Rwanda, Gradido, Open Source & Ubuntu – Youth, Community and Bottom-Up Transformation for Prosperity and the Future

Research dossier: Pathways to sustainable development for the common good in Rwanda

Rwanda is at a remarkable turning point in its history. Three decades after the 1994 genocide, the East African country has become a symbol of reconstruction, innovation, and community-based development. This comprehensive research dossier examines how values oriented toward the common good (Ubuntu), open innovation (open source), the empowerment of women and young people, and the Gradido model can contribute to overcoming structural challenges. The focus is on the question of how Rwanda can achieve sustainable prosperity, social peace, and a self-determined future through bottom-up transformation.

Current political, economic, and social situation

Political situation and governance model

Rwanda practices a unique political system of consensus-oriented democracy (Consensual Democracy), which differs fundamentally from Western multiparty systems. After the catastrophe of genocide, the country developed a model of governance based on dialogue, power sharing, and collective purpose.^1^3

The most important principles of this system are:

• separation of powersNo single party may hold more than 50% of the cabinet posts or a majority in parliament. The president and the speaker of parliament must belong to different parties.^1

• Prohibition of divisive politics: Parties may not organize themselves along ethnic, regional, or religious lines—a constitutional safeguard against a return to sectarian politics.^1

• Participatory mechanisms: Through the Umushyikirano (National Dialogue Council), citizens can directly question leaders and influence political decisions.^1

• gender equalityAt least 30% of all decision-making positions must be held by women. In practice, Rwanda is ahead of the rest of the world with 61% female representation in parliament worldwide leader.^2

This model has led to remarkable stability. In 2015, the World Economic Forum ranked Rwanda as the seventh most effective government worldwide. At the same time, political space for opposition remains limited. Freedom House classifies the country as „not free,“ with restrictions on freedom of expression, media, and assembly.^4^6

Economic development and challenges

Rwanda's economic rise is impressive. In the second quarter of 2025, the economy grew by 7,8% real, driven by strong performances in services (501 billion RWF of GDP), agriculture (231 billion RWF), and industry (211 billion RWF). Nominal GDP reached 5,798 billion RWF, a significant increase over the previous year.^7

Key economic indicators:

• growth forecasts: 6.51 TP4T for 2025, 6.81 TP4T for 2026^9

• Inflation: Moderate at 4.81% (2024), enabling interest rate cuts by the central bank^10

• exportsStrong growth, particularly in mining (+12%) and manufacturing^8

• Vision 2050Targeted per capita GDP of $15,124 by 2050 (from $8,200 in 2019)^11^13

Nevertheless, structural challenges remain:^14^10

• trade deficitRwanda is a landlocked country with high transportation costs and dependence on imports.

• currency shortagePeriodic foreign currency shortages are putting pressure on companies.

• Public debt: Estimated to reach 80% of GDP in 2025 before gradually declining

• productivity stagnation: Declining labor force growth rate jeopardizes potential growth rates

Social development and inequality

Education and healthRwanda has made remarkable progress. School enrollment rates are rising steadily, with a particular focus on STEM education and gender parity. More than 1,500 schools now have high-speed internet, and digital skills are being systematically developed.^16^18

However, in the healthcare sector, insufficient access in rural areas. In some districts, over 70% of the population does not have adequate access to medical care. The gap between urban and rural regions is considerable.^20

Poverty and inequalityDespite economic growth, over half of the rural population lives below the income poverty line. The Youth unemployment remains high at approximately 14.91 TP4T (target: 121 TP4T by 2029). Young women and people in rural areas are particularly disadvantaged.^21

Role of Gen Z and youth movements

Demographics as an opportunity and a challenge

With 60% of the population under 25 years of age Rwanda faces an enormous demographic challenge—and opportunity. Generation Z is more highly educated than previous generations, digitally connected, and hungry for change and participation.^23

