When a vacation turns into a new venture, it’s more than just memorable—it’s transformational. For Melku Gebrekristos, an Eritrean-Canadian entrepreneur who first immigrated to Canada in 2002, her trip to Rwanda opened doors to Kigali’s growing agricultural value chain. “Originally, I'm from Eritrea, and I’ve been in business for the past 18 years,” she said. “I started by producing ice lollies and drinks in Canada, where I developed my brand, Laza, featuring hibiscus drinks and ice lollies. Now, we’re bringing Laza ice lollies to Rwanda.” ALSO READ: From cancer survivor to climate advocate: Umutoniwabo’s journey to empower the earth When Gebrekristos visited Rwanda at the end of 2022, she was struck by the sight of fresh fruits being discarded at the Nyabugogo market. “It was difficult to see so much fresh produce going to waste after all the hard work of the farmers,” she said. “In Canada, fruit is mostly imported and not fresh. So I immediately thought, why not create something to support these farmers and contribute to the local economy?” After doing some research, Gebrekristos founded that Rwanda’s ice lolly market relied heavily on imports, which further motivated her. “I realized this could be a great business opportunity that could also support Rwanda’s economy and empower local farmers by creating value-added products,” she explained. ALSO READ: Meet Irizabimbuto, the man impacting lives through sign language Soon after, Gebrekristos began the process of securing a business license, finding a location, and sourcing ingredients from local farmers. Now, her Laza ice lollies are available in around 12 locations across Kigali. “Everything we use is locally sourced, natural, and healthy,” she said. The ice lollies come in six flavors: strawberry, mango, pineapple, banana chocolate, lemon ginger, and mixed fruit, bringing a refreshing twist to Kigali’s snack options. For Gebrekristos, launching Laza Lollies in Rwanda is more than just expanding her business from Canada—it’s about tapping into local resources and creating a sense of pride in Rwandan-made products. In Canada, where her original Laza business started, fruits are mostly imported and often frozen, but in Rwanda, fresh, local produce is abundant. ALSO READ: American author shares personal lessons on grief, loss and navigating end-of-life care This difference inspired her to build a brand that showcases the country’s agricultural richness. Labelled Proudly Made in Rwanda, her lollies are dairy-free and crafted purely from local fruits, giving them a uniquely Rwandan feel with Imigongo designs on the packaging to resonate with local culture. Gebrekristos sources ingredients from suppliers and occasionally visits markets herself, ensuring quality and freshness. She emphasizes that her lollies cater to all ages, introducing Rwandans to frozen treats beyond ice cream. The process preserves the natural nutrition of the fruit, as freezing maintains its original health benefits without any artificial colors or flavors. Based in Kigali, her production team makes and supplies the lollies locally, with supermarkets and cafes now carrying the brand after a successful launch event where 600 free samples were given out. By turning surplus fruit into value-added products, Gebrekristos hopes to support Rwandan farmers and reduce food waste. Instead of throwing away excess fruit, we’re creating something that preserves it and contributes to the local economy,” she said. For her, it’s not just about business; it’s also about fostering self-reliance and opportunity within Rwanda’s agricultural sector. She now employs more than five staff, bringing on additional part-time help for major events at sports venues like BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium. Currently, Laza Lollies can be also found in Kamonyi and Rubavu districts, and her goal is to expand access across the country. Reflecting on her journey of navigating Rwanda's business ecosystem, Gebrekristos acknowledges the learning curve of doing business in a new country. Starting a business in a place you're unfamiliar with isn’t easy. You have to adapt to how things work locally,” she says, noting that the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) registration process, while different from what she's used to, became manageable once she was willing to adapt to local procedures. When asked for advice to other entrepreneurs, she highlights the importance of adapting to the local environment and seizing opportunities that align with what’s feasible in Rwanda.
