Wilderness has announced a new partnership with Indego Africa aimed at strengthening economic opportunities for women artisans across Rwanda.
The collaboration brings together Wilderness’ long-standing commitment to community upliftment and Indego Africa’s expertise in supporting artisan co-operatives through training, business development and global market access.
The partnership was formally launched at Indego Africa’s annual gala in New York, where a Wilderness Rwanda experience was auctioned to raise funds for the organisation’s co-operatives. The trip includes time in Kigali with a visit to the Ibanga Co-operative, gorilla trekking from Wilderness Bisate Reserve, and wildlife experiences at the new Wilderness Magashi Peninsula in Akagera National Park.
Wilderness Rwanda Chairman Manzi Kayihura said the initiative aligns strongly with the group’s Empower Impact pillar, noting that the Rwanda operation is more than 95 per cent staffed by Rwandans and sources over 80 per cent of goods and services locally.
English literacy training boosts women’s business capacity
Funding of more than USD 10,000 from the Wilderness Trust has enabled Indego Africa to launch an English Literacy Training Programme for members of its women-led co-operatives. The six-month course supports artisans seeking to improve communication with customers, broaden market reach and strengthen business confidence.
The training, delivered by professional educators from the School of Professionals in Kigali, currently includes 20 artisan partners grouped according to their English proficiency. This tailored approach reflects a shared commitment between Wilderness and Indego Africa to meet participants where they are and provide practical, relevant skills development.
Artisans have highlighted English language skills as essential for customer interaction, social media engagement and networking — with many expressing that improved communication will help them expand entrepreneurial opportunities both locally and internationally.
Expanding market access through tourism
Beyond training, Wilderness Rwanda will integrate visits to Indego Africa co-operatives into guest itineraries and begin stocking artisan-made products such as woven baskets and homeware in its camp shops. These initiatives aim to provide artisans with increased exposure and a more consistent pathway into local and global markets.
Indego Africa CEO Suwha Hong said empowering women is both a socially impactful and economically effective strategy, noting that women entrepreneurs consistently reinvest in their families and communities.
The partnership reinforces Wilderness’ broader community and conservation ethos, while supporting Indego Africa’s mission to foster sustainable, women-owned businesses across Rwanda, Ghana and refugee communities.