Unlike countries such as Kenya, Madagascar, and Morocco, where Gen Z organized massive protests in 2024-2025, Rwanda has remained relatively calm so far. This is partly due to the narrow political space, but also to proactive government initiatives to promote youth development.^25^27^29

Youth initiatives and mobilization

The government has recognized that youth development is crucial for stability and transformation:

Youth Investment Facility (YIF): Launched in 2024-2029, aims to, 1.25 million productive jobs and reduce the NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) rate from the current level of over 30% to 23%. The facility provides start-up capital, mentoring, and technical support for young entrepreneurs.^22

Aguka Programs: Launched in collaboration with UNDP and the EU, it aims to, 100,000+ jobs for young people. Partner organizations such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation are training 1,600 young Rwandans in entrepreneurship, while Norrsken and AMI are supporting 400 advanced start-ups.^30

Generation Unlimited (GenU): A UN initiative that aims to ensure that by 2030, all young people between the ages of 10 and 24 are in education, training, or employment. In Rwanda, GenU focuses on civic engagement, entrepreneurial capacity, and advisory services.^23

Digital networking and innovation

Rwanda's youth is highly digitally connected. The government is investing heavily in digital infrastructure and skills. Over 72,000 women have already been trained in ICT, and initiatives such as the Rwanda Coding Academy train world-class programmers.^17^32

The African Girls Can Code Initiative brought together 120 talented girls from all districts in 2025 to be trained in coding, robotics, and gender equality. Such programs not only build technical skills, but also Self-confidence, networks, and role models.^34

A young developer described the mood: „We don't want to wait for others to develop solutions for us. We want to design them ourselves—with our own ideas, our own technology, for our own problems.“

Potential for public welfare-oriented transformation

Gen Z in Rwanda is education-oriented, innovation-focused, and increasingly impatient with traditional hierarchies. They have the potential to, Gradido and similar models oriented toward the common good quick to accept, especially if they:

1. Digital and accessible are (mobile-first, USSD for feature phones)

2. peer-to-peer validation enable (instead of top-down control)

3. Making unpaid work visible (Care, community service, learning)

4. Strengthening local currency cycles (such as the successful M-Pesa model)

The experience of Sarafu in Kenya shows that young people in East Africa open to experimental economic models are, if they bring concrete benefits.^35

Community, Ubuntu, and cultural strengths

Ubuntu as a philosophical foundation

Ubuntu „I am because we are“ is a deeply rooted African philosophy of connectedness, collective responsibility, and mutual care. In Rwanda, Ubuntu manifests itself in various forms:^36^38

Gacaca courtsAfter the genocide, Rwanda reactivated the traditional Gacaca system in order to over 1.1 million suspects community-based justice. These courts did not function primarily as a punitive mechanism, but as a path to truth, reconciliation, and healing. Survivors, perpetrators, and witnesses sat together to talk about what had happened, seek forgiveness, and rebuild communities.^39[^41]

One observer described: „This is a very important dialogue... At first, it is difficult to talk about the hard facts, but eventually a consensus is reached... In the past, people didn't even want to look at each other, but now they can hope to sit down together and discuss issues.“.^39

UmugandaEvery last Saturday of the month, Rwandans gather for community service projects—repairing roads, building terraces, cleaning public spaces. This practice embodies Ubuntu: working together for the common good.^36

Neighborhood councils (Inteko z'Abaturage)Local conflict resolution mechanisms that focus on dialogue and consensus rather than punishment.^42

Women as drivers of transformation

Rwanda's women's cooperatives are prime examples of Ubuntu in action. In the coffee sector, women have formed cooperatives such as Rambagirakawa („professional women who own and cultivate coffee trees“) and TUK („Increasing coffee production“).^43

These cooperatives offer:

• Access to training in sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation

• Collective marketing at higher prices to international buyers

• income diversification through crafts and secondary activities

• Economic leadershipWomen control investments and reinvest profits in their communities.

