LocationsBy Sylivanus M. Karemera
Pnelists at the 4th Youth cafe edition
UNDP Rwanda
“Picture an entrepreneur,” began Umutoniwase Diane, Founder and CEO of a Kigali-based shoe-making company, her voice steady but charged with emotion. “What do you see? For many, it’s a man in a suit, closing deals in a boardroom. Rarely do they imagine a woman like me, fighting to prove herself in a male-dominated space.”
Her words set the tone for the third edition of Youth Café, held on March 14, 2025, at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology. This year’s first Youth Café, held to commemorate Women’s Month, brought together a dynamic group of young entrepreneurs, with a focus on amplifying the voices of women in business.
The event was organized as part of UNDP Rwanda’s AGUKA Programme, in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts and supported from the European Union. The gathering was more than a meeting—it was a moment of deep, honest conversations, among some of Rwanda’s most innovative women entrepreneurs.
The room buzzed as the entrepreneurs from diverse sectors shared their journeys, peeling back the layers of their struggles and triumphs, mostly in Kinyarwanda. Diane recounted how clients would question her ability to run her father’s shoe business. “They’d ask, ‘Are you really the one serving us?’” she said, her voice firm. “But I didn’t let their doubts define me.”
Rucyeratabaro Marie Ange, Founder of IMENA SOFTEK, a software solutions company, echoed Diane’s sentiment. “Public speaking terrified me, especially in front of high-ranking officials,” she admitted. “But events like this gave me the courage to find my voice.”
The challenges these young women face are not unique—resistance from local authorities, societal stereotypes, and limited access to resources are recurring themes. Yet, their stories are not just about obstacles, but also about pathways they used to overcome them. Umurisa Honorine, Co-Founder of Hope for Tomorrow Academy, drew inspiration from renowned women entrepreneurs in Rwanda."I have role models, like Diane Mukasahaha, the founder and Managing Director of Dikam Ltd. As a woman who established a billion worth dollar factory in Kigali Special Economic zone, I was moved and inspired by her journey when she talked to us during the Youth Connect Boot camp in December 2024" she said.
“Be courageous. Never give up. Your journey matters, and so does your voice.” Hakundimana Jean Paul Youth Economic Empowerment Specialist from the Ministry of Youth and Arts advised.
Beyond the stories, Youth Café 2025 was a hub of connection, collaboration and community. During breaks, attendees mingled over soft music, discussing topics like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its potential to transform businesses across the continent. These conversations sparked ideas and partnerships, offering a lifeline to the young female entrepreneurs navigating the often-lonely path of building start-ups.
The event’s key takeaways were clear: Commitment, big thinking and resilience.
“I’m leaving with two important lessons: the power of persistence and the need to build a strong social media presence.” said Dolce one of the participants running a pig farming business. “I leave with a message to never give up on the journey I’ve started. Believe in yourself as a woman—if a man can do it, so can a woman,' said Dorcas Usabimana, CEO of JK Farm, an agriculture-focused initiative dedicated to transforming small-scale farming through innovative practices."
Participants believe that coming together in such a gathering and sharing experiences was crucial for the growth of their businesses, “I have learned how to leverage social media marketing my Company” said Mutoniwase Sumaiya CEO and Founder of EZA Agritech& Organics Ltd
Many attendees left with renewed ambition to expand their businesses not just across Rwanda, but across Africa. Youth Café 2025 was more than a celebration of Women’s Month—it was a testament to the power of storytelling, mentorship, and community. It was a reminder that while the road for female entrepreneurs is often steep, it is also filled with opportunities to rewrite the narrative, one step at a time.
