By Emily Buyaki

Communication Officer, FAWE

At just 29 years old, Regine Mukamwiza is proof that with the right support, even a road that starts with disappointment can lead to remarkable success. A recipient of the FAWE and Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, Regine was part of the first Rwandan cohort in 2014. She joined Bon Conseil School, one of Rwanda’s top institutions, where she excelled in her A’Level studies and scored highly in the national exams.

Though she met the minimum university entry requirements, Regine was not selected for tertiary education support, which is reserved for 70% of top-performing scholars. Many in her position might have given up. But for Regine, this was just the beginning of a new chapter.

When FAWE introduced the Alumni Entrepreneurship Fund, Regine saw a second chance to build her future. She applied for the grant and was awarded 1.2 million RWF (approx. USD 842) to start a business. Alongside the funding, FAWE provided comprehensive training in business planning and financial management.

“Once I received training on how to manage a business, I used the grant to set up a piggery,” says Regine. “The money was disbursed in tranches — I used the first to construct the pig shelter and the second to buy two pigs: one for 80,000 RWF (USD 56) and another for 120,000 RWF (USD 84).”

Her investment quickly began to pay off. Using artificial insemination, the pigs reproduced successfully — one delivered 11 piglets, the other 12. Regine sold the piglets at two months old for 60,000 RWF (USD 42) each, reinvesting the income to cover the growing cost of feed and expand her operations.

Today, Regine sells an average of 40 pigs per year, earning a steady monthly net profit of 120,000 RWF (USD 84). Her piglets are sold to local farmers and market-goers, while adult pigs are purchased by butchers and pork vendors. With the proceeds, she has launched a mini-market in the local shopping center and helps meet her family’s financial needs.

Her success is built on care, consistency, and teamwork.

“I work closely with a veterinary doctor who checks on the pigs regularly. They rarely get sick. My husband is also very supportive — he helps with the pigs and managing the mini-market.”

Regine’s journey is not only about business, but also about giving back. She recently donated a piglet to an elderly man in her village. That pig has since grown and given birth to six piglets, continuing the cycle of opportunity and empowerment.

As her business grows, Regine hopes to hire more workers and expand her piggery, acknowledging that the enterprise is capital intensive. But with the foundation she has built — and the support from her family — the future looks promising.

She ends her story with heartfelt gratitude:

“May God bless you and expand your territories. Thank you, FAWE and Mastercard Foundation, for the opportunity you gave me in secondary school and with the business.”