Business tips: 42 Businesses to start in Rwanda 2024

Are you interested in starting a business in Rwanda but worried about the costs? Look no further! In this eye-opening blog, we have compiled a list of the top 42 businesses you can kickstart in Rwanda with ZERO or small cost. Based on extensive research, we have carefully curated this list of profitable ventures that require minimal to no investment, making it perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs on a tight budget. From online ventures to service-based businesses, we have covered a wide range of opportunities that you can tap into, backed by real insights and success stories. Whether you're a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone looking to transition into entrepreneurship, these low-cost business ideas offer you a chance to make a mark in your thriving economy.

Please note that while these opportunities have great potential, success is not guaranteed. However, you can turn these ideas into profitable ventures with the right mindset, dedication, and a sprinkle of creativity. Don't miss out on this valuable information! read this article now, and let us guide you on your journey to becoming a successful business owner in any location. If you find this article helpful, please give it a thumbs up and share it with others who might benefit from it. Let's empower aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere together!

Starting a business in Rwanda can be a great venture due to its growing economy and supportive business environment. Here are 42 business ideas to consider:

1. Freelance Writing

If you possess a knack for writing, this could be your golden ticket. With the digital world expanding, the demand for content creators is skyrocketing. You can write blogs, articles, product descriptions, and much more. The key to succeeding in this business is consistency, creativity, and a good command of language.

Freelancers are generally considered freelancers. They can work full time or in addition to working full time. As freelancers, freelancers are often required to sign a contract to complete the work. They will agree on an upfront fee based on the time, skill, and effort required to complete the job. This could be a flat rate, an hourly rate, a daily rate, a project fee, or some other similar measure. Freelancers often work in creative industries, services, or services.

2. Social Media Management

Social media management is the process of creating and publishing content, tracking engagement and expression, building a community of customers and influencers, and reporting and analyzing the results of your efforts. Depending on the company's goals, this process may involve one or twelve channels, from Facebook to YouTube. No matter how much social media is used, relationship management is an important part of a company's marketing strategy and can create a measurable return on investment, return on investment (ROI).

Companies are always on the lookout for individuals who can manage their online presence. You can offer your services to manage their social media accounts, create engaging content, and handle customer interactions. Remember, the secret to success in this field is understanding the trends and being proactive.

3. Online Tutoring

Online teaching is the process of teaching in an online, virtual, or online environment where the teacher and the student participate in different physical locations. In addition to location, participants can also be separated by time.Online teaching uses different methods for different user groups. The difference lies in the content and user interface as well as the training style and training methods. The content of online education varies to reflect constant changes in technology, revisions and changes to online courses, and the interaction between organizations offering online teaching assistance and the schools, individuals, and students who use the service. This Internet service is a form of micro-publishing.

If you're proficient in a particular subject, why not share your knowledge? From mathematics to English, there's always a student somewhere in need of extra help. Dedication, patience, and a passion for teaching are essential in this business.

4. Podcasting

If you have a topic you're passionate about and a knack for storytelling, a podcast can be your platform. All you need is a good microphone, a quiet room, and interesting content. The key to a successful podcast is consistency and engaging content. below are the steps you will need to start your podcast;

i. Define your purpose

ii. Choose a podcast topic or topic
iii. State it clearly
vi. Name your podcast
v. Best podcast episodes
vi. Podcast launch schedule

5. Personal Fitness Training

Personal trainers are professionals who help people set personal health and fitness goals, develop exercise and fitness programs, and train and support those same people to help them achieve their health and safety goals and performance. If you're a fitness enthusiast, you can turn your passion into profit. You can start by offering one-on-one sessions, then gradually move to group sessions or even online classes. Persistence, a good understanding of fitness, and people skills are crucial in this venture.