77% of members in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are women. These microfinance groups enable women without access to banks to save money collectively and take out loans. One participant reported: „Before joining the VSLA, I didn't have enough money to feed my family, and one of my children had to drop out of school. After the first loan, I was able to buy grass for my cow – her milk production increased from 2 to 5 liters.“.^45

Collective structures and social networks

Umurenge SACCOsSince 2008, Rwanda has 8,995 savings and credit cooperatives established with over 3.8 million members. 90% of Rwandans live within 5 km of a SACCO. These community-based financial institutions have Financial inclusion at 93% (2020)—one of the highest rates in Africa.^21

SACCOs offer tailor-made products: savings accounts, agricultural loans, housing loans, education financing. They operate on the principle of collective ownership and democratic decision-making—perfectly compatible with Ubuntu and Gradido principles.

Chamas and informal networksIn addition to formal structures, there are strong informal support networks. Neighborhood assistance, work exchanges (Cooperative work), and resource sharing are commonplace.

Digitalization, open source, and tech innovation

Rwanda's tech ecosystem

Rwanda is positioning itself as Africa's tech hub. The government has declared digitalization a national priority, with the goal of achieving a knowledge-based economy to become.^47^11

Digital infrastructure:

• Over 1,500 schools connected to high-speed internet^16

• National education cloud under construction

• 5G network expansion in Kigali

• Center for Digital Public Infrastructure Launched in 2024 to scale open, interoperable digital systems^48

Tech hubs and innovation centers:

• Digital Transformation Center Kigali: Founded by GIZ and MINICT, it offers workspaces, training, and events.^49

• Impact Hub KigaliFocus on bottom-up innovation and social entrepreneurship^50

• Norrsken House Kigali: Largest entrepreneurship hub in Africa

• FabLab RwandaMaker space for prototyping and product development

Open source and female developers

She Code Africa, Women in Tech Africa, Girls in ICT RwandaThese networks form a growing community of female developers. Programs such as SheCanCODE (IGIRE Rwanda) trains young women in full-stack web development. Graduates report transformative experiences:^51^52

„SheCanCODE changed my life. It introduced me to software development, gave me the training and confidence I needed, and opened my eyes to opportunities in the market.“

Rwanda Coding Academy: Founded in 2019 with KOICA support, this elite school trains „software geniuses“ in advanced programming and cybersecurity. With a new campus in Nyabihu, it is becoming a Center of Excellence for software development in East Africa.^31

African Girls Can Code InitiativeIn 2025, 120 girls took part in a two-week boot camp that taught coding, robotics, AI, and gender equality concepts. An entrepreneur who interacted with the participants said, „Their knowledge of AI was truly fascinating. We look forward to taking some of them on as interns.“^34

Compatibility with Gradido open source approach

Rwanda offers Ideal conditions for open-source Gradido implementation:

1. High mobile money adoptionExperience with digital payment systems

2. Strong female tech communityWomen can serve as multipliers for Gradido development.

3. Government support for innovationSandbox regulations, openness to pilot projects

4. Community-based structuresSACCOs, VSLAs, and cooperatives as natural carriers

The vision from the Gradido roadmap – that African women in tech networks Developing open-source Gradido software – finds fertile ground in Rwanda. With over 72,000 women trained in ICT, various coding boot camps, and strong political will, Rwanda could become a Pioneering country for open-source public welfare currencies become.^51

Regional economic cycles, community currencies & Gradido

Experiences with local economic models

Umurenge SACCOs as a blueprintThese cooperatives demonstrate that community-based financial cycles work. Members save collectively, lend money to each other, and invest in the local economy. The success rate is impressive: most SACCOs are now self-supporting without government subsidies.^21

Microfinance and VSLAsWith 771,000 women participating, RVLAs have transformed Rwanda's microfinance landscape. These groups already practice principles that are compatible with Gradido: Peer governance, transparent accounting, interest-free/low-interest loans, collective responsibility.^45

