A Journey of Insight, Innovation, and Impact in Eastern Rwanda

A Journey of Insight, Innovation, and Impact in Eastern Rwanda

Arnaud Che is a Senior Value Creation Analyst at our firm, where he supports entrepreneurs across Africa through programs like the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund and Grow 2 Scale (G2S). Originally from Cameroon, Arnaud has worked with businesses across East and West Africa at all stages of growth. Arnaud enjoys his work, as it allows him to travel and learn from African entrepreneurs.

This time around, we had a catch up on his time in the Eastern part of Rwanda.

Where did the mission take you?How long did it take? 

Every mission I embark on feels like flipping open a new chapter in a compelling book, each page rich with innovation, grit, and the raw realities of entrepreneurship. This recent G2S mission was no different. For two unforgettable days, I was immersed in the lives and businesses of our entrepreneurs in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Two days of eye-opening exchanges, genuine connection, and walking through the full 360° of their ventures, the polished facades and the behind-the-scenes “dirty laundry.” It’s in these raw and honest moments that true potential, innovation, and even funding opportunities come to light.

So, what was the purpose of the trip? 

This mission was all about restitution and presentations with some of the brightest entrepreneurial minds in the agriculture and hospitality sectors. What stood out most was the evolution of hotel business models in the region from hotels relying entirely on third-party suppliers to fully integrated enterprises. Ntende hotel did this perfectly: a company  run by a cooperative that’s not just running a hotel, but also operating a farm, a pharmaceutical clinic, and a transport service. They’re aiming to weave it all into a single, seamless experience, providing everything from eco-touristic stays to farm-to-table dining. It’s the kind of bold vision that challenges traditional business silos and embraces a holistic, sustainable model.

What was the most exciting part of this mission?

There’s something magical about traveling across Rwanda: the beauty, the people, and the quiet revolution happening in how businesses think about waste and sustainability. One company that blew me away was  Nyagatare Rice . They’ve transformed what most would call “waste” into resources creating cooking briquettes and generating electricity from rice husks to power their factory. In a world where waste management remains a challenge, seeing a near-zero waste business model in action was nothing short of inspiring.

And then there’s the natural beauty of the Eastern and Southern provinces. While taking in the landscapes, my mind kept returning to one thought: this is prime ground for eco-tourism. The peaceful environment, the hospitality, the culture it all screams “home away from home.” The investment potential here is enormous, particularly for sustainable tourism ventures.

Which sectors were the entrepreneurs in? 

Most of the entrepreneurs I supported during this mission were in tourism & hospitality  and agriculture, particularly those operating in the manufacturing and service industries. From hotels to agri-processing businesses, each one was navigating its own unique challenges and chasing growth.

What challenges stood out, and how do we plan to support them?

Here’s the thing: many of the entrepreneurs didn’t even realize they had problems to solve. That’s where our work becomes most impactful. I noticed they were scattered across three stages of awareness:

1. Unaware – not knowing there’s an issue,
2. Problem aware– sensing something’s wrong but unsure what, and
3. Solution aware – knowing the problem and seeking a fix.

But across the board, a few common challenges kept surfacing: lack of operational efficiency, limited HR and marketing capacity, and a general absence of tech-savviness. These are areas we’re tackling head-on by offering tailored support, smart tools, and practical frameworks that help them evolve from instinctive business doers to strategic thinkers.

Three highlights of the trip?

1. Discovering circular economies in action: Nyagatare Rice’s waste-to-energy model was a masterclass in innovation.

2. Seeing hybrid business models emerge like Ntende Hotel’s integrated approach to tourism, health, and agriculture.

3. Feeling the pulse of potential in the East and southern regions: The landscapes, the people, and the untapped investment opportunities and living in an eco-touristic lodge just besides the Akagera transit lodge.

Any standout feedback from entrepreneurs?

One quote from Ntende Hotel has stuck with me ever since. They said:

“Gaps will always be gaps… until someone makes you want to act on them. That’s what ESP does—it’s where I take my business challenges and get real, actionable solutions.” That level of trust and transparency is everything.

Final reflections?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that in tightly regulated and often underserved markets like Rwanda, clarity is power. Through the G2S program, we’re helping entrepreneurs whether they know they have a problem or not gain clarity, direction, and purpose.

In a continent where imitation often outpaces innovation, it’s time to separate the originals from the copycats. ESP is here to champion the bold, the creative, and the impact-driven entrepreneurs who are building businesses that matter not just for profit, but for people and the planet.