To celebrate entrepreneurs’ contribution to the economic development of the country, and the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda, Business Professionals Network (BPN Rwanda) hosted ‘Engineers of Change’, a New Year’s cocktail event that recognised entrepreneurs’ impact and contribution to the business ecosystem.

Held on Thursday, January 30, at the Kigali Serena Hotel, the event, themed "Celebrating Engineers of Entrepreneurial Change,” brought together entrepreneurs under BPN programmes, business professionals, government officials, and representatives from partner organisations.

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"Having a great idea and launching a business is one thing; sustaining, growing, and scaling it is another. It is never easy to do business. We planned this event to celebrate your resilience, and appreciate how you, SMEs, continue to develop your businesses in Rwanda and have contributed to the economic development of our country. That is why tonight’s gathering is yours,” she noted.

"We called it ‘Engineers of Change’ to give value and recognise you who are always contributing—giving jobs to many people, paying taxes, and bringing products that are needed locally, regionally and at international level.”

Nkulikiyinka stressed that entrepreneurship is not just about business but also about national pride and Rwanda’s image on the global stage.

Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, applauded the passion and commitment of Rwanda’s entrepreneurs, emphasising their transformative role.

"As we celebrate engineers of entrepreneurial change, each of you stands as a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose, when vision intersects with action, and when commitment transforms into results,” he said.

"As we look around this room, we see pioneers from diverse industries, trailblazers who have dared to dream, and then through sheer grit and resilience, you have turned those dreams into reality.”

He congratulated entrepreneurs for excelling in their respective fields and setting an example for future generations.

He also recognised the role that SMEs play in ensuring a great future for Rwanda.

"We not only celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and determination of our small and medium enterprises but also the boundless opportunities that lie ahead. Tonight, this event has set the tone for 2025 and we truly recognise the invaluable role our SMEs play in shaping the future of Rwanda,” he said.

Entrepreneurs also shared their experiences and highlighted the importance of events that bring them together.

Planté Josue Niyomugenga, founder of Aflimba, a creative space for rural artisans who make eco-friendly bags from recycled textile waste, mentioned how networking inspires growth.

"It feels good to be in a space where you meet people; you’ve been thinking about changing the lives of thousands, you meet somebody who wants to change the lives of millions, and you’re like, ‘Oh, okay, I&039;m actually dreaming less’.”

He noted that such gatherings reassure entrepreneurs that they are on the right path.

"Sometimes you can feel lonely and you feel like you’re the only person okay, it needs to happen’, you get to remember, ‘this is the journey I chose, and I shall keep on’,” he added.

Angelo Igitego, the founder of Kalisimbi Technologies Solutions, a health tech company, said the event gave entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to network.

"Today’s event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship. And what that means is bringing together some of the entrepreneurs, or all of the entrepreneurs as possible, and to reflect on the successes we’ve had on the journey we are on, but also on the challenges. And it’s essentially creating connections,” he said.

"For me as an entrepreneur, to get access to other entrepreneurs, it’s impossible. We are all busy. Every day we are busy. But when I get the chance to meet my fellow entrepreneurs here, we learn so much.”

Business growth

Reflecting on the impact BPN has had on her business, Joie Grace Niyigena, founder of Ha Veggie Bakery, which specialises in vegetable-infused bread, said BPN helped her manage her finances more effectively.

"Before I started working with BPN, I used to work just to make a daily living. All the money I made, I used it to cover my expenses. But when I joined BPN, they helped me to know how to manage my finances, how to track revenues, and what to put into the company and personal activities. Now I can pay myself and be able to keep the company’s profit,” she said.

Marie-Florence Uwimana, the founder and manager of Tea House Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, recalled how BPN helped her navigate the challenges of launching a business during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"So I think the most important outcome or the most important thing is when you are with BPN, you feel very important and you have someone to tell about your weaknesses, and all the challenges that you face,” she added.

"I tried some business development programmes before because I was in a state where I felt that I am able, I am capable, and I want to grow, but I was somehow stuck. I didn’t know what to do. And so I started to look for some business development organisations, but BPN was just the best.”

She explained that as a solo entrepreneur, making decisions based on emotions was common, but BPN’s training helped her make strategic, data-driven decisions.

"BPN became more than just a business development programme—it became a family,” she added.

BPN Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the Grow to Scale Consortium, is committed to creating dignified and fulfilling job opportunities for young women entrepreneurs in the tourism and hospitality sector. Embracing this spirit of generosity, the event featured a special raffle draw that showcased and celebrated the contributions of women-led businesses in the industry. Fortunate winners walked away with extraordinary prizes, including all-expenses-paid trips, airline tickets, and exclusive experiences. These rewards were made possible by successful entrepreneurs eager to give back to their communities.

The event concluded with an electrifying performance by Stone Island, a band composed of individuals with disabilities. Their entertaining performance highlighted BPN’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.