Regional trade cyclesRwanda's agricultural cooperatives (e.g., in coffee, tea, and pineapple cultivation) demonstrate how Value creation remains local can. The Tuzamurane Pineapple Cooperative, for example, enables women to grow, process, and market their own products.^54^43

Complementary currencies: potential and obstacles

CBDC development: Rwanda plans to introduce a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) by 2026. This demonstrates openness to digital currency innovation. The CBDC is intended to expand financial inclusion, accelerate cross-border payments, and strengthen resilience.^56^58

Pan-African Payment Systems (PAPSS)Rwanda is active in regional payment systems. A pilot project with Tanzania connects Rwanda's RSwitch with Tanzania's TIPS for real-time money transfers in local currencies. This infrastructure could also be used for Gradido integration be used.^59^61

Lessons learned from KenyaThe Sarafu Project in Kenya shows that Community currencies can work in East Africa. Sarafu uses blockchain, mobile money, and peer validation—similar principles to Gradido. Kenya's success could be replicated in Rwanda.^35

Gradido integration: bottom-up approach

How could Gradido be implemented in Rwanda? The Gradido vision for Africa envisages the following phases:^62

Phase 1 (2026): Cooperation & pilot projects

• Partnerships with She Code Africa, Girls in ICT Rwanda, Women in Tech Africa

• Open-source Gradido app development by Rwandan female developers

• Pilot communities in rural and urban settings (e.g., cooperatives, SACCOs)

Phase 2 (2027-2028): Maturation & initial successes

• Community coins for education, care, agriculture, health

• Gradido points for unpaid work (especially by women and young people)

• Integration with existing SACCOs and VSLAs

Phase 3 (2028–2029): Institutional recognition

• Government passes laws to promote complementary public welfare currencies

• Rwanda as one of six pioneer countries (alongside Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Ethiopia)^62

Specific areas of application in Rwanda:

1. Making care work visibleWomen who care for children, the elderly, or the sick receive Gradido points.

2. educational initiativesPeer learning, mentoring, and community education projects are incentivized through Gradido.

3. Rewarding environmental protection: Reforestation, erosion control, waste collection, sustainable agriculture supported by compensation and environmental funds

4. Strengthening local economic cyclesConnecting local markets and small businesses via Gradido networks

5. Promotion of digital innovationOpen-source developers can finance their work sustainably through Gradido remuneration.

Education, empowerment, and community building

STEM education and gender parity

Rwanda has STEM education as a national priority explained. In 2019, the government introduced the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) one that emphasizes practical, competency-based education. Special programs specifically promote girls:^18

Technology-Enabled STEM Teaching (TEST): Uses virtual reality, augmented reality, and robotics programming to revolutionize STEM education. The program is running at FAWE Girls‘ School and nationwide.^18

STEM Mentoring Camps170 secondary school students (from 17 FAWE partner schools) participate in six-day boot camps to network with female scientists and engineers.^63

Gender in STEM Workshop 2025Organized by Carnegie Mellon University Africa and the University of Rwanda, it aims to empower girls with skills, mentoring, and policy insights.^64

resultsResearch shows that schools with a higher proportion of female teachers minor gender differences in STEM learning outcomes. Investments in teacher training and work-life balance support pay off.^18

Vocational training and leadership development

Youth for Youth (CRS)This project reaches 48,000 young entrepreneurs (aged 18-30) with digital entrepreneurship training. Participants learn business planning, product promotion, innovation, and customer management—and use apps such as KudiBooks for digital accounting.^65

One participant reported: „I had doubts about the future of my business. Thanks to Youth for Youth, my skills have improved and I can now access sales and purchasing data digitally on my smartphone. I now believe that I can be successful.“

