Kataza Programme
Empowering Youth, Unlocking Futures.
Inclusive finance for ALL!
The Kataza Program is a transformative initiative that supports financially excluded and disadvantaged youth-led businesses in 15 districts in Rwanda particularly those owned by young women in the agriculture and tourism & hospitality sectors.
Through access to affordable financing and real-time business advisory services, the program empowers these businesses to grow and create meaningful employment opportunities.
Consortium Partners
Kataza is delivered by a consortium of partners led by the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and implemented by the African Management Institute (AMI), MVEND Ltd, the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda (AMIR), Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC), and I&M Bank PLC.
Our Mission
Building on the success of the Hanga Ahazaza and COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience initiatives, AMI remains committed to empowering youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Rwanda, especially those led by women in rural areas. We equip entrepreneurs in the agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sectors with practical business training, tools, and ongoing support. We also strengthen their access to finance by linking them with financial institutions, helping their businesses grow and thrive sustainably.
Role of AMI and Growth Guides
As part of the Kataza programme, AMI is leading the design and delivery of a tailored learning journey for 240 Growth Guides community-based trainers recruited, trained, and deployed across 15 districts in Rwanda. These Growth Guides will be supporting 90,000 MSMEs, assessing their needs, identifying skill gaps, and delivering practical training to help them grow and become finance-ready. Through this approach, AMI bridges the gap between MSMEs and financial institutions, strengthening their capacity for sustainable business success.
Business Development Support
Assist MSMEs in strengthening their operations and growth strategies.
Financial Literacy Training
Educate entrepreneurs on financial management and access to financial products.
Market
Linkages
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Digital and
In-Person Support
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Business Development Support
Assist MSMEs in strengthening their operations and growth strategies.
Financial Literacy Training
Educate entrepreneurs on financial management and access to financial products.
Market Linkages
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Digital and In-Person Support
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Business Development Support
Assist MSMEs in strengthening their operations and growth strategies.
Financial Literacy Training
Educate entrepreneurs on financial management and access to financial products.
Market Linkages
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Digital and In-Person Support
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Business Development Support
Assist MSMEs in strengthening their operations and growth strategies.
Financial Literacy Training
Educate entrepreneurs on financial management and access to financial products.
Market Linkages
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Digital and In-Person Support
Connect MSMEs with financial institutions, suppliers, and new market opportunities.
Meet our Growth Guides
Northern Province
Southern Province
Eastern Province
Eastern Province
Key Benefits of the Kataza Program
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Business Training & Coaching – Gain practical business knowledge and leadership skills.
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Market Expansion Support – Identify opportunities for business growth and expansion.
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Mentorship from Industry Experts – Learn from experienced professionals who will guide your entrepreneurial journey.
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A Thriving Business Network – Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and growth experts.
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Tailored Loan Products – Overcome financial barriers with custom-designed financial solutions.
Practical Solutions | Financial Inclusion | Entrepreneurial Growth
Who is the Kataza Program For?
Kataza is designed for:
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Youth-led and women-owned MSMEs in the agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
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Small business owners seeking financial inclusion and tailored business support.
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Entrepreneurs struggle to access funding due to collateral requirements or limited financial literacy.
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Business owners are eager to scale their operations, improve management, and build long-term sustainability.
If you are a young entrepreneur looking for financial access, expert guidance, and business training, Kataza is for you.
Impact of the Kataza Programme
The program aims to reach 90,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 30,000 Village Savings and Lending Association (VSLA) groups, reaching over 540,000 members with a strong focus on those working in the agriculture and tourism & hospitality sectors.
Kataza will support 18,500 youth-owned businesses to access tailored financial products, creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for more than 54,150 financially excluded young people, primarily young women.
Details about the Programme
Kataza is designed to support:
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Youth-led MSMEs aged 18 to 35, with a special focus on women-owned businesses
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Entrepreneurs who are financially excluded or economically disadvantaged
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People with disabilities and refugees looking to grow their businesses
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MSMEs in the agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and adjacent sectors
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Businesses located in 15 selected districts across Rwanda.
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Practical business training: MSMEs receive hands-on business and financial literacy training through Growth Guides. This helps entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, improve decision-making, and become better prepared to access finance from financial institutions.
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Access to finance for the underserved youth: The program focuses on breaking down financial barriers for youth- and women-led MSMEs, such as lack of collateral, limited financial history, and minimal banking experience, by connecting them with financial institutions ready to support their growth.
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The program tackles gender norms and promotes inclusive community engagement to remove barriers limiting women’s economic participation. RWAMREC leads this effort by shifting mindsets and engaging men as allies, ensuring lasting, gender-responsive financial inclusion.
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Digitizing savings groups for financial inclusion: Through MVEND’s Gwiza platform, Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs) are digitized. This helps informal MSMEs build a financial track record and credit history, making it easier for them to access formal loans and micro-credit.
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Tailored loan products: Kataza works with financial institutions to design loan products that meet the specific needs of young and women-led MSMEs, helping them overcome traditional barriers to accessing capital.
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Featured Article
AMI Charts a Path for MSME Growth in Rwanda
African Management Institute (AMI) is pleased to mark a key milestone in its mission to support entrepreneurs and their enterprises on the continent. Two hundred and forty Growth Guides in the Kataza Program are now AMI-trained and deployed in Rwanda to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises...
Get Involved
The Kataza Programme is dedicated to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rwanda. If you are an entrepreneur, financial institution, or organization looking to collaborate, contact us to learn how you can be part of this transformative initiative.
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