As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) profiles Mugeni Euphrosine, the Founder and Managing Director of Avocare Ltd, an agro-processing company producing avocado cooking oil in Rwanda.
AVOCARE LTD is an innovative agro-processing enterprise established in 2019 in Huye District, Rwanda, specializing in the production of premium, cold-pressed, extra virgin avocado oils and products. The Green Diamo cold-pressed, extra virgin avocado oil is an edible oil, pressed from green, fleshy Fuerte and Hass avocados. The enterprise produces for domestic and export markets, with 60% of its farmers comprising women and young people. Ms. Euphrosine shares with us her story of resilience, hard work, and determination.
“As we celebrate women this week, my heart is full as I share my journey with fellow young women, especially those who are quietly fighting for their dreams,” she echoes.
I started my business journey when I was in my second year at the University of Rwanda, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During my studies, I discovered a deep passion for business and creating value. Transforming something simple into something meaningful. That curiosity slowly grew into a dream: producing avocado oil and building a product that could impact lives.
The journey was painful and lonely. I had no support from the people around me, classmates, lecturers, or even my own parents. Many told me it was impossible, that I was wasting my time. Their words hurt, and there were days I felt completely alone. But deep inside, I held onto a quiet belief that one day, my efforts would matter.
I failed many times. I struggled with limited investment, lack of time because of my studies, and constant doubt. I read books late at night, tested prototypes again and again, and carried my dream even when my hands felt empty. There were moments when I almost gave up—moments when I started believing the voices telling me I could not succeed. But something inside me refused to let go.
Seven years later, that small dream has become a reality. Today, I run a factory producing premium avocado oil for cooking and cosmetic use. In 2025, I was honored to be among the seven vibrant agribusiness cooperatives and associations to receive up to 100,000 US dollars from the COMESA-EAC Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA). The grant aimed to support innovative agribusiness projects that contribute to the improvement of farming household incomes and job creation for women and youths through horticultural value chains across the region.
The CEHA grant is a milestone that strengthened not only Avocare’s business, but also my purpose to uplift smallholder avocado farmers in Rwanda, create jobs especially for women and youth, and provide our communities with healthy, high-quality cooking oils.
To every young woman and youth who feels unseen, unsupported, or discouraged: please do not stop believing in yourself. Even if no one claps for you, keep going. Even if no one understands your vision, protect it. You are enough to create change. Your dream is valid. Your persistence is powerful.
Women are strong. Women are resilient. And when we choose not to give up, we rise. Happy International Women’s Day to all women across Southern and East Africa and the world.
May we continue to dream, to fight, and to win.