In the Spotlight: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Burundi
#HeartOfAfrica #BurundiWomen #WomenEntrepreneurs #BreakingBarriers #EmpoweredAfrica #ResilientWomen #SheLeadsBurundi #FromPovertyToPower
Women are increasingly stepping forward as agents of change despite formidable challenges in Burundi, often called “The Heart of Africa”. This is a nation of resilience and determination. Ranked 187th out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index, Burundi faces widespread poverty – with nearly three-quarters of its population living below the international poverty line. The economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture – employing nearly 90% of the population, yet struggles with low productivity, weak market integration, climate risks, and limited post-harvest infrastructure. Women, who play a critical role in this sector, often encounter unequal power dynamics, land ownership restrictions, and lack of access to finance, all of which make entrepreneurship a difficult journey.
Burundian Women Building Businesses from the Ground Up
For women entrepreneurs in Burundi, barriers are multifaceted – ranging from discriminatory lending practices and collateral requirements to inadequate education, poor infrastructure, and restrictive social norms that confine many businesses to the home. These obstacles stifle visibility, growth & long-term sustainability. Yet, against this backdrop of adversity, Burundian women are finding ways to thrive. Through small-scale enterprises, market innovations & collective action, they are creating opportunities not only for themselves but also for their communities.
When Women Lead, Communities Rise: The Untold Story of Burundi’s Entrepreneurs
Efforts to empower these women are gaining momentum, with microcredit programmes, vocational training & business development initiatives beginning to break down barriers. Tailored financial services, skill-building workshops, and supportive networks are equipping women with the tools to scale their enterprises. By overcoming systemic challenges, enterprising women entrepreneurs in Burundi are proving that they are not just participants in the economy – they are vital drivers of its transformation.
Let us now put the lens on some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Burundi.
- Aniella Niyondiko, Founder, Aheza Iwacu
Aniella Niyondikois Founder of Aheza Iwacu, a company that offers waste management services and environmental conservation education in Burundi. She noticed that there was a great need in the disposal and management of the waste generated by Bujumbura citizens in Burundi, and how this was affecting their health and the environment. That was what led her to launch AHEZA Iwacu in 2016.
The aim of the business was – to provide a restoration and environmental conservation response, punctual in responding to emergencies & providing educational training programmes on good and responsible management of biological resources generated from waste. The goal was to ensure that any use of these resources was equitable and ecologically sustainable for the benefit of the population and the environment we live in.
- Kelly Nahigombeye – Greenchic Designs
Kelly Nahigombeye is the Founder of Greenchic Designs, which is a Burundian-based company that creates unique pieces of jewellery and other fashion accessories out of recycled plastic bags.
Speaking about the inspiration for starting her impact driven business, she says that it was her “hate for dirt”. She always wanted a clean environment around her. Then she moved on to recycle plastic into jewellery. In the beginning, she was just making them just for herself as she liked fancy and original jewellery. Then her friend liked them and wanted them and ordered some – that’s how it all started.
And, that’s how a cause turned into a business. She faced challenges because most people could not understand her motivation. But, through all the thick and thin, her learning was clear. After completing 8 years, their 1st anniversary as a licensed company was celebrated.
- Nadine Ndikumasabo, Founder, Amasabo Enterprises
Nadine Ndikumasabo is the Founder of Amasabo Enterprises, a Burundian-based construction company. Sharing about how she started the business, she pointed out that she is a Burundian entrepreneur living in Burundi.
Her background was that she worked for 12 years with 2 humanitarian organizations in project management and monitoring. But her dream was to work as a freelancer and create jobs. So, she followed her dream and created her own enterprise in July 2019. They are into construction and monitoring – evaluation.
- Ines Nabitangaro, Founder, Nabira Cosmetics
Having been born in Burundi, Ines Nabitangaro is today based in London and is a talented makeup artist, beauty blogger and YouTuber. She founded Nabira Cosmetics, which is a well-known beauty brand in Burundi, the rest of Africa, and all around the world. She also owns Prettymumumshop, a hijab line.
Nabira Cosmetics is a cosmetic brand and, currently, they have two products: City Girls eyeshadow palette, a makeup palette with Bujumbura districts’ names as eyeshadow shade names; and they also have long-lasting, matte liquid lipsticks.
It was her biggest dream to open her own cosmetic line. And while researching, she got the idea to include her best friend too, as she also wanted to do a similar business.
In 2018, she launched a hijab line that went viral and sold 200 hijabs within 2 weeks! It was a huge step for a small business, and that was the moment she discovered her ability to sell, which led to her startup success.
- Krystal Bella Shabani, Founder, Krysbel Designs
Krysbel Designs is a company in Burundi, which has an African-inspired fashion brand of clothes, footwear and accessories for women, men & children. Krysbel is a combination of the full name of the Founder, Krystal Bella Shabani.
Her entrepreneurial journey started small but with a big vision. At the university, she was assigned to make a business plan and she used her designs – and from there, she started considering fashion as a career. Then, she bootstrapped with her little pocket money – around 2000 Burundians Francs (less than a USD D now). Her first clothing collection comprised of only 5 items of clothing.
Now, she has come a long way – for her designs have been exhibited to different programs, conferences and shows in Africa and abroad. One of them is the YALI program (Young African Leadership Initiative).
Avtar Madan
Shree Lahiri
Himanshu
