The BK Foundation, in partnership with the German Development Agency (GIZ), has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering Rwandan entrepreneurs, particularly youth, women, and people with disabilities, by providing interest-free loans of up to 30 million Rwandan francs. The project, named Urumuri, was officially introduced on Thursday, March 6, 2025, and focuses on supporting environmentally sustainable businesses.
The initiative is designed to support small entrepreneurs with projects worth less than 500 million RFW that have been operational during at least six months. The focus is on businesses that aim to expand, protect the environment, and use natural resources efficiently.Among the participants,100 promising projects will be selected for training on how to scale their businesses. Following the training, 30 successful projects will be chosen to receive interest free loans to a period of three years, from 5 to 30 million Rwandan francs, based on their specific needs. These selected entrepreneurs will also receive six months of mentorship to help implement their projects.
The GIZ Rwanda office, through the Ministry of Environment, is committed to helping Rwanda meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030a target that will require substantial support. By supporting environmentally focused projects, this collaboration seeks to contribute to that ambitious goal while fostering sustainable business growth.
Anita Ikirezi, a technical consultant on waste to product production at GIZ, highlighted that during their campaigns, they discovered that access to capital was a major obstacle for many entrepreneurs working on environmental protection projects. She said, “We wanted to provide entrepreneurs with the resources and training to help them scale their projects sustainably. Involving banks is crucial because, while donors can support these projects initially, it is the banks that will ensure their long-term sustainability.”
Executive Secretary of the BK Foundation Ingrid Karangwayire emphasized that while the “Urumuri Initiative” was already in place, the new collaboration with GIZ enhances the program’s focus on environmental sustainability. She added, “Entrepreneurs who previously received a five-million-franc loan with no interest can now access up to 30 million francs, which allows them to expand their businesses without worrying about loan interest, and they have three years to repay it, creating a cycle of opportunity for others.”
The Ministry of Environment highlighted the government’s commitment to environmental protection and the significant funding needed to achieve the country’s climate goals. Meeting the NDC target by 2030 will require about $11 billion, of which we have already secured over $6 billion. The private sector plays a crucial role in filling this gap, and it is essential for Rwanda’s development.
The BK Foundation has a history of supporting small entrepreneurs, having already helped over 200 entrepreneurs, 60% of whom are women. The foundation’s support for these initiatives aligns with Rwanda’s broader climate and development goals, with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030.
