What Fashion Entrepreneurs Will Benefit from the Kuza Africa and RP-IPRC Kigali Partnership?

In a significant move for Rwanda's fashion industry, September 2024 marked a bustling month for Kuza Africa, culminating in a groundbreaking partnership with the Rwanda Polytechnic - Integrated Polytechnic Regional College Kigali (RP-IPRC Kigali). This collaboration promises to reshape the landscape for fashion entrepreneurs and students alike, bridging the gap between academia and the burgeoning textile and garment industry in Rwanda.

Dr. Alice Ikuzwe, Deputy Principal in Charge of Academics and Training at RP-IPRC Kigali, and Mr. Maximilien Kolbe Uwayo Hategekimana, Chief Executive Officer of Kuza Africa Ltd.[Photo Credit: KA]

A Strategic Alliance

On September 4th, 2024, in Kigali, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between RP-IPRC Kigali and Kuza Africa Ltd. This partnership aims to enhance the educational experience of students, align academic training with industry needs, and empower the growth of indigenous design and craftsmanship in Rwanda.

Dr. Alice Ikuzwe, Deputy Principal in Charge of Academics and Training at RP-IPRC Kigali, and Mr. Maximilien Kolbe Uwayo Hategekimana, Chief Executive Officer of Kuza Africa Ltd., were the signatories of this landmark agreement. The collaboration is designed to provide students with Hands-on training, Internship opportunities, Access to industry-standard facilities, and Exposure to industry experts and resources.

Dr. Alice Ikuzwe, Deputy Principal in Charge of Academics and Training at RP-IPRC Kigali, and Mr. Maximilien Kolbe Chief Executive Officer of Kuza Africa signing an MOU [Photo Credit: KA]

Kuza Africa, a community-driven hub in Kigali, serves as a comprehensive resource center for "Made in Rwanda" creatives and fashion designers. It offers unique workspaces and production capabilities, focusing on empowering local talent and connecting them to opportunities.

Bridging Education and Industry

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to bridging the gap between education and the creative industry. It aims to contribute to the local manufacturing ecosystem and bolster the "Made in Rwanda" initiative. Kuza Africa stated, "Through this collaboration, we aim to foster innovation, creativity, and industry-ready talent. Our partnership will provide IPRC students with valuable internships, apprenticeships, and job placements."

Inside the IPRC-Kigali's classroom for fashion designing courses [Photo Credit: IPRC]

This alliance is particularly significant given the context of Rwanda's fashion education landscape. In 2020, RP-IPRC Kigali announced the introduction of fashion design as a subject, recognizing the need for a "Rwandan Centre for Design and Clothing" within a Polytechnic College. This move was intended to address the skills gap in the priority garment and fashion sector.

IPRC-Kigali's student showcasing her collections [Poto Credit: IPRC]

Since then, IPRC Kigali has been offering an Advanced Diploma in Industrial Arts with a Fashion Design Program. However, a skills gap survey conducted by APEFE in March 2019 identified the need for a state-of-the-art department offering comprehensive training beyond tailoring and garment manufacturing. The survey highlighted the importance of developing skills for fashionists, stylists, and other creatives capable of producing outstanding products competitively in national, regional, and international markets.

IPRC-Kigali's student showcasing his collections  [Poto Credit: IPRC]

Benefits for Fashion Entrepreneurs

The Kuza Africa and RP-IPRC Kigali partnership will offer numerous benefits for fashion entrepreneurs such as; Access to Talent: Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to engage with a pool of skilled graduates trained in industry-relevant techniques and technologies. Collaborative Projects: The partnership will facilitate joint projects between students and established fashion businesses, fostering innovation and fresh perspectives.

IPRC Kigali's student showcasing his collections  [Poto Credit: IPRC]

Other benefits include resource sharing, knowledge exchange, internship Programs, and research and development as well as networking opportunities.

Kuza Africa's involvement in the fashion industry extends beyond this partnership. In September, the organization participated in a discussion organized in partnership with the Institut Français de Kigali and Novelty Fashion Week 2024. This event explored various topics crucial to the growth of the Rwandan fashion industry, including challenges in producing quality materials, securing funding for fashion ventures, building essential business skills, and the importance of industry collaboration. These discussions underscored the collective effort needed to elevate Rwanda's fashion industry both locally and internationally.

From left, fashion expert and PhD researcher Fiona Uwahoro,and Mr. Maximilien Kolbe Uwayo Hategekimana, Chief Executive Officer of Kuza Africa  speaking during the discussion [Photo Credit: KA]

"Last Friday, we launched our Fashion 101 series with IPRC-Kigali fashion design students, where took them through an inspiring journey into Rwanda’s fashion scene and the endless career paths it offers. The energy in the room was electric, and we’re already looking forward to the next session" Kuza Africa stated

Last Friday, Kuza Africa launched its fashion 101 series with IPRC-Kigali designed for  fashion design students [Photo Credit: KA]

The partnership between Kuza Africa and RP-IPRC Kigali represents a significant step forward for Rwanda's fashion industry. By combining academic rigor with practical industry experience, this collaboration is set to nurture a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs equipped with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in a competitive global market.

Participants- fashion design students and speakers taking photos after the training organized by Kuza Africa and IPRC-Kigali [Photo Credit: KA]

According to Kuza Africa, fashion entrepreneurs in Rwanda can look forward to a more vibrant, skilled, and innovative industry ecosystem. The organization believes that the benefits of this collaboration will extend beyond the immediate participants, potentially catalyzing growth and recognition for the "Made in Rwanda" brand on the international stage.

With continued efforts to bridge education and industry, Rwanda's fashion sector is poised for transformation, offering exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs, students, and established businesses alike.

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