How Passion and Persistence Turned a Childhood Dream into a Poultry Enterprise

Marie Claire is one of the 17 young Rwandans entrepreneurs selected to represent the country at the Africa Food Systems Summit 2025 (AFSS25). This opportunity is no accident; it is a reward for dedication, persistence, and passion for her work.

She says the poultry project began as a savings group but has since evolved into a nine-member company named Golden Harvest Poultry Ltd.

“We started as a small savings group,” she explains in a calm but deep voice, recalling the journey. “It took us time to agree on which project to do. After many discussions, nine of us decided to venture into poultry farming.”

She says that he grew up loving chickens, and now she has become a poultry farmer.

That decision changed their lives. They now have 2,500 chickens and they have been in this business for three years, and it is their main source of livelihood. “This project transformed our lives, and it sustains us,” she says.

Her journey started in childhood. “Since I was young, I loved chickens,” she says with a gentle laugh. “At home we raised them, and that inspired me to plan to one day do it professionally. Today I am proud that I achieved it.”

Walking through their farm, one sees the professionalism of the project: well-built poultry houses, water tanks, properly measured feed, clean feeding areas with good lighting, and neat spaces where chickens lay eggs. Everything reflects a professional enterprise.

Now, the company has bigger ambitions. “We plan to reach international markets, but for now our focus is to first meet the local demand,” she says.

Marie Claire advises young people not to fear starting a project:
“Have confidence. Begin with the little you have. No big project starts big. Do what you can, be trustworthy, and be outstanding because it is possible.”

Being chosen to represent Rwanda at the Africa Food Systems Summit 2025, she considers a major milestone in her journey. She believes it will benefit her and Rwandans as a whole.

“Those who selected me saw the potential I have to share. Where I am going, I will share our poultry farming experiences, but I also want to learn from others across Africa because certainly there are things they have achieved that we haven’t yet. I will bring that knowledge back to Rwanda, and it will be useful for us.”

He imports the chicks from the Netherlands to Rwanda, raises them, and they grow into healthy chickens

Tuyishime Marie Claire acknowledges that their progress is not only due to their own efforts but also support from different institutions that have stood by them.

“FAO supported us with funding and opportunities for professional training in poultry farming. We also appreciate AGRA for its daily support, guidance, and financial assistance, as well as RYAF, which builds our capacity through training and connects us with partners who strengthen our projects,” she says.

Marie Claire’s story shows that loving what you do, striving for it, and working together can truly transform your future. In her eyes, one can see confidence in a tomorrow free of doubt.