Who we are
Kinvest was founded in January 2020 by a diverse group of development practitioners, entrepreneurs, and donors with a shared passion for unlocking the potential of rural Africa. We collaborate with local communities and introduce radically transformative solutions to address systematic problems.
Our approach is built right into our name: Kinvest. The kinship all people share drives our commitment to building sustainable impact and fostering lasting value for rural villages. These values stem from our belief in the interconnectedness of all people, deeply rooted in our Christian faith.
Why Rural East Africa
Rural East African communities face systemic challenges: 550 million people lack safe water access, 600 million live without electricity, and over 1 billion live over two kilometers from main roads. We believe the opportunity exists to catalyze rural economies into spaces where communities thrive and entrepreneurship flourishes.
Why Rwanda
Rwanda's future is promising with a rapidly growing economy. Despite increasing urbanization, 80% of the population lives in underdeveloped rural areas, offering a chance to incubate entrepreneurship to enhance local villages, transforming them into thriving communities.
Why Nyagatare District
Nyagatare District, located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, is brimming with growing market demand and entrepreneurial activity. Despite infrastructure progress, 85% of households lack electricity, and 91% walk over 30 minutes for water. In this district, we have launched four market hubs, leveraging local potential and partnerships for economic growth.
Our Leadership Team
Nathanael Hollands - Executive Director
Lily Kwok - Senior Director of Operations
Anne Ruremesha - Director of Finance
Peace Bureshyo - Director of Leader Development
Board Members
Ray Sawatsky
Reg Allatt
Michael Van Pelt
Jesse Ratichek
Jonathan Shafer
Kinvest Venture Partners
Kinvest Impact Foundation works in collaboration with Kinvest Venture Partners, an impact investment company that invests in agribusiness farms near marketplace communities. By combining development in marketplaces with commercial farms, we help foster a complete economic system where value is created, jobs and wages grow, and money is recirculated into the local economy.