Lessons from the Heart of Entrepreneurship

Two years ago, I was searching for my path, trying to figure out how to blend my entrepreneurial dreams with my professional growth. That's when life threw an amazing opportunity my way – to join the African Management Institute (AMI) as the Rwanda Country Manager. This wasn't just a job; it was my chance to make a real difference. I was tasked with leading a team to support Rwandan entrepreneurs, helping them stay strong during the tough times of COVID-19 and guiding them to grow and positively impact their communities. Fast forward to today, and we've touched the lives of over 6000 entrepreneurs, creating more than 3500 jobs for young people in Rwanda.

This month, I had the incredible opportunity to represent AMI at some truly inspiring events. Each of these experiences taught me valuable lessons and gave me insights that I'm excited to share with you.

1. At University of Rwanda Grid Innovation and Incubation Hub Innovation Week: Here, I learned how crucial it is to nurture young talent. It's like planting seeds in a garden – you need to give them the right care and environment to grow into strong, successful entrepreneurs.

2. During Norrsken African Week: I met some of the brightest minds who are working on building the largest innovation hub in Africa. This taught me the power of working together and how important it is to invest in new ideas.

3. At Time100: I was surrounded by people who are changing the world. Their stories showed me that one person's efforts can indeed make a huge difference, especially in Africa.

4. At the Africa Business Heroes Grand Final: Seeing African entrepreneurs making their mark globally was incredibly motivating. It showed me the endless possibilities that lie within our continent.

Participating in these events here is my key take aways:

- Keep Learning and Growing: As entrepreneurs, we should never stop learning. Every new idea, every piece of advice can help us grow.

- Support Each Other: We need a community that supports and believes in us. This includes mentors, friends, and networks that encourage us to do our best.

- Have the Right Tools: To succeed, we need more than just money. We need access to technology, information, and opportunities.

- Believe in Big Ideas: For Africa to shine on the global stage, we need to believe in and invest in big, innovative ideas.

These experiences have filled me with hope and inspiration. They've shown me that being an entrepreneur isn't just about making money – it's about making a difference. As I continue with AMI, I'm more passionate than ever about helping entrepreneurs. Yes, it's a path filled with challenges, but it's these very challenges that make the journey exciting and rewarding. The chance to make a real impact is huge, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this life-changing adventure.