To become more competitive in the fitness industry, you can pursue a master's degree in one of the following: nutrition, exercise, fitness, medicine, and the human body. Personal trainers can learn how to detect and prevent injuries and help clients shape their bodies with exercise training.
Kinesiology: This field includes topics such as human movement, anatomy, health, and wellness. A personal trainer with a degree in kinesiology can provide a solid foundation for developing fitness programs and injury prevention.
Physical Education: The program includes subjects such as sports theory, physical education, physical development, and physical education. A personal trainer with a degree in physical education can teach clients exercises and workouts.

6. Photography

Photography is the art, practice, and art of creating images by capturing light electronically from an image sensor or chemically from a lighting device, such as taking a photograph. It has applications in many areas of science, manufacturing (such as lithography), and industry, as well as direct use in art, film and video production, entertainment purposes, hobbies, and communications. Photography is an art that's always in demand. If you have a good camera and an eye for capturing beautiful moments, this can be your business. The secret here is creativity, a good understanding of your equipment, and marketing your skills.

In general, the lens ensures that the light reflected or emitted from an object is focused while it is transferred to the actual image of the photosensitive surface in the camera. In an electronic image, each pixel produces an electrical charge, which is electrically processed and stored in the digital image file for the next image or processing. The result of the photographic emulsion is an invisible latent image; This image is then chemically created into negative or positive visible images, depending on the purpose and processing methods of the photographic material images. The negative image of film has traditionally been used to create beautiful images, called prints, using large scale or by contact printing onto the paper base.

7. Event Planning

Event planning is the process of hosting and managing a variety of events, from meetings to conferences and everything in between. When planning an event, whether it's a birthday or an affair, you'll consider all aspects of the event. This will include estimating the budget, creating a schedule to plan events, booking the venue and any relevant meetings or speakers, obtaining necessary permits, food, transportation, etc. It means you will get it. If the event has a meaning, you will create that meaning. You will also be responsible for the resources necessary to ensure the success of the event.

If you're good at organizing and have a keen eye for detail, you can start planning events. From weddings to corporate events, the opportunities are endless. Patience, creativity, and good communication skills are vital in this business.

8. Personal Chef Services

Chef services are your answer, providing you with delicious, healthy, affordable meals all day long in the comfort of your home, without the hassle of shopping and cooking. There is convenience in preparing meals at home; This often includes meals prepared for you and your family to enjoy.

If you love cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, why not offer your services as a personal chef? You can cook for families, parties, or even corporate events. The key here is culinary skills, creativity, and good time management.

9. House Cleaning Services

Cleaning Services means cleaning and/or housekeeping services provided by the Service Provider; wherein the location of the Cleaning Service shall be agreed upon between the end user and the Service Provider before the commencement of the Cleaning Services, including but not limited to general cleaning, sweeping. , sweeping, cleaning, and waste.

If you have a knack for cleanliness and organization, this can be your business. You can offer your services to homes, offices, or even commercial spaces. Persistence, attention to detail, and good customer service are essential in this venture.

10. Personal Shopping

A personal buyer is someone who purchases a product on behalf of a third party. Personal shoppers help people who are too busy or unable to shop for themselves. These items include food, clothes shoes, etc.

If you love shopping and have a good eye for style, you can offer your services as a personal shopper. You can shop for clothes, groceries, or even gifts. The key to success here is an understanding of the client's needs, good taste, and negotiation skills.

11. Graphic Design

Graphic design is a professional, discipline and art in the field of visual communication whose activities focus on sending specific messages to groups of people for specific purposes. Graphic design is a branch of design and fine art.

If you're creative and proficient with design software, this can be your business. You can design logos, websites, brochures, and much more. Creativity, proficiency in design software, and an understanding of the client's needs are essential in this venture.

12. Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistants are freelancers who provide administrative services to clients while working outside the client's office. Virtual assistants typically work from a home office but have access to necessary scheduling information, such as a shared calendar.
People who work as virtual assistants usually have many years of experience as an assistant or project manager. New opportunities are opening up for virtual assistants who specialize in social media, content management, blogging, graphics, and online marketing.

