Sharon Akanyana, Founder and Managing Director of Ishyo Foods

Our founder

From a Home Kitchen to Ishyo Foods

Sharon Akanyana, Founder and Managing Director of Ishyo Foods Ltd, started the business in her home kitchen, inspired by her love for cooking and local ingredients.

With a degree in Agriculture and a master’s degree in Development Studies, Sharon began exploring different ways to apply her knowledge and passion. During this period, she devoted more time to experimenting with homemade yoghurt and fruit jams.

When she shared the products with friends and family, their positive response inspired her to turn local produce into food products. This marked the beginning of Ishyo Foods.

Yoghurt cups being filled on the Ishyo Foods production line

What Ishyo Foods does

Quality food, made close to home.

Ishyo Foods produces yoghurt and jams using locally sourced milk and fruit, combining agricultural knowledge, food production standards and a brand personality that feels warm, confident and proudly Rwandan.

The company works across the full value chain: sourcing from farmers, producing in Kigali, supplying supermarkets and retail outlets, and supporting nutrition initiatives that reach vulnerable communities.

Sharon’s story remains the beginning, but Ishyo’s work today is bigger: building a local food company with consistent quality, reliable supply and meaningful impact.

Our purpose

A brighter future for Rwanda.

Creating quality food businesses is an important part of building a stronger, more prosperous Rwanda.

Ishyo Foods is proud to be part of Rwanda’s growth. Growing and upscaling our business means we can support even more Rwandan families in our factory and on our farms.

Every jar of Ishyo jam and pot of Ishyo yoghurt helps improve livelihoods, security and the wellbeing of Rwandans, especially women and children, while building stronger communities with greater economic security.