Rwanda Refugees Build $84M Project, 500-Cow Cooperative

When Pierre Rutayisire fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1995 with nothing, he refused to give up on the life he once knew. Today, the 64-year-old tends four cows at Mahama Refugee Camp and leads a cooperative managing 500 cattle that produce 2,500 liters of milk daily.

His story reflects a powerful shift happening across Rwanda's refugee camps. With foreign aid declining, 72,000 refugees at Mahama camp alone are launching businesses, farms, and cooperatives that support their families and strengthen local communities.

The numbers tell an inspiring story. The Jya Mbere project, backed by $84 million from the World Bank, has created more than 22,000 jobs since 2019. Over 5,500 people received grants totaling $8.2 million to start income-generating activities in agriculture, textiles, hospitality, and retail.

Ornella Teta, who arrived from Congo as a child, now runs a thriving wig shop at Mahama's market. "We hear that back in Congo people cannot do business in peace," she says. "But here in the camp, we can do business in peace and pay taxes and be able to provide for the family."

Even newcomers are finding their footing quickly. Ahmedeltayeb Elsamani from Sudan opened a food shop just four months after arriving in Rwanda in 2024. While he's still learning what sells best, he's confident his business will grow.

The Ripple Effect

Rwanda's approach goes beyond helping refugees survive. The country's inclusion policy treats refugees and host communities as partners, rebuilding roads, health facilities, and schools that benefit everyone.

Gonzague Karagire, who manages refugee programs for Rwanda's Ministry of Emergency Management, explains the philosophy simply. "Many Rwandans have the refugee situation background and understand what it feels like to be a refugee," he says. His country knows firsthand how important dignity and opportunity are for displaced people.

The dairy cooperative plans to open a milk collection center soon and expand into cheese and yogurt production. For Pierre, the cows represent more than income. They're a connection to his youth in North Kivu and proof that refugees can rebuild their lives with the right support.

Rwanda now hosts more than 132,000 refugees, and the government continues investing in projects that help them become self-reliant while strengthening local economies. When humanitarian aid becomes uncertain, these communities are proving they can create their own path forward.