Bakeries play an important role in local food systems and offer employment opportunities to young people. At the same time, there is often room for growth when it comes to efficiency, quality and product variety.
PUM offers practical support to small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries and emerging markets. In Rwanda, this includes partnerships with local bakeries to strengthen their production processes, business operations and product development, always in close cooperation with the entrepreneurs and their teams.
This collaboration began when PUM expert Allard Jacobs travelled to Kigali and visited Akiva Bakery. During his first week, he worked side by side with the small team, providing advice on dough quality, baking methods and daily operations. He stayed with the family, gaining a deeper understanding of their context and ambitions.
In his second week, Allard teamed up with Ishingiro Bakery, founded by Naphutal Iyamuremy, a local entrepreneur who started baking as a teenager and gradually built a thriving business with multiple bakeries, shops and a farm. Together, they focused on refining logistics, improving organisation and introducing new products such as croissants and baguettes.
The cooperation resulted in clear improvements and mutual appreciation. A follow-up visit is already being discussed.
PUM continues to work closely with entrepreneurs like Naphutal and the team at Akiva Bakery, sharing knowledge, strengthening local capacity, and learning from each other in the process.
Interested in this project? Get in touch with
Bertin Kagabo
Representative Rwanda, Kigali and Southern Province
