Only Rwandan company on the list and one of the few from East Africa

The Financial Times has named Inkomoko the 8th fastest-growing private company in Africa — the highest-ranked company in East Africa and the only one from Rwanda to make the list.

Inkomoko operates across refugee camps and host communities supporting micro and small businesses with the tools they need to grow. Their work has proven that with the right support, displacement-affected communities are fertile ground for private-sector solutions.

Inkomoko, who began operations 12 years ago, has invested over $35 million, supported more than 100,000 entrepreneurs, and impacted over 1.2 million people in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, and more recently in Chad.

“This isn’t just our growth story — it’s our clients’ and the communities we serve,” said Emmanuel Mugabo, Inkomoko’s Rwanda Managing Director. “Every business we support is a reminder that talent is everywhere but what is missing is access — and that’s something we can fix together with partners, investors, and policymakers.”

As conflict, climate change, and economic inequality continue to displace millions, the need for new models of inclusion is more urgent than ever. Inkomoko’s work demonstrates that supporting displaced entrepreneurs is not charity — it’s a proven strategy for driving local economic growth, strengthening community resilience, and contributing to long-term stability.

Looking ahead, Inkomoko has set an ambitious goal: to invest $150 million in 550,000 small and micro businesses by 2030. The organization is actively seeking like-minded partners who share a vision for inclusive economies and scalable impact.

“This recognition from the Financial Times is an honor,” added Mugabo. “But the real measure of our success will be how many others join us in this work.”