Kilimo Trust Marks 20 Years of Agricultural Transformation In East Africa
Kilimo Trust, a leading regional organization driving market-led agricultural transformation, marked its 20th anniversary this year. In Rwanda, the celebrations were held at Marriot Hotel in Kigali on Friday, 27th Nov. 2025 in a colorful dinner with government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and farmer representatives.
Over the last 20 years, Kilimo Trust has built a solid reputation as a trusted implementing partner across the East African Community (EAC) region—working to make agricultural markets more inclusive, competitive, and resilient.
Operating in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, with activities in Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia, the organization has reached over 791,000 farmers, supported 1,735 SMEs, and facilitated trade in more than 664,000 metric tons of food staples valued at over USD 193 million.
Through over 30 regional projects and 75 value chain studies, Kilimo Trust has catalyzed the creation of nearly 13,000 jobs and leveraged USD 63 million in public and private investment—strengthening food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience across the region.
” What began as a bold idea in 2005 has now grown into a regional leader in market-led agricultural transformation,” said Dr. Birungi Korutaro, Chief Executive Officer of Kilimo Trust.
” The stories of youth and women building livelihoods embody the spirit of Kilimo Trust: solving local problems with local solutions. In Rwanda alone, 10,000 jobs have been created for youth in agribusiness and 25,000 smallholder farmers benefited from our interventions.”
“It is a privilege to celebrate 20 years of Kilimo Trust’s outstanding contribution to Rwanda’s agricultural transformation,” said Dr. Olivier Kamana – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources
“Your work aligns with Vision 2050 and PSTA 5. Partnerships like this are essential as we address climate change, post-harvest management, and market integration.”
“Kilimo Trust has strengthened value chains and facilitated trade worth over $194 million. Agriculture is not just a livelihood — it is a driver of economic growth,” said Mr. Kabera Vianney, the Chairperson, Kilimo Trust Rwanda
“We remain committed to reaching 1.4 million smallholder farmers by 2028 and scaling inclusive, climate-resilient markets.”
From empowering rural youth and women entrepreneurs to promoting climate-smart agriculture and structured trade, Kilimo Trust’s journey reflects a broader vision—one where agriculture becomes a driver of prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
As the organization looks ahead, it remains committed to catalyze sustainable, inclusive growth and build stronger communities in Rwanda and across East Africa.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
