Kigali, Rwanda, as part of the ongoing Entrepreneurial Design fellowship 2025 (#EDF2025), participants spent an inspiring afternoon at The Circle Kigali Healing and Wellness Center, a vibrant innovation hub dedicated to supporting startups and empowering founders to grow both professionally and personally.The visit provided participants with a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into Kigali’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, one that strikes a balance between business innovation and personal well-being. The Circle Kigali has become a cornerstone for many emerging entrepreneurs in Rwanda, offering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, mental resilience, and holistic growth.

Throughout the visit, the EDF2025 cohort engaged directly with founders and mentors, gaining practical insights into what it takes to transform an idea into a sustainable enterprise. Participants explored the workspaces, learned about the incubation process, and discussed the challenges and opportunities that come with running a startup in today’s fast-paced and competitive global market.“The visit to The Circle Kigali gave us a real sense of what entrepreneurship looks like beyond the classroom,” Ornella. “It was inspiring to see how innovation, wellness, and collaboration come together to create an environment where ideas can truly thrive.”

The Circle Kigali team welcomed the group with warmth and openness, facilitating meaningful conversations about entrepreneurship as both a professional and personal journey. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, share their own experiences, and reflect on the balance between ambition and well-being, a theme deeply embedded in The Circle Kigali’s philosophy.

By the end of the visit, the EDF2025 participants had developed a deeper appreciation for the resilience and creativity driving Rwanda’s startup scene. The experience reinforced key lessons about perseverance, community building, and the importance of supportive ecosystems in nurturing young ventures.TICO expressed gratitude to The Circle Kigali for hosting cohort 3 and for creating such an impactful learning experience. The visit not only broadened participants’ understanding of entrepreneurship but also underscored the crucial role of innovation hubs in shaping the next generation of African business leaders.

As EDF2025 continues, visits like this serve as powerful reminders of how collaboration, wellness, and innovation can intersect to create meaningful change, both for individuals and for the broader entrepreneurial landscape.

Cohort Participant visit the Circle Kigali
Cohort Participant visit the Circle Kigali

Executive Directorof TICO Introduce the cohort
Executive Directorof TICO Introduce the cohort