Village Model Project (VMP)

The Village Model Project (VMP) is an initiative implemented by LODA to address unemployment at the grassroots level by nurturing entrepreneurship and promoting income-generating activities within communities. The project empowers villages to identify and develop innovative business ideas that respond to local needs, while strengthening value chains and fostering socio-economic transformation. Since its inception, VMP has contributed to inclusive local economic development by aligning with District Development Strategies and prioritizing youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

Since 2023, the Village Model Project has supported more than 2,275 community initiatives across all 30 districts, including the City of Kigali showing just how strongly communities have embraced the program. With over 1 billion Rwandan Francs invested, the VMP is helping citizens turn their ideas into real businesses, connect to value chains, and improve their household incomes. These community driven projects have already created employment opportunities for more than 10,000 people, demonstrating the powerful role VMP continues to play in promoting local job creation and entrepreneurship across the country.

Beyond funding, VMP delivers a comprehensive support package designed to help community enterprises thrive ranging from business development services, financial literacy, and technical training to standards compliance, and access to markets. Implementation is driven through close collaboration between LODA, districts, and national institutions, ensuring that communities receive the guidance, tools, and opportunities needed to turn promising ideas into sustainable businesses. Through this coordinated and inclusive approach, VMP continues to build a foundation for resilient, community led economic growth.