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Polycarpe Mizero
From GanzAfrica to the World: Polycarpe’s journey.
Education and Experience
Polycarpe Mizero is a graduate of Conservation Agriculture with a specialization in Crop Production from RICA (Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture) who previously he gained practical experience as a Geospatial Data Analyst Intern at ESRI Rwanda
Attraction to GanzAfrica
Polycarpe was drawn to GanzAfrica by its unique capacity building approach impacting livelihoods through evidence informed decision-making in agrifood systems. The opportunity to apply his knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, particularly within the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), was a dream come true for him.
Experience
During his fellowship at GanzAfrica, Polycarpe thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other fellows and engage in life-changing projects. Notably, he contributed to the Seed Policy Assessment for MINAGRI and Policy Tracker creation, which involved assessing and tracking the implementation of seed policies critical to agricultural development. This experience allowed him to apply his academic knowledge in a practical context and make tangible contributions to agricultural policy.
Key Contributions and Learnings
“Being a GA fellow has prepared me to be a force for change.” Polycarpe says. “I prioritize impact; I want to pursue academia and research in prediction of greenhouse gas emissions from forage crops using satellite, drone imagery and sensors.”
Through his work, Polycarpe believes that he has gained insights with policy formulation and development processes. He also believes that practical skills such as project management, effective communication, report writing, presentation and policy advocacy will position for success in future endeavors.
Polycarpe’s journey at GanzAfrica exemplifies GanzAfrica’s commitment to nurturing young talent and empowering them to drive positive change in their communities through innovative approaches to transform the food systems on the African continent.
Fatimatou Sourang
Meet Fatimatou Sourang: Crafting Change In Food Systems! Fatimatou Sourang is on a mission to revolutionize African nutrition. Armed with a degree in Agro Development from ISTOM in France and diverse internship experiences, including International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome and the National Council for Development of Nutrition in Senegal, she’s a dynamic force in food systems and nutrition development. Currently serving as a Food Systems Fellow at GanzAfrica, Fatimatou is crafting strategies to tackle Rwanda’s food challenges with creativity and precision. Outside work, she’s a devoted fan of F1 and tennis, adding a dash of excitement to her multifaceted journey of innovation and impact!
Belynda Abayisenga Isimbi
Empowering Impact Communication: Belynda Abayisenga’s Growth Journey with GanzAfrica
GanzAfrica Fellowship has been a transformative experience for Belynda ABAYISENGA ISIMBI, empowering her to become an impactful communicator driving change in land, agriculture, and the environment.
“Since becoming an Impact Communications Fellow at GanzAfrica I’ve already gained valuable insights and skills that allow me to amplify the voices of those advocating for sustainable practices and equal access to resources,” says Belynda, reflecting on her experience to date.
At GanzAfrica Belynda is joining a diverse group of fellows with technical specialisms such as water management, land administration and climate finance. Belynda is completing a BA in Communications and despite her different technical background, she has quickly found her place in the team, using her skillset to effectively convey the organization’s mission and catalyze positive change. The fellowship provides a path of learning and growth, nurturing her skills and potential.
Belynda is deployed to the National Land Authority (NLA) where one of her initial tasks has been supporting awareness raising and engaging communities in safeguarding agriculture-dependent livelihoods from the adverse effects of climate change.
GanzAfrica’s power skills development sessions and strategic assignments will equip Belynda with the knowledge and tools necessary to craft compelling narratives that inspire action. Through peer-to-peer learning, regular feedback from other GanzAfrica fellows, and guidance from the broader team, Belynda is learning quickly how to apply her communications skills to drive positive change. As an impact-driven organization, GanzAfrica emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, ensuring that Belynda remains updated on the latest insights and practices in impactful communication.
Since joining GanzAfrica Belynda says. “I’ve learned that impactful communication goes beyond simply conveying information. It requires empathy, storytelling, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences on a deeper level.” This understanding has shaped her approach, aiming to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences, foster meaningful connections, and drive transformative action.
Belynda’s growth trajectory, even within the early weeks of her GanzAfrica Fellowship underwrites the organization’s commitment to nurturing young professionals and providing them with the necessary tools, guidance, and opportunities to become transformative agents, driven by a desire to contribute to equitable access to resources and the development of resilient food systems.
