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AAYWA logoAAYWAWomen · Agriculture · Leadership

About AAYWA

An African organization growing young women leaders through agribusiness.

We believe young African women are not simply part of agriculture — they can shape its future.

Who we are

Women-led. Africa-rooted. Enterprise-focused.

AAYWA is an African NGO empowering young women to move beyond subsistence farming into profitable, sustainable and resilient agribusiness — as entrepreneurs, innovators and decision-makers.

We walk alongside young women from their first step in agriculture to leading enterprises that transform their communities and food systems.

Where young women grow, communities flourish.

The idea at the heart of AAYWA
AAYWA young women — a community united by shared purpose and agricultural ambition

Vision & Mission

Vision

Transforming the lives of young African women from subsistence farming to sustainable agribusiness.

Mission

Empowering young African women to build profitable, sustainable agribusinesses through training, finance, innovation, global markets and ethical value chains — while developing leaders who create lasting change.

Our values

The principles behind every programme, partnership and decision.

Eight values guide how AAYWA shows up — with the women we serve, the partners we work with and the change we pursue.

Sisterhood

We rise through shared growth, solidarity and collective success.

Leadership

We equip women to lead boldly and influence change.

Indigenous Innovation

We honour African knowledge and combine it with modern solutions.

Sustainability

We protect natural resources while building resilient livelihoods.

Empowerment

We build confidence, ownership and economic independence.

Advocacy

We amplify young women's voices and champion equitable opportunity.

Partnerships

We believe lasting impact grows through strong ecosystems.

Well-being

We connect agriculture with nutrition, wellness and thriving communities.

AAYWA members gathered — a community of young women growing through shared strength

Sisterhood

Growth is stronger when it is shared.

AAYWA is more than a programme — it is a community of young women who learn together, challenge each other and celebrate every step forward. Peer support, shared knowledge and collective confidence are at the heart of everything we do.

Leadership

The women leading AAYWA.

AAYWA is guided by a committed team of young African women — bringing together agricultural expertise, entrepreneurship and community leadership.

Ishimwe Bonnete, President

Ishimwe Bonnete

President

Kalisa Nicole Umutoni, Vice President

Kalisa Nicole Umutoni

Vice President

Rosa Muhumuza, General Secretary

Rosa Muhumuza

General Secretary

Shilla Ndegeya, Executive Secretary

Shilla Ndegeya

Executive Secretary

Solange Umutoni, Treasurer

Solange Umutoni

Treasurer

Members

Benie Iradukunda, Member

Benie Iradukunda

Member

Muhoza Faith, Member

Muhoza Faith

Member

Uwodukunda Concilie, Member

Uwodukunda Concilie

Member

Colombe Rukwaya, Member

Colombe Rukwaya

Member

Clarisse Munezero, Member

Clarisse Munezero

Member

Lyze Muyenzi Mpore, Member

Lyze Muyenzi Mpore

Member

A young woman working on her farm — representing the women AAYWA serves

Who we serve

Young women shaping their future through agriculture.

We serve young women as leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators and decision-makers — working beside them with dignity, agency and respect.

  1. 01

    Young women farmers

    Farmers ready to grow their production into strong enterprises.

  2. 02

    Emerging agripreneurs

    Young women building businesses across agriculture and food systems.

  3. 03

    Young women-led farmer groups

    Collectives and cooperatives growing through shared strength.

  4. 04

    Young women innovators

    Young women using ideas, technology and indigenous knowledge.

  5. 05

    Teen mothers seeking livelihoods

    Young mothers pursuing sustainable, dignified income.

  6. 06

    Community leaders

    Young women transforming families, communities and food systems.

Ready to grow with AAYWA?

Whether you are a young woman farmer ready to start a journey, or an organization that believes in women-led agricultural transformation — there is a place for you here.