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Rwazi Awarded 2023 Innovator in Trade by L.A. Area Chamber and World Trade Week Southern California Committee

Co-founder of Rwazi, Joseph Rutakangwa receives the 2023 Innovator in Trade award

(Los Angeles, California – 16th May, 2023) Market intelligence platform and ALX Ventures participant Rwazi has been awarded the 2023 Innovator in Trade award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber and the World Trade Week Southern California Committee. 

The prestigious award recognises innovative products or services that increase international trade and global competitiveness. 

Rwazi's platform offers multinational companies access to weekly or monthly analytics and insights on emerging-market consumer behavior, giving them a competitive edge in the global market. The recognition is a testament to Rwazi's innovative approach to providing market intelligence and its ability to transform the global marketplace.

Established in 1926 by Stanley T. Olafson and the L.A. Area Chamber, World Trade Week is the largest convening of its kind, celebrating the importance and benefits of global trade to the local and national economy. The Chamber launches the start of a month-long celebration each year by bringing together business executives, leaders of trade organisations, and members of the diplomatic corps for the WTW Kickoff Conference. This event attracts nearly 900 participants globally and has become the leading celebration of global trade in the nation.

Rwazi's recognition by the L.A. Area Chamber and the World Trade Week Southern California Committee provides the startup with an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of its mission and accomplishments, potentially leading to new partnerships and collaborations. Beyond the month-long celebration in May, the L.A. Area Chamber continues its efforts throughout the year to highlight how international trade contributes to a strong local and national economy through educational briefings and meetings with elected officials.

Launched in 2021, Rwazi is now scaling in emerging markets, backed by a $4 million seed funding round closed in March that was led by Bonfire Ventures and saw participation from Newfund, Alumni Ventures, and Techstars. 

The startup's recognition as the 2023 Innovator in Trade cements Rwazi's position as a leading market intelligence platform offering real-time data from emerging markets.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Caryn Thandi Petersen
[email protected]


ALX is proud to be creating the next generation of entrepreneurial digital leaders in Africa. Find out more about our cutting-edge tech training programmes at www.alxafrica.com.

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