Musaneza: When Vision Meets Collaboration
“Nathalie, the founder of Musaneza, started with a vision—and the determination to pursue it.” — Chris, OVO coach
Musaneza is more than a fashion brand—it’s the story of a Rwandan entrepreneur, Nathalie Schots, based in Belgium, who turned a bold idea into a growing business rooted in identity, sustainability, and collaboration.
A Clear Vision, A Challenging Path
When Nathalie launched Musaneza, she had no experience in the fashion industry and limited knowledge of business management. But one thing was non-negotiable: her collections had to reflect a distinct Rwandan identity.
The journey was long and demanding. Nathalie had to build managerial and technical skills, learn to navigate the fashion ecosystem, and rely heavily on networking to grow her business. One of her strongest commitments was to keep production based in Rwanda, a goal that aligned perfectly with the values of OVO (Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs).
Coaching
Unlike traditional support models, OVO did not provide financial investment. Instead, Nathalie received strategic coaching and guidance from OVO experts, including Chris Vijt and Walter De Vos, helping her lay the foundations of her business and move forward with clarity and confidence.
This coaching model proved to be incredibly effective, showing that knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration can be just as powerful as capital.
Local Collaboration with Isaac
In Rwanda, Nathalie partnered with Isaac, the CEO of a local production workshop. Together, they built a strong operational base that combines diaspora creativity with local craftsmanship. This partnership is a shining example of how cross-border collaboration can lead to sustainable and culturally rich entrepreneurship.
A Learning Experience for All
The Musaneza project also welcomed students from AFD, who traveled to Rwanda to support various aspects of the business. Guided by OVO coaches, the students contributed to both strategic and operational tasks, making the experience a true learning journey for everyone involved.
Preparatory work included:
- Designing a market survey and integrating insights from existing customer feedback.
- Challenging and developing the marketing plan with a focus on customer journey and social media.
- Proposing a structure for an accounting system.
- Refining the logistics model: supply chain, production, shipment, legal and tax aspects.
- Aligning seamstress procedures with the logistics model.
On-site work involved:
- Supporting local sales efforts (e.g., hotels in Kigali), marketing, and communication.
- Implementing logistics recommendations in real-world conditions.
Musaneza Today
After years of hard work and perseverance, Musaneza is now a reality—and continues to grow. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets action, and when coaching and collaboration replace traditional investment models.
✨ Discover Nathalie’s beautiful collection on her website: https://www.musaneza.be/