{"id":115687,"date":"2025-11-18T19:28:35","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T19:28:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/young-visionaries-reimagining-rwandas-climate-future-2"},"modified":"2025-11-18T19:49:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T19:49:14","slug":"young-visionaries-reimagining-rwandas-climate-future-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/young-visionaries-reimagining-rwandas-climate-future-2","title":{"rendered":"Young Visionaries Reimagining Rwanda’s Climate Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>As delegates gathered in Brazil this year for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP), discussing strategies to curb global emissions and restore ecosystems, Kigali was quietly hosting Rwanda\u2019s own climate revolution led by the youth.<\/p>\n

Far from the grand halls of international diplomacy in Belem, young Rwandan innovators on November 14, showcased some of the innovative ideas they came up with, including some which are turning waste into wealth, while others are developing climate-positive enterprises which are contributing directly to Rwanda\u2019s ambitious green growth agenda.<\/p>\n

From transforming human hair, kitchen scraps, and milk waste into organic fertilisers to producing protein-rich animal feed from farm byproducts, these youth-led ventures are demonstrating that local solutions can deliver both environmental and economic returns.<\/p>\n

At the centre of this movement is the Restoration Factory, an initiative implemented in Rwanda by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with Bridge for Billions.<\/p>\n

The programme recently concluded a six-month incubation cycle in Kigali, guiding 45 young entrepreneurs through structured mentorship, business development, and access to funding.<\/p>\n

Participating startups showcased solutions ranging from aquaponics and hydroponics systems to insect-based fertilizer production, each designed to reduce waste, create income opportunities, and promote sustainable practices at the community level.<\/p>\n

Women leading the charge<\/b><\/p>\n

Among the standout innovators is Josiane Mujawayezu, 25, founder and CEO of Amazing Insect. Her enterprise harnesses the ecological potential of insects, such as worms and black soldier flies, to convert organic waste from farms, kitchens, and restaurants into high-quality fertilizers and animal feed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough recycling organic waste, we are supporting both local economies and climate goals,\u201d Mujawayezu explains. \u201cThis work allows us to create jobs for cooperative members while helping communities see waste as a resource rather than a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her cooperative model involves six to eight people per cooperative, and she has trained over 60 individuals on the benefits of insect-based composting.<\/p>\n

Already, regional markets in East Africa present opportunities valued at more than $1.5 billion, and Mujawayezu plans to scale operations further while running awareness campaigns on organic waste management.<\/p>\n

Her journey into green entrepreneurship began with a simple observation: farms and kitchens in her community generated large amounts of organic waste that were often discarded or burned, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n

By introducing insect-based processing, she turned these byproducts into marketable goods while creating income streams for local youth and women.<\/p>\n

From Rubavu District, agronomist Ariane Uwimfura is tackling inefficiencies in mushroom production. Her company, Rally Agrisolutions Ltd, has developed an electric pasteurizing machine for mushroom tubes, eliminating the dependence on firewood and significantly reducing carbon emissions.<\/p>\n

Previously, producing mushroom tubes relied heavily on firewood, costing around Rwf15,000 weekly while also causing contamination that reduced yields.<\/p>\n

Uwimfura co-designed the machine with her engineer husband to precisely control temperature, preventing contamination while doubling production from 350 to 800 tubes weekly. Plans are underway to integrate solar power for a fully carbon-neutral process.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis innovation increases productivity, reduces energy costs, and ensures a sustainable supply of mushrooms,\u201d Uwimfura said. She also mentors local women on mushroom cultivation, providing both income opportunities and food security.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen should push themselves to innovate, not just wait for jobs. Use your knowledge to create impact,\u201d she advises.<\/p>\n

Christelle Igihozo, Senior Program Manager at Bridge for Billions, is another key figure in Rwanda\u2019s youth-driven green innovation ecosystem. While not a founder of a business, Igihozo has played a pivotal role in guiding entrepreneurs to refine their strategies, measure environmental and social impact, and navigate business challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupporting women and youth-led initiatives is critical because these ventures are often overlooked in traditional market systems,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Igihozo ensures participants of the Restoration Factory develop robust business models and learn to track measurable outcomes, which increases the likelihood of sustainable growth.<\/p>\n

