Driven by the passion for enhancing food security in Rwanda and on the continent, Annick Umutibagirana found a niche in adding value to agriculture products by producing food and cosmetics.
Umutibagirana, Managing Director of Holly Trust Ltd, says that the company started in 2016 to manufacture cosmetic products, cooking oil, skincare, and hair treatment products under a brand name called KASO.
"My main objective was to contribute to the agricultural sector through zero waste and adding value to the produce. It is always a sad feeling for me when I see food waste when there are people on the streets begging,” she said.
In her company, Umutibagirana currently employs 13 people with a manufacturing plant based in Kamonyi District and a showroom in Kiyovu Sector, from where they distribute products to different shops and marketplaces in the country.
She can now export one of her products processed from avocadoes; however, starting a business with a science background and fewer business skills was tough for her.
"Before I joined the BK Urumuri Initiative, I mainly failed with accounting and figuring out taxing processes. I had someone do that for me, but I incurred penalties because I did not follow up and cross-check what they had done,” she cited.
Through the training provided by the Initiative, I learned all that, and I have since applied it daily by following up on every detail and transaction in my business, she added.
BK Urumuri Initiative is a brainchild of Bank of Kigali in partnership with Inkomoko that seeks to support 25 innovative entrepreneurs selected out of a pool of applicants.
The entrepreneurs undergo six months of training, consultation, and business assessment. They also get a chance to compete for zero-interest loans offered by the Bank of Kigali for their business development.
"So BK Urumuri helped me a lot in running my business because I'm trying to execute what I learned and strengthen my management system as well as improve my administration by hiring skilled people because I know what I'm looking for in my employees,” says Umutibagirana.
For entrepreneurs who want to increase their skills and grow, she advises them to be on their toes to apply for the programme and take advantage of the opportunities provided.