Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, with a growing population of over 13 million people (RPHC,2022). The country has been vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, and landslides, which can have a significant impact on people's health and well-being.
To address these challenges, the government of Rwanda increased the push for sustainable and environmentally friendly and climate-smart practices in various sectors, both public and private. According to the Rwanda Forestry Authority, a Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, Rwanda has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
One of the strategies that the Rwandan government has adopted to reduce green gas emissions is promoting the use of digital technologies. Digital technologies, such as digital business cards, have a minimal carbon footprint and are environmentally friendly compared to traditional paper-based business cards. According to the research by the Climate Watch data platform, producing one ton of paper requires about 17 trees and 26,000 litres of water.
The adoption of digital business cards has been on the rise, especially among tech-savvy entrepreneurs and business professionals in Rwanda. According to a report by the Rwanda Development Board, over 50 small and medium-sized businesses in Rwanda have started using digital business cards, with the number expected to increase in the coming years.
“As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices in all areas of life, including business. UNFPA commends Rwanda's efforts to promote the use of digital technologies to foster sustainable development.” Kwabena Asante Ntiamoah, UNFPA Representative
Earlier this year in January 2023, through a UNFPA-led youth innovation programme, UNFPA Rwanda partnered with Bizcotap Ltd to provide staff with digital business cards as a way to ‘walk the talk’ as we promote environmentally friendly and climate-smart strategies.
“Youth innovators have an important role to play in driving the country towards a sustainable future. Rwanda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 25. This youthful energy and enthusiasm can be harnessed to bring about innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change.” Kwabena added
Bizcotap has achieved success by providing a green, cost-effective, digital solution which makes our networking experience feel much more seamless. Bizcotap has now gone on to work with many organizations in Rwanda, including One UN family, and development partners among others providing over 1500 Bizcotap business cards; with their goal being for all organizations using their solution.
“7.2 million trees are cut down every year due to the manufacturing of paper business cards. Bizcotap is focused on providing a convenient, cost-saving and green solution to organizations across Africa to combat this problem. We have started by supplying Bizcotap Business Cards to help combat deforestation, while also providing a tool that is guaranteed to enhance your networking experience.“ - Michael Tesfay, Co-founder of Bizcotap
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a United Nations agency that aims to promote sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and young people, is working with the government of Rwanda to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into national policies and programmes. This includes supporting the development of climate-resilient health systems and promoting sustainable and climate-smart practices that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring that women and girls are always able to access SRHR services - even in climate-challenging contexts.
