How Amaboko y’u Rwanda turns crops into soap and cosmetics.
In Musanze district, in the Cyuve sector, Nsengukuri Elie founded the company Amaboko y’u Rwanda Ltd in 2021. His goal was to innovate and solve problems that had long caused distress in the lives of the citizens. Elie says that his motivation was to address the issue he observed where some Rwandans would go to their neighboring country to seek cosmetics, often encountering problems, including mistreatment (abuse). He also aimed to solve the issue of avocado and carrot yield that would either spoil or be sold at very low prices.
The company was established to produce cosmetics and soaps derived from agriculture and plants available in Rwanda. He produces various soaps and cosmetics made from avocado, sweet potatoes, and carrots as well as ingredients like indium and onions. The by-products are used to make soap, known as MERUN Star, along with cosmetics such as MERUN Body Gel and MERUN Hair Gel.
In an interview with communication team from RYAF, Nsengukuri Elie stated that the youth play a significant role in the development of small industries that process agricultural products. He said: "We have innovations, technology, the capacity to create jobs, and provide sustainable solutions. We can expand markets and protect the environment."
Although the market for Agro processing products is growing, he acknowledges there are serious challenges for youth:
“It’s hard to secure consistent markets. There’s also limited capital, low production capacity, and difficulties accessing equipment that meets quality standards.” However, he believes that through collaboration, all of these challenges can be addressed.
Amaboko y’u Rwanda Ltd in 2024 participated in the Rwanda Agrishow 2024. Elie says this is one of the major steps that has allowed his business to grow. He gained new partners, showcased his work, and established a reliable way to deliver products to the markets of Kigali. His company aims to deliver products to all provinces of the country by 2026, and to reach all districts by 2028. He says that reaching many customers sustainably is the main goal in his business journey. The company has created direct jobs for 12 permanent and 26 casual workers, and indirectly supports over 400 farmers, 80 avocado suppliers, and 9 agro-industries.
He thanks Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF) for providing him with training opportunities, exhibitions, and networking opportunities with new partners. He said: “RYAF is a platform that empowers us to grow, gain confidence, and run agribusiness with a clear vision.”
RYAF Communication Team!