NGOZI, March 24 (ABP) – The Youth Economic Empowerment and Employment Program (PAEEJ) organized, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, a competition of innovative projects by young women (Ladies Impulse) in Butanyerera province. This activity follows a series of training sessions provided to women project leaders selected from different communes of the province.
Among the eight projects in competition, the onion processing project into powder (red onion powder), presented by Emelyne Niyoyitungiye, won first place with a prize of 15,500,000 BIF. Second place went to the shoe manufacturing project by Louise Tuyisenge, which received support of 14,500,000 BIF. These two projects will represent the province at the national competition scheduled for March 24, 2026, in Gitega.
According to Bonaventure Nzitwanayo, in charge of training programs and project development at PAEEJ, the competition aims to promote women’s empowerment, particularly during this month dedicated to them. He pointed out that among nearly 4,000 projects already funded by PAEEJ, women account for only 15%, hence the desire to strengthen their participation. He added that these projects will continue to receive follow-up support to ensure their success.
For his part, Michel Bizoza, head of the youth entrepreneurship department at PAEEJ, recalled that women face numerous challenges, notably family responsibilities, which hinder their progress. He encouraged them to persevere and develop their projects to improve their living conditions.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Louise Tuyisenge thanked the State for its support for women’s empowerment through PAEEJ. She also praised the training received in project development and encouraged other women to dare to undertake entrepreneurial activities, to submit their projects to PAEEJ or to the Women’s Development Investment Bank (BIDF) in order to obtain funding and move toward economic independence.