Rwanda Women's Network: With 17 Safe Spaces This organization addresses gender-based violence in seven districts and supports more than 3,800 cases per year. In addition, it provides financial education to 450 women annually and has trained 178 change agents (including 92 women) in policy monitoring.^66

Aguka Leadership ComponentThe program emphasizes attitude as the „first real asset“ for young entrepreneurs. As UNDP Resident Representative Maxwell Gomera said, „Attitude is important. To be successful, you need tenacity and a can-do attitude.“^30

Community building through digital platforms

Digital Ambassador Program: Over 51,662 women have been trained in digital literacy through RISA. The program brings digital education directly to communities.^33

DigiTruckA solar-powered mobile classroom that travels through all 30 districts and provides free training to over 5,000 young people, women, and farmers. This innovation overcomes geographical barriers.^16

Smart Education ProjectWith Chinese support, Rwanda is connecting more than 1,400 schools and 63 universities with high-speed internet and digital content. By 2050, one million citizens have digital skills.^16

Synergies: Gradido, open source, Ubuntu, and Rwanda's transformation

Harmonization of Gradido principles with Rwanda

The three pillars of Gradido model fit remarkably well with Rwanda's values and challenges:^67^36

1. Triple Good:

• well-being of the individualActive basic income (1,000 GDD/month) would alleviate extreme poverty.

• The welfare of the communityPublic budget (1,000 GDD per person/month) strengthens education, health, and infrastructure

• Good for the environment: Compensation and environmental fund (1,000 GDD per person/month) finances reforestation, erosion control, and climate adaptation

2. Debt-free money creationRwanda is struggling with debt (801% of GDP). Gradido's approach—money is created through life, not through debt—could be transformative.^10

3. Transience (transience)Money „expires“ at a rate of 5.611 TP4T per month, which prevents hoarding and promotes a circular economy. This corresponds to natural cycles and Ubuntu values of sharing.^62

Ubuntu as a cultural bridge

Ubuntu philosophy and Gradido share fundamental values:^37^36

Rwanda's gacaca system has already shown that traditional Ubuntu mechanisms can function in a modern form. Gradido could be understood as „Gacaca of the economy“ – a community-based approach to economic healing and justice.[^40]^41^39

Open source as a technological infrastructure

Open source development is essential for Gradidos Transparency, participation, and local adaptation. Rwanda's growing community of female developers could:^51

1. Gradido Mobile App Develop: Offline-capable, in Kinyarwanda/French/English, USSD-compatible for feature phones

2. Community server set up: Decentralized architecture for local autonomy

3. Peer validation systems Programming: Simple confirmation of contributions to the common good by community members

4. Integration with existing systems: Interfaces to mobile money (MTN Mwanda, Airtel Money), SACCOs, CBDC

The Gradido vision envisages that by 2030 20,000 African female developers work on Gradido tools. With its concentration of tech programs for women, Rwanda could become a epicenter of this movement.^62

Digital innovation and cultural community

Rwanda's digitalization strategy (Vision 2050, Smart Education, Digital Transformation) harmonizes perfectly with Gradido's techno-social orientation:^13^11

• Mobile-first economy: 73%+ Internet usage, high smartphone penetration^20

• Digital Public InfrastructureGovernment invests in open, interoperable systems^48

• Innovation-friendly regulationSandbox approaches, rapid pilot project approvals^15

• Pan-African integration: AfCFTA membership, cross-border payment systems^70^59

A digital Gradido ecosystem could be seamlessly integrated into this infrastructure, while at the same time shared cultural values digitized and scaled.

