Rwandan entrepreneur and Founder and Managing Director of Sina Gerard/Urwibutso Enterprise, Dr. Sina Gerard, has called for stronger international partnerships and increased investment in Africa’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors, describing the continent as a trusted destination for sustainable business growth rather than merely a consumer market.
Delivering a keynote address at the TARJ Forum and Trade Faie , Lagos , 2026 where he was honoured as the Changemaker of the year by the Africa Regional Journal and received TWARM Lifetime Achievement Awards under the West Africa Regional Magazine, he indicated that partnership is key for regional and continental development.
The event was attended by business leaders, investors and government representatives from across the world. Dr. Gerard in his statement recounted his remarkable journey from a small farming village in Rwanda to building one of the country’s leading agro-processing companies.
“It is a great honour and privilege to stand before you today,” he told participants, expressing gratitude to the organisers for convening leaders who believe that business can transform lives and build a better future.
Reflecting on his early years, Dr. Gerard said he was raised in a farming family where he learned the virtues of hard work, discipline and perseverance. With limited resources but an unwavering vision, he established his business in 1983 with the determination to produce high-quality and innovative products capable of competing in wider markets.
According to him, the support provided by the Government of Rwanda through entrepreneurship development programmes played a significant role in helping transform the small enterprise into the thriving Sina Gerard/Urwibutso Enterprise it is today.
The company now manufactures an extensive range of products, including the internationally recognised Akabanga Chili Oil, Agashya fruit juices, Urwibutso doughnuts, wines, bakery products and other food items sold in Rwanda and exported to international markets.
Dr. Gerard told delegates that his entrepreneurial journey had reinforced one fundamental lesson: “Success does not depend on where you start but on the vision you pursue, the values you uphold and the determination to never give up.”
He stressed that businesses should pursue social impact alongside commercial success, explaining that Urwibutso Enterprise is committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers, creating employment opportunities for young people, empowering women and contributing to Rwanda’s sustainable economic development.
“Every product we produce represents the hard work of thousands of farmers who supply us with fresh agricultural produce,” he said, adding that business success should translate into stronger communities and shared prosperity.
Turning to global economic challenges, Dr. Gerard noted that food insecurity, climate change and unemployment require greater collaboration among governments, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and the private sector.
He argued that Africa possesses enormous economic potential through its abundant natural resources, fertile agricultural land and youthful population but requires greater investment in manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, skills development and access to international markets.
“When we process our agricultural products locally, we create jobs, increase incomes, reduce poverty and strengthen our economies,” he stated.
He urged international investors to view Africa as a long-term strategic partner capable of driving innovation and sustainable economic growth.
“I invite all of you to see Africa not only as a market but also as a trusted partner for investment, innovation and long-term business growth,” Dr. Gerard told the gathering.
Addressing aspiring entrepreneurs, he encouraged young business leaders to pursue ambitious goals despite limited resources, emphasising the importance of honesty, resilience and continuous learning.
“Dream big, start with what you have, remain honest and never fear failure. Every successful business begins with a single step and grows through persistence, integrity and continuous learning,” he advised.
Concluding his address, Dr. Gerard challenged global business leaders to build partnerships founded on trust, innovation, quality and shared prosperity.
“The greatest businesses are those that improve people’s lives while creating lasting value,” he said.
His address was widely received as a strong endorsement of Africa’s growing role in global manufacturing, value addition and international trade, while highlighting Rwanda’s emergence as a model for entrepreneurship-led economic transformation.
The award granted Dr Sina Gerard was in appreciation of his success in the agribusiness industry, where he has produced high-quality goods that are well-known both domestically and globally. He has been promoting made in Rwanda goods , imparting knowledge to his community, and inspiring the people of Nyiragarama to achieve greatness. ‘This lifetime achievement award honours your contributions and inventions that will always be important on a worldwide scale’ the statement said .
The African Regional Journal (TARJ) unveiled its prestigious 100 Inspiring Individuals 2026 list, recognising some of Africa’s most influential business leaders, political figures, entrepreneurs, investors and development champions whose contributions continue to shape the continent’s economic transformation and social progress.
Compiled through an extensive research process, the annual list celebrates exceptional Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, as well as foreign investors and business leaders whose work has significantly impacted Africa through innovation, entrepreneurship, industrialisation, humanitarian service, governance, activism and sustainable development.
The selection process focused on measurable developmental impact, including job creation, business growth, tax contributions, innovation, social responsibility, transparency, accountability and leadership that advances Africa’s economic and social development.
Leading this year’s honours is Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder and President of the Dangote Group, who was named TARJ Man of the Year in recognition of his transformative role in Africa’s industrialisation and his sustained investment across key sectors of the economy.
Rwandan entrepreneur Dr. Sina Gerard, Founder and Owner of the Urwibutso Group, received the TARJ Changemaker of the Year Award for building one of Rwanda’s most successful agro-processing enterprises while creating employment opportunities, supporting thousands of farmers and championing value addition in agriculture.
Ghanaian traditional leader and business executive H.R.M. Togbe Afede XIV, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SAS Finance Group, was honoured with the TARJ Global Impact Award for his outstanding contribution to business development, investment and national leadership.
Kenyan President H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto was recognised as the TARJ Pan-Africanist of the Year, acknowledging his leadership on regional integration, economic cooperation and Africa’s development agenda.
Another Nigerian business titan, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of BUA Group, was named TARJ Industrialist of the Year for his continued investment in manufacturing and infrastructure across the continent.
Namibia’s President, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, received the TARJ Woman of the Year Award, recognising her leadership and contribution to governance and development.
Meanwhile, H.E. Fanny Chantal, President of ECOFEPA, was honoured as the TARJ Amazon of the Year for her exceptional leadership and contribution to women’s empowerment and continental development.
Recognising Excellence Across Africa
the 100 Inspiring Individuals initiative seeks to spotlight leaders whose work continues to inspire innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across Africa.
The research assessed nominees based on several key indicators, including business and investment with measurable impact on employment and government revenue, commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, creativity and innovation in developing African products and services, and social impact through humanitarian initiatives and advocacy.
According to the organisers, strengthening governance and accountability remains essential if Africa is to fully harness the opportunities presented by regional and global development frameworks.
TWARM Business and Leadership Awards
Alongside the 100 Inspiring Individuals recognition, the publication also announced the TWARM Achievers, Business and Leadership Awards, which honour outstanding public and private sector leaders who have contributed significantly to Africa’s economic growth and development.
The awards recognise business executives, public office holders and investors whose leadership has strengthened industries, created employment, promoted innovation and inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Outstanding companies will also be recognised annually for delivering quality products and services, driving innovation and maintaining industry leadership within their respective sectors.
According to the organisers, the awards provide a unique platform for Africa’s leading business and political figures to exchange ideas, foster partnerships and develop practical solutions to the continent’s economic challenges.
The African Regional Journal said the initiative remains committed to celebrating individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership and commitment continue to accelerate Africa’s transformation and position the continent as a competitive force in the global economy.
