Icyari Social Incubation: Women entrepreneurs learning from a successful garment business
“Why reinvent the wheel when others are already riding it?” Knowledge sharing, networking and exposure to successful businesses are at the heart of the Icyari Social Incubation Programme. On 30th July 2026, GNE brought together 8 women entrepreneurs and 5 business coaches for a study visit to Janiya Investment Ltd, a growing garment manufacturer in Muhanga District.
The visit offered participants a unique opportunity to see how a small tailoring business can evolve into a larger enterprise—and to draw practical lessons for their own businesses. Janiya's story was particularly inspiring. The company started modestly with just 10 sewing machines and has grown significantly over approximately 15 years.
Participants discovered the complete garment-production process—from customer orders and design to fabric cutting, sewing, finishing and storage. They also learned about equipment, sourcing raw materials, quality control, customer service, marketing and day-to-day business management.
The company's journey demonstrated a powerful lesson: Successful businesses do not start big. They grow through vision, opportunity, persistence and continuous investment.
Turning inspiration into new possibilities
Participants were particularly encouraged by the growing demand for locally manufactured clothing and the opportunities created by Rwanda's Made-in-Rwanda agenda. Janiya shared its future ambition to further expand production capacity, including plans for a larger garment production facility and additional textile-related activities.
For the women entrepreneurs, this was more than a factory visit—it was a chance to see what could be possible for their own businesses.
Christine, owner of Aguka Tailoring Workshop in Huye and a mentor to emerging tailors, captured the impact: “Now I believe I can realise my dream of setting up a small factory. From Janiya's history, I can see that I can do it too.”
For Amina, an experienced tailor with 15 years in the sector, the visit provided practical insights into equipment and raw-material sourcing that are already informing her investment decisions.
Another participant, Joselyne, gained valuable lessons on importing fabrics and garments and on reducing risks when purchasing through online platforms.
Building connections beyond the visit
The benefits extended beyond learning. Participants exchanged contacts, established new professional relationships and arranged follow-up discussions for potential collaboration. Janiya Investment Ltd also expressed its willingness to explore future collaboration with GNE, including internships, market linkages, technical advice and knowledge exchange.
From exposure to transformation
The study visit illustrates the philosophy behind Icyari Social Incubation: entrepreneurs grow faster when they have access not only to training and finance, but also to role models, networks, markets, practical knowledge and opportunities to learn from others.
For these women, the message was clear: Start where you are. Learn from those ahead of you. Build your network. Think bigger. Grow step by step.
Through Icyari, GNE is helping women entrepreneurs move from small businesses to stronger, more ambitious and sustainable enterprises—one connection at a time.