AOG is a Rwanda-based Social enterprise co-founded by 13 young social entrepreneurs in 2011. It is registered with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) as a National Non-governmental Organization (NGO) since 2014. Starting in 2015, AOG has been focusing its programs on social enterprise development in Rwanda which helps to tackle youth unemployment and contribute to solving key social challenges in local communities.
AOG also puts emphasis on women empowerment to make them real drivers of positive change.
As he visited the organization’s incubation hub on Tuesday 7th September 2021, Amb. Omar interacted with some of beneficiaries who spoke with a voice of satisfaction considering the great support received to implement their projects.
Nina Nyirampeta is a Chili farmer who exports her produce through her company dubbed Ineza Chilli.
She had had no innovative business idea until she received training from AOG which sharpened her entrepreneurial skills.
Following the training in 2019, Nyirampera developed a vivid business idea which she implemented and has since then provided jobs to 84.
“I graduated from university in 2015 and did not get employed. I submitted my application soon as I learnt that AOG is training startups. I was qualified to join the training dubbed Ingenzi Social Enterprise Program. Before joining, I was aware that we would receive training and seed capital. However, I was worried of possible losses over ineffective management. Fortunately, I was acquainted with all necessary skills within 12 weeks which I capitalized to start a promising business. It has started yielding big that I am among thankful chili exporters,” she said.
Following the visit, Amb. Omar said that he was impressed with activities of incubated youth.
“I was very impressed. This is one productive meetings ever attended because this place accommodates amazing people with outstanding projects creating new jobs. Most importantly, they are honing beneficiaries’ skills which will subsequently contribute to Rwanda’s development,” he said.
He assured to uphold existing collaboration between UK and the organization to implement programs meant to empower startups.
“The partnership will be upheld. In 2015, the CEO of AOG Rwanda received an award from Queen Elizabeth for outstanding activities which are ongoing. We shall particularly partner in the areas of education, agriculture and economy. I hope the benefits will also be extended to this organization,” noted Amb. Omar.
The CEO of AOG Rwanda, Jean d’Amour Mutoni revealed that the visit is of great significance and gives them courage to keep working hard.
“The ambassador’s visit signifies how our activities are valued. Having our activities recognized, induces pride and encourages us to keep up the momentum,” she said.
In 2015, CEO of the organization, which has different partners from the UK, was presented with Queen’s Young Leaders Award.
Since establishment in 2011, AOG Rwanda has trained 183 entrepreneurs who created 1500 jobs while their activities impacted over 150,000 people.
It currently runs operations in Kigali City and Bugesera District with plans to expand footprints to all districts across the country.
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