In a country where the echoes of the past are still palpable, the Imbuto Foundation has emerged as a beacon of hope, fostering resilience, innovation, and empowerment across Rwanda.
The Foundation’s annual report for the fiscal year July 2023 to June 2024 reveals significant strides in education, health, and youth empowerment. Founded by Rwanda’s First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, Imbuto continues to transform lives, uplift communities, and champion a brighter, more prosperous future for the nation.
Reflecting on the past year, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame emphasized the power of collaboration in driving change. “Using our shared pool of resources, we can collectively make the difference we all seek for our respective communities,” she stated.
This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of Imbuto’s work, which draws on partnerships with the government, international organizations, and local communities to ensure that no one is left behind.
What makes Imbuto stand out is its professional approach and leadership—a hallmark of the contemporary leadership traits that Mrs. Jeannette Kagame embodies. The Foundation is run with efficiency, transparency, and an eye for innovation, qualities that have permeated through the organization and its various initiatives.
The professionalism of the Foundation is reflected in the way it publishes its financials, providing a clear window into how it allocates resources. This year alone, 88% of its income—approximately RwF 22 billion (US$17 million)—was directed toward its programmes.
Such transparency ensures accountability and builds trust with the communities and partners it serves.
“Our interventions are focused on making a tangible difference, touching lives, and creating opportunities for all Rwandans,” the First Lady noted. Under her leadership, Imbuto reflects a forward-thinking, results-driven mindset that has enabled it to stretch every dollar to bring about lasting change.
The impressive quality of the Foundation’s achievements, when compared to the volume of resources, is a testament to its operational efficiency. Imbuto’s ability to generate transformative results from modest investments speaks to the effective stewardship of its leadership and staff.
Every initiative is strategically designed to maximize impact, particularly in the sectors that have the greatest potential to drive national development—education, health, youth empowerment, and agriculture.
“By focusing on the most vulnerable, we ensure that no one is left behind on this journey of growth and empowerment,” Mrs. Kagame said. Imbuto’s work is about more than numbers—it is about the individuals and communities it uplifts, and it is this people-centered approach that has fueled the Foundation’s success.
The true measure of Imbuto’s impact lies in the quality of its interventions. Whether it’s a mother learning better parenting techniques, a young girl receiving a life-changing scholarship, or a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi receiving mental health support, the Foundation’s work touches those who need it most.
For Helene Mukamana, a mother of three from Gakenke District, Imbuto’s Early Childhood Development and Family (ECD&F) programme was transformative. “I used to struggle with anger and harsh punishments. Now, I’ve learned to adopt a peaceful approach, and it’s transformed our household,” she narrated.
Her story is a powerful reminder of how Imbuto’s work reaches deep into the fabric of Rwandan society, strengthening families from the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the Twige Neza Dutsinde programme provided scholarships and remedial support to 46,816 students, ensuring that children from vulnerable backgrounds are not left behind. Kelie Umutoniwase, one of the programme’s beneficiaries, shared how it changed her life.
“The scholarship I received allowed me to focus on my studies, and I became the top-performing student in the national exam,” she said. Through such initiatives, Imbuto is not only educating the next generation but also nurturing future leaders.
The Baho Neza initiative further underscores the Foundation’s commitment to the most vulnerable, providing community-based mental health services to over 306,000 people. Leah Muhimana, a 43-year-old single mother, credits the programme with helping her rebuild her life after leaving an abusive marriage. “The community-based counselors helped me regain my strength…I began saving and investing in rice farming, and now I’ve rebuilt my family’s life,” Leah said.
The Foundation’s focus on mental health demonstrates its deep understanding of the emotional scars that remain in the aftermath of the country’s history.
Geographically, Imbuto’s robust coverage across all 30 districts of Rwanda ensures that its services reach even the most remote and underserved areas.
This extensive reach is a reflection of the professionalism and commitment of its team, who work tirelessly to ensure that no corner of the country is neglected.
With nearly 60% of Rwanda’s population under the age of 25, youth empowerment is central to Imbuto’s mission. Through its Youth Leadership and Active Citizenship programme, the Foundation reached 926,000 young people this past year alone, encouraging them to take on leadership roles and participate in national development.
Emmanuel Niyonsenga, founder of KEZEM Fashion House, is one of many young Rwandans who have benefited from Imbuto’s mentorship and leadership forums. “Today, I run a fashion business that employs 15 permanent staff,” he shared. Imbuto’s dedication to equipping young people with the skills and confidence to succeed is an investment in the future of the nation.
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation
programme continues to make a powerful impact as well, creating 719 jobs and providing over US$250,000 in funding to promising businesses. The ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi initiative has also made significant strides, empowering young artists and innovators and generating over US$256,000 in income this year alone.
In the agriculture sector, the Imali Agribusiness Challenge helped young agripreneurs like Gildas Kwitonda take their ventures to new heights. Gildas, who received 10 million Rwf in funding, was able to expand his mushroom farming business, employing up to 25 workers and generating US$295,000 in income.
As the Foundation wraps up another year of impactful work, it is clear that its leadership team, under the guidance of Mrs. Kagame, is focused on long-term, sustainable development.
The combination of strategic interventions, professional management, and transparency has created a model for success. Director General Elodie Shami highlighted this point: “We remain dedicated to harnessing innovation and creativity…to enhance and diversify our interventions, connecting health, education, and population empowerment.”
Imbuto Foundation is proof that professional, accountable leadership can lead to extraordinary results, especially when combined with a deep commitment to the most vulnerable.
As Rwanda continues its journey of growth and transformation, Imbuto will remain a key player, planting seeds of hope and empowerment across the country.
“The seeds we plant today will grow into the strong, empowered, and resilient Rwanda of tomorrow,” Mrs. Kagame concluded. Under her leadership, Imbuto’s mission to Engage. Educate. Empower. remains unwavering, ensuring that the future of Rwanda is built on a foundation of integrity, innovation, and compassion.
Let’s not spoil the broth, read the report here.
