Young Agripreneurs Strategize to Tap Regional and International Markets

By Elias Hakizimana.

Young farmers and market stakeholders from across the region gathered in Kigali for a pivotal matchmaking event organized by the Rwandan Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF) on August 22, 2024.

The event, which doubled as a vibrant celebration of International Youth Day, aimed to connect aspiring agripreneurs with key players in regional and international markets.

Under the theme “Youth Action for Sustainable Development,” the event underscored the essential role of young people in achieving Rwanda’s Vision 2050. This vision prioritizes enhanced agricultural productivity, higher incomes, and improved livelihoods, with youth at the forefront of these transformative efforts.

The matchmaking event, a collaboration between RYAF and the USAID-funded Feed the Future Rwanda Kungahara Wagura Amasoko (KWA) program, brought together 60 young agripreneurs, 10 exporters, and 15 representatives from local hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants. The goal was to forge direct connections between youth-led agribusinesses and potential buyers, thereby boosting market access and promoting sustainable practices within the agricultural value chain.

The event, which doubled as a vibrant celebration of International Youth Day, aimed to connect aspiring agripreneurs with key players in regional and international markets.

Bridging the Market Gap

Panel discussions featuring industry experts shed light on market trends, export requirements, and the specific needs of the local market. Speakers emphasized the importance of aligning agricultural practices with international standards to tap into global markets. High-value commodities like coffee, tea, horticulture, and livestock products were highlighted as key opportunities for Rwandan produce on the global stage.

Niyidukunda Mugeni Ephrosine, CEO and Founder of Avo Care Ltd, a local company that processes avocados into cooking oil, shared her challenges in navigating the market when she began six years ago.

“We faced significant challenges in accessing finance, acquiring machinery for processing, and securing packaging materials. Market trust was also an issue due to standardization problems. However, we received training to innovate based on these challenges. This meeting was crucial as it allowed us to learn from industry pioneers on how to attract potential markets,” she said.

Networking and Strategic Partnerships

The event also provided rich opportunities for networking, with young agripreneurs showcasing their products during exhibition sessions. Informal networking during coffee breaks and lunch allowed participants to exchange experiences and explore potential collaborations. The presence of market actors, including hotel managers and supermarket representatives, added a practical dimension to the discussions, offering immediate feedback on product quality and market readiness.

Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), urged young agripreneurs to adopt a consistent approach to secure a trusted market.

“We have gathered all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain here, including farmers, exporters, agro-processors, and buyers from hotels and supermarkets. One of the key issues identified is the inconsistency in product quality and availability. Hotels, for instance, require daily, weekly, and monthly supplies, regardless of the agricultural harvesting season. Farmers need to adopt a consistent approach, utilizing technologies like irrigation and working with banks and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), to meet these demands,” Dr. Karangwa advised.

He also pledged government support in the form of matching grants (subsidies) to help young agripreneurs expand their businesses.

Promising Outcomes and Future Prospects

A key highlight of the event was the signing of Letters of Intent between producers and buyers, signaling a commitment to future collaborations and market expansions. These agreements are expected to drive increased sales and stronger market linkages, contributing to the economic empowerment of young agripreneurs.

Gerard Muzungu, Founder and CEO of Spices Rwanda Ltd, a social enterprise exporting chili from Rwanda, shared his insights with local agripreneurs, advising them on how to attract lucrative markets.

“The demand for Rwandan chili in international markets, particularly in India, China, Europe, and the Netherlands, is substantial. We are ready to buy any quantity produced. This meeting was vital as we signed contracts with seven chili farmers here. However, there remains a challenge in meeting our market demand. Investors in this field need to conduct thorough market and standards research to understand the client’s needs, including quality, quantity, and timing,” Muzungu said.

As the event concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of agribusiness in Rwanda. The collaborative efforts of RYAF and USAID-KWA have not only created a platform for young farmers to connect with market actors but have also inspired a new generation of agripreneurs to actively shape Rwanda’s agricultural landscape.

This matchmaking event stands as a powerful testament to youth-driven initiatives’ role in fostering sustainable development. By bridging the gap between young farmers and markets, Rwanda is making significant strides toward realizing its Vision 2050 goals and empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders.

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