In the densely populated slum of Buterere, Bujumbura, survival is a daily pursuit. It was here that Ezechiel Hatungimana, the second born of five children, grew up in the humblest conditions. But he refused to let hardship define him, opting instead to pursue faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his community.
Early Life and Shaping of an Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ezechiel’s upbringing was a blend of challenges and inspiration. His mother, a strong-willed and enterprising woman, ran a small boutique selling rice and flour in the neighbourhood. Her honesty and welcoming spirit set her apart in a community where cheating customers was commonplace. Ezechiel recalls how “people would rather walk an extra mile to buy from her shop because she never cheated them on the scale and always greeted them with warmth.”
From a young age, Ezechiel was drawn to entrepreneurship. At just fifteen, he would rush to Ruvumera Market after school, still in his uniform, to run an electrical spare parts shop. This early exposure to business taught him the importance of integrity, hard work, and community service—values instilled by both his mother and father, a dedicated pastor.
Ezechiel fondly recalls his mother’s saying: “A bed can fit as many people as the heart desires.” Their home was always full, with at least twenty people around. “My mother’s love for those in need inspired my desire to serve,” he reflects.
Ezechiel and Nicola: Partners in Empowerment
Ezechiel is a proud father of three and is married to Nicola, who is passionate about empowering vulnerable families. Together, they have co-founded YADA, an organisation that has been focused on empowering vulnerable families to create healthy communities for the past decade. They do this by providing aid through relief, with the ultimate aim of ensuring these communities become self-sufficient and independent through skills and training.
Ezechiel recalls how he has learned so much from his wife, who has been a constant source of support and a significant influence on the vision of U-Invest. “I didn’t know budgeting for food was a thing,” Ezechiel says. “Due to how I was raised, we didn’t know if we’d have the next meal on the table, so we never planned or budgeted for food.”
The Birth of U-Invest: A Vision Rooted in Faith
The inspiration for U-Invest grew from Ezechiel’s early experiences. Watching his mother’s small shop expand and seeing her empower others made a lasting impact. When the family acquired bicycles for taxi services and started rice farms, Ezechiel realised how small initiatives could transform lives.
Ezechiel’s desire to uplift others shaped his mission. U-Invest evolved from a business into a movement, encouraging young entrepreneurs to rise above a mindset of dependence. Despite temptations to focus on personal gain over community support, Ezechiel remained committed.
“I’ve always stood for the principle that I should inspire people to do better for themselves,” he shares, adding, “My vision is to encourage people to achieve great things on their own.”
Challenges and Perseverance
Starting U-Invest was quite a challenge for Ezechiel. He encountered numerous setbacks, including a poverty mindset among people and a hesitation to embrace innovation. Yet, his faith helped him navigate through difficult times. “Setbacks are not failures,” he says. “They are opportunities to find honest and lasting solutions.” Through training sessions and mentorship programmes, U-Invest equips aspiring business owners to thrive despite obstacles.
Looking to the Future
Ezechiel’s passion remains unwavering as he envisions a more prosperous Burundi. U-Invest continues to grow, focusing on identifying market opportunities, equipping stakeholders with insights, and mobilising resources. Through innovation, training, and strategic partnerships, Ezechiel aims to change the narrative for Burundian entrepreneurs.
His journey is a true testament of faith, resilience, and a vision rooted in compassion. Often called the “Puzzle-Maker,” Ezechiel frequently says, “We are not just building businesses; we are transforming lives and redefining what it means to thrive”
