Center for Law and Innovation

🌟 Throwback Thursday: Insights into Rwanda’s Fintech Sector🌟 Rwanda’s fintech landscape is rapidly evolving, fueled by financial inclusion initiatives and a supportive regulatory framework. On December 5, 2024, Certa Foundation in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted a stakeholder session under Chatham House rules to explore the sector’s challenges and growth opportunities. Last year, we published a blog summarizing the key insights and actionable recommendations from this engaging discussion. 📖 Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/dpvhW7sK #ThrowbackThursday #Fintech #CERTAFoundation #Innovation

🌍ALT SUMMIT 2024 Highlights🌍 During the 3 day ALT Summit 2024 on "Shaping the Future: Navigating Digital Frontiers - Legal Considerations and Tech Innovations," we were proud to partner with Npontu Technologies Limited, who delivered a remarkable masterclass titled “Leveraging AI: The Challenges and Opportunities for Africa.” Deborah Asmah. CIPM from Npontu captivated participants with her insightful discussion, emphasizing that AI is not a threat but a transformative tool for progress across various sectors. She highlighted the need to embrace AI’s potential for growth while underscoring the importance of ethical considerations and global standards in its integration. Their expertise and insights added immense value to the summit, leaving a lasting impression and contributing significantly to its success. As we gear up for ALT Summit 2025, we look forward to building on this collaboration and creating even more impactful opportunities together. Here’s to shaping the future, one partnership at a time! #FutureofLaw #ALT2025 #LawAndTechnology

We’re thrilled to support Global Network of Centers by sharing the 2024 NoC Progress Report 📊. This report highlights the incredible work done by the Centers and Secretariat over the past year, from key activities and collaborations to insightful spotlights showcasing impactful projects. As we look ahead to 2025, we are inspired by the progress made and the opportunities for even more meaningful collaborations within this growing research community. Dive into the report to explore the achievements and plans shaping the future of the NoC network: https://lnkd.in/eDSPBgKM Let’s continue building together! 💡✨ #2024ProgressReport #NoC

🌍✨ ALT Summit 2024 Recap: Shaping the Future of Law and Technology! We’re looking back on the incredible African Law and Tech Summit 2024, a 3-day journey focused on ‘Navigating Digital Frontiers.’ This year, we explored pivotal topics like AI in access to justice, digital trade, legal-tech automation, and the balance between innovation and protection. From thought provoking insights by Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice, The Republic of Rwanda, and Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, RwandaICT, to in-depth breakout sessions on regulatory frameworks, IP, and AI ethics, ALT 2024 truly shaped conversations about Africa’s digital future. A highlight was the launch of the ‘State of AI Regulation in Africa’ report, spotlighting the balance of innovation and ethics. We wrapped up with the Bouqet B2B Experience, fostering powerful connections between startups and venture capitalists, driving sustainable growth in Africa’s tech ecosystem. A huge thank you to our incredible partners for making this possible: Rwanda ICT Chamber, Tech Hive Advisory, Certa Law, ALP NG & Co, RwandAir Ltd, Hackapath, and Npontu Technologies Limited. Your unwavering support brought our vision to life! To all speakers, moderators, and participants, thank you for helping us shape the future. Stay tuned for ALT Summit 2025, just around the corner this May, as we gear up to continue driving conversations at the intersection of law and technology for a sustainable future! 🌟 #ALT2024 #LawAndTech #Innovation #Africa #DigitalTransformation

🚀Starup Residency Program Testimonials🚀 We are thrilled to share this testimonial video featuring some of the incredible founders from Loopa, Fixa, Ambucycle and MediXR we have had the privilege of supporting through our Startup empowerment program. Their journeys showcase how access to legal services has helped them overcome certain challenges, seize opportunities and scale their ventures. At Certa Foundation, we take pride in contributing to the success of startups by providing tailored legal guidance that enables innovation and growth. Each story is a testament to the resilience of these startups and how their achievements are paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable future. Tune in to hear their incredible stories and discover how these ventures are driving innovation and shaping Rwanda’s future, one startup at a time. #StartupSuccess #Empowerment #Innovation #LegalSupport #StartupGrowth #Resilience #SustainableFuture #CertaFoundation #RwandaInnovation #StartupJourney #BusinessGrowth #LegalGuidance #TransformingLives

