BK Foundation, GIZ Rwanda award top MSMEs driving climate action, circular economy in Rwanda

BK Foundation, in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Rwanda) GmbH, implementing on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, has announced the top-performing MSMEs selected under the 2025 Urumuri Program, a flagship entrepreneurship initiative supporting high-potential Rwandan businesses. While Urumuri is widely known for empowering emerging entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, the 2025 cycle placed a strategic emphasis on Climate Action and Circular Economy to support Rwanda’s national climate priorities and stimulate green innovation within the private sector. This year’s Urumuri Program attracted 427 applications, with 138 entrepreneurs completing a rigorous two-week entrepreneurship and climate-focused training designed to strengthen business models, improve financial planning, and integrate climate-resilient and circular economy practices. Following the business plan submission, the selected MSMEs were recognized for their practical climate solutions and strong potential for community-level impact. Many plan to use the zero-interest loans to expand production, upgrade equipment, introduce circular processes, or strengthen climate-resilient approaches within their businesses. ALSO READ: BK Foundation, GIZ Equip 138 Entrepreneurs with skills and capital for circular economy ventures Among the 30 MSMEs selected for funding, Davet Ltd, located in Kamonyi District, emerged as the top performer and received a Rwf 30 million interest-free and collateral-free loan, aimed at expanding its climate-smart operations. During a visit to the business, BK Foundation and GIZ Rwanda had the honor of welcoming H.E. Heike Uta Dettmann, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Rwanda, who joined the Executive Secretary of BK Foundation to hand over the cheque. This gesture has already led to real progress, with the construction of a greenhouse underway to boost production and advance the company’s sustainable farming model. Founder Adeline Mukayirere said she was already producing organic compost when she learned about the programme. After discovering that Urumuri supported circular economy businesses, she applied, although she initially doubted her chances due to the high number of applicants. “The training we received helped me refine my project. I gained skills that strengthened what I was already doing. After submitting my proposal, the evaluators visited my work and saw its potential, which is how I was selected,” she said. Davet Ltd converts organic waste into high-quality compost to support farmers and practices fly-rearing to produce maggots, an affordable and sustainable source of animal feed. The business now supplies fertiliser to four cooperatives, its own retail outlet, and five agricultural NGOs. ALSO READ: BK Foundation, GIZ to offer interest-free loans to MSMEs in circular economy Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of BK Foundation, praised Davet Ltd’s impact and growth. “Out of the 30 winners, she was selected as the top performer. She is already expanding her activities, has set up a greenhouse, and plans to increase production from 40 tonnes to 200 tonnes within two years,” she said. She noted that the Foundation’s focus on environmentally friendly initiatives aligns with the government’s climate action efforts. “We wanted to support initiatives that protect the environment, and partners like GIZ understood this quickly and supported us, enabling effective collaboration,” she said. Karangwayire added that BK Foundation supports environmentally friendly initiatives to align with the Government of Rwanda’s efforts to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38 percent. This commitment also reflects BK Foundation’s broader goal of promoting projects that advance environmental conservation. Karangwayire added that BK Foundation’s key pillars include education, youth and women empowerment, and environmental conservation. She also highlighted that beyond financing, the Urumuri Program provides ongoing mentorship and technical support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, improve financial management, and build long-term resilience. “Entrepreneurs receive guidance throughout their implementation journey. This support helps them manage risks, strengthen their businesses, and sustainably scale their impact,” she explained. H.E. Heike Uta Dettmann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Rwanda, commended Mukayirere’s innovation and the broader effort to promote green entrepreneurship across the country. This is a remarkable success story. A woman entrepreneur contributing to her community, protecting the climate, and advancing circular economy solutions. I was especially impressed by the opportunities she creates for women, enabling them to support their families and invest in their children’s education,” she said. For more information on BK Foundation’s programs, please visit: www.bkfoundation.rw

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BK Foundation, GIZ Rwanda award top MSMEs driving climate action, circular economy in Rwanda