Clarisse Iribagiza

Introduction: A Pioneer at the Digital Crossroads

In the dynamic landscape of African technology, few figures embody innovation and cross-sector disruption as profoundly as Clarisse Iribagiza. As the co-founder and CEO of HeHe Limited, she has carved a unique niche at the intersection of Entertainment and Fintech, establishing herself as a leading entrepreneur in Rwanda and beyond. Born in 1985, Clarisse Iribagiza's journey is a testament to the transformative power of mobile technology in solving everyday challenges. Her key achievement lies in building HeHe into a premier mobile technology company that initially revolutionized entertainment and logistics delivery before pivoting to become a critical player in Rwanda's digital financial services ecosystem. Recognized by Forbes Africa and the World Economic Forum, her story is not just about business success, but about shaping the digital future of a nation.

Early Life & Education: Forging a Path in a Rebuilding Nation

Clarisse Iribagiza was born and raised in Rwanda, a country that was embarking on an extraordinary journey of recovery and renewal during her formative years. This context of national rebuilding instilled in her a profound sense of possibility and a drive to contribute to her country's growth through innovation. Her academic prowess was evident early on, leading her to pursue higher education in the sciences.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and Information Technology from the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology. It was during her university years that Clarisse Iribagiza's entrepreneurial spirit began to crystallize. A pivotal moment came in 2010 when she, alongside her co-founders, participated in and won the prestigious Pioneers of Prosperity Africa competition. This victory, which included a $50,000 seed grant, was the direct catalyst for the launch of HeHe Ltd. The competition validated her technical skills and provided the essential capital and confidence to transform a promising idea into a viable business, setting the stage for her remarkable career.

Career & Major Achievements: Building HeHe and Shaping an Industry

The career of Clarisse Iribagiza is synonymous with the evolution of HeHe Limited. Founded in 2010, HeHe began as a mobile-centric platform focused on Entertainment and convenience. The company's early services allowed users to access music, videos, and news, and famously order and pay for drinks for home delivery from local bars—a novel concept in Kigali at the time. This phase established HeHe as an innovative consumer brand and demonstrated Clarisse Iribagiza's keen understanding of urban consumer needs.

The Strategic Pivot to Fintech

Recognizing the larger opportunity in Rwanda's rapidly digitizing economy, Clarisse Iribagiza masterminded a strategic pivot for HeHe. Under her leadership as CEO, the company leveraged its robust mobile platform and developer expertise to become a key enabler of financial inclusion. HeHe transitioned to building critical digital payment infrastructure and solutions for businesses and government. A landmark achievement was becoming a licensed payment service provider, allowing HeHe to process transactions directly. The company developed and managed the popular Tap&Go contactless payment system for Rwanda's public buses, a project that significantly modernized urban mobility. Furthermore, HeHe built the payment gateway for the Rwanda Revenue Authority, facilitating easier tax compliance for citizens and businesses.

Recognition and Leadership on the Global Stage

Clarisse Iribagiza's impact has garnered significant international acclaim, positioning her as a role model for African tech entrepreneurs. Her accolades include:

• Being named to the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in 2014, highlighting her as one of the continent's brightest young entrepreneurs.
• Selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2016, joining a community of leaders committed to improving the state of the world.
• Recognized as one of the "50 Most Influential Women in Africa" by Jeune Afrique magazine.
• Serving as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, contributing to global discourse on an inclusive digital economy.

Beyond HeHe, she has contributed to the ecosystem as a board member of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). These roles underscore her commitment to fostering innovation and education policy in Rwanda and across Africa.

Personal Life, Philanthropy & Lasting Legacy

While intensely focused on her work, Clarisse Iribagiza maintains a balance through her personal interests and philanthropic endeavors. She is known to be a dedicated reader and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of Rwandan and African technologists. Her journey from computer science student to CEO makes her a powerful advocate for STEM education, particularly for young women.

Her philanthropic focus aligns closely with her professional mission: empowering youth and entrepreneurs. She is actively involved in initiatives that provide mentorship, training, and access to capital for aspiring startup founders. By sharing her experiences and insights, she pays forward the support that launched her own career. The legacy of Clarisse Iribagiza is multifaceted. On a business level, she has built HeHe into a sustainable, impactful company that provides essential digital infrastructure. On a societal level, she is a symbol of a new, tech-driven Rwanda—a country leveraging homegrown talent to solve its own challenges. She has paved the way for countless young Africans, especially women, to see technology and entrepreneurship as viable and powerful paths to creating change.

Net Worth & Business Ventures

While the exact net worth of Clarisse Iribagiza is not publicly disclosed, her financial success is intrinsically linked to the growth and valuation of HeHe Limited. As a co-founder and long-serving CEO, her equity in the company represents significant value. HeHe's transition from a consumer entertainment app to a vital fintech infrastructure provider has undoubtedly increased its valuation, especially as it secured payment service provider licenses and major government contracts. The company's success in attracting investment and generating revenue through its B2B and B2G services underscores its financial health. Beyond HeHe, Clarisse Iribagiza has expanded her business portfolio through angel investing and advisory roles in other promising startups, further solidifying her position as a key stakeholder in Rwanda's burgeoning tech economy. Her primary venture, HeHe Ltd., stands as a testament to building a business that is both commercially successful and deeply impactful on national development.