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The Story
The Story
The Story
How It Started
How It Started
How It Started
VOLA was built on one belief — that everyone deserves an easier, and automatic way to manage their money.
VOLA was built on one belief — that everyone deserves an easier, and automatic way to manage their money.
VOLA was built on one belief — that everyone deserves an easier, and automatic way to manage their money.
Our Mission
Money management feels hard for many people, and we’re here to change that. Our mission is to build tools that help you track your money, set goals, and build a future you feel good about.
Our Mission
Money management feels hard for many people, and we’re here to change that. Our mission is to build tools that help you track your money, set goals, and build a future you feel good about.
Our Mission
Money management feels hard for many people, and we’re here to change that. Our mission is to build tools that help you track your money, set goals, and build a future you feel good about.
Our Vision
We believe everyone deserves the chance to feel in control of their money. Our vision is to make financial independence simple, real, and possible for every person in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Vision
We believe everyone deserves the chance to feel in control of their money. Our vision is to make financial independence simple, real, and possible for every person in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Vision
We believe everyone deserves the chance to feel in control of their money. Our vision is to make financial independence simple, real, and possible for every person in Sub-Saharan Africa.
STORYTIME
STORYTIME
STORYTIME
VOLA, meaning "Money" in English, is a name that reflects the essence of financial management. It symbolizes the value and importance of money in everyday life.
VOLA, meaning "Money" in English, is a name that reflects the essence of financial management. It symbolizes the value and importance of money in everyday life.
VOLA, meaning "Money" in English, is a name that reflects the essence of financial management. It symbolizes the value and importance of money in everyday life.
A New Chapter: Our First Steps in Kigali
A New Chapter: Our First Steps in Kigali
Hygin and I (Pierre) first crossed paths in Kigali, Rwanda, in April 2021. It was our first journey outside of Madagascar, a leap into a new country to chase our educational dreams. But managing our expenses in the years that followed? That was a whole different story.
Hygin and I (Pierre) first crossed paths in Kigali, Rwanda, in April 2021. It was our first journey outside of Madagascar, a leap into a new country to chase our educational dreams. But managing our expenses in the years that followed? That was a whole different story.
Hygin and I (Pierre) first crossed paths in Kigali, Rwanda, in April 2021. It was our first journey outside of Madagascar, a leap into a new country to chase our educational dreams. But managing our expenses in the years that followed? That was a whole different story.
Our Struggles in Kigali
Our Struggles in Kigali
We were each living our own lives in Kigali, but there was one thing we had in common: we were both unconscious when it came to managing our finances. It was a new country, and we were eager to discover everything Rwanda had to offer. This excitement led us to overspend on things we didn’t really need.
We were constantly out, spending money on unnecessary items. Hygin even bought an Xbox all the way from Dubai, only to sell it a few months later. And do you know what happened next? These habits often left us struggling to cover our bills. I’ll never forget the call when Hygin told me he only had 2,000 RWF left to survive the week. I couldn't believe that he’d been eating beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I know, it sounds crazy! His stomach must've been crying out in protest.
We were each living our own lives in Kigali, but there was one thing we had in common: we were both unconscious when it came to managing our finances. It was a new country, and we were eager to discover everything Rwanda had to offer. This excitement led us to overspend on things we didn’t really need.
We were constantly out, spending money on unnecessary items. Hygin even bought an Xbox all the way from Dubai, only to sell it a few months later. And do you know what happened next? These habits often left us struggling to cover our bills. I’ll never forget the call when Hygin told me he only had 2,000 RWF left to survive the week. I couldn't believe that he’d been eating beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I know, it sounds crazy! His stomach must've been crying out in protest.
We were each living our own lives in Kigali, but there was one thing we had in common: we were both unconscious when it came to managing our finances. It was a new country, and we were eager to discover everything Rwanda had to offer. This excitement led us to overspend on things we didn’t really need.
We were constantly out, spending money on unnecessary items. Hygin even bought an Xbox all the way from Dubai, only to sell it a few months later. And do you know what happened next? These habits often left us struggling to cover our bills. I’ll never forget the call when Hygin told me he only had 2,000 RWF left to survive the week. I couldn't believe that he’d been eating beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I know, it sounds crazy! His stomach must've been crying out in protest.
