In a recent interview on Sanny Ntayombya's 'Long Form' Podcast, Nteziryayo outlined his journey from a rural upbringing to leading a company that operates across 11 African countries, offering insights into Rwanda's tech ecosystem, the challenges of securing investment, and the potential for technology to drive economic growth.
Raised in Kisoro, Uganda, in a family of nine siblings without access to electricity, Nteziryayo initially dreamed of becoming an architect, inspired by a prominent local figure.
'My brothers went to good schools and came home with stories,' he recalled. 'I wanted to be an architect because a successful guy in our town was one.'
But in a household where academic achievement was highly valued, his ambitions were shaped by strong parental and family influence, especially the emphasis on science-based careers.
'My parents and uncles believed that if you were smart, you pursued law, medicine, or engineeringâ€"nothing else,' he said.
'My uncle, who was a headmaster, insisted on sciences. So, architecture became my compromise. My brother had already become an architect, and I wanted to outdo him.'
After moving to Rwanda in 1994, exposure to the internet during boarding school broadened his horizons. A government scholarship in the early 2000s took him to La Roche University in the U.S., where he earned a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.
Post-graduation in 2004, Nteziryayo joined a Fortune 500 company as a software tester, earning $30,000 annuallyâ€"a significant leap for a young man from Kisoro. He later worked with industry leaders like Dish Network and Accenture, building a solid engineering career.
However, a desire to create a solution for Africa, together with his girlfriend, whom he later married, led to his first venture, Chivotel, in 2012, which digitised international calling cards. In 2015, with college friends Odelon and Pacific Mahoro, he founded Huza (initially Pesachoice), focusing on HR technology and workplace banking.
Huza's platform enables employers to manage workforces efficiently and allows employees to access salaries before payday, addressing critical financial needs.
'If kids start school, you don't have to wait until the end of the month,' Nteziryayo explained.
Operating in 11 African countries, Huza faces challenges in markets unfamiliar with software-as-a-service models, but Rwanda's structured environment and supportive policies have been key.
'Rwanda is my garage,' he said, referencing Silicon Valley's startup ethos. 'Government sandboxes let us test technology before scaling.'
Nteziryayo sees Rwanda as a potential breeding ground for a billion-dollar startup within a decade, driven by hubs like Norrsken and growing investor interest.
However, he highlighted obstacles, such as African startups being dominated by foreign founders. A 2020 study confirmed that most African startups raising over $1 million were led by foreigners, often due to investors' favouring familiarity.
Nevertheless, Nteziryayo acknowledged opportunities for African entrepreneurs. His company, Huza, benefited from Google's Black Founders Fund, which supports minority-led ventures.
On the future of technology, Nteziryayo pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain as game-changers for Africa. AI could optimise farming, while blockchain could ensure secure medical records. Yet, he cautioned about risks like hacking and AI-driven misinformation.
'All technologies can be used for good and bad,' he said, stressing robust security measures.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Nteziryayo advised resilience and strategic timing.
'Entrepreneurship isn't for everyoneâ€"nine out of 10 startups fail,' he said, citing Alibaba's Jack Ma: work for inspiring mentors in your 20s, build in your 30s, and aim for success in your 40s.
He noted that Grants from organisations like Norrsken or 250Startups offer initial funding, but persistence is crucial.
'You'll get rejected more than accepted,' he warned, recommending tools like social media and AI to identify opportunities.
Addressing Rwanda's urban-rural divide, Nteziryayo emphasised information access as a bridge.
"Information is the most valuable tool. In remote areas, people need weather or market price data to improve agriculture, not Bitcoin," he remarked.
"Technology can bridge the gap by delivering relevant information, like crop rotation tips or fair prices for produce. Infrastructure like roads, telephones, and internet access is crucial," he remarked."
Watch the full podcast below:
Wycliffe Nyamasege
