Kamikazi Ariella became the first entrepreneur to take the stage during the Imali Agribusiness Challenge Phase III pitching competition, presenting Avokami, an innovative agribusiness venture focused on sustainable avocado production and value addition.

The project aims to strengthen Rwanda’s avocado industry by promoting environmentally friendly farming practices while creating employment opportunities for young people and persons with disabilities across the avocado value chain.

Speaking during the competition, Ariella said Avokami is more than a farming project, describing it as a platform for economic inclusion and community transformation.

“Avokami is committed to building a sustainable avocado industry that leaves no one behind. By empowering youth and persons with disabilities, we are creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and adding value to one of Rwanda’s promising agricultural products,” Ariella said.

Through training, production, processing, and market access, the initiative seeks to equip beneficiaries with practical skills and income-generating opportunities while contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Avokami is among the youth-led businesses competing in the third phase of the Imali Agribusiness Challenge, a programme designed to identify and support innovative agricultural enterprises with the potential to create jobs, improve productivity, and strengthen Rwanda’s food systems.

Selected entrepreneurs receive mentorship, business development support, and seed funding to help scale their ventures.

The Imali Agribusiness Challenge, implemented by the Imbuto Foundation in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and other stakeholders, aims to address youth unemployment by supporting scalable agribusiness projects.

Phase III places particular emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunities, especially for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.