Kigali: A Case Study Among Africa’s Tech Hubs Dubbed the "Silicon Valley of Africa,” Kigali, Rwanda, is a growing leader in technology and innovation on the continent. Setting it apart from other technology hubs in Africa, support from the Rwandan government has been instrumental in transforming the city, which once witnessed the devasation of the Rwandan genocide, into a center of technological growth. Kigali’s position as a regional innovator demonstrates the effectiveness state subsidization provides in delivering transformative progress, and highlights how cities like Nairobi and Lagos have achieved similar results through different developmental methods. Kigali Innovation City, a flagship project aimed at creating a smart city, lies at the heart of Kigali’s technological advancement. Backed by the government and various third parties, the plan falls under the broader Smart Rwanda Master Plan, a framework designed to further economic growth with the end goal of a principally information and knowledge-based economy. Under Kigali Innovation City, information and communications technology infrastructure such as university campuses, business hotels, and research centers have been built. Several startups have also seen success, most notably the drone company Zipline, which demonstrates how state-backed infrastructure can directly improve service delivery and access to healthcare. Zipline delivers medical supplies to rural areas where residents otherwise do not have access to healthcare. Upon completion, Kigali Innovation City is expected to produce $2 billion in economic value and attract $300 million in foreign direct investment, positioning the city among emerging technological leaders in Africa. As the main driver behind Kigali’s transition into a digital center, the government has partnered with stakeholders and third parties to fund and conduct construction projects and infrastructure changes. Among others, academic and non-governmental organizations such as Carnegie Mellon University and World Economic Forum initiatives have helped by promoting emerging technology and attracting technical talent.