The Centre for Development and Enterprises Rwanda (CDE Rwanda) has officially launched the ISHEMA Project, a nationwide civic and economic empowerment initiative designed to promote economic freedom, civic awareness, and dignity among women cross-border traders, youth, and small business owners in Rwanda.
The launch event, held in Kigali on February 2, 2026, brought together media professionals, civil society actors, and development partners — reflecting a shared commitment to inclusive, citizen-centered economic development.
Empowering 10,000 Beneficiaries Nationwide
The ISHEMA Project aims to reach at least 10,000 beneficiaries across Rwanda, with a particular focus on women, youth, and small business owners operating in both the formal and informal sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Rene Gosciny Bigirimana, Chief Executive Officer of CDE Rwanda, emphasized that the initiative seeks to address structural barriers that prevent full economic participation.
“ISHEMA aims to remove barriers that hamper our development as citizens through a free market,” Bigirimana stated.
“With the support of our partner, Atlas Network, a US-based NGO, we are implementing a series of trainings and policy engagements to empower citizens, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.”
A Phased National Implementation
The project will be implemented in several phases, beginning with the national launch and followed by capacity-building trainings across all provinces and the City of Kigali.
These activities will engage:
- Policymakers
- Private sector representatives
- Civil society organizations
- Local authorities
The objective is to foster dialogue and generate practical, citizen-driven solutions to barriers affecting trade and entrepreneurship.
Addressing Structural Barriers to Trade
The ISHEMA Project builds on previous civic and economic empowerment initiatives led by CDE Rwanda. Many traders have expressed concerns regarding:
- High taxation
- Restrictive regulations
- Limited market access
ISHEMA seeks to address these challenges through education, advocacy, and constructive policy engagement.
“Our role is not only advocacy, but also education,” Bigirimana explained.
“We will train citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities, operate within the law, pay taxes, respect trade rules, and at the same time demand fairness and accountability.”
The initiative also promotes the free movement of people and goods, recognizing that open and competitive markets are essential for inclusive economic growth.
Key Activities
The ISHEMA Project focuses on women farmers and traders, youth entrepreneurs, small business owners, and other critical actors in Rwanda’s economic development.
Key activities include:
- Community dialogues on economic freedoms and property rights
- Entrepreneurship and market participation training
- Advocacy through radio programs and social media campaigns
- Public discussions on economic justice and accountability
Expected Impact
The project is expected to:
- Increase public awareness of economic and civic rights
- Empower citizens to demand fairness and accountability
- Enhance participation of women and youth in the economy
- Strengthen support for inclusive economic policies
- Improve trust between citizens and public institutions
A Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Change
In the long term, ISHEMA aims to promote sustainable societal transformation by:
- Defending civil and economic freedoms
- Encouraging grassroots civic engagement
- Supporting gender equity
- Promoting peaceful, citizen-driven reform
ISHEMA represents a significant step toward restoring dignity, expanding opportunity, and strengthening economic freedom in Rwanda.
By empowering citizens and advocating for fair and inclusive economic policies, the initiative contributes to building a more open, accountable, and prosperous society