Pilot projects, multiplier regions, and future prospects

Predestined regions and sectors

Rural districts with strong cooperatives:

• Huye District: With women's empowerment projects in Mbazi, Ngoma, Mukura^72

• Kayonza DistrictStrong agricultural cooperatives (e.g., TUK coffee cooperative)^43

• Nyagatare DistrictInternational Rural Women's Day celebrations demonstrate strong community mobilization^73

Urban innovation hubs:

• Kigali (Green City Kigali): Africa's first Green City project ($5 billion), perfect for Gradido integration in sustainable urbanization^74^76

• Norrsken House Kigali: Largest entrepreneurship hub could test Gradido start-up financing

• Impact Hub KigaliFocus on bottom-up innovation^50

Educational institutions:

• Rwanda Coding AcademyElite programmers could develop Gradido software.^17

• FAWE Girls‘ SchoolsSTEM-focused girls' schools as a test bed for youth Gradido engagement^63

• Carnegie Mellon University AfricaAcademic research on the Gradido economic model

Women's cooperatives in the agricultural sector:

• coffee cooperatives (Rambagirakawa, Hingakawa, TUK): Already experienced in collective marketing and contributions to the common good^44

• Tuzamurane Pineapple Cooperative: Successful model for value chains^55

Multiplication paths and knowledge transfer

From Rwanda to East Africa:

Rwanda is a member of the East African Community (EAC) with 8 countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo, Somalia). Successful Gradido pilot projects in Rwanda could quickly be transferred to these neighboring countries, especially because:^77

• Common trade zones: EAC Customs Union and Common Market facilitate exchange

• Cross-border payment systems: RSwitch-TIPS integration demonstrates technical feasibility^60

• Cultural similaritiesUbuntu philosophy (in various languages) is pan-East African.

From East Africa to Pan-Africa:

Rwanda's role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) positions it as a bridge for continental scaling. The AfCFTA negotiations took place in Kigali—a symbol of Rwanda's leadership.^71^79

The Gradido vision envisages that the Addis Ababa Declaration on Economic Sovereignty (2029) Gradido gives pan-African impetus. Rwanda could be a pioneer:^77

1. Document best practicesTransparent evaluation of pilot projects

2. Host regional conferencesAnnual Gradido Africa Summits in Kigali

3. Facilitating South-South exchangeRwanda's expertise in post-conflict reconstruction could be valuable to other countries.

4. Building open-source commonsCentral knowledge database with documentation, code, training materials

Global inspiration:

Rwanda's history—from genocide to tech nation, from division to Ubuntu-based reconciliation—is globally inspiring. A successful Gradido rollout would demonstrate that bottom-up public welfare currencies work not only in theory, but also in practice.

Critical success factors and challenges

success factors:

1. Political will: Rwanda's government is innovation-friendly but authoritarian. Gradido would need Top-level buy-in without top-down control

2. Community ownershipPilot projects must be initiated by grassroots communities. self-managed be, not by the government or development partners

3. Technological inclusivityUSSD integration, offline functions, multilingual interfaces for 100% accessibility

4. Peer governanceTransparent, democratic decision-making in Gradido communities

5. Integration with existing systems: Cooperation with SACCOs, VSLAs, and mobile money instead of competition

Challenges:

1. Regulatory uncertainties: Lack of legal framework for complementary currencies^70

2. digital divide: Rural areas and poor sections of the population have limited access to the internet/smartphones.^49

3. Trust deficitAfter experiencing corruption, people may be skeptical of new systems.

4. risks of abuse: Misguided incentives, hyperinflation, or substitute currencies without careful regulation^80

5. Cultural transformation: The shift from scarcity thinking to gratitude and cooperation requires time and education.^80

risk mitigation strategies:

• Step-by-step approach: Small pilot projects (100-500 participants), evaluate, adapt, scale

• multi-stakeholder governanceInvolvement of government, NGOs, churches, schools, private sector

• Education and awareness campaigns: School projects, information events, multiplier training courses

• Transparency and accountabilityBlockchain-based systems for traceable transactions

• Hybrid structuresCombination of digital and analog elements for broad accessibility

Vision 2050: Gradido as a catalyst for sustainable prosperity

Rwanda's long-term ambition

Vision 2050 provides that Rwanda will, by 2035, upper middle income ($4,036 per capita) and by 2050 high income ($12,476 per capita). The vision is based on five pillars:^12^83^13

1. Human developmentEducation, health, gender equality

2. Competitiveness and integrationRegional and global markets

3. Agriculture for prosperity creation: Modernization and value chains

4. Urbanization and agglomerationSmart Cities, Green Cities

5. Accountable governance: Decentralization, rule of law

Gradido could strengthen each of these pillars:

• Human developmentActive basic income alleviates poverty and finances education and healthcare.

