Herman Uwizeyimana, a pioneering Rwandan farmer with a PhD in ecology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has made a remarkable impact on Rwanda’s agricultural landscape through his innovative approach to chili farming. In 2019, Uwizeyimana made the bold decision to leave his stable public service job and transition into farming, driven by a desire to contribute to Rwanda’s economic development and improve the livelihoods of its people.
Uwizeyimana’s decision to pursue chili farming was not just a career change, but a commitment to building a business that would benefit the local community. Despite the challenges of leaving behind a regular salary, he saw farming as an opportunity to have a meaningful impact. Under his leadership, the agriculture company Fisher Global has grown into a successful enterprise that has not only created hundreds of jobs but also fostered the development of agricultural expertise within Rwanda.
The company primarily focuses on chili farming, with Uwizeyimana working with over 1,500 farmers across the country. Through this initiative, farmers are provided with high-quality seeds, technical support, and training in sustainable agricultural practices. The company also employs a network of agronomists and technicians to ensure the success of the farming operation. The production process includes drying the chili peppers before exporting them to China, which has become a key market for the company’s products.
The growing trade between Rwanda and China has been instrumental in Uwizeyimana’s success. He views this trade relationship as a valuable opportunity for Rwandan farmers to access global markets and benefit from China’s demand for agricultural products. The export of dried chili to China is not only profitable but also contributes to Rwanda’s broader economic development, creating jobs and improving the income levels of rural communities.
Fisher Global’s operations span 300 hectares across Rwanda, focusing on chili farming, as well as soybean and maize cultivation. Soybeans are grown as part of a rotational cropping system to maintain soil health, a practice that ensures the sustainability of the land. The company has achieved impressive results, exporting between 200 and 300 metric tons of dried chili each year, with 230 tons exported in the most recent year. Uwizeyimana’s ambition is to expand this figure to 1,500 metric tons annually, further increasing the company’s contribution to Rwanda’s agricultural exports.
The success of chili farming in Rwanda is relatively recent. For many years, chili was grown on a small scale primarily for local consumption. Today, it has evolved into a lucrative industry with substantial income generation potential. As chili farming continues to expand, it is playing an increasingly important role in boosting the purchasing power of local communities and driving the economic development of the country. By providing farmers with access to international markets and offering reliable income streams, Uwizeyimana’s vision is transforming the agricultural sector.
One significant development that promises to further benefit African farmers is China’s new policy, which came into effect in December 2024. The policy grants zero-tariff treatment to goods from least developed countries with which China has diplomatic relations. Uwizeyimana sees this policy as a major boost for African farmers, particularly those in Rwanda who rely on the Chinese market for their exports. The zero-tariff treatment will make it easier for companies like Fisher Global to increase their exports, reduce costs, and enhance profitability. For local farmers, it means better access to the lucrative Chinese market and greater opportunities for economic growth.
However, the chili business has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles Uwizeyimana faces is working with a labor force that often lacks agricultural knowledge and experience. Many of the workers are young, and cultivating the right agricultural mindset has proven to be a challenge. Uwizeyimana’s company invests in training and mentoring to ensure that employees adopt best practices in farming and production. He believes that this investment in human capital is crucial for the long-term success of the business and the broader agricultural sector.
Looking ahead, Uwizeyimana remains optimistic about the future of chili farming in Rwanda. He believes that as the industry continues to grow and the demand for Rwandan chili increases, his business will continue to play a key role in driving agricultural transformation. With the backing of the Chinese market and the support of his local team, Uwizeyimana is confident that the chili farming sector will continue to thrive, providing valuable employment opportunities and contributing to the economic prosperity of Rwanda.
