The Afri-Global Cooperation Ltd programme, launched in Rwanda by entrepreneurs who completed their studies in India, has already supported over 2,400 people. The programme brings together innovative ideas and investors to foster entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment in Rwanda, while contributing to the achievement of the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The main objective of the program is to combat unemployment, help increase citizens’ incomes and support Rwanda in its quest to become a wealthy country by 2050.
To achieve these goals, Afri-Global Cooperation Ltd organizes various activities, such as training young people in entrepreneurship, organizing meetings between people with ideas but lacking funding and investors with funds but no ideas, and other initiatives aimed at stimulating the local economy.
Michael Shyaka Nyarwaya, Director of Afri-Global Cooperation Program Ltd, said: “This has already yielded positive results. To date, we have directly helped 2,430 people, but these people in turn help others we do not know because we are a bridge between them and opportunities. Through the missions we have carried out in different countries, we have gained experience that helps Rwandans to develop.”
The program aims to enable Rwandans to access international markets, and create employment opportunities. In the next five years, they aim to help 50,000 people find work.
Statistics from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda show that by 2023, the average annual income of a Rwandan has reached $1,040, up from $1,005 the previous year. The target is to reach an income of $4,000 per year by 2035, and $12,475 per year by 2050.
Shyaka Nyarwaya added: “If we want to improve the economy, we must achieve these goals. We must work hard, promote entrepreneurship, and enable people to earn at least RWF 500,000 per month. This will be achieved by creating more jobs and increasing income distribution, so that our goal will be achieved in the next ten years.”
Among the speakers at the meeting with the young people, there was also Captain Esther Mbabazi, a pilot at RwandAir, who stressed that succeeding in life requires great perseverance, even in the face of many obstacles.
She said: “I tell you frankly, studying to become a pilot was extremely difficult. The time I had to spend at school was doubled, not because of lack of capacity, but because of lack of funding. Today I find the money, tomorrow I don’t have it, and I have to wait, but I never lost hope.”
Esther also shared her difficult experience as a refugee, noting that the loss of her mother was a particularly difficult ordeal, but that her dreams of becoming a pilot kept her going.
“My mother sold her land so I could continue my studies. It wasn’t easy, but with the support of friends who understood what I wanted to do, a mother who supported me, and by turning a blind eye to those who wanted to discourage me, I managed to get to where I am today. You have to fight, never give up.”
For his part, Muhumuza Eddy, Director of the Business Development Fund (BDF), highlighted the importance of guarantees of up to 75% for women entrepreneurs, youth, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. He encouraged young people not to miss out on these opportunities.
