Rwanda Marks International Women’s Day 2026 with Focus on Women in Agribusiness
Kigali, 25 March 2026 – Over 400 women from across Rwanda convened at the Kigali Convention Center to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 in a national workshop focused on advancing women’s leadership, market access, and financial inclusion in horticulture value chains. The event was organized by AGRA in collaboration with Lead Access, Mastercard Foundation, National Women Council, and other partners, bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, and women agripreneurs from across Rwanda.
Dr. Solange Uwituze, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, opened the workshop highlighting the central role of women in Rwanda’s agriculture:
“Women are at the heart of Rwanda’s agriculture. Empowering them is key to ensuring sustainable growth and food security for the nation.”
She added:
“Young women must be encouraged to think beyond production, lead enterprises, and compete in structured markets—the future of Rwanda’s agriculture will be shaped by women who lead and innovate.”
Iris Irumva, CEO of Lead Access, emphasized the importance of showcasing women agripreneurs and creating a platform for exchange:
“This is the second Women in Agri-Food Systems workshop we organized with the support of AGRA and other organizations funded by the Mastercard Foundation. It demonstrates how much we value the role of women in feeding the world.”
She added:
“The exhibition of women agripreneurs makes this event unique, providing an opportunity to exchange information and discuss issues like access to finance, collateral, and insurance.”
Peter Okamah, AGRA Rwanda Program Lead, highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture:
“AGRA leverages programs like Valuer for Her and YEFFA to create decent jobs, improve market access, and de-risk financial barriers such as loans and collateral for women agripreneurs.”
Niyitanga Grace, a horticulture agripreneur from Rwamagana, shared her perspective:
“This workshop is a great opportunity to discuss challenges, find solutions, and connect with peers and partners who can support our growth.”
Uwamahoro Rose, another participant, added:
“I am inspired by the exchange of experiences and the commitment shown by partners to empower women in agriculture.”
The workshop included high-level policy dialogue, mentorship sessions, and an exhibition showcasing women-led enterprises, focusing on horticulture as a high-value, export-oriented value chain. The event concluded with a “Women in Agri-Food Systems Commitment Moment”, where partners and participants pledged concrete actions to advance women’s participation, leadership, and competitiveness in Rwanda’s agriculture sector.
