Empowering Rwandan Innovators: IOM’s Ongera Igishoro Project Grants for Returning Global Interns

By Justin Kayiranga
IOM’s Ongera Igishoro Project, in partnership with the Rwandan government, awards grants to young professionals returning from global internships to boost innovation and entrepreneurship.
In a bid to foster economic growth and empower young professionals, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, held ceremony to award grants and business support to youth graduates who recently completed international internships. The initiative, part of IOM’s Ongera Igishoro project, aims to translate global experience into local economic transformation.

Mukangenzi Suzan, a beneficiary from Huye District, interned in Israel in the field of animal feeding. She expressed her gratitude for the initiative, stating, “This funding will allow me to grow my business, which was originally launched with a modest investment from earnings during an internship in Israel. However, the initial funds were insufficient to meet the needs of clients struggling with long distances to access animal feed.” she said.
Echoing Suzan, Tresor Gashonga, who interned in China and later started a chilli processing business called Incuti Foods, revealed that “Ongera Igishoro fund will enable us to upscale our business standards including financial and tax management while scaling up our production. It will also help us expand our market reach both in Rwanda and abroad.”
Speaking at the event, Erika De Bona, Ag Chief of Mission for IOM Rwanda, emphasized that this initiative aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) of achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth by ensuring that young entrepreneurs have access to the resources and mentorship necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market.
She said “We will not get to the future we want unless we invest in young people today and consider future generation in all our plans and programs.”
“With the grant given today, we firmly believe that these young entrepreneurs will be able to invest not only in themselves but also in Rwanda’s future.”

Gashonga Tresor, a beneficiary who runs a chili processing business
A total of RWF 170 million has been allocated for this project, benefiting 33 young entrepreneurs
Of these, 86% are in agribusiness and are expected to contribute to Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5). Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary at the ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, underscored the significance of this initiative.
“Among PSTA 5 pillars include a pillar of innovation, which means that we have now gained new innovative projects and we hope that they will yield results in advancing innovation in agriculture and livestock.” he stated.
Beneficiaries were encouraged to use the received funds wisely so as to ensure they become self-sustained and create jobs to fellow youth.
“Entrepreneurship is not about winning awards. It is about resilience, discipline and continuous improvement.” said Gaspard Musonera, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Service and Labour. Let this experience be a stepping stone toward your future success and let the fire of innovation keep burning within you.”
Ongera Igishoro (meaning: Increase Investment) project is an IOM’S initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Service and Labour. It facilitates the reintegration of Rwandan youth graduates returning from internships abroad by providing financial and technical support for business development, particularly in the agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sectors.