Albertine Uwimana, a young and driven agribusiness enthusiast with a background in accounting, has made impressive strides in the agricultural sector of Rwanda. With a passion for chili farming and value addition, she has successfully built her own company, ALBERT BETTY COMPANY LTD, in the Karenge Sector of Rwamagana District. Her journey began in 2022 when she had the opportunity to attend chili processing training provided by the African Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE). This training sparked her desire to turn her newfound knowledge into a business venture.
In early 2023, Albertine embarked on cultivating Teja chili on a small piece of land, measuring 0.11 hectares, yielding approximately 700 kg of fresh chili. With a clear vision for value addition, Albertine expanded her operations to produce three chili-based products: chili oil, chili paste, and chili powder. She began by sourcing raw materials from her farm and collaborating with other local chili farmers to ensure sufficient supply. Despite the challenges faced by a young entrepreneur, she produced 6 liters of chili oil, 10 liters of chili paste, and 50 kilograms of chili powder in her first year of operation, all of which were sold to local bars, restaurants, and consumers.
Albertine’s business began gaining recognition, and she had the opportunity to participate in several agri-expos, supported by the Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF). These expos allowed her to network, share her experiences, and learn from other entrepreneurs in the sector.
In 2024, Albertine officially registered her business under the name ALBERT BETTY COMPANY LTD, marking a major milestone in her journey. Despite facing significant challenges, such as limited access to capital and the lack of certification for her products (FDA and S-Mark), Albertine’s vision remained steadfast. She set ambitious goals for the next three years, aiming to scale up production to 270 liters of chili oil, 750 liters of chili paste, and 400 kilograms of chili powder. She also planned to create more job opportunities for young people in her community, alongside maintaining a dignified work environment for her current employees.
In 2024, Albertine expanded her production capacity, increasing her output to 30 liters of chili oil, 45 liters of chili paste, and 240 kilograms of chili powder. Additionally, she secured market contracts for her processed chili products, ensuring a steady flow of customers. Currently, Albertine employs five permanent workers who assist with processing and the primary production of chili, further contributing to the local economy.
However, Albertine still faces significant challenges in realizing her expansion goals. She estimates that she will need Rwf 11 million annually for raw materials and an investment of Rwf 25 million in machinery to meet her production targets. Although she plans to seek a bank loan for 30% of the required amount, securing adequate funding has remained a hurdle, particularly due to the lack of collateral and guarantees, a common challenge faced by young entrepreneurs.
Albertine’s collaboration with the African Development Corporation (ADC) in 2024 has been instrumental in addressing some of these challenges. Through ADC’s Business Development Services (BDS), Albertine has received crucial training in business planning, financial management, and access to finance. The BDS training provided her with practical skills in managing her finances, preparing her business for growth, and understanding the financial products available to her. ADC’s coaching sessions helped her refine and finalize her business and strategic plans, making them ready for submission to financial institutions.
One of Albertine’s key takeaways from ADC’s mentorship is the importance of proper financial planning and leveraging available resources to grow her business. She says, “In our short time working with ADC, they have provided invaluable guidance on business strategy, financial management, and access to funding. Their support has helped me transform my operations, and I am confident that I will be able to scale up my business successfully.”
Looking to the future, Albertine remains optimistic about overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead. She believes that with continued mentorship and support, she will be able to expand her production capacity, meet certification requirements, and create new opportunities for youth employment in her community. Albertine adds, “The journey has not been easy, but the support I’ve received has been pivotal. I am now more prepared than ever to take my business to the next level.”
Albertine’s journey is an inspiring example of resilience and determination. With the support of ADC and other key partners, she is well on her way to realizing her dream of becoming a leading player in Rwanda’s agribusiness sector.
Challenges Faced:
- Lack of funds to hire experts and meet installation and regulatory requirements.
- Difficulty in meeting FDA and S-Mark certification requirements.
ADC’s Role in Supporting Albertine:
- Business Development Services (BDS) training in business planning, financial management, and access to finance.
- Proximity coaching to fine-tune business and strategic plans for financial institutions.
- Advisory services to register the business and establish effective accounting and financial management systems.
Albertine’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, hard work, and the ability to overcome obstacles through perseverance. With the right support, her vision of becoming a successful and sustainable agribusiness entrepreneur is within reach.
As Albertine reflects on her journey, she says with conviction: “It’s not just about producing chili; it’s about creating opportunities for myself and others. The dream is bigger than just a product; it’s about making a meaningful impact in my community and in the agriculture sector.”