Belynda is determined to use her skills and knowledge to create a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa.
Sandra Nadege
You don’t know what you don’t know until you know.
I am immensely grateful for the 10 months I spent at GanzAfrica. On the first day at GanzAfrica, I attended a conference on food system transformation. For the four hours or so of the conference, Google was my faithful companion. There were so many unfamiliar terms and acronyms.
GanzAfrica introduced me to the public sector, specifically, the agrifood systems, environment, and land. I now understand a bit about policymaking, stakeholders, value chains, and many other industry insights! As an impact communications fellow, I was privileged to witness/document the journeys of other fellows specializing in land administration, sustainable agriculture, urban planning, climate resilience, data analytics, and more!
How amazing it was to access the brains of these future leaders! I was able to enter places that I had never imagined to do so.
GanzAfrica also availed experts, employability training (via AMI and Skillsbuilder), and real-world placements for completing tasks in key institutions such as MINAGRI, NLA, and MoE. What a rich experience it was!
These are my key takeaways from this fellowship:
- We can serve and drive impact with our unique set of abilities, but upskilling is more crucial now than ever.
- Cross-functional collaboration is key to achieving wholesome development. [Communicate/over-communicate if needed!].
- Discover, explore, and experiment without compromising the vision. [It’s always about the bigger picture.]
Patrick Irankunda
National Land Authority Transformative Training Sparks Empowerment: Patrick’s Journey in Shaping Rwanda’s Land Administration Future
Knowledge gained is a powerful tool to shape a prosperous and sustainable future. With this in mind, Patrick IRADUKUNDA, our Land Administration and Management Fellow, joined the Land Surveyors Training program organized by the National Land Authority (NLA).
Designed to empower practitioners to implement Rwanda’s Land Law, 2021, the training unpacked the land registration processes, practice guidelines and land administration as prescribed in the new legislation.
As Patrick reflects on the training, he says:
“Going into this training, I was expecting it to be technical, to my surprise it was a blend of technical and theory. I discovered that the new Land Law of 2021 marks a turning point in land administration. It not only reformulates existing land-related articles but also introduces crucial provisions, such as Section 3, Article 25, which acknowledges the vital role of practitioners in providing high quality land services to the public. A new level of close collaboration between public servants (land surveyors), and private notaries will ensure smooth land transactions and uphold transparency. This new law empowers us to navigate the evolving terrain of land administration and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future for the public we serve, and Rwanda.
The training also sought to enhance skills and provide a platform for professional growth for practitioners like myself, providing the opportunity for networking and sharing experiences, insights, and innovative ideas. The collaborative environment not only enriched my professional relationships but also compelled me to be a part of the collective ambition to shape the future of land administration in Rwanda.”
With the completion of the three-day program, Patrick left with an expanded skill set, a deeper understanding of land surveying principles, and a strong determination to implement positive change in his role at the NLA. In contemplation, Patrick shares that with a focus on improving the land subdivision process, he will implement strict quality control measures to ensure professionalism and accuracy, addressing malpractices and inadequate skills used by private surveyors. By leveraging advanced surveying techniques and geospatial data management technologies like NSDI, he is determined to contribute to the achievement of precise boundary demarcations, reducing errors, and guiding clients effectively using national land use master plans for informed decisions.
When discussing the training’s outcomes, Patrick emphasizes, “I can confidently affirm that I now feel more empowered to guide clients accurately, providing essential information about the land they intend to acquire by referencing either the national land use master plan or district land use master plan. This includes details about current land use and planned land use, thereby helping clients make informed decisions. Furthermore, the knowledge I acquired will enable me to tackle boundary rectification with precision using accurate data and advanced surveying techniques which in turn will contribute to efficient service delivery.”
Claude Mugabe
Diane Uwingabire
As the eldest of five girls she grew up driven by a desire to make a difference and challenge the perception that families with daughters don’t achieve as much as those with sons. This motivation instilled in her a strong spirit of hard work and determination. Diane is passionate about continuous learning towards a positive impact. With a desire to make a difference but without a clear career vision, she met GanzAfrica. Diane reflects:
“My journey with GanzAfrica has been akin to a mentor-mentee relationship. If GanzAfrica was a person it would be a ‘mentor’. GanzAfrica is helping me shape my career aspirations and goals. The fellowship is an enlightening experience filled with learning opportunities through various programs that shaped not only my professional perspective but also my personal character with hands on experience. Today I am equipped to share a transformative narrative with young individuals emphasizing the value of seizing diverse opportunities and cultivating character.
