From 500 to 7,000 Litres: How UBUMWE Vision Ltd Revolutionized Ginger Wine Production in Kayonza

In a remarkable transformation of Rwanda’s ginger crop, Issa MURWANASHYAKA, the Director Manager of UBUMWE Vision Ltd, is leading the production of IBANGA RY’UBUKI Ginger Wine and Fresh Goal. Based in Kayonza District, his company utilizes locally sourced raw materials, including ginger, honey, and rosemary, to produce high-quality beverages that are making waves in the agribusiness sector.

A major catalyst for this success has been the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP), which provided funding covering 70% of UBUMWE Vision Ltd’s expansion costs. With this support, MURWANASHYAKA upgraded his production facilities, purchased modern wine-making and packaging equipment, and expanded infrastructure. This intervention has allowed the company to increase its production capacity from 500 litres to a remarkable 7,000 litres daily.

He expressed deep appreciation for SAIP’s contribution, stating, “SAIP gave us machines that help us to make our work go faster; at least we can make 2,000 boxes daily.”

Beyond enhancing production, the impact of SAIP’s funding extends to employment creation and farmer empowerment. UBUMWE Vision Ltd now provides jobs to over 50 workers, many of them youth, and collaborates with cooperative farmers to source high-quality raw materials such as ginger, fresh honey, and rosemary. This initiative not only boosts local economic development but also strengthens value chains in the agricultural sector.

Initially, MURWANASHYAKA relied on traditional methods, which limited production to 500 liters per day and affected product quality. However, with SAIP’s support, UBUMWE Vision Ltd now operates with state-of-the-art processing machines, fermentation tanks, and packaging equipment.

“When SAIP came in, we only had machines worth RWF 40 million. Now we have machines worth RWF 200 million,” he noted, emphasizing the scale of transformation his business has undergone.

Jean HITIMANA, the SAIP Project Manager, highlighted that SAIP’s matching grants, like the one MURWANASHYAKA received, empower farmers and agribusinesses to increase production, diversify income sources, and add value to agricultural products. So far, over 45,000 farmers have benefited from the program’s first phase, with an additional 20,000 expected to be reached by the end of 2024. Nearly 51% of the allocated funding has already been distributed, with 31% invested in various initiatives.

Funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) through the World Bank, SAIP is implemented under the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). The project’s overarching goal is to enhance agricultural productivity, improve market access, and strengthen food security for targeted communities.

Through innovation, value addition, and strong market linkages, Issa MURWANASHYAKA is not only growing his business but also uplifting farmers and contributing to the growth of Rwanda’s agribusiness sector. His journey exemplifies how strategic investments and partnerships can drive economic transformation and sustainable development.