Nadine Niyonizeye

Nadine Niyonizeye became a Growth Guide at a time when she herself was unemployed, driven by a desire to take action and support other young people in similar situations. As a young volunteer, she saw the role as an opportunity to not only create purpose for herself but also help others build livelihoods through entrepreneurship. Her motivation is rooted in turning challenges into opportunities, both for herself and for the youth in her community.

Through her work, Nadine has reached around 450 young people, helping them shift how they approach business. One of the most visible changes she has contributed to is encouraging entrepreneurs to keep proper financial records and actively listen to their customers. By tracking how money is used and gathering feedback from clients, young business owners are beginning to better understand market needs and improve their products and services. This shift toward more informed and responsive businesses is helping create stronger and more sustainable enterprises.

A key part of her support involves helping young entrepreneurs prepare their business ideas and projects so they are ready for financial opportunities. While youth in her area have not yet accessed loans, mainly due to limited availability within their sector, Nadine focuses on ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and structure needed to benefit when access improves. Her work is centered on readiness, making sure young people are not left behind when opportunities arise.

Through this role, she has gained deeper insights into important social and economic issues, including gender dynamics, financial inclusion, and the challenges faced by vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. These learnings have strengthened her ability to support others more holistically, understanding that entrepreneurship is not only about income but also about inclusion and empowerment.

Looking ahead, her hope is that financial institutions will make it easier for young people to access loans, especially by reducing barriers like collateral requirements. She believes that many young entrepreneurs are capable and ready, but need systems that are more accessible and supportive.

Her message to young people reflects resilience and determination: they should stay disciplined, create their own opportunities, and make the most of the resources around them. She encourages them to be bold in approaching financial institutions and to actively seek ways to grow, believing that progress comes from courage, effort, and the willingness to take initiative.