A new generation of changemakers is rising to build a circular, climate-smart economy – powered by purpose, not profit alone.
By Napoleon Mugenzi
Kigali, Rwanda – June 14, 2025: A powerful new generation of Rwandan entrepreneurs is stepping up to lead the country’s green transition, thanks to the Urumuri Initiative, a flagship climate enterprise program by BK Foundation in partnership with GIZ Rwanda. On June 13, a total of 138 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) graduated from the program after completing a rigorous two-week business development journey.
Launched earlier this month under the theme “Empowering Green MSMEs in Climate Action & Circular Economy,” the initiative aims to cultivate Rwanda’s emerging green economy by arming entrepreneurs with business knowledge, technical support, and access to interest-free capital. The graduation ceremony, held at Delight Hotel in Kigali, celebrated the achievements of this trailblazing first cohort.
“Through this program, we are strengthening the capacity of entrepreneurs to scale sustainable solutions and lead Rwanda’s transition to a climate-resilient and circular economy,” said Pascal Nkurunziza, Programme Manager at BK Foundation, who represented the Executive Secretary.
From a competitive pool of 427 applicants, 138 MSMEs were selected for the inaugural cohort. The training journey was split between Musanze and Kigali, offering intensive workshops on entrepreneurship, finance, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business practices. Participants learned not only how to run a business but how to build one that supports the environment and society.
The training was powered by an ecosystem of support from BK Group’s subsidiaries. BK Bank introduced participants to green financing products designed for sustainability-focused businesses. BK Insurance provided practical tools to help entrepreneurs manage business risks in an increasingly unpredictable climate. BK Techouse offered guidance on digital tools that can boost operational efficiency. Industry mentors and partners supplemented the learning with real-life case studies and peer insights.
But the program is about more than learning—it’s about scaling real impact. As part of the next phase, 30 to 40 of the most promising businesses will receive interest-free loans of up to Rwf 30 million, repayable within three years. These funds will help enterprises put their green business plans into action—from recycling startups and clean energy ventures to sustainable agriculture and repair-based manufacturing.
The program places a special focus on circular economy models, where waste is minimized and resources are reused, repaired, or regenerated. This approach transforms how products are made, used, and disposed of—closing the loop and redefining growth through sustainability.
Graduates of Urumuri are now part of a growing network of climate entrepreneurs ready to transform Rwanda’s economy from the ground up. The initiative directly supports national development priorities, including the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the BK Foundation looks ahead to the next round of Urumuri, one thing is clear: this is more than a program. It’s a movement, one that is sparking a generation of climate leaders to build an economy rooted in innovation, resilience, and regeneration.
