COUNTRY FOCUS : RWANDA
Downtown Kigali skyscraper at dusk
Similarly , the Ejo Heza Surgical Centre in Kigali needed a new anesthesia machine as their old one had broken down . But they did not have the funds to purchase a new one . “ As Viebeg offers special payment terms for products , Ejo Heza became Viebeg ’ s client and acquired the new equipment within three weeks . This has allowed our facility to continue saving lives ,” said Dr . Dominique Savio Mugenzi , Orthopedic Surgeon and Managing Director at Ejo Heza .“ Thanks to Viebeg ’ s service , we are now procuring our medical supplies and equipment through the platform , and this has resulted in a significant reduction of procurement costs and stock-outs of medical supplies ,” added Mugenzi .
Mukando Cesarie is a patient who has experienced the power of a well-equipped healthcare facility enabled by Viebeg ’ s innovation . “ I was very sick , but with the gynecological machines here , the doctors were able to finally diagnose the problem . Now I am getting better after four surgery sessions . I am thankful for these services ,” she said and expressed satisfaction with the attention she received at the Kigali-based Best Care Hospital in July 2022 . She previously underwent a
10- hour surgery at a local hospital , but her condition worsened because the facility lacked the necessary equipment to diagnose her accurately .
Viebeg ’ s annual revenue increased from US $ 80,000 to US $ 180,000 six months after the funding from the Rwanda Innovation Fund , representing a 125 % growth . Musyoka projects that the figure will grow to US $ 2.5 million by the end of 2022 .
Apart from improving revenues , the funding has enabled the company to , among other things , conduct training for its employees , access working capital , and employ more workers .
The African Development Bank ( ADB ) invested US $ 30 million in the Rwanda Innovation Fund . The bank ’ s support aligns with the country ’ s National Information Communication Infrastructure ( NICI ) III Plan , which underscores the importance of ICT in improving service delivery to citizens .
Dr . Abdu Mukhtar , Director for Industrial and Trade Development , ADB , said : “ Digital innovation can transform sectors , but it needs investment . Viebeg is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right mix of innovation , entrepreneurship , and financial backing . It is telling that the Rwanda Innovation Fund , initiated by the Rwandan government and financed , in part , by the African Development Bank , has been catalytic in the development of Viebeg . Local investment in a local business has brought transformative local results . It is a partnership model that can play well in other markets .” p
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