Emmanuel Harerimana, 30, dropped out of school after completing primary school due to lack of school fees. However, that did not stop him from becoming a big time designer and fabricator who is making a difference in his locality.

Presently, Harerimana, who hails from Kabarore District in the Eastern Province, owns a metal fabrication company, designs and makes different equipment and trains youth in the trade. 

Harerimana says he started off as a houseboy and was later taken on as an apprentice in a fabrication workshop where he learnt the craft. 

"Initially, I put all my efforts in learning how to make window panes and gates. Later, I decided to go to Uganda’s fabrication capital Katwe in Kampala to up my game from more experienced fabricators,” he narrates.

Harerimana says when he returned over a year ago, he opened up his own fabrication workshop in Kabarore.

"I chose Kabarore District because it is developing at a high rate, which means that my services will be on high demand. Besides, there is less competition in Kabarore compared to Kigali,” he notes.

Harerimana fabricates window panes, gates, doors, chairs, beds and other metallic fittings that customers require. He also makes pavements, bricks and blocks.

His clients range from schools, restaurants, individual developers, business people and those who want to start their own homes.

Harerimana the innovator

Harerimana reveals that he has been able to design his own machines to ease his day-to-day tasks.

"I designed a pavement maker that today enables me to earn over Rwf4,500 per day from sales compared to Rwf1,200 I used to buy materials to make the machine. It was tiring and time consuming before I made the machine, but now it’s much easier to deliver on customers’ orders,” he points out.

He also makes maize milling machines and concrete mixers which he sells to other business people.

Harerimana says he trains youth in his locality and from other districts the art of the trade as a way of making the project benefit the community. 

"The door is always open for those who want to learn fabrication and welding, and I have so far trained over 50 youth,” he notes.

He currently employs over 10 workers.

Challenges

"People still have a wrong mind-set about what we do. Sometimes business is low, leading to inadequate cash-flow.” 

He says some clients default on payments after receiving a service or taking a product.

Future plans

Recently, Harerimana was enrolled by Inkomoko, a consultancy firm that trains start-up owners how to manage businesses. 

He says he has acquired skills that will enable him expand the business. He also plans to buy a truck to provide transport services for customers who buy in bulk.

"I save most of my profits, while preparing for the next stage of the business. With continuous perseverance the business will thrive,” he says optimistically. 

Editor's note:

We will be profiling young people who have conquered fear and ventured into the business world for the next 10 weeks. Today, Business Times’ Ben Gasore brings you Emmanuel Harerimana, 30, a primary school drop out who defied the odds to become a big time designer and fabricator, changing the face of the industry in Kabalore District.

Nominate enterprising youth today by sending email to: business@newtimes.co.rw