Rwandan SMEs spotlighted in the deal room at Africa Food Systems Forum

At the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar, Senegal, Rwandan youth-led agribusinesses captured the spotlight in the Forum’s Deal Room, a platform designed to connect promising ventures with investors and development partners.

Sep 4, 2025

Rwandan SMEs spotlighted in the deal room at Africa Food Systems Forum

Among the standout entrepreneurs was Gashonga Tresor, CEO of Incuti Foods, who presented his chili value-addition project. He shared that his company has sold over 150,000 bottles of chili sauce, employs 25 people, and collaborates with 100 farmers. To expand operations, he is seeking over 700 million Rwandan francs. "Our journey has been about more than just sauce; it's about igniting a passion for African flavors and empowering local communities," Tresor remarked.

Another notable pitch came from Irakoze Christian, who is developing a hydroponic strawberry farming initiative. He is requesting over 400 million Rwandan francs to scale up his innovative approach to agriculture. "Hydroponics offers a sustainable solution to farming challenges, and with the right support, we can revolutionize how we grow and consume strawberries in Rwanda," Christian stated.

The Rwandan delegation, comprising over 30 SMEs, showcased their products and engaged in financing-related knowledge sessions at the Rwanda Pavilion, a key attraction at the Forum. These sessions focused on finding solutions to current financing challenges faced by Rwandan SMEs.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Senegal, who oversaw the youth project showcase, emphasized the critical role of youth in transforming agriculture. "To our outstanding presenters, your passion, creativity, and dedication are truly inspiring. You remind us of the immense potential that lies within African youth and small businesses," he said. He further noted, "This pitching session is more than a series of presentations; it is a milestone in our collective journey to transform food systems through innovation."

The Ambassador also echoed President Kagame's sentiments on self-reliance, stating, "As President Kagame has often reminded us, dignity and self-reliance must be our compass. The future of Africa does not lie in dependency on foreign aid, but in our ability to stand tall, to innovate, to create, and to compete on equal footing with the rest of the world."

The Forum highlighted the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, with significant commitments made to support young entrepreneurs. The Deal Room facilitated over 60 in-person SME investor meetings, with participating SMEs seeking USD 70 million in financing. The Rwanda Pavilion served as a dedicated space for activities related to supporting financing for Rwandan SMEs, ensuring they had the opportunity to exhibit their products and present pitches to investors.

Overall, the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 underscored the transformative potential of youth-led agribusinesses in Africa, emphasizing the need for continued investment and support to drive sustainable agricultural development.