• competitivenessStrengthening local economic cycles reduces dependence on imports.

• Agriculture: Compensation and environmental funds reward sustainable practices, erosion control, and climate adaptation

• urbanization: Gradido integration in Green City Kigali as a global model

• governancePeer governance and community validation strengthen participation

Youth as the key to transformation

With 60% of the population under 25 Rwanda's future lies in the hands of its youth. Vision 2050 emphasizes:

• Digital literacy for all young people by 2035^82

• 1.25 million new jobs until 2029^22

• STEM excellenceRwanda among leading African countries in technology and innovation^82

• Culture of creativity and innovationEncourage young people to experiment, take risks, and learn from their mistakes.^82

Gradido for Gen Z means:

• Recognition of unpaid workLearning, mentoring, and community service become visible and rewarded.

• Business financing without debtInterest-free Gradido loans for start-ups

• peer networksYoung people validate each other's contributions to the common good.

• Global leadership roleRwandan youth as pioneers of a new economy

Ecological regeneration and climate resilience

Rwanda is highly vulnerable to climate change. Floods, droughts, and soil erosion threaten agriculture and livelihoods. The government is investing heavily in:^84^86

• Wetland restoration: 5 wetlands in Kigali are being restored^85

• Reforestation projectsGreen Amayaga (550+ hectares), Congo Nile Divide Restoration ($39.1 million)^86

• agroforestry: Integration of trees in agriculture^87

• Waste-to-Resources: Waste recycling facilities at Nduba Dumpsite^85

Gradido's Compensation and Environmental Fund (1,000 GDD per person/month) would systematic financing for such initiatives. Instead of relying on external development aid, Rwanda could mobilize its own resources for environmental protection.^36

An example: A community of 1,000 people generates 1 million GDD/month for environmental projects—reforestation, erosion control, clean energy, waste management. This would not only heal the environment, but also green jobs for young people.

Peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion

Three decades after the genocide, Reconciliation is an ongoing process. Gradido could promote economic justice and overcome social divisions:

• Economic inclusionActive basic income reduces extreme inequality

• Recognition for all: Every person—regardless of ethnicity, gender, or class—can contribute to the common good.

• Joint projectsGradido-funded community initiatives bring people together

• Restorative EconomicsDebt-free money creation instead of interest slavery reflects the Gacaca principle.

A Rwandan peace researcher, Jean de Dieu Basabose, wrote about Gradido:

„The natural economy of life, if effectively accepted and applied, contributes significantly to the de-corruption of current money-driven thought patterns. It will curb the structural violence generated by modern socio-political and economic systems, prevent many wars and man-made disasters, and lead us into a just, caring, and peaceful world where everyone has their place.“.^67

Concrete recommendations for action

For Gradido initiators

1. Establishing partnerships with existing actors (She Code Africa, Rwanda Women’s Network, Impact Hub Kigali, SACCOs)

2. Launch pilot projects in 2-3 communities (urban/rural mix, e.g., Green City Kigali + Kayonza Coffee Cooperative)

3. Adapt technology to local conditions (USSD, offline functions, Kinyarwanda interface)

4. Develop educational programsWorkshops on Gradido principles, peer validation, public welfare assessment

5. Promote open sourcePublish code on GitHub, build a developer community

For the Government of Rwanda

1. Regulatory sandboxes create complementary currencies (similar to fintech sandboxes)

2. Tax treatment clarify with Gradido (no income, no capital gains?)

3. Integration with CBDC Plan: Gradido and Rwanda's digital currency could function complementarily

4. Vision 2050 alignmentRecognize Gradido as a tool for combating poverty, protecting the environment, and supporting young people.

