Exchange program for young entrepreneurs from the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda

2 May 2024

In line with the mandate of the PICAGL integrated agricultural growth project in the Grand-Lakes region, implemented by IITA as part of its youth entrepreneurship development program in the cassava component, young entrepreneurs from the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi took part in exchange sessions, intending to boost their activities by drawing inspiration from the models of other young people who are sufficiently advanced in entrepreneurship.

These exchange visits enabled young people from the countries of the Great Lakes region to learn about the reality and operation of their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In Kigali, Rwanda, young people from Bukavu and those from the Kabare territory in South Kivu in the DRC took an interest in livestock breeding and fish farming.

Accompanied by their colleagues, they visited GASOGI FISH RABBIT PIG (over five years experience) FARMLTD, a fish farm with a semi-modern hatchery with a production capacity of modern hatchery with a production capacity of 30,000 alvins per week and rabbit breeding, and the SEVERINE BUSINESS company (five years experience) specializing in laying hen breeding, with a henhouse with a capacity of almost 6,000 laying hens, which it delivers to its various customers in Rwanda and the DRC.

In Burundi, on the other hand. The youths that came from the RDC, promoted by IITA works in the production, transformation and commercialization of agricultural products were able to visit the fruit and pepper plantations for the purpose of exchanging experience and learning from their agripreneur colleagues in the country.

The companies in question are Best Food Solutions Plus and SIFA Business (SAFIBU), which specialize in the processing of chili pepper and maracuja juice, and tangawizi - ginger and infant flour, respectively.

The young people discussed the opportunities offered by the environment and the challenges they face daily, as well as the good agricultural practices used to produce fruit for the processing of maracuja juice in Bujumbura.

SIFABU, for example, produces an average of 80 cases of 30 bottles a week and employs at least 100 people in the various raw material production sites and the factory.

At the same time, in Burundi, the team of entrepreneurs from Bukavu, Plaine de la Ruzizi in South Kivu, and Kalemie in Tanganyika province exchanged views with MDE (Maison De l'Entrepreneur), a youth business incubator in Burundi.

It supports young people working in the market-oriented value chain, especially in fruit, pepper, and vegetable production. MDE's support includes technical training, coaching, and facilitating access to credit.

Contributed by Isabelle Buhoro

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