In a significant stride toward reshaping Rwanda’s economic landscape, Nshimente Celine Muhire, a young entrepreneur in her early twenties, is set to revolutionize the country’s economy.
In 2020, Muhire founded YEGOBOX, a Fintech firm aimed at addressing the inefficiencies and unsustainability prevalent in Rwanda’s food supply chains. Her vision was clear: to establish a direct connection between farmers and the real market, thereby eliminating unnecessary middlemen and fostering a more sustainable and efficient food supply chain.
Recognizing the hurdles her innovative idea might face, Muhire proactively equipped herself with the requisite skills and acumen essential for the success of her venture.
Two years into her journey, after overcoming various obstacles and refining her project, she enrolled in the Women in Business Initiative Programme.
Powered by Swedish Embassy and Norrsken, this 10-month learning program is meticulously designed to support women founders in Rwanda, ensuring they not only run profitable enterprises but also make a significant impact in the tech industry.
The program brought together 20 women-owned businesses spanning diverse sectors such as HealthTech, eduTech, e-commerce, and STEM, all contributing significantly to societal development and empowering women in the realm of entrepreneurship.
The recent graduation ceremony on October 6, 2023, marked a jubilant day for these formidable female entrepreneurs. It is a cohort of a pilot and with these graduates entering the market, there is a beacon of hope for narrowing the gender gap in Rwanda’s economy.
Presently, women’s participation in the country’s business sector is strikingly low.
According to the latest Establishment Census in 2017, only 33 percent of companies in Rwanda are women-owned. Among these, a staggering 98 percent are categorized as small or micro enterprises, operating informally.
However, a positive shift has been observed, with the Rwanda Development Board’s (RDB) annual report indicating an increase in female ownership of businesses from 27% in 2017 to 34% in 2022, signifying a progressive trend towards gender balance in the private sector.
The Women in Business Initiative stands as a testament to Rwanda’s proactive efforts in bridging the gender gap within the business sphere.
This initiative, a pilot partnership, strives to explore effective methods for encouraging and supporting women entrepreneurs, not only in Rwanda but also beyond its borders.
Its primary objective is to empower successful women entrepreneurs who can subsequently serve as inspiring role models for aspiring young talent in the region.
Phionah Ingabire, the Project Manager, expressed her admiration for the graduates. She emphasized the resilience and strength inherent in women and highlighted the program’s mission to not merely promote resilience but to foster thriving entrepreneurs.
Diana Mpyisi, Founder and CEO of Blue Oceans Rwanda, delivered an inspiring commencement speech, acknowledging the challenges unique to women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing funding.
Despite these hurdles, Mpyisi encouraged the female entrepreneurs to embrace tenacity and consistency as indispensable virtues in their entrepreneurial journey.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Martina Fors Mohlin, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, who praised the graduates for their resilience and courage in overcoming the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the business world.
She assured continued support from the Swedish government, acknowledging the persistent challenges but expressing unwavering commitment to bringing more women into the business arena.
Indeed, with support from esteemed partners like the Swedish government, the Women in Business Initiative Programme continues to thrive, promising a future where hundreds of women can graduate as successful entrepreneurs, thus demonstrating the program’s efficacy in empowering women and transforming the business landscape.
Today, as 20 remarkable women entrepreneurs graduate, their achievements serve as a testament to the program’s success, reinforcing the belief that with collective effort, the empowerment of women in business is not just a vision but an attainable reality.
Graduates Speak About Their Ventures. Watch the Video Below