Turning waste into solutions<\/b><\/p>\n

From a male perspective, Amon Muberuka, founder of Icyizere Consultant Ltd and Fumbila Organic Farm Technologies, operates in Nyagatare District, converting food and milk waste into protein-rich animal feed and organic fertilisers.<\/p>\n

Muberuka\u2019s inspiration stemmed from the Commonwealth Youth Government meeting in Kigali in 2022, where he observed how other countries leveraged networks to drive climate action.<\/p>\n

Determined to contribute to Rwanda\u2019s goal of reducing emissions by 38 percent by 2030, approximately 4.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, he developed a semi-automated system to process organic waste into viable agricultural products.<\/p>\n

\u201cFarmers face high feed costs and communities produce a lot of milk waste. We realized we could transform this waste into affordable, high-quality feed and fertilizers,\u201d Muberuka said.<\/p>\n

Today, he works with 30 cooperatives, collecting 20 tons of milk waste monthly. His products are priced at 900 Rwandan francs per kilogram, about 20 percent cheaper than imported alternatives, making them accessible while promoting environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started small, using household waste that was usually discarded,\u201d he said. \u201cNow, we supply multiple cooperatives and help farmers reduce costs, improve yields, and protect the environment,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Hydroponics and aquaponics innovations<\/b><\/p>\n

Other innovators are exploring hydroponics and aquaponics systems, integrating fish farming with organic crop production. Esther Uwimana and MJP Heaven Product Ltd are developing scalable solutions for urban and peri-urban farmers.<\/p>\n

Uwimana\u2019s project combines ponds, aquaponics tanks, and vertical farming systems to optimize water use and maximize output. MJP Heaven Product Ltd focuses on hydroponic vegetable production, training farmers in low-cost, sustainable methods that increase yields while conserving water.<\/p>\n

These initiatives demonstrate how Rwanda\u2019s youth are not only tackling organic waste but also addressing broader food security challenges through innovative, climate-smart agriculture.<\/p>\n

Rounding out the top four innovators is Immacule\u0301e Namahirwe, founder of FromGreen Rwanda, whose initiative focuses on addressing malnutrition and poverty by donating avocado trees to families in Musanze District. These trees provide a sustainable source of food and income, ensuring long-term community resilience.<\/p>\n

\u201cAvocado trees are not just crops. They are tools for nutrition, income generation, and climate adaptation,\u201d Namahirwe explained.<\/p>\n

Her project identifies vulnerable families in rural communities and supports them in planting and caring for the trees, creating a model that combines environmental restoration with social impact.<\/p>\n

FromGreen Rwanda emphasizes education alongside distribution, teaching families sustainable farming techniques, soil management, and the nutritional value of avocados.<\/p>\n

Namahirwe hopes the initiative will inspire replication in other districts, scaling impact while contributing to Rwanda\u2019s green growth and food security strategies.<\/p>\n

Structured support for young innovators<\/b><\/p>\n

The Restoration Factory program provides more than funding; it guides participants through a structured eight-module curriculum covering partner identification, value proposition, competition mapping, stakeholder engagement, business model development, pricing, financial projections, impact measurement, and growth planning.<\/p>\n

Grace Kamere, Head of Programs at Circle Innovation, which supported the young entrepreneurs over the six months journey, says the ideas are scalable as long as the young startups continue to get the support they need.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe focus on problem-solution fit, measurable impact, revenue streams, and team capability. Entrepreneurs must clearly articulate their value proposition and differentiate themselves from government or nonprofit programs,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

Kamere noted that many early-stage enterprises struggle to quantify impact or demonstrate financial viability, even with effective solutions. The Restoration Factory helps participants address these gaps, ensuring their ventures are both sustainable and scalable.<\/p>\n

Recognising excellence<\/b><\/p>\n

At the end of the six-month incubation, the top four innovators; Josiane Mujawayezu, Ariane Uwimfura, Amon Muberuka, and Immacule\u0301e Namahirwe, each received $2,500 in funding, awarded across categories such as Innovation, Socio-Environmental Impact, Female Entrepreneurship, and Local Impact. The remaining 29 graduates shared a completion pool of $11,000.<\/p>\n

