Peacebuilding Pilot - Business for Peace

In 2023 Nguvu ya Uvira launched a unique initiative in Minembwe, a region in the hills surrounding Uvira that has been long mired in ethnic conflict. With the support of the United Nations, sewing machines and other equipment were flown to Minembwe, which is inaccessible by road.

Fourteen women from different ethnic groups were given training and business grants, with the condition that the venture be joint. However, with the outbreak of war in February 2025, the initiative has been suspended, as Minembwe was once more engulfed in violence in February 2025.

14 women from different ethnic groups were selected, trained, and grouped into mixed cooperative teams.
Business kits including sewing machines, cloth, thread, and accessories were airlifted into Minembwe, due to the region’s inaccessibility by road.
Women received joint startup capital, under the condition that profits be shared and the business be jointly managed.
The outbreak of violence in 2025 meant the initiative was forced to be suspended.