Nairobi-based tech startup MPost has announced its intention to relocate its headquarters to Kigali, Rwanda, effective November 2023.
The company, specializing in converting mobile numbers into virtual post office addresses to revolutionize postal logistics through digital addressing, views this move as a pivotal decision.
Established in 2016, MPost has expanded its operations throughout Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi. Although details regarding the continuation of its operations in Kenya remain undisclosed, the shift to Rwanda aligns with the company’s pursuit of a favorable business environment and supportive policies.
Rwanda’s proactive support for innovation and its welcoming atmosphere for tech entrepreneurs serve as driving factors for this strategic move. MPost commended the Rwandan government’s commitment, led by President Paul Kagame, highlighting it as a significant factor in the relocation. In a press release, the firm stated, “This strategic move reveals a significant shift in the company’s operational landscape and aligns with the favorable business environment that Rwanda offers to tech startups.”
Twahir Mohamed, the visionary founder of MPost, emphasized Kigali as a launchpad for the company’s expansion into the broader African market. Mohamed expressed eagerness to contribute to Rwanda’s thriving business community and leverage available resources to propel MPost’s growth. He noted, “The relocation will propel this tech trailblazer to even higher heights as it also contributes to the country’s policy ecosystem in collaboration with the government.”
This relocation comes at a critical juncture for businesses in Kenya, facing challenges from newly introduced taxation regimes under the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto. MPost’s decision not only represents a shift in operational focus but also underscores the impact of supportive government policies on fostering innovation and business growth.
As MPost positions itself for new horizons from its Kigali base, the move highlights the importance of a conducive business environment in nurturing and accelerating the growth of emerging tech enterprises in the African landscape. The decision showcases the dynamism of the African tech ecosystem, with countries actively competing to become hubs for innovation and technological advancements.