The Lies We Told Ourselves
The Lies We Told Ourselves
The year was ending, and we were still doing our thing. You know that feeling when you check your bank account after a night out?
Yeah, that happened to us more often . We'd even find ourselves hoping and praying there was still enough money left to get us through.
We’d joke about it, staying optimistic and convincing ourselves that the money would last another month, even though it was only enough to last a week. We'd always come up with excuses to reassure ourselves that it was okay to spend—despite knowing we couldn't really afford it.
The year was ending, and we were still doing our thing. You know that feeling when you check your bank account after a night out?
Yeah, that happened to us more often . We'd even find ourselves hoping and praying there was still enough money left to get us through.
We’d joke about it, staying optimistic and convincing ourselves that the money would last another month, even though it was only enough to last a week. We'd always come up with excuses to reassure ourselves that it was okay to spend—despite knowing we couldn't really afford it.
The year was ending, and we were still doing our thing. You know that feeling when you check your bank account after a night out?
Yeah, that happened to us more often . We'd even find ourselves hoping and praying there was still enough money left to get us through.
We’d joke about it, staying optimistic and convincing ourselves that the money would last another month, even though it was only enough to last a week. We'd always come up with excuses to reassure ourselves that it was okay to spend—despite knowing we couldn't really afford it.
The Struggle to Break Free from Bad Habits
The Struggle to Break Free from Bad Habits
We knew we were overspending and were determined to change our habits, but breaking them wasn't as easy as we hoped. We both tried to take control by creating spreadsheets to track our expenses and become more disciplined in avoiding overspending. But there was still one big problem: manually recording our expenses every day was so tiring that we often forgot to do it. Eventually, we even forgot we had a spreadsheet at all.
We knew we were overspending and were determined to change our habits, but breaking them wasn't as easy as we hoped. We both tried to take control by creating spreadsheets to track our expenses and become more disciplined in avoiding overspending. But there was still one big problem: manually recording our expenses every day was so tiring that we often forgot to do it. Eventually, we even forgot we had a spreadsheet at all.
We knew we were overspending and were determined to change our habits, but breaking them wasn't as easy as we hoped. We both tried to take control by creating spreadsheets to track our expenses and become more disciplined in avoiding overspending. But there was still one big problem: manually recording our expenses every day was so tiring that we often forgot to do it. Eventually, we even forgot we had a spreadsheet at all.
An idea was born
An idea was born
Hygin, being the finance expert he is, found a way to automate expense tracking using his iPhone and created a dashboard on a spreadsheet to keep an eye on his spending. When I returned to Kigali, he showed me how it worked, and I found it surprisingly effective.
I started using it on my phone and tried to make it a habit. But unfortunately, that was the last time we talked about it. We both got busy—Hygin had his thesis to finish, and I was preparing for my capstone defense. Naturally, we ended up forgetting about it.
And a few months later...
Hygin, being the finance expert he is, found a way to automate expense tracking using his iPhone and created a dashboard on a spreadsheet to keep an eye on his spending. When I returned to Kigali, he showed me how it worked, and I found it surprisingly effective.
I started using it on my phone and tried to make it a habit. But unfortunately, that was the last time we talked about it. We both got busy—Hygin had his thesis to finish, and I was preparing for my capstone defense. Naturally, we ended up forgetting about it.
And a few months later...
Hygin, being the finance expert he is, found a way to automate expense tracking using his iPhone and created a dashboard on a spreadsheet to keep an eye on his spending. When I returned to Kigali, he showed me how it worked, and I found it surprisingly effective.
I started using it on my phone and tried to make it a habit. But unfortunately, that was the last time we talked about it. We both got busy—Hygin had his thesis to finish, and I was preparing for my capstone defense. Naturally, we ended up forgetting about it.
And a few months later...
He did it!
He did it!
See! We’d forgotten about the idea, but guess what? He did it! Hygin successfully graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration from AUCA (Adventist University of Central Africa). After a long journey, living far from his family and loved ones, he achieved this milestone with style and determination.
But wait for what’s coming next!
See! We’d forgotten about the idea, but guess what? He did it! Hygin successfully graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration from AUCA (Adventist University of Central Africa). After a long journey, living far from his family and loved ones, he achieved this milestone with style and determination.
