Young Innovators and Rwandan Diaspora Partner to Boost Poultry Farming

At just 23 years old, Imani Bora co-founded Hatch Plus to improve the chicken supply in Rwanda.

Hatch Plus produces smart egg incubators that are controlled by smartphones. It uses a solar-powered pre-programmed digital machine that can incubate and hatch 30,000 eggs at a time. The incubators from Hatch Plus have a 92% success hatch rate and are far more affordable than their foreign competitors.

Imani, from the Musanze district in the Northern province of Rwanda, has been working in the poultry industry for the better part of the last decade. He brings his industry experience and passion for Rwanda’s development to bear on Hatch Plus.

Through the “Young Innovators Competition”, Hatch Plus received a grant to purchase new incubator machines for roughly 500 poultry farmers. Shortly after, they were able to transition their business model to allow farmers to use egg incubators as a service instead of buying them outright.

Imani also worked directly with Rwandan Diaspora professionals to improve Hatch Plus. The Diaspora mobilization and engagement programme is funded by the Belgian government and the IOM Development Fund.

“We have been really open, and we are very grateful to have met an expert from the diaspora,” Imani says, adding: “They really understand the business and the market and almost everything in the field.”

Leveraging the skills and expertise of the Rwandan Diaspora, Imani has taken Hatch Plus to the next level. He believes Hatch Plus’ future is bright, as the company grows and provides services to meet the growing demand of the poultry industry in Rwanda.

Through collaborations and partnerships, poultry farmers like Imani are able to develop innovative solutions that improve the quality and sustainability of poultry production in Rwanda. Technology and modern practices could potentially enhance productivity and profitability for farmers, contributing to the country's food security and economic growth.

The diaspora mobilization and engagement programme is funded by the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid.