Imbuto Foundation, through the second phase of Imali Agribusiness Challenge, has awarded 10 young entrepreneurs behind the most innovative agricultural projects with Rwf10 million each in seed funding.
The winners are Clementine Mukeshimana, David Tuyishime, Felice Karangwa, Lydia Murekatete, Yves Bernard Kabagamba, Shakira Uwineza, Grâce Niyonsaba, Tresor Gashonga Karimwabo, Hawa Niyigena, and Valens Ruhorimbere.
Each winner in the latest edition that closed on Friday, October 23 will also receive six months of mentorship to help implement and scale their agribusiness ventures.
Imali Agribusiness Challenge is implemented by Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Friends of Imbuto.
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During the event, 15 finalists presented their refined agribusiness projects before a panel of expert judges, from which 10 were selected for funding. Some 200 young entrepreneurs participated in the competition.
Valens Ruhorimbere, CEO and founder of Iwacu Bakery Solution, which transforms pumpkins into bread, cakes, and doughnuts while also turning pumpkin seeds into porridge flour, described the award as a milestone for both his company and farmers.
“So far, our products are not well-known, but this is a great step toward making them recognised, professionally branded, and high-quality, which will positively grow our business,” Ruhorimbere said.
Clementine Mukeshimana, founder of Isaro Service Ltd, a chili pepper farming company, expressed her joy at winning for the first time after multiple attempts.
“With this support, I plan to increase my production, mainly by expanding the land I cultivate. I currently farm on a small piece of land, but my goal is to grow from one hectare to at least five hectares,” she said.
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Encouraging other young women, Mukeshimana added: “There’s no reason to doubt yourself. No matter how small you start, even with Rwf100, it can grow into Rwf200 and eventually much more.”
The Deputy Director General of Imbuto Foundation, Christa Umuhoza, said the competition has been a long, collaborative journey that equips participants with skills and experience for the future.
“The initiative reminds us that youth are truly the strength of our nation. We thank all of you for participating and appreciate the efforts of the over 200 others who shared their innovative ideas, even if they didn’t make it to the final stage.”
Umuhoza added that the foundation remains committed to supporting the youth beyond the competition.
“To our young generation, this is not the end. Even if you didn’t win, there is still so much ahead of you to help you move forward,” she said.
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Martine Nezerwa, Chief Digital Officer in the agriculture ministry, emphasised the importance of youth participation in agriculture, noting that it is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy.
Agriculture accounts for over 25 per cent of Rwanda’s annual GDP and is the main source of employment, with more than 70 per cent of rural jobs connected to the sector.
Nezerwa warned of challenges due to an aging farming population, with over 70 per cent of farmers above 45 years old and youth representing less than 20 per cent of the sector.
“If nothing is done, we risk serious challenges in replacing older farmers, which could negatively affect productivity and the national economy,” she added.
Nezerwa stressed the need for young people to engage in modern, innovative, and technology-driven agricultural practices. She said this would address issues such as low productivity, outdated farming methods, limited use of technology, insufficient investment, and the impacts of climate change.
“That’s why we need young people to be at the forefront of finding solutions to these problems. Opportunities such as participating in this competition are important because they allow your innovative ideas to be heard,” she said.
