Unlocking Youth Employment Opportunities through Agri-Food Systems in the Eastern Province of Rwanda
In the Eastern Province of Rwanda, youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues. But a transformative initiative backed by the Mastercard Foundation and the AGRA program, “Youth Engagement for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA),” is helping to unlock new opportunities for young people in agriculture. This three-year project, being implemented by a consortium of six partners, aims to address the challenges of youth unemployment through innovative solutions in the agri-food sector.
The project focuses on empowering youth, especially women, by providing them with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to thrive in agricultural value chains. Led by Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF), Akazi Kanoze Access (AKA), African Development Consultants (ADC), Agribusiness Solutions Ltd (ABUSOL), Youth Engagement in Agriculture Network (YEAN), and Empower Rwanda, this initiative seeks to foster sustainable employment and growth.
The project’s first step is mobilizing youth across the seven districts of Eastern Province, registering them on a digital platform, and providing essential skills training. As of now, RYAF has reached over 300,000 youth, focusing heavily on empowering young women, who represent 70% of those engaged. Youth are trained in essential work skills, followed by segmentation into various agricultural value chain pathways such as horticulture production, poultry, grain aggregation, and value-added processing.
Among the inspiring entrepreneurs supported by this initiative is Albertine Uwimana, a driven agribusiness enthusiast with a passion for chili farming. Her journey is a powerful testament to the potential of youth in agriculture when given the right opportunities.
Albertine’s Inspiring Journey
Albertine’s story began in 2022, when she attended chili processing training organized by the African Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE). Armed with new knowledge, she launched ALBERT BETTY COMPANY LTD in Karenge Sector, Rwamagana District, with a clear vision of creating value-added chili products. Despite starting small, with just 0.11 hectares of land, Albertine’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination saw her grow her operations rapidly.
By 2023, Albertine was producing chili oil, chili paste, and chili powder, with products sourced from her own farm and local farmers. She produced 6 liters of chili oil, 10 liters of chili paste, and 50 kilograms of chili powder in her first year, selling to local bars, restaurants, and individual consumers. Her business quickly gained recognition, leading to participation in several agri-expos where she could network, share experiences, and learn from others in the industry.
In 2024, Albertine took another significant step: officially registering her company, ALBERT BETTY COMPANY LTD. Despite facing significant challenges—including limited access to capital and regulatory hurdles such as FDA and S-Mark certification—Albertine’s resilience never wavered. She set ambitious goals for the next three years, aiming to scale up production and create more youth employment opportunities in her community.
“I don’t just want to produce chili; I want to create opportunities for myself and others. This business is about more than just the products—it’s about building a legacy and contributing to my community,” says Albertine, reflecting on her aspirations.
Overcoming Challenges with Support
Albertine faced several challenges on her path to growth, particularly in securing the necessary funds and meeting regulatory requirements. The cost of raw materials and machinery, estimated at Rwf 11 million and Rwf 25 million, respectively, were significant barriers. However, her collaboration with the African Development Corporation (ADC) in 2024 provided crucial support.
Through Business Development Services (BDS) offered by ADC, Albertine received essential training in business planning, financial management, and access to finance. ADC’s proximity coaching allowed her to fine-tune her strategic and business plans, making them ready for submission to financial institutions.
“The guidance from ADC has been invaluable.
They’ve not only helped me manage my finances more effectively but also taught me how to access funding and scale my business with a clear strategy. I now feel prepared to take my operations to the next level,” Albertine notes, emphasizing the transformative impact of mentorship.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities for Youth
Albertine’s business now employs five permanent workers, helping boost the local economy. With plans to expand her production of chili oil, chili paste, and chili powder in the coming years, she aims to hire more young people, providing them with the opportunity to work in a dignified, sustainable environment.
As part of the broader goal of the AGRA program, which aims to create 34,148 jobs for youth by 2027, Albertine’s success story highlights the critical role of mentorship, access to finance, and the entrepreneurial spirit in transforming lives. “It’s not just about the product,” Albertine affirms. “It’s about making a meaningful impact in the agriculture sector and creating sustainable opportunities for others.”
The support provided through AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation has been pivotal in turning Albertine’s vision into reality. Their commitment to empowering youth and fostering inclusive agricultural transformation is helping unlock the full potential of young entrepreneurs across Rwanda.
Albertine’s story exemplifies the change that is possible when youth are empowered with the right tools, skills, and support. “The dream is bigger than just producing chili—it’s about creating a ripple effect that will inspire more youth to engage in agriculture and entrepreneurship. The journey may not be easy, but with the right guidance, it is achievable,” Albertine says with conviction.
Credits:
• AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) – Catalyzing agricultural transformation to drive sustainable growth in Africa.
• Mastercard Foundation – Supporting young people across Africa to unlock opportunities for dignified work and economic empowerment.
Albertine’s story is just one of many that underscore the power of youth-led innovation and the collective efforts of partners like AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation to transform the agricultural landscape in Africa.
iriba.news@gmaol.com
