"Eateries remained operational during lockdowns brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Gad Fred Ngabonziza while recounting how the business idea of starting a cafe came to mind.

The owner of Mystery Coffee House, a café –based in Remera Sector, Gasabo District –that provides fast food and drinks, says that when his work in filmmaking stopped during the pandemic, he thought of something to do with the capital he had to generate income.

"During lockdown, many businesses and institutions had temporarily closed down, but those involved with foodstuff remained partially operational (with the use of delivery services). It inspired me to venture into such a business,” Gad Fred explained.

Ngabonziza noted that the company has four employees so far. The entrepreneur highlighted that thanks to BK Urumuri Initiative, in which he participates, he was able to deal with specific challenges hindering the growth of his business, such as the lack of knowledge on financial planning and taxation.

"I also wanted to expand my business by using online marketing and practicing e-commerce, which I started to implement after going through the training offered by BK Urumuri Initiative,” he added.

This initiative, run by Bank of Kigali in partnership with Inkomoko, allows 25 innovative entrepreneurs selected out of a pool of applicants to instantly gain access to six months of training, consulting, and business assessment. As well as get a chance to compete for zero-interest loans offered by Bank of Kigali for their business development.

Ngabonziza asserts that he has already seen benefits from the initiative, with an estimated 20 percent growth of his business compared to when it started.

"I would encourage any entrepreneur, regardless of their business knowledge, to join the initiative and learn how to make their businesses more sustainable from good coaches available.”

In the Rwandan economy, there have been deliberate efforts from the government and other institutions to invest in startups to encourage youth entrepreneurship and create more job opportunities.