ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA has successfully concluded its participation in the 19th National Agriculture Show, held from 22 to 31 July 2026 at the Mulindi Show Ground in Gasabo District, Kigali. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) under the theme “Accelerating Agri-Food Systems Transformation through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships,” the exhibition brought together government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, farmers, researchers, and civil society organizations to showcase innovations and strengthen collaboration for Rwanda’s agricultural transformation.
Throughout the ten-day exhibition, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA welcomed numerous visitors to its stand, where it presented two flagship projects that illustrate the organization’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, women’s empowerment, and improved rural livelihoods.
The first was the KUNGAHARA Burera (KungaBu) Project, a three-year initiative funded by the European Union under the KUNGAHARA Programme and implemented by ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA in partnership with Burera District. The project supports communities in the Kamiranzovu Marshland in Butaro Sector to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and enhance livelihoods through sustainable farming practices.
The second was the AFeHo Mukamira Project (Projet d’autonomisation des femmes par l’appui au développement d’une filière horticole résiliente au changement climatique en Secteur Mukamira du District Nyabihu au Rwanda), supported by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) through the La Francophonie Avec Elles programme. Implemented by ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA in collaboration with Nyabihu District, the project empowers women members of the TUZAMURANE Cooperative by strengthening their technical capacities in climate-resilient horticulture, with a particular focus on greenhouse tomato production. Through training, technical support, and improved production practices, the initiative enables women to increase agricultural productivity, generate sustainable incomes, and strengthen their economic participation while promoting climate-resilient farming.
Rather than presenting these initiatives as isolated interventions, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA used the exhibition to demonstrate the synergy that exists across its community development programmes. The organization presented them as complementary interventions that collectively advance food security, environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, women’s economic empowerment, and community resilience. This integrated approach attracted considerable interest from visitors and fostered valuable exchanges with stakeholders from across Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, described the Rwanda Agricultural Show as a unique platform for identifying practical solutions to the challenges facing the agriculture and livestock sectors, accelerating the adoption of technologies and innovations, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. He encouraged farmers, livestock keepers, and all participants to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during the exhibition, emphasizing that the event’s lasting success will ultimately be reflected in increased productivity and accelerated agricultural transformation.
During the ceremony, all exhibitors, including ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, received certificates of participation in recognition of their contribution to advancing Rwanda’s agriculture and agri-food systems. The event also celebrated outstanding exhibitors, innovators, and organizations for excellence, innovation, impact, product quality, and contributions to sustainable agricultural transformation. In addition, cash prizes totaling RWF 22 million were awarded to outstanding youth and women innovators to support the continued growth of their enterprises and encourage innovation in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
The exhibition officially concluded on 31 July 2026 with a closing ceremony attended by representatives of participating institutions, development partners, local authorities, and project beneficiaries.
The ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA delegation was led by Aloys Nsabimana, Chairperson of the organization, and included Aline Ingabire, Member of the Board, Pacifique Isimbi, KungaBu Project Manager, and other project staff, including Antoine Ngaboyisonga, Field Coordinator of the AFeHo Mukamira Project.
The ceremony was also attended by a delegation from Burera District led by James Karangwa, Executive Secretary of Burera District. The district delegation included Jean Marie Vianney Kabirigi, the KungaBu Project Focal Person, Jean de Dieu, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other district officials. Representing the beneficiaries of the AFeHo Mukamira Project was Jeannette, a member of the TUZAMURANE Cooperative.
ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA extends its sincere appreciation to MINAGRI for organizing another successful edition of the National Agriculture Show and for providing a valuable platform where agricultural stakeholders can exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and build partnerships that contribute to Rwanda’s sustainable agricultural development.
The organization also expresses its gratitude to the European Union, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Burera District, Nyabihu District, project beneficiaries, and everyone who visited the ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA stand during the exhibition. The interactions and exchanges throughout the event reinforced the importance of collaborative action in addressing the challenges facing Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
As it builds on the momentum generated during the exhibition, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA remains committed to working with communities, local governments, development partners, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture, strengthen climate resilience, empower women, and improve rural livelihoods across Rwanda.
