Rwandan Women Entrepreneurs Celebrate Progress and Call for Greater Financial Inclusion
During celebrations marking the International Day of Women Entrepreneurs, women shared testimonies of the remarkable achievements they have made.
In Kigali, on March 27, 2026, the Private Sector Federation (PSF), together with Rwandan and international business communities, joined Rwandan women entrepreneurs to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), highlighting the significant progress they have made in their economic development. They emphasized that they are no longer limited to small businesses but are now expanding into industries, large-scale investments, and international markets.
The celebration was held under the theme: “Give to Gain,” emphasizing that helping others also brings benefits to oneself.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Batamuriza Mireille, reaffirmed that women are a key pillar of national development. She encouraged them to be bold and expand their businesses.
She stated:
“Women play a major role in the country’s development, which is why they must continue to break their limits and grow their initiatives.”
She also called on partners, especially in the financial sector, to strengthen their collaboration with women entrepreneurs, noting that some still face challenges in accessing loans and financial services.
Leaders praised the visible progress made by women, noting that many now lead industries, export products such as coffee, and hold positions in various institutions.
Sekamana Thérèse, representing women, youth, and people with disabilities within PSF, highlighted the ongoing progress.
She said:
“Today, we are no longer talking only about small businesses. We have women operating in all sectors, including industry. This demonstrates the strength and capability of Rwandan women.”
She added that this progress is rooted in good governance and inclusive policies, commending the government’s role in promoting women’s entrepreneurship.
However, some challenges remain, particularly in financial management. It was noted that some women entrepreneurs still mix business finances with household finances, which hinders their growth.
Participants were therefore encouraged to join cooperatives and associations to strengthen their knowledge, access training, and grow their businesses.
The Second Vice President of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), Diane Kamanzi, emphasized that access to finance has significantly improved.
She explained:
“In the past, women could only access small loans. Today, they can obtain larger financing. The goal is to continue supporting both startups and those looking to expand their businesses.”
As part of recognizing success stories, several women were awarded for their innovation and contribution to the national economy.
An inspiring example is Niyoyita Peace from Ntarama Sector in Bugesera District. In 2017, she started a pig farming project with an initial capital of 3 million Rwandan francs and just 10 pigs.
Today, she owns over 500 pigs, operates a modern slaughterhouse, and runs a pig breeding laboratory. She distributes her products across the country, notably using Zipline drone technology.
Through her business, she supports many farmers in improving their practices, demonstrating that determination and vision can lead to remarkable success.
Despite challenges such as rising animal feed costs, she affirms that pig farming can be a strong source of economic growth when managed professionally.
Overall, Rwandan women expressed their commitment to continue supporting one another, especially beginners, through training, mentorship, and improved access to financial services.
This progress confirms that Rwandan women have the capacity to go far and that their contribution to the country’s economy continues to grow.
Abawedawe Immaculee
