ARED Group
ARED is a technology for social good company, operating as a B2B2C company with operations in four African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast.
What we should know about you
Questions answered by Henri Nyakarundi, CEO
1. What was a turning point in your career as an entrepreneur / for your organization?
The turning point is when we realized that an innovative business model was as important as an innovative product especially in Africa due to the fragmentation of the market. When we finally developed and tested the right business model, we started growing much faster and we were able to become profitable.
2. What was a troubling time that you managed to overcome?
One of the troubling times, which is still relevant today, was the development of our hardware product and software applications. Our solution requires some skill sets that are not available yet in Africa, and managing those developments is extremely expensive and time consuming. The other challenge is to find manufacturing companies that are willing to produce small quantities at an affordable cost and at a good quality. It is a constant battle of partnership, negotiations, and extreme patience especially for a small company like us. What we learned is that most companies do not care about impact stories, so you need to really have a strong network.
3. What drives you personally to keep your social business running?
My drive is solving problems. I love the challenge, and I believe any problem has a solution. ARED is one of the most challenging businesses I have ever managed, which is, to me, the most rewarding, intellectually and spiritually.
Additional achievements
Awards
- epAward Winner 2013
- Microsoft Affordable Access
- ICT Award
- Greenchallenge