banking.

These roles provided the technical and financial "blueprint" needed to build systems that support large-scale economic activity.

Building the Foundations of Rwanda’s Digital Future

Since 2012, Ntare has been instrumental in establishing the key hubs that serve as the foundation for the country's digital talent. Some notable examples include:

• Hub Infrastructure: He led the development of kLab (innovation space) and FabLab Rwanda (hardware prototyping), providing the physical and intellectual space for entrepreneurs to prototype and build.
• Capital and Incubation: Through 250 Startups, he established an incubator to take tech ideas from the laboratory to the market. He also spearheaded "Face the Gorillas," a high-profile fundraising platform connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors.
• The Innovate4DigiJobs Initiative: Ntare spearheaded the launch of this program through the ICT Chamber. Focused on creating thousands of digital jobs, it moves the sector toward inclusive growth by rewarding innovations that solve real-world community problems.
• Global Strategic Ties: Ntare is a leading voice in fostering international partnerships, notably bridging Rwandan ICT companies with Japanese venture capitals and German SMEs through projects like the Access to International Partnerships in IT (AIPI).

A Legacy of Human Capital

Alex Ntare’s career represents the successful merging of global financial and IT expertise with a deep commitment to local ecosystem building. By moving past a fragmented view of technology, he has helped position Rwanda as a leading destination for tech testing and scaling in Africa.

His story is one of building not just software, but the very institutions and human capital required to sustain a modern, knowledge-based economy. To understand well his philosophy, you can simply revisit what he said during the launch of the Innovate4DigiJobs initiative:

"Innovate4DigiJobs is not just about winning a competition, it's about the impact we're targeting. If your passion is about changing lives, not just chasing profits, we want to make sure you're not left behind."