The Private Sector Federation (PSF) recently held a ceremony where PSF honors Genocide victims from the business community who perished in 1994. Beyond these solemn acts of remembrance, the federation took a practical step toward national healing by directly supporting those who survived.
On Friday, April 17, 2026, the organization donated 5 million Frw to a cooperative of survivor parents. This initiative aims to boost their business capacity and foster financial independence.
The day’s events began with a moving visit to the Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial. Federation members gathered there to pay their respects to over 105,000 victims interred at the site. This visit served as a significant marker for the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Furthermore, the tribute highlighted the private sector’s commitment to never forgetting its fallen colleagues while actively building a better future for the industry.
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Supporting Survivor Cooperatives after Commemoration
Following the memorial visit, PSF turned its focus toward the living by supporting the Abiyubaka-Gakoni association. This group operates in the Nyabugogo Cell of the Kigali Sector.
Francine Mukagatare, the leader of the cooperative, explained how previous support from the Rwanda Defence Force helped them acquire milling machines. However, she noted that this new PSF injection would take their business to the next level.
“We have two milling machines given to us by the Rwanda Defence Force. We buy sorghum and cassava to produce flour for sale, and we also offer milling services to others,” Mukagatare stated. “This work allows every member to handle their own needs for food and clothing. We are no longer a burden on the state. Because PSF has given us this support, we will expand our operations and increase our profits. We thank them for thinking of us during this time of remembrance.”
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A Culture of Solidarity to Defeat Poverty
Felix Mutagoma, the PSF Head of Human Resources, emphasized that this gesture is part of a larger culture of solidarity. He noted that the federation aims to help survivors defeat poverty through collective action and self-reliance rather than long-term dependency. By providing these tools, PSF ensures that survivors become active players in the nation’s economy.
“It is our culture during this time of remembrance to support survivors who are trying to rebuild and overcome poverty,” Mutagoma said. “This support will help you solve small challenges within your group. It is a way to supplement your efforts so you can develop yourselves without waiting for help from the state or other organizations. We want you to have the capacity to help yourselves and others so that no one stays trapped in sorrow.”
He further contrasted this with the past, noting that some former traders funded the genocidal regime. Today, PSF celebrates the RPA-Inkotanyi for creating an environment where business leaders can thrive without discrimination or fear.
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Building a Unified Future as PSF Honors Genocide Victims
Later that day, the commemoration continued at the Gikondo Expo Grounds. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, offered words of comfort to the families of fallen entrepreneurs and reminded everyone that every Rwandan must learn from this history. He stressed that the stability of the modern market is a direct result of the unity forged over the last three decades.
“Today we remember the traders, industrialists, investors, and employees of the Private Sector who were killed for how they were born,” Minister Sebahizi remarked. “We remember their families and their destroyed businesses which damaged the national economy. We must take a lesson from this now that the country is rebuilt. All this is possible because the country now has good leadership. It allows our businesses to grow and our projects to work in peace.”
In his concluding remarks, the Minister credited the RPA and President Paul Kagame for stopping the Genocide. He noted that Rwanda’s unity now stands at 95.3% due to inclusive governance. However, he warned that the fight against genocide ideology continues, especially on digital platforms. “Remembering is striving to ensure that what happened never happens again,” the Minister concluded. The event ended with the lighting of the Flame of Hope and songs of remembrance.
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