If you're organized and good at managing tasks, you can offer your services as a virtual assistant. You can handle emails, schedule appointments, manage social media, and much more. The key to success here is organization, time management, and good communication skills.

13. Life Coaching

A life coach is someone who provides advice and support to clients through personal or professional challenges. Life coaches help clients achieve their ultimate goals. Life coaches can help people in many areas of their lives. However, since everyone is different, their goals are also different. Life coaches often provide advice to clients in both personal and professional areas. This means work, personal growth, relationships, nutrition, divorce, grief, and financial health.

If you have a knack for motivating others and helping them achieve their goals, life coaching can be your business. You can offer one-on-one sessions, group sessions, or even online classes. Empathy, good listening skills, and a passion for helping others are vital in this venture.

14. SEO Consultation

An SEO consultant is a professional with specialized skills that focus on attracting and converting. They help businesses improve their website's visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and it is complex and changing everywhere. When most people think of SEO they usually only think of Google, but it doesn't end there; There is more. It is important to know that where there is a search box, there is SEO and an SEO expert can help in all areas.

If you understand how search engines work and how to optimize websites, this can be your business. You can offer your services to businesses looking to improve their online presence. The key to success here is a good understanding of SEO, patience, and communication skills.

15. Blogging

Blogs are about personal posts, photos, and other information on the internet. Blogs began as an opportunity for individuals to write diary-style entries, but have since been incorporated into many businesses' websites. Features of blogs include regular updates, informal comments, and opportunities for readers to participate in and initiate discussions. Here you'll find an overview of why blogging is so popular and tips to get started on your own.

If you love writing and have a topic you're passionate about, a blog can be your platform. You only need good writing skills, consistency, and engaging content.

16. solar energy

This sector is growing faster where during 2017 installation capacity was 210.9 Mega Watt this was tripled since 2010. Energy production models are distributed as follows 48 percent is Hydropower, 32 percent for thermal energy, 5.7 percent is solar photovoltaic energy, and then 14.3 percent is biogas energy. As you notice from the distribution solar energy is still young, regarding the vision of Rwanda, the country is targeting to transform Rwanda into an environment protection by developing renewable energy use. So in 2024, Rwanda wants to reach 512 Mega Watt installation capacity. As you see the country still has a gap of 389.1 Mega Watt. A solar energy company could be a good business idea. You can set up a solar farm and sell energy to homes and businesses without purchasing all of the solar energy.

17. Travel agency

You can start an agency that makes the necessary arrangements for travelers. this is a very profitable business in Rwanda and your target here may be local people or international travelers all you need is to expose yourself to planning trips during the weekends, holidays, and all other free time after getting some contacts you will continue to provide travelers with accommodation, transport tourism, tourism, local entertainment, and so on. Here your main responsibility will be connecting all travelers with a tourism services company, The surprising thing on that you can even do it from your house. This is a very easiest business you can start in Rwanda, start fulfilling the prerequisites like getting certificates from an International Travelling Agency number (ITA), researching your competitors, creating a travel website then getting engaged on social media to attract more customers.

18. Start a food store (Grocery)

Food stores are the most prominent business elsewhere in the world, in anything you are doing you will end up needing to eat, and let's be accurate as advised by a nutritionist it is good to eat something at least 3 times a day. In Rwanda, it is culture to take 3 foods a day from morning (06:00 to 10:00) People eat their breakfast, lunch (12:00 to 2:00), and supper (19:00 to 22:00). Rwandans stick to their culture so if you about start your food store business make sure you have natural foodstuff like Irish Yams, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Beans, Cassava, Meat, chickens, Fish, Eggs, Milk, Green Bananas, Maize, french beans, cabbage, dodo vegetables known as lenga lenga etc,..

