With over a decade of experience in creating socio-economic impact across Rwanda and West Africa, her story inspires countless others to follow their dreams, even when the path seems uncertain.
Nicole is a young Rwandan entrepreneur who began her journey with a completely different career trajectory in mind. Originally trained in political science and international relations, she had a clear path toward a career in diplomacy.
However, a series of events, bolstered by guidance from mentors, led her to a bold decision, to become an entrepreneur. 'I was set to have a career in diplomacy, but I pivoted completely. Luckily, I was young enough to make that choice, to go from studying political science to becoming self-employed,' Nicole recalls.
She admits that the transition was not an easy one. 'It took a lot of mentorship. I was fortunate that my cousins and brothers, who were entrepreneurs themselves, rallied around me. They helped me understand the value I could contribute to Rwanda's business sector.'
Her shift into entrepreneurship came with many challenges, particularly in the hospitality sector, which was still emerging in Rwanda at the time. But she had a strong belief in the power of mentorship and passion-driven work.
'What I believe in most is mentorship. I'm the product of mentorship, and I want to offer the same opportunity to others, especially young women who want to enter hospitality but don't know where to begin,' she explains.
Despite her educational background being far apart from the business world, Nicole made a conscious decision to focus on her passion for food and hospitality. She knew that in order to succeed, she had to build a strong foundation around the industry.
Her focus became clear; to create businesses that not only thrive but also contribute positively to the community. However, the lack of infrastructure in Rwanda's hospitality sector in the early days presented a significant challenge.
'In the beginning, we worked with an unreasonable amount of suppliers because there was no centralized supply chain and barely any suppliers specifically geared towards the hospitality/wholesale industry. You'd have to run all over town to find what you needed for your business, and purchase retail instead of wholesale which affected our cashflow' Nicole recounts.
This logistical nightmare was compounded by the lack of trained human resources in Rwanda's hospitality and tourism sectors, with students who had the theory but not the hands-on experience.
Despite these challenges, Nicole was determined to make her business work. One of her major breakthroughs came with the creation of Inka Steakhouse, a restaurant that would go on to become a symbol of Rwanda's growing hospitality scene.
'When I decided to open a restaurant, I wanted something authentic. I didn't want an Italian or French restaurant, because I am neither of the two. I wanted to create a place where people could enjoy locally sourced meat and produce in a setting that celebrated Rwanda,' she reveals.
Inka Steakhouse became a passion project for Nicole, a way to elevate Rwandan beef and support local farmers. The name 'Inka,' which means 'cow' in Kinyarwanda, was chosen as a tribute to Rwanda's agricultural heritage. For her, Inka is a love letter to Rwanda. It represents dignity and nobility.
Inka Steakhouse is not just about food, it's about community. The restaurant has become a platform to showcase the country's agricultural potential and raise awareness about the importance of supporting local farmers.
As a result, Nicole's restaurant became part of a larger movement that changed the face of cattle farming in Rwanda, helping farmers improve their practices and increase the quality of their products.
Her commitment to empowering others is not limited to her business ventures. Her philanthropic work, through the Ansoni Foundation, has been a major part of her journey.
'When we started the foundation seven years ago, I wanted to support schools by providing them with books. But when I visited schools, I realized that the real issue wasn't the books, it was that the children weren't coming to school because they didn't have enough to eat, their families couldn't afford the school lunch and meals' Nicole explains.
One of the foundation's accomplishments this year already was donating over 200,000 meals to a school in Huye, district, Southern Province. With a conviction of education as a key pillar for development, Nicole was very passionate about helping kids access it.
'I've been given so much in my life, and I believe that those who are fortunate have a responsibility to give back,' she states. This belief is reflected in both her business practices and her philanthropic efforts.
Looking ahead, Nicole is focused on continuing her entrepreneurial journey, expanding her businesses, and supporting the next generation of leaders. She is especially committed to helping Rwanda's youth harness the opportunities available to them.
'We need an educated and focused youth. We need more discipline and rigor. Entrepreneurship is not glamorous, it requires hard work, self-discipline, and perseverance,' she advises.
An award winning entrepreneur, Nicole has numerous accolades to her name including restaurant of the year (five times), young entrepreneur of the Year (three times, best steakhouse in East Africa and was recently nominated for the Forty under 40 global awards slated for April 12, 2025 in Dubai.
Her message to young Rwandans is simple but powerful: 'There are endless opportunities here. Keep dreaming, keep learning, and take the time to prepare yourself for success.'
Nicole Ansoni's journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, passion, and the willingness to embrace change. She continues to inspire a generation of Rwandans to believe in their dreams, pursue their passions, and use their success to uplift others.
Sam K Nkurunziza
