Kilimo Trust, a leading regional organization championing market-driven agricultural transformation, has been lauded for its remarkable impact over the past 20 years across the East African region, including Rwanda.
The recognition came on Friday, November 27, during a ceremony held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel to mark the organization’s 20th anniversary.
The celebration brought together government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and farmer
representatives all acknowledging Kilimo Trust’s contribution to modernizing and commercializing agriculture.
Over the years, Kilimo Trust has built a strong reputation for advancing inclusive, competitive, and resilient agricultural markets in the countries where it operates.
The countries include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, with activities in Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia.
Kilimo Trust has supported more than 791,000 farmers and strengthened 1,735 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Its market-linkage initiatives have facilitated the cross-border trade of over 664,000 tonnes of food products worth $193 million.
Additionally, the organization has created nearly 13,000 jobs and mobilized more than $63 million in public and private investment to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and address the impacts of climate change across the region
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), acknowledged Kilimo Trust’s significant contribution to Rwanda’s agricultural transformation.
“Your work aligns with Vision 2050 and PSTA 5. Partnerships like this are essential as we address climate change, post-harvest management, and market integration,” Dr. Kamana said.
Dr. Birungi Korutaro, Chief Executive Officer of Kilimo Trust, noted that what began as a bold idea in 2005 has grown into an institution making substantial contributions to agricultural transformation across East Africa.
“The stories of youth and women building livelihoods embody the spirit of Kilimo Trust: solving local problems with local solutions. In Rwanda alone, 10,000 jobs have been created for youth in agribusiness and 25,000 smallholder farmers benefited from our interventions.” he noted.
Vianney Kabera, the Chairperson of Kilimo Trust Rwanda reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding its reach. He highlighted that the Trust has facilitated agricultural trade worth over $194 million and aims to reaching 1.4 million smallholder farmers by 2028 and scaling inclusive, climate-resilient markets.
As it marks 20 years, Kilimo Trust remains committed to catalyze sustainable, inclusive growth and build stronger communities in Rwanda and across East Africa.
