Innovative Soil-Free Farming Project Wins National Competition in Rwanda
A team of four students from the Rwanda Coding Academy has made history by winning the 2025 JA Africa Company of the Year competition in Rwanda. Their groundbreaking project, Agro Haven, addresses pressing issues such as food insecurity and land scarcity through a soil-free farming method. The initiative not only provides a sustainable way to grow crops but also reuses organic waste, reducing food loss and promoting environmental sustainability.
The competition, held on November 5, was themed “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation.” It brought together high school innovators from across the country who presented projects aimed at tackling climate and sustainability challenges. The winning team will now represent Rwanda at the Junior Achievement Africa regional finals in Abuja, Nigeria, where they will compete with other top student entrepreneurs from across the continent for the chance to represent Africa at the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Prize.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
Agro Haven was developed in response to growing concerns over rapid urbanization, limited farmland, and rising air pollution. The project’s creators recognized that traditional farming methods are becoming increasingly unsustainable due to these factors. By utilizing a soil-free approach, the team aims to provide an alternative that can thrive even in areas with limited space.
Emma Response Hirwa, one of the students on the winning team, explained that the idea behind Agro Haven came from observing how population growth is putting pressure on available farmland. “As cities expand and space for agriculture shrinks, new methods are needed to ensure food security,” she said. The team’s goal was to design a practical solution that could help both people and the environment.
Recognition and Encouragement from Leaders
Emery Rubagenga, Chairperson of the Junior Achievement Rwanda Board, commended the students for their creativity and courage. He emphasized that the competition was about more than just winning. “Learning doesn’t end here; it’s a lifelong process,” he said. Rubagenga encouraged the team to represent Rwanda with excellence at the continental finals and to continue being innovative and committed to learning.
Diogene Kagango from the Rwanda TVET Board, who delivered the keynote address, praised the initiative for equipping students with practical skills and a forward-looking mindset. “What we see here today is more than a competition—it’s a platform where students turn ideas into real solutions for their communities,” he said. Kagango highlighted the importance of programs like JA Company of the Year in promoting entrepreneurship and technical education that prepare young people for the future of work.
A Journey of Growth and Humility
Kevine Niyikora Ihimbazwe, another member of the team, described the win as an unexpected but unforgettable moment. She noted that competing against other talented students was both exciting and humbling. “There were so many great ideas, and at some point, we didn’t think we would win. It feels like everything just happened so fast—it’s such a miracle we can’t even explain,” she said.
The team received a cash prize of $500 and a ticket to represent Rwanda at the continental finals in Abuja this December. Ihimbazwe expressed her excitement about sharing the news with her family and thanked Junior Achievement Africa in Rwanda for giving students the chance to showcase their creativity and contribute to the country’s development.
Looking Ahead
The success of Agro Haven highlights the potential of young innovators to create meaningful solutions for global challenges. As the team prepares for the regional finals, they carry with them the hopes of their community and the lessons learned from this transformative experience.