A loan helped to produce mushroom starter packs for refugees.


Ildephonse's story

Ildephonse started his mushroom business in 2006 and has been growing it steadily for the past 11 years. Mushrooms are a fast growing, renewable, cheap source of protein, which makes it a great food for people living on less than $2 per day.

Ildephonse not only grows mushrooms to sell in markets, but he also makes starter packs for people to purchase and grow their own mushrooms to sell. This year, Ildephonse partnered with the UN High Commissioner on Refugees and Rwanda's Ministry of Refugee Affairs to sell mushroom starter packs to refugee entrepreneurs living in refugee camps. This product will not only bring a cheap and renewable protein source to inhabitants in refugee camps, but it will also help refugee micro entrepreneurs grow their businesses and generate income for their families.

Ildephonse needs 17,000,000 RWF to purchase raw materials in order to expand his production and supply to refugee camps in Rwanda.

This is one of AEC's highest impact loans to date and will support countless refugees across Rwanda to earn a living and access nutritious foods.


This loan is special because:

It offers a full package of support for Rwanda's promising entrepreneurs.



Loan details


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details