19. Bar Business

According to the comprehensive report released by World Health Organization (WHO), Rwanda has ranked among the top 10 African countries of the most countries that consumes much alcohol where alcohol consumption percapita is 6.35 littles per annum. As you notice from the report there is only alcohol composed of beers and Wines but think about those who do drink non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juicy, smoothies etc,.. you can even predict your earnings from this business. So if you are willing to start such a business in Rwanda make sure you register first your business at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) it takes 24 hours to get your certificates if you need help to register or declare your tax click here to MDS consultancy we are ready to assist you, then one thing you need to take care of make sure your bar is very clean and have quick services because Rwanda population are so clean and gentle. Another secret I can break to you make sure you have something to eat in your Bar like Chickens, Fish, Goat meats, Rabits, and Pork.

20. Digital Marketing

Rwanda is a digitalized country where the 4th Generation internet covers 95.2 percent of the total surface and accessed by 97.2 percent of the population recently statistics shows that mobile phones holder is 78.8 percent which is 9.5 million active subscribers this was after the campaign of on smartphone per household launched by the Ministry of ICT and innovation. This shows that digital channels like the internet, mobile devices, social media platforms, search engines, etc,.. in Rwanda are 100 percent guaranteed. Rwanda is a home of social media users the latest statistics show that among the internet users, 50.73 percent have active Facebook, 19.21 percent use X(former Twitter), 13.58 use Pintresret, 8.42 percent are Instagram users, 5.84 are YouTube users, and 1.38 are Linkedin users. According to the statistics you can see that for any digital campaign, you will launch in Rwanda there is a great probability that it will be seen by 97.2 percent of the population of 13.94 Million.

21. Start a Restaurant Business

Rwanda is a service-oriented economy, 1998 Rwanda has revised their economy with the target of Services oriented economy during past decades Rwandan economy was led by Agriculture where the 80 percent depend on their daily life on agriculture after the revision of the economy now the country economy has changed to services where is contributing 47 percent of the GDP among this services there is the Restaurant business. As we said earlier Rwandans eat 3 times a day and in addition to this about 3,958,817 people are not taking their lunch at their houses. That confirms that the restaurant business can be profitable and if you are about to start your restaurant please make sure you bring an innovative restaurant because most restaurants in Rwanda are ranked 3 to 5 stars. Note that Rwandans are so Gentle.

22. Start a Hotel

Since tourism is the most important issue for the National Strategy of Transformation, 3 paths have been determined according to this vision, especially the Rwanda project as an ecotourism destination and the acceleration of tourism.

23. Invest in real Estates

As housing is a key component of Rwanda's Vision 2050, 11 districts, satellite cities, and secondary cities, have been identified as key areas for the development of primary infrastructure.

24. Invest in Electric Motorcycle

Introducing electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles) in Rwanda can be a game-changer for the transportation sector, combining sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and innovation. By implementing a comprehensive strategy encompassing product selection, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance, partnerships, education, and sustainability, launching e-motorcycles in Rwanda can contribute significantly to the country's transport sector modernization, economic development, and environmental conservation efforts.

25. Invest in Electric Trucks

Introducing electrical vehicles (EVs) in Rwanda can be a transformative initiative, aligning with the country's focus on sustainability and innovation. However, most electric vehicles are currently targeted for export due to logistical challenges and the lack of electric vehicle assembly or manufacturing facilities. More motorcycle jobs will provide more flexibility and ultimately reduce the economy. By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses infrastructure, policy, education, partnerships, and sustainability, Rwanda can successfully integrate electrical vehicles into its transportation landscape, contributing to economic growth, environmental conservation, and energy security.

26. TV Manufacturing

TV production is a new initiative by the Rwandan government encouraging existing assembly companies to expand to include TV production in a bid to expand television in the country. Increasing access to television will help provide better connectivity and media coverage to the Rwandan people while supporting the economy.

27. Biodegradable packaging production

Most of the packaging materials Rwanda currently needs are imported. According to the government's target to reduce single-use plastic, other packaging materials need to be domesticated to meet local needs. The project will promote trade in the packaging industry by creating biodegradable packaging facilities. The center will evaluate the use of new production methods to increase efficiency and the ability to produce biodegradable packaging to meet local and regional needs.