5. South-South cooperationPosition Rwanda as a hub for pan-African Gradido expansion

For international partners

1. Technical support: Provide expertise in blockchain, mobile money, and community currencies

2. Financing: Seed funding for pilot projects, evaluation research

3. knowledge transfer: Sharing experiences from Sarafu (Kenya), Bristol Pound (UK), WIR (Switzerland)

4. Academic supportInvolve universities (e.g., Carnegie Mellon Africa) in impact evaluation.

5. Media visibility: Document success stories and disseminate them globally

For local communities

1. Bottom-up mobilizationCommunities decide for themselves whether and how they want to use Gradido.

2. Establish peer governance: Creating democratic structures for assessing the common good

3. Ensuring diversity: Include women, young people, older people, and people with disabilities equally

4. Practicing transparencyOpen accounting, regular community meetings

5. willingness to experiment: Courage to try new things, learn from mistakes, adapt

Conclusion: Rwanda as a pioneer of a new economy

Rwanda is on the cusp of transformative development. The country has proven that community-based reconstruction possible – from the ashes of genocide to a symbol of reconciliation, innovation, and gender equality.

The convergence of several factors makes Rwanda a Ideal pioneer land for Gradido:

Cultural strengths:

• Ubuntu philosophy deeply rooted

• Gacaca as evidence of traditional mechanisms functioning in a modern form

• Strong women's and youth organizations

• Collaborative decision-making

Economic necessity:

• High youth unemployment

• Extreme poverty in rural areas

• Import dependency and foreign exchange shortage

• Need to recognize unpaid work (especially by women)

Technological maturity:

• 93% Financial inclusion through mobile money and SACCOs

• Growing community of female developers

• Government support for digital innovation

• Infrastructure for open source development

Political will:

• Vision 2050 with ambitious transformation goals

• Openness to experimental approaches (CBDC, blockchain, smart cities)

• Regional and Pan-African leadership ambition

Global appeal:

• Rwanda's history inspires the world

• AfCFTA host demonstrates continental relevance

• Successful Gradido implementation would attract global attention

Gradido is not the only answer to Rwanda's challenges, but it could be one. Catalyst be – a tool that reinforces existing strengths (Ubuntu, cooperatives, tech innovation) and opens up new opportunities (recognition of unpaid work, debt-free financing, ecological regeneration).

The vision is clear: A Rwanda where every person—regardless of age, gender, or origin—can contribute to the common good and be recognized for doing so. Where local economic cycles are resilient, the environment is protected, and young people strive not for survival but for self-fulfillment.

As Desmond Tutu said: „My humanity is inseparable from yours.“ Gradido puts this Ubuntu wisdom into practice in the form of a currency that Solidarity, dignity, and common good focuses on.

Rwanda has a choice: continue along the established path—with its successes, but also its structural limitations—or boldly break new ground, building on its own cultural strengths and offering an alternative to the global financial system.

The youth are ready. The technology is available. The community structures exist. What is missing is the courage to, bottom-up transformation to take risks – and the confidence that Rwanda itself can develop solutions to its problems.

„Ubuntu says that my humanity is inseparable from yours; and a person is a person through other people.“ – Desmond Tutu

„If we embrace Ubuntu – ‚I am because we are‘ – and are innovative, we can make the impossible possible.“ – Gradido Vision 2035 for Africa

The future begins now. In the cooperatives of Kayonza. In the coding boot camps of Kigali. In the villages where women join together in VSLA groups. In the minds of young Rwandans who dream of a fairer, more sustainable economy.

Rwanda, Gradido, Open Source, Ubuntu – working together for prosperity and the future.