Venuste Twagiramungu shares inspiring business journey through TRES

By Elias Hakizimana.

KIGALI, Rwanda – August 30, 2025 —Entrepreneur and founder of the first indigenous Telecom tower company in Rwanda (TRES INFRASTRUCTURE), Venuste Twagiramungu, yesterday shared his remarkable journey of building a successful company from nothing, inspiring a room full of business leaders, students, and partners with lessons on resilience, trust, and the power of skills over capital.

Speaking at an evening gathering dedicated to reflecting on entrepreneurship and community impact, Twagiramungu narrated how his path began with no financial resources yet an unwavering belief in his capabilities.

He revealed that when he first applied for a license to build telecommunications towers, he did not even have a single coin in his account. What kept him going, he explained, was confidence in his ability to write strong proposals, approach people with honesty, and articulate his vision.

“I went to apply with nothing,” he recalled. “One gentleman I had never met before looked at my documents and said, at least you are doing what you studied. He chose to support me, despite not knowing me. That moment was a miracle, and it proved that in our environment, we don’t only have suppressors; we also have people willing to lift us up.”

From zero capital to a growing business

Twagiramungu emphasized that capital, often cited as the biggest barrier to youth entrepreneurship, should not be seen as the starting point. Instead, skills, persistence, and the ability to solve problems for others are what ultimately attract money.

“When I sought a bank loan, my account was empty. Today, it is not zero. The growth is ongoing, and that is what I mean when I say my business is still succeeding. Success is not a one-time event but a continuous journey,” he said.

Reflecting on his education at Hubbard College of Administration International, Los Angeles, he explained that what made the difference was not technical knowledge of telecoms but practical business management tools that taught him how to work with people, manage processes, and navigate challenges.

Impact on students and youth

Several attendees testified to the positive impact TRES has had beyond telecommunications. One speaker noted that the company provided a platform for students to gain practical experience that extended far beyond technical skills.

“I visited TRES many times, and the students I met there spoke of experiences that shaped their mindset, not just their careers,” she said. “That is a true mark of success, even if Mr. Twagiramungu humbly insists he is still on the journey.”

Another participant added that TRES was among the first companies to offer consultancy support to struggling startups as early as 2016, taking some of them on retreats to share business tools and strategies.

“This willingness to give without fear is what distinguishes TRES,” said entrepreneur Damien Mousson, originally from Benin but now based in Rwanda. “Too often, fear of the unknown holds us back. What I found here, and through TRES, is the courage to embrace the unknown and move forward.”

On risk and resilience

When asked about risks in business, Twagiramungu challenged the conventional mindset that risk is something to fear. Instead, he urged aspiring entrepreneurs to view life as a game where challenges are part of the process.

“The biggest risk is to be born,” he said. “From that point on, every decision is part of the journey. If you see only threats, you will never move forward. But if you see business as a game — where sometimes you win, sometimes you lose — then every setback becomes fuel to wake up the next day and try again.”

He encouraged startups to rely on expertise and clarity of purpose in order to overcome technical and financial challenges, comparing the flow of a well-run business to the unstoppable flow of water that finds its way around obstacles.

Community and recovery stories

The evening was not only about business but also about personal transformation. Dr. Jean-Claude, known as Father George, shared how tools learned from TRES programs and Scientology helped him overcome drug and alcohol addiction.

“On September 1st, I will celebrate five years sober,” he said proudly. “Together with others, I founded a Recovery Center in 2020 that helps people move beyond survival into real growth. It started small but has already changed many lives.”

Other testimonies highlighted the ripple effects of TRES’s work, from boosting self-confidence in public speaking clubs to creating networks that encouraged collaboration instead of competition.

Advice to the youth

Responding to a young medical professional’s question on unemployment and lack of capital, Twagiramungu cautioned against waiting for money to start a business.

“Youth often say the problem is capital, but I began with nothing,” he explained. “The secret is to use your biggest asset — yourself. Money is not manufactured by individuals; it is attracted. If you use your skills to solve problems, money will follow. If you start by saying ‘I have no money,’ you will remain stuck and may die poor. But if you start with what you have, money will come.”

Life purpose and legacy

Towards the close of the session, Twagiramungu was asked about his life’s ultimate purpose. His response was strikingly simple yet profound.

“My purpose is not different from anyone’s,” he said. “It is to exist, to contribute, and to be contributed to. I wake up every morning because I want to contribute. When I give, I also receive. That is enough of a purpose for me.”

He concluded by reminding the audience that success is not measured only by wealth but also by the ability to lift others along the way. His mission, he stressed, is to continue building his family, his team, and his community — proving that collective growth is the foundation of a better world.

A night of inspiration

The event ended with heartfelt applause, appreciation, and reflections from attendees who pledged to carry forward the spirit of courage, contribution, and resilience.

“TRES may not be running for office,” one participant remarked, “but its work shows how a business can influence society positively. That is leadership in itself.”

As Rwanda continues to encourage entrepreneurship as a driver of development, stories like that of Venuste Twagiramungu stand as reminders that success does not begin with money, but with vision, determination, and the willingness to take the first step — even when the path seems impossible.

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