Innocent Ndayizeye, founder of Agri-Business Eden Ltd, is among the 25 selected entrepreneurs participating in the 7th Edition of the BK Urumuri Initiative.

The BK Urumuri programme, initiated in 2017 by the Bank of Kigali in collaboration with Inkomoko Entrepreneur Development, has become one of the key initiatives of BK Foundation since its establishment in 2023 as the philanthropic arm of BK Group. BK Urumuri focuses on providing Rwandan-led businesses with crucial business management skills and interest-free loans. By supporting local entrepreneurs in this manner, the program aims to bolster the Rwandan economy, foster job creation, and contribute to the growth of a sustainable business ecosystem.

The partnership with Inkomoko and integration into the BK Foundation exemplify a comprehensive and collaborative approach to entrepreneurship development and social responsibility, highlighting a commitment to long-term impact.

ALSO READ: BK Foundation in collaboration with Inkomoko launch the 7th Edition of BK Urumuri Initiative

30-year-old Ndayizeye's venture focuses on agriculture and animal farming. He started his project in 2022 and operates in multiple locations across Rwanda.

In Kamonyi, the company farms pigs and grows various vegetables. In Nyabihu, they specialise in cultivating tree tomatoes, while in Rusizi, they primarily grow different types of fruits. With four full-time employees, Agri-Business Eden also hires an additional workforce as per the demands of their production activities.

"I started this business inspired by the fact that agriculture and farming in Rwanda are developing and becoming a larger industry in the country," Ndayizeye explained.

He affirms that he has personally experienced the positive impact of this industry, and his neighbouring communities in Kamonyi also benefit by gaining employment opportunities.

ALSO READ: 25 eco-friendly businesses selected for 7th edition of BK Urumuri initiative

Agri-Business Eden contributes to the local economy by purchasing supplies such as insecticides, fertilisers, and other chemicals from suppliers in Nyabihu.

In an interview with The New Times, Ndayizeye said he was introduced to the BK Urumuri Initiative through a friend who shared the application link encouraging him to apply.

The BK Urumuri Initiative offers selected entrepreneurs, including Ndayizeye, a six-month accelerator programme facilitated by Inkomoko. The programme includes mentorship, training, assessment, consulting, and investment readiness support.

"I learned a lot from the various entrepreneurs I met during the course. But what benefited me the most was that they (BK Urumuri) showed me how to make my business digital," he said.

He highlighted the importance of digitalisation in expanding a business, which he only learned during the course.

At the end of the accelerator programme, the participants have the opportunity to receive an interest-free loan from the Bank of Kigali. A sum of Rwf 25,000,000 has been allocated to provide this loan to the finalists, allowing them to scale up their businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the country&039;s environmental and social sustainability goals.

"If I am fortunate enough to obtain this interest-free loan from Bank of Kigali, it will help me to expand my business," he said, adding that he will do so by adding more pigs, establishing a proper chicken farmhouse, adding chicken rearing into the business, and hire more people."

The 7th edition of the BK Urumuri Initiative specifically focused on projects that address environmental and climate change issues.

Eligible businesses had to meet certain criteria, including being registered in Rwanda, having annual revenue below Rwf 500 million, having at least one year of registration, demonstrating financial profitability or a plan to achieve it within the next year, and showcasing a track record of environmental and social sustainability.

In sharing his advice to fellow entrepreneurs, Ndayizeye encouraged them to be bold and embrace digital platforms to enhance their business reach. He believes that this expansion will not only benefit individual entrepreneurs but also contribute to the growth and development of the country as a whole.