But wait for what’s coming next!
See! We’d forgotten about the idea, but guess what? He did it! Hygin successfully graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration from AUCA (Adventist University of Central Africa). After a long journey, living far from his family and loved ones, he achieved this milestone with style and determination.
But wait for what’s coming next!
Back to Old Habits
Back to Old Habits
You know that ex who keeps coming back? Well, we fell back into our old habits again. After months apart, we decided to take a break from Kigali and have some fun—but, of course, we ended up overspending once more. And this time, it was on another level!
In our minds, we were like, "C'mon, man, we only live once! Let’s go! We'll figure it out later." Back to the old excuses...👀
So, just like before, we kept spending and felt unstoppable—until life hit us again.
You know that ex who keeps coming back? Well, we fell back into our old habits again. After months apart, we decided to take a break from Kigali and have some fun—but, of course, we ended up overspending once more. And this time, it was on another level!
In our minds, we were like, "C'mon, man, we only live once! Let’s go! We'll figure it out later." Back to the old excuses...👀
So, just like before, we kept spending and felt unstoppable—until life hit us again.
You know that ex who keeps coming back? Well, we fell back into our old habits again. After months apart, we decided to take a break from Kigali and have some fun—but, of course, we ended up overspending once more. And this time, it was on another level!
In our minds, we were like, "C'mon, man, we only live once! Let’s go! We'll figure it out later." Back to the old excuses...👀
So, just like before, we kept spending and felt unstoppable—until life hit us again.
LOCKED IN! Turning Struggles into Solutions
LOCKED IN! Turning Struggles into Solutions
SO, LIFE HIT US AGAIN. After those couple of years spent struggling and fighting to stay disciplined, we finally made the decision to lock in and focus on ourselves. We started working harder, seizing more opportunities, and, most importantly, being more mindful of our spending.
Over time, we realized that many people around us were facing the same financial struggles—struggling to pay rent, manage budgets, and stay on top of their finances. We weren’t alone in this; we were all in the same boat.
So, Hygin and I started discussing how we could turn our experience into a business that would help others who were going through the same challenges. After all, we had been there too. AND A FEW MONTHS LATER ….
SO, LIFE HIT US AGAIN. After those couple of years spent struggling and fighting to stay disciplined, we finally made the decision to lock in and focus on ourselves. We started working harder, seizing more opportunities, and, most importantly, being more mindful of our spending.
Over time, we realized that many people around us were facing the same financial struggles—struggling to pay rent, manage budgets, and stay on top of their finances. We weren’t alone in this; we were all in the same boat.
So, Hygin and I started discussing how we could turn our experience into a business that would help others who were going through the same challenges. After all, we had been there too. AND A FEW MONTHS LATER ….
SO, LIFE HIT US AGAIN. After those couple of years spent struggling and fighting to stay disciplined, we finally made the decision to lock in and focus on ourselves. We started working harder, seizing more opportunities, and, most importantly, being more mindful of our spending.
Over time, we realized that many people around us were facing the same financial struggles—struggling to pay rent, manage budgets, and stay on top of their finances. We weren’t alone in this; we were all in the same boat.
So, Hygin and I started discussing how we could turn our experience into a business that would help others who were going through the same challenges. After all, we had been there too. AND A FEW MONTHS LATER ….
A Shared Journey: He did it too!
A Shared Journey: He did it too!
In June 2024, I also completed my degree in International Business and Trade at African Leadership University. It was a tough journey, no doubt, but Hygin was there through it all. We faced challenges together and celebrated our successes like a brotherhood that could never be broken. Now, back to business…!
In June 2024, I also completed my degree in International Business and Trade at African Leadership University. It was a tough journey, no doubt, but Hygin was there through it all. We faced challenges together and celebrated our successes like a brotherhood that could never be broken. Now, back to business…!
In June 2024, I also completed my degree in International Business and Trade at African Leadership University. It was a tough journey, no doubt, but Hygin was there through it all. We faced challenges together and celebrated our successes like a brotherhood that could never be broken. Now, back to business…!
