Based in Bujumbura, the commercial capital of Burundi, U-invest was founded by Ezechiel Hatungimana, to bring wealth and tackle poverty in the second poorest country in the world.

The impact business is helping create an entire ecosystem of businesses both directly and indirectly. Activities include start up and next stage training using the TEN Mind Your Own Business material, together with coaching and mentoring. A high profile annual "Come and Meet Your Business Partner" event brings together investors and aspiring entrepreneurs, attracting banks, politicians and NGO staff nationally. An overview of the 2023 event (which Jerry attended) can be viewed here.

U-invest also actively identifies business opportunities, creates business plans for them and provides an opportunity for local investors to co-invest by buying shares. Four businesses have been created to date: a fish farm; a driver training business to create provide jobs and reduce accidents; a health insurance business; and a renewable energy publication. 

A charitable arm called Yada, run jointly with Ezechiel's British wife Nicola, supports two mainly Batwa communities including basic business start up training.

Jerry Marshall visited in December 2023 to speak at the conference; train over 50 trainers and business consultants; and train 82 church leaders in Gitega (the political capital) on Bible based enterprise and business start up.

Ezechiel lives in Bujumbura with his wife Nicola and three young children. He is able to relate well with people at all levels, from Batwa children to government ministers. He is also a preacher, evangelist, and a man of passion with a big vision to transform Burundi. 

Since the visit, Ezechiel has spoken at our 2024 conference and TEN has supported U-Invest with training, mentoring and personal support. 

We are planning to bring a TEN group to the "Come and Meet Your Business Partner" event in early December 2026.

This is Ezechiel with Dorothy, a Batwa lady who after training and support, created a successful small business, which is enabling her to put food on the table and send her children to school.

The Yada charity works alongside U-Invest, mainly with Batwa groups, who are the poorest ethnic group in Burundi, itself the second poorest nation on earth.

Follow Yada here.