Rwanda: In Partnership with AGRA, Leading Poultry Farmer Trains Over 10,000 Youth

In implementing the project in Rwanda, AGRA partners with various organizations and companies to equip youth with skills, expand job opportunities, and support their integration into agricultural and livestock value chains.

One of these partners is Abusol Ltd, a poultry farming company operating in Bugesera District in Eastern Rwanda. Over the past 10 years, the company has raised more than 130,000 chickens on 14 hectares of land. At full production, the farm produces up to 80,000 eggs per day. The company initially started with 10,000 chickens.

Founder’s Journey

Musabyimana Jean Baptiste, the founder and Managing Director of Abusol Ltd, is a Rwandan who studied economics in France.

“I went to France in 2003 to study. After completing my studies, I worked there for some time. Later, I realized it was important to return home and contribute to building my country. I studied economics, stock markets, and commercial law, and I returned to Rwanda in 2016,” he said.

He chose to invest in poultry farming after recognizing its importance in improving nutrition and its strong market demand.

“I decided to rear chickens because eggs are a nutritious food that helps prevent diseases and are affordable for many Rwandans. My initial plan was to meet the demand for eggs, and later venture into broiler production. That is why I founded Abusol Ltd,” he explained.

Regarding his long-term goals, Musabyimana says he is not only focused on profit but also on improving livelihoods.

“My dream is for every Rwandan household to include an egg in their daily meals. I also want many young people to find employment in this sector,” he added.

Partnership with AGRA

Musabyimana says partnering with AGRA through the YEFFA project has been a major opportunity for both his company and young people in the Eastern Province.

“We were pleased to join the YEFFA project because it aligned with our goals. We were tasked with training young people in the Eastern Province on entrepreneurship and self-employment,” he said.

In just two years, Abusol Ltd has trained more than 10,000 youth through the YEFFA project supported by the Mastercard Foundation. The training covers poultry project management, mar ket access, disease prevention and control, and other key aspects of modern poultry farming.

Youth Testimonies

Some of the youth beneficiaries say the training helped them transition from traditional poultry farming to modern, professional practices.

Jean Chrysostome Dukuzumuremyi from Bugesera District said:

“The YEFFA training has been very helpful. Previously, in our village, we raised chickens without proper methods. Now we understand that the best way is to keep them in proper housing to protect them from pests and diseases. You can raise many chickens on a small piece of land, use less feed, and still get high production. As youth, this allows us to start with small capital and gradually expand to own many chickens in a short time.”

Nyiransengimana Josephine from Nyagatare District said the project gave her in-depth knowledge and confidence.

“The YEFFA project provided me with detailed training on poultry farming. I learned about different chicken breeds and how quickly they generate income. Chickens can be raised on small land and produce fast returns, enabling farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development,” she said.

She added that the project empowered youth to become self-reliant.

“As young people, the project encouraged us to be confident and work hard without depending on others, which helps us improve our lives,” she noted.

Training Approach

Out of the beneficiaries:

• 2,100 youth received 10-day training sessions at Abusol’s training center, combining classroom lessons with practical sessions inside poultry houses.
• 900 youth were taken to modern poultry farms to observe advanced farming practices.
• Around 4,000 youth were trained directly at farms where poultry activities were already taking place.
• Approximately 3,000 youth were reached in villages to raise awareness about the benefits of engaging in agriculture and livestock farming.

Through the partnership between AGRA and Abusol Ltd, thousands of young Rwandans are gaining the skills and confidence needed to build sustainable careers in poultry farming and agribusiness.

Musabyimana Jean Baptiste, Founder and Managing Director of Abusol Ltd, at his poultry farm in Bugesera District, where more than 130,000 chickens are raised.

Youth participants attend practical training session under the YEFFA project implemented by AGRA

Inside the poultry houses of Abusol Ltd, where the farm produces up to 80,000 eggs per day at full capacity