From Concept to Creation
From Concept to Creation
Remember the automated expense tracking system Hygin created with Excel? Well, we took that idea and worked together to build a new version—one that was more effective and user-friendly. We also used it as a test to see if people would actually use it and find it valuable. We spent countless days and nights refining it: building our own website, conducting research, creating a business model, and searching for funding to make it all happen.
Remember the automated expense tracking system Hygin created with Excel? Well, we took that idea and worked together to build a new version—one that was more effective and user-friendly. We also used it as a test to see if people would actually use it and find it valuable. We spent countless days and nights refining it: building our own website, conducting research, creating a business model, and searching for funding to make it all happen.
Remember the automated expense tracking system Hygin created with Excel? Well, we took that idea and worked together to build a new version—one that was more effective and user-friendly. We also used it as a test to see if people would actually use it and find it valuable. We spent countless days and nights refining it: building our own website, conducting research, creating a business model, and searching for funding to make it all happen.
Constantly building:
WELCOME TO OUR OFFICE!
Constantly building:
WELCOME TO OUR OFFICE!
This is where we spent countless hours crafting our business model (on a balcony). The view was beautiful, but the work was intense. With laptops open, coffee cups piling up, and ideas bouncing off the walls, we were determined to turn our vision into a reality, no matter how long it took.
This is where we spent countless hours crafting our business model (on a balcony). The view was beautiful, but the work was intense. With laptops open, coffee cups piling up, and ideas bouncing off the walls, we were determined to turn our vision into a reality, no matter how long it took.
This is where we spent countless hours crafting our business model (on a balcony). The view was beautiful, but the work was intense. With laptops open, coffee cups piling up, and ideas bouncing off the walls, we were determined to turn our vision into a reality, no matter how long it took.
The Journey Continues
Even though we’ve made great strides, we’re still in the process of building. Every day brings new challenges, new ideas, and new ways to improve what we’ve created. We're constantly working to refine and enhance the product, making sure it's truly valuable
Even though we’ve made great strides, we’re still in the process of building. Every day brings new challenges, new ideas, and new ways to improve what we’ve created. We're constantly working to refine and enhance the product, making sure it's truly valuable
Even though we’ve made great strides, we’re still in the process of building. Every day brings new challenges, new ideas, and new ways to improve what we’ve created. We're constantly working to refine and enhance the product, making sure it's truly valuable
Our Team Was Growing
We started as just the two of us, but now, we’re four. We’ve embarked on a new chapter by bringing in fresh talent to join the team. With diverse skills and a shared vision, we’re more motivated than ever to push forward and make this dream a reality.
We started as just the two of us, but now, we’re four. We’ve embarked on a new chapter by bringing in fresh talent to join the team. With diverse skills and a shared vision, we’re more motivated than ever to push forward and make this dream a reality.
We started as just the two of us, but now, we’re four. We’ve embarked on a new chapter by bringing in fresh talent to join the team. With diverse skills and a shared vision, we’re more motivated than ever to push forward and make this dream a reality.
A Major Milestone
We were thrilled to be admitted and selected from thousands of applicants to be part of the ALX Incubator and Sand Technologies. This opportunity has been a game-changer for us, providing the support, mentorship, and resources we need to take our app to the next level.
We were thrilled to be admitted and selected from thousands of applicants to be part of the ALX Incubator and Sand Technologies. This opportunity has been a game-changer for us, providing the support, mentorship, and resources we need to take our app to the next level.
We were thrilled to be admitted and selected from thousands of applicants to be part of the ALX Incubator and Sand Technologies. This opportunity has been a game-changer for us, providing the support, mentorship, and resources we need to take our app to the next level.
The App is Almost Here!
The app is currently under development, and we’re working tirelessly to ensure it's ready for launch. We can’t wait to share it with you! Stay connected, because you can be part of this incredible journey as we continue to grow and evolve.
The app is currently under development, and we’re working tirelessly to ensure it's ready for launch. We can’t wait to share it with you! Stay connected, because you can be part of this incredible journey as we continue to grow and evolve.
The app is currently under development, and we’re working tirelessly to ensure it's ready for launch. We can’t wait to share it with you! Stay connected, because you can be part of this incredible journey as we continue to grow and evolve.
To be continued..
Join thousands of people already building stronger financial futures with VOLA.
Join thousands of people already building stronger financial futures with VOLA.
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