Joël Rukundo
Joël holds bachelor’s degree in environmental management and firmly believes that young people should be at the forefront of the search for solutions towards a sustainable future. With climate change, global warming, and food insecurity being some of the most pressing issues facing the world today, he is committed to finding practical solutions and making a positive impact.
As GanzAfrica’s Climate Finance Fellow, Joel is seconded to the Ministry of Environment, where he serves in the Environment and Climate Change Department. Joel describes his experience with GanzAfrica as a transformative journey. “From the moment I joined, I was immersed in a world of opportunities and learning. This fellowship opened doors to various institutions. I had the privilege of learning from industry experts who not only shared their profound knowledge but also guided me to apply our learning in our daily tasks. One of the most enriching aspects is the access to mentors. These professionals provide us with guidance and share their vast experience which helps us in the way we view the tasks that are offered to us. In addition, being part of a dynamic group of fellows is incredibly motivating. The collaborative environment fosters creativity and innovation. We often gather to brainstorm, discussing how to tackle pressing environmental issues and devising solutions that are both practical and impactful. I’m always inspired by my peers and get to learn from them.”
Joel concludes “This fellowship is not just about professional growth; it is about personal development as well. It has broadened my perspective, instilled a deeper understanding of the challenges we face, and equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful difference.”
Joel loves long walks, morning jogs, and both watching and playing basketball. He also enjoys reading non-fiction and poetry, playing guitar and exploring new places with friends.
Joel Jonathan
One of Joel’s favourite pass-times is watching natural geographic TV channel, though he also enjoys playing soccer, swimming, discussion and hearing different perspectives and opinions.
At GanzAfica Joel is keen to advance his GIS and remote sensing skills and looks forward to a career of service to society.
Gilbert Rugengamanzi
Gilbert is a Sustainable Land Use Fellow and alongside his passion for geospatial technology he is cultivating dedication to solving land-related issues, such as conflicts in land use during his secondment to the National Land Authority (NLA) where his work includes the elaboration of district land use plans. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a specialization in urban planning, Gilbert aspires to become an advisor on best land use planning practices and sustainable land use management across Africa. His fellowship placement at the NLA has given him the opportunity to contribute to the elaboration of district land use plans for Rulindo, Gatsibo, and Nyamagabe districts, as well as updating the land use and land cover of Rwanda. His fellowship placement at the National Land Authority has equipped him with valuable skills, such as integrating spatial SWOT analysis into land use planning. Alongside other GanzAfrica fellows he has also participated in extensive training programs such as AMI’s Employability Program and Skills Builder, and mentorship sessions.
In his leisure time, Gilbert enjoys sports and other activities, and playing music.
Tinashe Chigwende
Tinashe is an actuarial science graduate and Data Analytics fellow at GanzAfrica. Tinashe is driven by her belief in the power of data to drive impactful change and guide decisions that benefit society. Her goal is to leverage data insights to shape solutions and make a positive difference in the world.
Of her experience to date as fellow, Tinashe says: “GanzAfrica is significantly advancing my career, providing a dynamic environment that fosters technical growth and self-development. Here, I’ve refined my data handling skills, supported government institutions, including the National Land Authority (NLA) through data-driven insights, and enhanced my employability by developing key people skills. GanzAfrica’s focus on continuous learning has helped me meet influential figures and learn from their experiences. Additionally, receiving feedback on my work has allowed me to identify areas for improvement and further my professional growth.”
In her spare time, Tinashe enjoys reading novels, which fuels her passion for learning and growth.
Joselyto Charite Baho Kemana
Sustainable Land Use Fellow Diane is an impact-based environmental enthusiast, with a bachelor’s degree in geography, with environmental planning, from the University of Rwanda.