Maria Mira, Market Development Consultant at UNEP, stressed the importance of sustaining the network of innovators in order for them to have an impact on the society.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese entrepreneurs represent grassroots, community-led, nature-positive solutions. Supporting them ensures Rwanda\u2019s green economy can grow with both environmental and economic returns,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Jean Pierre Nizeyimana, who represented the Ministry of Environment, highlighted the alignment with Rwanda\u2019s Vision 2050, noting that each innovation contributes to high-income, low-carbon ambitions while creating employment and reducing emissions.<\/p>\n

Women and Youth driving change<\/b><\/p>\n

The projects stress the role of women in leading environmental innovation. Both Uwimfura and Mujawayezu combine technical expertise with mentorship, teaching community members skills that generate income while promoting sustainable practices.<\/p>\n

Uwimfura encourages young women to leverage their education and skills to innovate. \u201cEven if your first attempts fail, perseverance and passion will pay off,\u201d she said. Mujawayezu adds that engaging local communities in the recycling of organic waste not only creates jobs but also fosters climate-conscious habits.<\/p>\n

Namahirwe\u2019s work also emphasizes youth engagement, encouraging young people to participate in tree planting and sustainable agriculture, linking climate action with social entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

Linking local action to global goals<\/b><\/p>\n

These initiatives align with Rwanda\u2019s Sustainable Development Goals, addressing zero hunger, affordable and clean energy, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and climate action.<\/p>\n

By turning waste into value-added products and planting trees that provide nutrition and income, these young entrepreneurs are demonstrating that local solutions can achieve tangible impact, supporting national and global sustainability agendas.<\/p>\n

Mira emphasized the significance of grassroots-led innovation, whose impacts starts right from the communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese entrepreneurs exemplify how local communities can drive systemic change. Their solutions complement policy-driven initiatives and show that youth-led innovation can address both social and environmental challenges,\u201d<\/p>\n

Community and economic impact<\/b><\/p>\n

Beyond environmental benefits, these projects are creating employment and supporting local economies. Josiane\u2019s cooperatives, Ariane\u2019s mushroom training programs, Muberuka\u2019s supply chain, and Namahirwe\u2019s avocado tree initiative all generate jobs, empower women, and reduce input costs for farmers.<\/p>\n

\u201cCreating value from waste or planting sustainable crops isn\u2019t just about the environment. It\u2019s about livelihoods,\u201d Muberuka explained. \u201cFarmers save money, youth and women gain income, and communities benefit from sustainable practices.\u201d<\/p>\n

Namahirwe added that by integrating nutrition, income, and climate action, they create multi-layered benefits, with each avocado tree representing a long-term investment in health, resilience, and local economies.<\/p>\n

Scaling and future prospects<\/b><\/p>\n

With mentorship, funding, and technical guidance, participants are poised to scale their operations both nationally and regionally.<\/p>\n

Mujawayezu plans to expand her insect-based production across East Africa, Uwimfura is exploring solar-powered mushroom cultivation, Muberuka continues to grow his cooperative network, and Namahirwe envisions replicating her avocado tree program in other districts.<\/p>\n

The combination of structured incubation, practical training, access to funding, and a supportive ecosystem is proving critical for turning innovative ideas into operational ventures.<\/p>\n

Programs like the Restoration Factory provide a blueprint for other countries seeking to empower youth and promote sustainable entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

A bright future for innovators<\/b><\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s youth-led green economy is gaining momentum. As COP discussions in Brazil emphasized global climate urgency, Kigali\u2019s innovators show that locally driven solutions can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability.<\/p>\n

Through structured programs, targeted funding, and ongoing mentorship, these entrepreneurs are transforming challenges into opportunities, waste into wealth, and ideas into actionable impact.<\/p>\n

Their work demonstrates that with the right support, young people can lead the transition toward a high-income, low-carbon Rwanda by 2050, blending innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic development.<\/p>\n

For Rwanda, these are more than pilot projects; they are part of a broader vision for sustainable growth, driven by the creativity, resilience, and determination of the country\u2019s next generation of leaders.<\/p>\n\r\n