MINAGRI Commends Ikirezi for Reviving Rwanda’s Essential Oil Industry

Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, has praised Ikirezi Natural Products for its pivotal role in reviving the essential oil industry, a sector that once thrived during the colonial era but later disappeared, and for its contribution to sustainable development in Rwanda.

The Minister made the remarks on November 6, 2025, during a ceremony held in Kigali to celebrate Ikirezi’s 20th anniversary. The event brought together government officials, company staff, partners, suppliers, and farmers. It was preceded by a thanksgiving service.

Founded in 2005, Ikirezi Natural Products is a social enterprise that produces high-quality essential oils and natural plant products in partnership with rural farmers in Kirehe and Rutsiro Districts

“The story of essential oils in Rwanda mirrors our nation’s journey from disruption to renewal,” said Minister Bagabe. “When the industry collapsed in the 1960s, few imagined it would ever return. Yet Ikirezi’s founding in 2005 revived this forgotten sector, putting Rwanda back on the global map.”

 “The success of this enterprise exemplifies Made in Rwanda, green growth, and inclusive business. From humble beginnings, Ikirezi has laid the foundation for Rwanda’s essential oil industry. Because of your example, many others have joined the sector as exporters—and indeed, as you mentioned, it now generates millions of dollars for our country”, he added.

The Minister also commended Ikirezi for promoting regenerative agriculture, demonstrating that biodiversity and business can thrive together. He reaffirmed the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to supporting enterprises that balance profit, people, and the planet.

In terms of social impact, over 15,000 farmers—70% of them women—have benefited from Ikirezi’s initiatives. Through training and job opportunities, they have earned sustainable incomes, educated their children, and improved their communities.

Representatives from Ikirezi’s international partners also shared messages of appreciation.

“We’ve been privileged to work alongside Dr. Hitimana,” said Kissel Farm manager, from the USA. He has shown us that when hope is planted in the rich soil of community, it can bloom a thousandfold.”

A representative of a team from Scotland and the UK added: “It’s been a joy to witness what has been accomplished here. Over 20 years, we’ve seen hard work, faith, and perseverance, through highs and lows, always guided by God’s strength. May this journey continue for many more years.”

Dr. Nicolas Hitimana, Managing Director of Ikirezi, expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the company’s success–farmers, employees (past and present), board members, government officials, consumers, and partners.

“Everyone here has a story connected to Ikirezi,” he said. “This celebration is not about me, it’s about all of us.”

He also thanked the Government of Rwanda for creating a conducive environment that enables entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“No matter how good your plans are, without the right environment, you go nowhere. What’s unique in Rwanda is that the government truly supports entrepreneurs who want to help build the country,” he emphasized.

Looking ahead, Dr. Hitimana said Ikirezi plans to add more value to its products and adopt a circular production model that maximizes every resource.

“We want to add value to our oils and use every part of the plants. For instance, we use tagetes, once considered a useless weed, and we’re exploring other forgotten plants—like eucalyptus leaves, which used to be discarded but now produce valuable oil. I don’t have the exact figures, but I can tell you eucalyptus oil alone brings millions of dollars into the country.”

Minister Bagabe highlighted that Ikirezi’s two decades of experience illustrate how resilience, innovation, and partnerships can drive sustainable development.

He emphasized that what the organization is doing is well aligned with the national priorities in terms of agricultural transformation strategy, export diversification, green growth, resilience strategy, vision 2050, and national strategy for transformation. 

Essential oil products from Ikirezi include eucalyptus oil, organic geranium oil, organic lemongrass oil, Patchouli oil, organic rosemary oil and Tagetes oil.