Agaseke Center is a cultural and handicrafts hub located on Rebero Hill in Kigali, Rwanda.
The three-month programme focused on creative skills, gender equality, reproductive health and women’s rights, as part of a partnership between the Chinese Embassy, the City of Kigali and Agaseke Center to expand vocational training and economic opportunities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi said women’s empowerment remained an important area of cooperation between China and Rwanda.
“China and Rwanda both attach great importance to women’s empowerment. Rwanda has made remarkable progress in this area, with one of the highest shares of women in Parliament in the world. That is truly admirable,” he said.
Amb. Gao said the Embassy had supported several training programmes at Agaseke Center, covering business creativity, weaving, women’s rights and other subjects.
The support has also helped the Center participate in the China International Import Expo and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, giving trainees opportunities to showcase their products and explore wider markets.
Amb. Gao announced that Agaseke Center would participate in the 2026 China International Import Expo, with support from the Embassy.
“I wish you a fruitful trip, and I hope more outstanding Rwandan products will enter the Chinese market,” he said.
He described Agaseke’s traditional basket weaving as a link between cultural heritage and economic empowerment.
“The name Agaseke comes from the traditional Rwandan woven basket, a symbol of prosperity, culture and friendship,” he said.
Amb. Gao added that the embassy would continue working with the City of Kigali and Agaseke Center to help more women and young people acquire skills and pursue their ambitions.
“Looking ahead, the embassy will continue to work with the City of Kigali and Agaseke Center, to help more women and youth gain skills and realize their dreams,” Amb. Gao said.
Martine Urujeni, Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Socio-Economic Affairs thanked the Chinese Embassy for its continued support of initiatives aimed at empowering women and young people, expressing interest in further cooperation with Agaseke Center.
According to the City of Kigali, the three programmes conducted between 2024 and 2026 reached 125 beneficiaries.
The first programme, held from June to October 2024, trained 50 participants in financial literacy, e-commerce, marketing and storytelling.
A second programme, conducted from June to October 2025, benefited 35 participants through training in creative arts, gender-based violence awareness and improved weaving skills.
The latest programme trained 40 participants between August and October 2026.
Participants include women from cooperatives under Ihuriro ry’Agaseke Cooperative Union and young people from Gatenga Sector who have completed secondary education and are seeking opportunities in the creative industry.
Representing the graduates, Isingizwe Marie Grace said the training had equipped participants with practical skills in weaving, crochet and making imigongo, a traditional Rwandan art form.
She added that participants had gained life skills, developed friendships and become better equipped to pursue financial independence.
“Some of us previously depended on our parents for almost everything, but today we are becoming independent,” she said.
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