28. Detergent Production

The major market demand for care and cleaning products should be approximately 50 million USD, and domestic production should be 15-20 million USD (40%). Local production of hygiene products and cleaning products could bring new opportunities for Rwanda, as a large part of the market remains untapped. The project will pioneer the production of hand disinfectant by supporting the industry in hand disinfectant production. The factory will evaluate the effectiveness of the new production application in detergent production for export.

29. Animal Drugs Production

Veterinary medicine is important for keeping animals healthy and preventing infections to protect human health. This medication is currently being distributed. Local production of veterinary medicines can replace imports, which is important due to the increasing demand for poultry and meat in Rwanda. The project will support the pesticide trade, especially for cattle, goats, pigs, and chickens, and thus pharmaceutical facilities will be established. The Center will be advised to adopt new practices to improve the production and production of pesticides at a cheap and effective price.

30. Furniture Production

Currently, Rwanda imports a lot of furniture, but these products can be produced locally, making Rwanda dependent on furniture. Increasing the competitiveness of Rwandan-made furniture products will increase furniture demand and production and improve the quality of local furniture while sufficiently reducing trade barriers. The project will support the industry in furniture production and enable more furniture to be produced. The factory will evaluate whether the new production will be effective in the production of home, office, and school furniture.

31. Therapeutic Crop

The global cannabis market is expected to grow from $28.3 billion in 2021 to $197.7 billion in 2028; this represents a CAGR of 32%. This is an important opportunity that Rwanda can further explore. Rwanda is expected to develop a crop (hemp) program in 2021 in light of favorable climate and legal reform. Since cannabis is a profitable crop with huge international demand, the business can meet the growing global demand and bring back the future.

32. Seed Multiplying

Agriculture in Rwanda still relies on traditional seeds, resulting in reduced yields per harvest and disease-free agricultural products. Seed propagators are important for propagating new disease-resistant crops with higher yields.
Also, many seeds need to be liberalized on the market to ensure prices are competitive. The company's seed division focuses on expanding the supply of more robust and productive seeds for crops important to Rwanda's food security

The targeted crops are staple crops and high-value crops. Only 14.7% of farmers are using improved seeds in the 2021 season A and there are only 15 other similar companies in Rwanda, so there is a huge market for seed companies New products; The target sample is maize, cassava, and peas.

33. Insect Farms

In terms of value, the edible insect market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.5% from 2020 to 2027, reaching US$4.63 billion by 2027. Additionally, in terms of volume, the edible insect market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.5. From 2020 to 2027, it will reach 13,98,862.6 tonnes by 2027. Integrated edible insect farm and processing facility designed to produce products for human and animal consumption. Focusing on domestic consumption and strong exports will be important to ensure the development of the Rwandan economy. Agricultural production of sorghum for domestic consumption will help Rwanda achieve food security and reduce dependence on food imports. The main production capacity is the food line, animal feed protein bars and shakes, Bakery, etc,.

34. Beef Farm

Rwanda aims to produce 215,058 tonnes of meat products annually by 2024, up from producing 168,687 tonnes of meat products in 2020. Produce meat and work together and work vertically to ensure all aspects of the value chain are leveraged. Producing beef and other value-added products as valuable products will also help solve the country's nutritional problems and increase exports.

35. Fish Farms

While Rwanda aims to produce 112,000 tons of fish annually by 2024, the actual fish production in 2020 is 36,000 tons. Currently, one person consumes only 2.5kg of fish and Rwanda depends on imports for 45% of its fish. Vertically integrated aquaculture farms with fish feed plants, hatcheries, cage farms, processing units, and trading networks. Establishing a large-scale local fish farm will increase household resources and improve food security.