As the eldest of five girls she grew up driven by a desire to make a difference and challenge the perception that families with daughters don’t achieve as much as those with sons. This motivation instilled in her a strong spirit of hard work and determination. Diane is passionate about continuous learning towards a positive impact. With a desire to make a difference but without a clear career vision, she met GanzAfrica. Diane reflects:
“My journey with GanzAfrica has been akin to a mentor-mentee relationship. If GanzAfrica was a person it would be a ‘mentor’. GanzAfrica is helping me shape my career aspirations and goals. The fellowship is an enlightening experience filled with learning opportunities through various programs that shaped not only my professional perspective but also my personal character with hands on experience. Today I am equipped to share a transformative narrative with young individuals emphasizing the value of seizing diverse opportunities and cultivating character.
Ghea Sandrine Mawen
Ghea Sandrine is a dedicated data science enthusiast committed to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and food insecurity in Africa. Motivated by a deep concern for the well-being of communities across the continent, Ghea leverages her expertise to harness the power of data and drive meaningful change. With a profound understanding of the relationship between data and sustainability, Ghea strives to uncover actionable insights that empower policymakers, organizations, and local communities in her role as Data Analytics fellow. Her ultimate goal is to develop data-driven strategies that mitigate the impacts of climate change and foster food security. Through her work, Ghea envisions a future where Africa thrives in harmony with its environment, ensuring a sustainable and nourished future for generations to come.
Lysa Berwa
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lysa constantly seeks to expand her skill set, meet new people, listen to music and travel.
Armand Musoni Hirwa
Through his GanzAfrica fellowship, Armand is seconded to the National Land Authority (NLA) where he is utilizing LAIS and ArcGIS Software to manage land-related data efficiently. This work significantly improves data accessibility for all users, ensuring that critical information is readily available for decision-making processes. In addition to refining his technical skills, the GanzAfrica fellowship has also provided opportunity to support the resolution of disputes related to land ownership and boundaries. He has contributed to conflict resolution whilst promoting land rights, ultimately fostering a more equitable land management system. Further exposure has come in the form of land management intervention; collaborations which delivered strong partnerships and improved coordination among different parties involved in land use planning. All of these engagements have allowed him to contribute to the development of more cohesive and sustainable land management strategies.
Armand likes to swim and play basketball for recreation.
Yassin Mutabazi
Yassin is a dedicated Conservation Agriculturalist, holding a BSc in Conservation Agriculture, with a specialization in agricultural mechanization and irrigation from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA). Passionate about global food security and green communications, Yassin pursued leadership, community service and data management during his time at RICA. As a Sustainable Agriculture fellow at GanzAfrica, he thrives on advancing the organization’s work in sustainable agriculture and community welfare. Yassin says: “GanzAfrica is a family in which I am growing career-wise, as I am exposed to a world which enriches my capacity to analyse challenges and solve problems in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the mentors, the fellows, and the whole GanzAfrica team make up a steadfast community, helping me grow exponentially towards my vision, through serving GanzAfrica’s mission.”
Outside work, Yassin enjoys quality time with friends, music, and travelling.
Marie Merci Hermione Rutayisire
Marie Merci Hermione Rutayisire is a Sustainable Agriculture Fellow seconded to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI). In this role, she facilitates the Department of Agriculture Modernisation in their daily activities, gaining valuable experience and insights from her colleagues. Hermione graduated from Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), with a BSc in Conservation Agriculture and is a dedicated advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Hermione’s goals are to promote responsible land use, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable farming practices through active engagement in collaborative projects and initiatives. She aspires to co-create policies supporting environmental sustainability, and mentor the next generation of agriculture and environment professionals.
Of her experience on the GanzAfrica fellowship so far, Hermione says: “I am thoroughly enjoying my journey as a Sustainable Agriculture Fellow. This opportunity has been transformative. GanzAfrica believed in me when I was a fresh graduate, still finding my path post-graduation, providing invaluable skills and knowledge that have been instrumental in navigating the workplace. They facilitated my placement at MINAGRI, the heart of the agricultural sector, where I am gaining firsthand experience. Each day, I learn more about the complex workings of the ministry, the motivations behind each decision, and the systematic thinking that drives the sector forward. This fellowship has been an incredible learning experience, shaping my understanding and fueling my passion for sustainable agriculture.
