Kilimo Trust has been honored with the Corporate Change Makers of the Year award for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment at the Rwanda Women in Business Awards and Conference (RWIBAC) 2025, held last night in Kigali, Rwanda. The award underscores Kilimo Trust’s ongoing commitment to driving agricultural transformation across East Africa, with a strong focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
For two decades, Kilimo Trust has been driving agricultural transformation in East Africa—advancing sustainable market access, job creation, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. In Rwanda, the organization’s impact is particularly evident through transformative initiatives such as the R-YES (Rural Youth Employment Support) Project, which equips young people with the skills and resources to thrive in agribusiness. The Inclusive Services Delivery for Employment Creation (ISEC) Project is empowering women farmers by expanding access to agricultural services and market opportunities. Additionally, the Kungahara Project is enhancing rural community resilience through sustainable farming practices while promoting gender equality.
Speaking after receiving the award, Andrew Gashayija, Kilimo Trust’s Country Team Leader for Rwanda, said:
“We always strive for equitable opportunities in agribusiness, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This recognition is a testament to the individual efforts by the members of our incredible team in supporting Kilimo Trust’s commitment to inclusivity through our agribusiness initiatives. A special thank you goes to our generous funding partners whose financial support and belief in our mission enables us to make a difference in the lives of many.”
Kilimo Trust remains focused on supporting smallholder farmers—particularly women—by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and platforms needed to thrive in agribusiness. This prestigious award not only celebrates the organization’s achievements but also serves as a reminder of the important work ahead in building a more gender-equal and sustainable future.