Where young people define and lead their futures  

Find your dream school, Kickstart your career, launch your startup, 
and upskill yourself as an entrepreneur. 

200+

Jobs created by our Alumni

150+

Alumni

50+

Scholarships and Entrepreneurship Grants Secured by Our Alumni

Our mission is simple: Help young people achieve their goals

The Entrepreneurship Program is a comprehensive and dynamic initiative designed to strengthen the capacities of young entrepreneurs in Burundi.

Entrepreneurship

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The Opportunities Program is dedicated to empowering young Burundians with essential skills to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

Opportunities

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The Menya Accelerator Mentorship fosters structured, goal-oriented interactions between mentors and mentees, promoting growth and professional development.

Mentorship

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At Menya Accelerator, our monthly workshops are dynamic, expert-led sessions designed to equip young changemakers with practical skills and strategic insight. Curated in collaboration with our Alumni network, each session focuses on high-impact themes ranging from essay writing and SAT preparation to grant acquisition strategies and operational management for SMEs.

Technical Workshop

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Group of young people standing together outdoors, smiling at the camera.

Menya Accelerator delivers high-impact educational programs designed to equip young people in Burundi's traditional school system and beyond with the skills to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change. At the core of our work is a strong focus on capacity building for entrepreneurship, developing the mindset, technical skills, and practical experience young people need to launch and grow sustainable ventures.

Three people sitting at a table, wearing matching white t-shirts, and giving thumbs up gestures, with water bottles in front of them.

Testimonials

  • A person wearing a red polo shirt standing in front of a sign with a blue and turquoise logo. Partially visible text on the sign reads "Nous" and "de" among others.

    Menya Accelerator significantly enhanced my project planning, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. Through the program, I participated in the “Economie Verte et Circulaire” competition by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where I placed second out of 496 participants. I received funding and increased visibility through exhibitions, and I learned about strategic customer relationships and market research, leading to valuable partnerships, including with banks. Additionally, I have helped others in my community launch their enterprises and cooperatives due to the knowledge I gained at Menya. I am enrolled in a program led by the International Fund For Agriculture Development (IFAD) and aim to elevate my enterprise further.”

    Epipode KAMANA ‘23, URUHINDU COMPANY

  • Man standing in front of a banner with a blue logo

    Menya accelerator supported me in undertstanding the need for product-market fit, resulting in better packaging, increased sales, and customer loyalty through improved stakeholder engagement. Thanks to the valuable lessons and knowledge I gained from the programme, I was honored to receive the prestigious GoGettaz Africa Impact Award 2022 and I have formed partnerships with local and East African community organizations.

    Eloge Niyomwungere ‘23, CEO &Founder, Best Food Solutions Plus

  • Person standing in front of a banner with blue and teal logo, wearing glasses, a black top, and red pants.

    Through Menya, I received support on how to allocate and control financial resources which will highly contribute to enhancing management of Shine Multiservices activities.

    Naomi Nubuniyo ‘24, Founder & CEO, Shine Multiservices

  • Person standing in front of a banner with blue and teal lettering, wearing a light-colored button-up shirt.

    The Menya Accelerator improved my market understanding and helped me enhance my product branding with effective marketing strategies. It also connected me with investors, leading to greater visibility and more loyal customers. Overall, it was a transformative experience in my entrepreneurial journey.

    Stanislas Nsengiyumva ‘23, Founder & CEO, EJO HEZA

  • Woman standing in front of a sign with blue letters and French text, wearing a black polo shirt and floral headscarf.

    The Menya Accelerator Entrepreneurship programme helped me to discover and be conscious about specific points I did not consider important before. Gaining insights into proactivity helped me develop a clear plan ahead and be more strategic. Plus the program allowed me to network and learn from others which has already made promising changes to my business.

    Chadia Akimana ‘24, Co-founder, Ikizinu Farm

  • A smiling person with braids wearing a floral jacket and green top, standing in front of a banner with a stylized "MA" logo.

    Since completing the Menya Accelerator entrepreneurship programme, I have focused on developing Baho- an initiative to enhance healthcare accessibility through technology. The program helped me structure the project and adopt an innovative approach for my community. Today, Baho! is thriving and recently ranked among the top 10 winners of the National Innovation Week Award. The Menya Accelerator program significantly boosted my confidence as an entrepreneur and increased the impact I aim to create.

    Emmanuella NIVYUMUREMYI ‘23, Baho!

What makes Menya Accelerator unique

Menya Accelerator bridges entrepreneurship development and academic advancement in a single, holistic environment. By supporting young entrepreneurs in launching and growing their ventures, while also unlocking academic and professional opportunities for Burundian youth, Menya addresses both the need for a thriving business sector and a highly skilled workforce. Our focus starts at the root: we tackle challenges as they arise, connecting participants to tailored resources and personalized mentorship that bolster their growth.

This dual approach complements traditional education, exposing students to practical skills, real-world problem-solving, and life-changing career pathways. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs benefit from an enriched talent pool of peers who are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and leadership abilities. Central to Menya’s uniqueness is the power of our global network, encompassing over 200 fellows and supporters committed to building a more prosperous future for Burundi. Through Menya, young people gain the tools, insights, and connections that transform ambitions into tangible successes, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more innovative nation.

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