Jeannine Uwase
Jeannine is a graduate software engineer with early career experience using her programming skills to help business startups develop an idea from zero to Hello World. She joined GanzAfrica to pursue her ambition to deliver software solutions that tackle community issues and create job opportunities for millions. Jeannine was excited about the opportunity to foster innovation, understand user needs and craft products that effectively address community challenges. Seven months into her fellowship, Jeannine says her journey with GanzAfrica has been incredible. She has experienced GanzAfrica to be a place that not only helps her learn but a place that cherishes continuous learning and self-improvement. And she is truly thriving. “The way GanzAfrica understands how self-improvement is significant and gives us tools to grow our skills, from Skills Builder, A.M.I., Leaders as Coaches, etc. What I enjoy most is the supportive camaraderie within the team and the enlightening discussions in our Friday meetings. Each moment reaffirms my sense of belonging. GanzAfrica is a sanctuary where I’m encouraged to explore, learn, and evolve into the best version of myself.”
When she’s not immersed in coding, design, or product documentation, she cherishes spending quality time with her loved ones.
Serge Tuyambaze
Serge Tuyambaze is Food Systems Data fellow at GanzAfrica and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA). Serge brings to the fellowship both skills and passion in GIS, geospatial data analysis, and developing agritech solutions.
Having started his career at Esri Rwanda, he has a solid background in data management, data analysis and software development. Serge is passionate about leveraging technology to advance agriculture through data driven decision making, efficient resource use, and sustainability.
Marie Aimee Ishimwe
Aimee Marie is a Computer Science graduate from the African Leadership University, currently seconded at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, MINAGRI, as GanzAfrica’s Policy Animation Fellow. She is passionate about animation and desires to use her love for storytelling to support policy implementation as a GanzAfrica fellow. At GanzAfrica, Aimee has developed a keen interest in storytelling through her work on projects such as conducting a Seed System Assessment and building a Project Tracking System for MINAGRI.
Through her secondment to MINAGRI , Aimee has grown to see the value of data beyond mere numbers. She has learned to see data as a powerful tool to shape the future of Rwanda’s agriculture sector and to inform the formulation and implementation of policies to drive the desired growth. As Policy Animation Fellow in her everyday work, she strives to use data to tell stories, highlight trends, inform decisions, and inspire action within the agricultural community.
Aimee has also enjoyed the professional skills development aspect of the fellowship, such as the African Management Institute (AMI) Employability Program, on which she has honed her emotional intelligence and communication skills. She learned how to effectively give and receive feedback, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and lead with empathy— all of which are crucial in her journey to becoming a professional animator and effective leader.
When not coding, Aimee enjoys drawing and watching cartoons to fuel her creativity. She also loves spending time with family and friends, as it helps her stay grounded and inspired and have a sense of balance.
Didier Ngamije
Didier Ngamije is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Applied Statistics and specialization in Economic Statistics from a prestigious university in Rwanda. His academic background has equipped him with a solid foundation in various aspects of statistical analysis and data science. Didier excels in transforming complex data into actionable insights through data visualization and advanced analytical techniques. He is skilled in econometric analysis, stochastic analysis, and proficient in R programming for statistical computing and graphics. Didier’s expertise also includes machine learning, time series analysis, and conducting thorough research to uncover meaningful patterns and trends. Passionate about leveraging data-driven solutions, he is committed to delivering high-quality results and driving impactful outcomes across diverse projects.
Nadia Uwase
Nadia Uwase is a Communications and Data Fellow at GanzAfrica, where she combines her data and research background with a passion for impactful communication and storytelling. Holding a degree in computer science, she is also driven to leverage data for evidence-based decision-making and sustainable change- which is what drew her to GanzAfrica.
Nadia is eager to hone her communication and data skills at GanzAfrica, aligning her personal growth with the organization’s mission to cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped with integrity, stewardship, and an evidence-based approach to creating solutions. Outside of work, she cherishes moments spent with friends and family, and loves to discover new places.
Mucyo Ndera Tuyizere
Mucyo is currently working at GanzAfrica organization as a Climate Adaptation Fellow(Environment). Before the fellowship, He worked on many environmental research projects both as a research assistant and as a researcher in the field of environment management and monitoring at the Center for Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing based at the University of Rwanda. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in Geography with a specialization in Environmental Planning from the University of Rwanda at the College of Science and Technology. Mucyo’s academic background and professional interest converge on environmental planning and management, with a keen focus on sustainable environmental practices. Outside work, Mucyo enjoys traveling, playing, and watching football.
