After graduating from the Food Science and Technology program at the National University of Rwanda, Valens Ruhorimbere saw an opportunity in a long-standing problem in agriculture: most pumpkins harvested were either unmarketable or spoiled due to a lack of processing and value-adding facilities.

He said: “I saw that pumpkins could be an opportunity to add value to farmers’ produce and create jobs for the youth.”

That’s when he founded Iwacu Bakery Solutions Ltd, trading under the name IHANGO Maxima, and began processing pumpkins into breads, cakes, pastries, and flour.

Initially, the company operated on a small scale due to inadequate equipment. It later received a matching Grant through the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP).

The project was worth 101,239,532 RWF, with SAIP contributing 70% and Ruhorimbere contributing 30%.

The grant helped the company acquire machinery and equipment that will increase its capacity to produce quality products.

Today, the company, operating in Gatsibo District, has 17 permanent employees and more than 20 temporary employees. It also grows food for local farmers, providing them with a market for their produce.

Iwacu Bakery Solutions holds a Food Operation License from the Rwanda FDA and is in the final stages of obtaining the S-Mark from RSB.

In collaboration with partners including UPHLS, the center provided practical training in making bread and cakes to 120 youth in Gatsibo District, including 70 girls and 30 youth with disabilities.

One of the youth who benefited from this training is Eliezer Manirareba, who has a disability, and now has the opportunity to work in this factory.

Ruhorimbere said: “Disability is not a lack of ability. When youth are given equal opportunities, they can produce extraordinary results.”

In its journey to promote products and find markets, Iwacu Bakery Solutions participated in activities including Rwanda AgriShow, where its products were displayed, consumers tasted them and received ideas to help improve them.

RYAF continues to support young farmers by connecting them with markets, partners and opportunities to promote their work.

Ruhorimbere’s story shows that adding value to agricultural products can transform a simple crop into a business, jobs and new opportunities for young people.

His advice to young people is the same: “Don’t be afraid to start. Start where you can, solve a real problem in the community and keep learning.”

Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE/RYAF Communication and Public Relations

Email:b.mukundente@ryaf.rw/ryafcommunication@gmail.com