16/07/2026
Ndayishimiye Jeanine, a mother of three, has been a Wezesha borrower since 2023. She first learned about Wezesha through her neighbor, who had transformed her business and improved her family's livelihood with a Wezesha loan.
Inspired by her neighbor's testimony, Jeanine decided to visit the Wezesha office to learn more about the project. After understanding its mission and how it supports women entrepreneurs, she joined Wezesha without hesitation.
Before joining Wezesha, Jeanine earned a living by selling avocados. At the time, her business was small, with a capital of only 150,000 BIF, and she was able to sell only two sacks of avocados per day. She depended on middlemen who brought produce from upcountry, limiting both her profits and business growth.
As Jeanine progressed through the Wezesha loan cycles, her business steadily expanded. With each larger loan, she increased both her working capital and the quantity of products she could purchase. By the time she reached her fifth loan, she was selling 15 sacks of avocados and had begun traveling directly to upcountry markets to buy produce at lower prices, significantly increasing her profit margins.
Jeanine also shared the importance of building a strong borrowing group. When forming her group, she intentionally chose women who were also involved in the avocado business. Having members with similar businesses made it easier to plan together, support one another, and grow collectively. Their unity and commitment to applying the lessons from Wezesha's training have strengthened the group over time.
Today, the same group remains together and has successfully completed eight loan cycles without a single default. Their consistency reflects not only financial discipline but also the strong relationships and accountability they have built.
When asked what she is most grateful for, Jeanine smiled as she reflected on how Wezesha has changed her life. Through the profits generated from her business, particularly after her sixth loan, she purchased a plot of land in her hometown of Gitega and built a house that she plans to rent out. The rental income will provide an additional source of revenue for her family.
Looking ahead, Jeanine hopes to continue expanding her business by increasing the variety and quantity of products she sells. Her long-term goal is to purchase land in Bujumbura, build her own home, and no longer pay rent.
Jeanine also encouraged Wezesha to consider extending the loan program beyond the eighth loan cycle. She believes that access to larger loans would enable experienced entrepreneurs like herself to grow their businesses further, increase their profits, and invest in new income-generating opportunities.
Jeanine's journey is a powerful reminder that, with access to financial resources, training, and a supportive community, women can build sustainable businesses, create lasting assets, and transform the future of their families.
