ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

The Menya Entrepreneurship Program offers comprehensive, hands-on training designed to equip young Burundian entrepreneurs with the essential skills, confidence, and mindset to launch and scale successful ventures. From tailored mentorship with industry experts to immersive learning experiences that bridge theory and real-world application, this dynamic program propels participants toward thriving careers in today’s competitive marketplace. By expanding professional networks and fostering meaningful connections, both locally and globally, the Menya Entrepreneurship Program opens doors to new possibilities and breakthrough opportunities for a generation determined to drive Burundi’s economic transformation.

Our Approach

In Burundi, entrepreneurs often grapple with limited funding, complex regulations, and a rapidly evolving market. The Menya Accelerator Program tackles these challenges by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks to build sustainable businesses. From leadership development and local market analysis to legal compliance and investor-ready financial strategies, our curriculum helps entrepreneurs navigate real-world obstacles. Specialized workshops address Burundi-specific needs like supply chain management and agricultural ventures, while one-on-one mentorship offers targeted guidance from seasoned local experts. With robust technical support, participants also overcome infrastructure limitations by leveraging digital tools and online platforms. By focusing on practical, community-driven solutions, the Menya Accelerator Program ensures each entrepreneur can thrive in Burundi’s dynamic environment and achieve long-term success.

  • This immersive training equips entrepreneurs with a foundational understanding of market analysis, lean startup methods, business model development, pitching, and leadership, all with a focus on driving business growth and social impact. By contextualizing these concepts within the Burundian environment, participants gain practical insights that can be directly applied to their ventures. In addition to tackling common bottlenecks and offering valuable strategies, the training fosters peer support and collective learning among young entrepreneurs, creating a powerful community of innovators poised to transform the local business landscape.

  • At Menya Accelerator, we believe that entrepreneurship skills thrive when they directly address the unique needs of each entrepreneur. After completing the training, each participant is supported for one year by a dedicated team of coaches and mentors drawn from our network of experts. This hands-on approach tailors specific solutions to each venture, ensuring focused, practical, and transformative guidance that fosters meaningful growth and sustained impact.

Testimonials

  • Person wearing a red polo shirt standing in front of a banner with text.

    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 wearing a striped shirt standing in front of a white banner with blue and green symbols.

    Menya Accelerator supported me in understanding 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 program, I was honored to receive the GoGettaz Africa Impact Award 2022 and I have formed partnerships with local and East African community organizations, making me one of the leading chilli sellers in Burundi.

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

  • A person wearing glasses stands smiling with arms crossed in front of a sign with blue and teal letters "MA" and French text below it. The person is wearing a black top with lace details and a red skirt.

    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

  • A man in a light-colored shirt stands in front of a banner with a blue and white logo featuring the letters 'MA'.

    The Menya Accelerator program 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

  • A person wearing a black top with a white collar and a floral headscarf, standing in front of a logo featuring the letters M and A. French text partially visible in the background.

    The Menya Accelerator Entrepreneurship program 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

  • Person smiling in front of a banner with colorful logos

    Since completing the Menya Accelerator program, 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!

People at a craft stall displaying handmade items such as beaded crafts, woven mats, and yarn balls.
Group of people in a courtyard wearing uniforms and masks, gathered around trays of drying red peppers.
A person holding a large check from UNFPA Burundi signifying a prize for an innovation contest, valued at 3,000,000 FBU, dated November 16, 2024.
A group of ten people standing in a row, smiling, in front of a wall with a poster. They are casually dressed, with some holding papers and bags.
A smiling person holding a large novelty check for an award received at Innovation Week 2022.