FEATURED: BK Foundation, GIZ Equip 138 Entrepreneurs with skills and capital for circular economy ventures

A total of 138 Rwandan Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) graduated on June 13 after completing the Climate Action and Circular Economy Program a flagship initiative under the broader Urumuri Program led by BK Foundation in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of MSMEs to develop sustainable, climate-resilient, and circular economy solutions that support Rwanda’s green growth ambitions. Graduates of the programme are now eligible to apply for interest-free loans ranging from Rwf 5 million to Rwf 30 million, designed to support the implementation of their climate-smart business models. The program delivered a two-week intensive capacity-building training focusing on Business Development Services (BDS). Participants received training in: Entrepreneurship Education, Financial Literacy, Tax Compliance, Greening Business Practices, Working with Financial Institutions. ALSO READ: BK Foundation, GIZ to offer interest-free loans to MSMEs in circular economy According to Pascal Nkurunziza, Programs Managing Director at BK Foundation, the program received 427 applications, from which 138 MSMEs were selected for the inaugural training cohort. The training was delivered in two phases one held in Musanze District and the other in Kigali. “The focus was on practical, applicable skills to help entrepreneurs thrive in a green economy,” Nkurunziza explained. “This year’s edition emphasized climate action and circular economy ventures to align with Rwanda’s vision for a sustainable, low-carbon future.” He added that 30 to 40 high-potential businesses will be selected to receive interest-free loans of up to Rwf 30 million, repayable within three years, under a revolving fund model that ensures future cohorts can also benefit. The training was led by BK Foundation in collaboration with BK Group subsidiaries and strategic partners such as BK Bank which provided guidance on green financing and tailored financial products. BK Insurance delivered sessions on risk management and resilience tools; BK Tech House facilitated digital transformation and tech support; while external mentors enriched the program with real-life insights and peer learning focused on green entrepreneurship. ALSO READ: BK Foundation, Inkomoko award top five women-led agribusinesses in ‘BK Urumuri’ initiative “We are very happy to be collaborating with the BK Foundation on the Urumuri Programme on Climate Action and Circular Economy. We value this partnership which fast tracks the country’s goal of greening its economy,” said Sandy Mukundente, the Technical Advisor for the Waste and Circular Economy Project, at GIZ Rwanda. She added: “The entrepreneurs have been extremely enthusiastic, and we look forward to seeing them implement their ideas. The interest-free loans will feed into a revolving fund, enabling more MSMEs to access finance in the future.” Among the graduates was Jimmy Tune, co-founder of E-Work Mobility, a tech startup that trains youth in e-bike operations for last-mile delivery. His company partners with local e-commerce platforms such as Vuba Vuba to enhance green logistics. “Our focus is the climate agenda transitioning all logistics in East Africa and beyond to e-mobility,” Jimmy Tune said. “We’ve already deployed over 1,000 electric vehicles across Rwanda and Kenya. Though the transition is still new and gradual in Rwanda, initiatives like Urumuri are crucial in demonstrating the cost and environmental advantages of electric over petrol bikes.” He encouraged players in the agriculture sector especially poultry farmers to adopt e-mobility solutions, highlighting 30% fuel savings and increased efficiency. “These bikes are affordable and practical. We need everyone to support the movement. The Urumuri Program has been super helpful.”

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FEATURED: BK Foundation, GIZ Equip 138 Entrepreneurs with skills and capital for circular economy ventures