36. Poultry Farm

In 2015, Rwanda exported 2,960 tonnes of chicken, accounting for 16% of the country's demand. In the same year, export volume reached 1,480 tons (accounting for 8% of the country's demand). We need to increase domestic production. Farming is often involved in the production and processing of chicken meat and mixtures to ensure that all parts of the value chain are used. As the population grows and more protein is needed locally and regionally, the potential for expanding chicken products also increases.

37. Floriculture Farms

Rwanda has a temperate climate and high altitude all year round, making it a good climate for growing flowering plants. Additionally, Rwanda should attract more investors into the sector as state-owned Bella Flowers builds a value chain. Mixed flower farm that grows valuable products such as live plants, cut flowers, and leaves with export plans. Carefully select and grow crops that are comparable to neighboring countries. Expansion of the floriculture sector will add a niche, profitable market to Rwanda's exports and help reduce economic losses. if you are about to start investing in this domain focus on the following: Agapanthus Blue and White, Tuberose, and so on.

38. Avocado Farm

Due to its climate and the abundance of available growers Rwanda have an advantage in avocados, but smallholder farmers (SHF) prefer to grow local varieties (Hass / Fuerte) that do not comply with export restrictions and sales revenues. A large avocado farm specializing in the production of the Fuerte variety for local consumption and the Has variety for export to Europe. Potential areas include Gisagara, Huye, Nyagatare, Nyanza, and Ruzizi regions, which have suitable conditions for avocado pears. With over 15,000 hectares of SHF land used to grow avocados, Rwanda has the potential to expand by turning to avocado exports as international demand increases. Here are some of the avocados you should buy compared to available varieties Type Fuerte variety: Currently the main variety is grown in Rwanda, but the European market lost job. Hass variety: It accounts for 80% of avocado consumption worldwide, including Europe.

39. Wheat Farm

In 2020, Rwanda spent more than US$44 million to export more than 177,740 tonnes of rice, indicating an opportunity to meet local demand and increase production for the local economy. A farmer focused on cultivation and production.
Businessmen will have technology that will be able to provide information to farmers and also make crops less land-intensive. Rice will be planted on suitable lands using good agricultural practices to increase the average rice yield. Growing crops for domestic consumption will help Rwanda achieve food security and reduce dependence on rice imports.

40. Maize Farm

The fact that domestic corn demand was 677 tons in 2020 and domestic supply could only supply 604 tons indicates an opportunity for the private sector and an increase in production for the local economy. A farmer focused on cultivation and production. Businessmen will have technology that will be able to provide information to farmers and also makes corn cultivation less land-intensive. The hybrid maize will be planted on suitable land using good agricultural practices and will increase the average yield to 2.3 tonnes per hectare, compared to 1.7 tonnes per hectare for landraces. Growing maize for domestic consumption will help Rwanda achieve food security and reduce dependence on maize imports.

41. Coffee Shop Business

Starting a coffee shop business in Rwanda can be an excellent idea due to the country's rich coffee culture and growing demand for specialty coffee. By following these steps and staying committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, your coffee shop business in Rwanda can thrive and become a popular destination for coffee enthusiasts and locals alike.

42. Event Equipment Rental

Starting an event equipment rental business in Rwanda can be a lucrative venture, especially considering the country's growing events industry. By following these steps and staying customer-focused, reliable, and adaptable to market needs, your event equipment rental business can thrive in Rwanda's vibrant events industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rwanda offers a fertile ground for a wide range of business opportunities across diverse industries. Whether you're inclined towards technology, hospitality, agriculture, or services, there are numerous avenues to explore and establish a successful venture. Conduct thorough market research, identify gaps or niches, and leverage your skills and passion to start and grow your business in Rwanda's thriving economy. With determination, creativity, and strategic planning, you can carve a rewarding path in the Rwandan business landscape.

So, there you have it, forty businesses you can start in Rwanda with zero or small cost. Remember, the key to any successful business lies in passion, consistency, and dedication. Now, it's time to turn your dreams into reality.

Good luck!

Author: Donald Masimbi