🚀Celebrating the Second Cohort of Our Startup Residency Incubator✨ On 13th, December 2024, with a mix of emotion and pride, we bid farewell to the second cohort of startups from our Startup Residency Incubator. Watching these incredible founders grow over the past months has been truly inspiring. Through our pro bono legal services, we have not only supported them in navigating legal challenges but also equipped them with key documentation, including contracts and governance frameworks, resources designed to help them formalize business and governance decisions, empowering them to make informed choices, build sustainable businesses and thrive in competitive markets. As they take the next steps in their journeys, we are confident they are leaving better prepared to create lasting impact. Loopa, Igafri, EXTRA TECHNOLOGIES, Rethread Africa, MediXR, Right Lamp Shine Group Ltd, IREBE BIOTECH Ltd, Innovahyper Technologies #Startups #Innovation #BuildingTheFuture #Entrepreneurship #StartupSuccess #EmpoweringFounders #SustainableBusiness #LegalSupport #BusinessGrowth #StartupJourney

🚀 Re-Introducing the Startup Tools The Startup Tools are here to help you formalize your business transactions and structures, ensuring investor confidence and long-term success. 🔑 Why it matters: As shared during the tech cafe, formalizing business operations is vital for building trust and creating sustainable growth. These tools are your go-to resource for future-proofing your business across Africa. 📌 Check it out here: startuptools.org/rw A huge thank you to our partners, Norrsken East Africa and StartupTools for collaborating on this initiative and empowering entrepreneurs in Rwanda. #StartupToos #CertaFoundation #Startups

🚨Deadline Extension Alert!🚨 We are excited to announce that the application deadline for the Startup Bluebook Program has been extended! This is your chance to apply for an opportunity to receive free legal services. If selected, you will gain access to expert guidance on corporate governance, preparing for investment and navigating legal challenges tailored to your startup’s needs. 📅 New Deadline: January 13th, 2025 🔗 Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/dH9g-7ba Don’t miss this shot to potentially secure a spot in the program and scale your startup with the right legal foundation! #StartupBluebook #LegalSupport #TechStartups #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

Last week, Doreen Umulisa, Project Lead at the Center for Law and Innovation at Certa Foundation, represented us at the 5th Edition of the All Africa IP Summit held from 28th to 30th November. This year’s theme, “Intellectual Property Rights: The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa,” set the stage for transformative discussions about leveraging IP for Africa's growth. How IP Can Drive Industrial Growth and Support SMEs: Doreen emphasized the critical role of strong IP frameworks in empowering SMEs to innovate, protect their ideas and scale their businesses. She highlighted the need to simplify IP processes for small businesses, making it easier for them to protect their intellectual property and attract investment. She stressed the importance of cultivating a culture of IP protection from an early stage. By educating young entrepreneurs about the benefits of registering their businesses and protecting their ideas as it empowers them to build sustainable and scalable ventures. Advancing Agriculture and Food Security Through IP: She emphasized the transformative potential of Geographical Indications and innovative technologies in agriculture. She highlighted how protecting GIs preserves the unique identity of local products, boosting their market value while empowering rural communities. Additionally, Doreen underscored the critical role of IP in driving mass food production through accessible technologies. By making agricultural machinery publicly available and affordable, more farmers can adopt advanced practices, enhancing productivity and food security across the continent. This approach not only sustains agricultural innovation but ensures inclusive growth, where the benefits of IP extend to all, from small-scale farmers to larger agribusinesses. Her contributions to these discussions highlights Certa Foundation's commitment to leveraging Intellectual Property as a tool for social and economic development in Africa. #IntellectualProperty #IPRights #SustainableDevelopment #AfricaGrowth

💭Reflecting on an Inspiring DPOs Hangout in Kigali Relive the energy and insights from the DPOs Hangout 2024! Hosted at Digital Transformation Center Rwanda, the event brought together professionals and thought leaders to discuss the future of data protection in Rwanda. We had fun bantering, games, fascinating discussions, and more. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners Certa Foundation, African Law & Tech Network, Tech Hive Advisory and Digital Transformation Center Rwanda for making this event a success. We are also deeply grateful to all the attendees who shared their time, expertise, and passion for advancing data protection. Here’s a glimpse of the key moments, conversations, and connections that made it unforgettable. 🎥✨ #DPOsHangout2024 #DataProtection #DigitalTransformation