TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR DOESN’T REQUIRE A HIGH CAPITAL,” SINA GERARD SAID

Mr. Sina Gerard, founder and manager of SINA GERARD Ese Urwibutso- Photo by Nyirangarama

When we say “Akarabo, Agashya, Akabanga, Akanozo, Urwibutso” and many more similar names, most Rwandans relate. These aren’t just names but best quality products liked by many people produced by an entrepreneur mostly referred to as “Nyirangarama” but his actual name is Sina Gerard. In this story we will take you through the business journey of this inspiring man up to where he is currently.

An interview with Mr. Sina Gerard, the founder and manager of SIna Gerard Ese Urwibutso, mentioned that he initiated his business idea in 1983 in what was known as Tare district, currently known as Rulindo district in the Northern province.

He said “I was 20 years old when I started growing some vegetables such as cabbages, carrots, tomatoes, and onions on my parents’ small garden. I didn’t have to rent any place, I stayed at home cared on like any other child. By then, I had just completed my lower high school level. I always sold my harvests and did some little savings.”

He went on telling us how Rulindo has a fertile land which favors growing of crops and fruits of all kinds. In 1993, that is when Mr. Sina Gerard Enterprise Urwibutso was established in that same location of Rulindo. Sina Gerard continued telling us how motivated he was everyday he woke up to his garden with various kinds of crops as he believed that every amount of money he earned was going to produce more, all in the quest to achieve his goals and life aspirations.

In year 1996-1998, that’s when he decided to also grow passion fruits and started processing the fruits into juice which he named “Agashya”. He added “I wouldn’t have reached to the level I am at right now if it wasn’t for the great collaboration with the people of Rulindo who supported my activities and took in my advice of carrying out both livestock farming and crop growing so that we can maximize that opportunity together.”

Sina Gerard also started setting up small agro-processing industries where his agriculture yields and that of his neighbors were taken to be processed so that they can take high quality products at the market.

During year 1999, Sina Gerard started attending EXPO Rwanda and exhibited different drinks and food products produced by Sina Gerard Ese Urwibutso.

 

It was in 2000 when he started receiving different trophies and medals

Among the juice made by SINA GERARD Ese Urwibutso -Photo by Nyirangarama

Sina Gerard’s uniqueness of his products was not only recognized in Rwanda, but went overseas and also won various prizes and trophies. In Rwanda, among the trophies he won a number of trophies as the best exhibitor in different districts such as Rwamagana, during year 2019, Muhanga, during year 2020 and many more. Beyond the Rwandan borders, Sina Gerard was invited to attend various summit where he showcased his products and among the awards he received, there is the International Quality Awards which was offered by the International Quality Summit Institute in New York.

Sina Gerard mentioned to us that he has different processing industries that process both his food products and drinks from the crops they grow and animals they rear. In these different industries, he uses 500 permanent workers who are paid monthly and around 1000 workers who work as per time employees.

He told the Voice of Investors that he also receives agricultural yields from around five thousand families who grow and rear his cattle, swine, rabbits and chicken production.

He added that, his products are now well known across the African continent, America and the Europe. “People need to elevate their mindsets and immerse in agriculture sector.” Sina Gerard said.  He not only employs people but also trains them the culture of saving where by four to five hundred parents whom he employs are paid through Bank of Kigali (BK) in Rulindo branch.

Various products produced by Sina Gerard Ese Urwibutso. Photo by Nyirangarama

He emphasized that, he is devoted to uplifting the wellbeing of citizens in the first and second category of wealth and help them reach the third level. Furthermore, he established a school in Rulindo district called Foundation SINA GERARD where he pays for seven hundred students from both nursery and primary level. He expects to receive more than a thousand students with a master’s degree in different fields from Asia, Europe and other places whom he funded during their studies.

He concluded telling us that, he went into different countries since 2002 exhibiting his unique products. These places include Germany, France, England, Netherland, Canada, USA, China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and many other different countries across the globe.

He dedicated his last words to advise the youth. He said “knowing what you want and not limiting yourselves paves the way to your success. However, all this wouldn’t mean anything if you lack self-discipline and self-control in all you do.”

Source : other Media link from 2021