“I once thought my dreams were shattered. Living on the streets of Kigali with nothing but hope to cling to, I couldn’t imagine the life I have today“
This is the inspiring story of Jean Marie Vianney Habiyaremye, founder of Cow Horns Rwanda.
What started as an attempt to escape poverty has grown into something far greater: a thriving business that protects the environment, empowers others, and showcases Rwanda’s innovative spirit to the world.
Growing up in Bugesera, Rwanda, Jean Marie dreamed of a brighter future, but poverty forced him to drop out of school and move to Kigali in search of opportunities. What he found instead were harsh realities: no job, no shelter, and no clear way forward. Yet, life had an unexpected twist in store for him.
A Japanese woman discovered Jean Marie on the streets and taught him how to create stunning products from cow horns. This newfound skill became his lifeline, sparking a journey that would take him from despair to becoming a celebrated Rwandan entrepreneur.
The Birth of Cow Horns
Jean Marie didn’t just stop at mastering the craft. He envisioned something greater—a business that could make a difference. After years of refining his skills and attending programs to grow his business acumen, Jean Marie founded Cow Horns Rwanda, a company that transforms discarded cow horns into high-quality, eco-friendly products.
The turning point came when a major order from Japan allowed him to secure a workshop and acquire essential machinery. What began as a one-man operation has grown into an enterprise employing 13 full-time and 11 part-time staff, empowering his community while protecting the environment.
A Mission for Impact
Cow Horns Rwanda is creating beautiful products; it’s about creating opportunities. By upcycling waste materials, the company contributes to environmental protection while providing sustainable jobs. Its products, ranging from elegant household items to unique gifts, are now sought after locally and internationally.
Jean Marie’s dedication and impact haven’t gone unnoticed. His accolades include the Rwanda International Trade Fair Best Young Exhibitor Award (2017) and the RDB Business Excellence Awards Best Young Entrepreneur (2019).
Business Professionals Network (BPN) came in to support him through personalized coaching, and business know-how. We helped Jean Marie expand his vision to gravitate towards a stronger reality.
Even after graduating from the program, Jean Marie remains closely connected to BPN. In a recent video, Cow Horns’ company vehicle was seen at the BPN office, symbolizing the enduring partnership. At BPN, the journey doesn’t end with graduation—it’s a lifelong commitment to supporting entrepreneurs.
A Call to Action
Jean Marie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with determination and the right support. If you’re looking for unique, eco-friendly household items or gifts that carry the essence of Rwanda’s creativity and sustainability, look no further than Cow Horns.
By supporting businesses like Cow Horns, you’re not just buying a product—you’re empowering a community, protecting the environment, and contributing to a legacy of entrepreneurship in Rwanda.
This is more than just one man’s journey; it’s a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the mission of BPN: to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities that solve problems and create jobs.
From scavenging for survival to running an award-winning business that upcycles waste into beauty, Jean Marie’s life is a testament to how hard work, creativity, and the right support can transform not just a person’s life but an entire community.
Visit Cow Horns today and become part of this incredible story. Together, we can inspire change, one product, one entrepreneur, and one community at a time.
