MahwiYacu Ltd is a growing agribusiness based in Rugarama Sector, Burera District, with operations extending to Gicumbi and Musanze Districts. The background and journey of its founder, Isaac Niyonizeye, began shortly after completing secondary school, when he witnessed a major challenge in his community; by late 2019 and into early 2020, potato seeds were in short supply, leaving many farmers without access to reliable, high-quality planting material.
The sector had many farmers, but almost no seed suppliers except the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). It made Isaac rethink how he could support RAB in bringing reliable seeds to farmers.
There was an indication that farmers needed quality seed of Irish potatoes, and no local suppliers were found in our sector. We started to consider how we could solve this issue so that people could access quality, reliable seeds," Isaac informs.
At the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, Isaac launched a seed multiplication project, but these plans were delayed due to COVID-19, leading him to pause them. By 2020, he had obtained the necessary formal RDB certificate as well as an official authorization for seed production. Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, Mahwiyacu Ltd resumed operations in 2022 with renewed enthusiasm for its mission.
What makes MahwiYacu Ltd's seeds unique is their use of minitubers of Irish potato seeds that have never been planted in soil. these are the seeds that multiply before being supplied to farmers.
“Minitubers are seeds produced in greenhouses. We multiply them and provide them to farmers. these seeds are original and high-yielding. we monitor them from the greenhouse all the way to the farmers’ field,” Isaac explains.
The company collaborates with various cooperatives and agribusinesses and employs agronomists who monitor the seeds across Musanze, Gicumbi, and Burera Districts. Inspect seeds continuously provided to farmers and advise on quality planting practices for maximum yields.
The company has grand plans for the future, MahwiYacu Ltd. It expects to own its greenhouses within two years instead of renting them. Within five years, it hopes to establish an agricultural laboratory for producing potato, bean, and maize seedlings, allowing farmers to access certified, high-quality seeds directly.
“My office is the farm. All my income comes from agriculture, and I don’t let discouragement stop me. This is what I studied, what I love, and what I am committed to continue doing”. Isaac Niyonizeye, the founder of MahwiYacu Ltd.
Today, there are six permanent staff employed by Mahwiyacu Ltd under contract and about 40 casual workers. This has created job opportunities for many youths to assist residents earn a living for their families and for health insurance.
By September 2025, MahwiYacu ltd launched a nursery school called Obet Bright Academy as part of expanding its community services.
MahwiYacu Ltd continues to expand its activities and stands as a strong example of how Rwandan youth can innovate in agriculture while improving the well-being of their communities.
Written By Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE