Quality Carpentry & Metal Fabrication from Southern Rwanda
Empowering local artisans through modern equipment, sustainable practices, and market access. COOANYA transforms local skills into nationally competitive, climate-friendly products.
Building Excellence Through Craft
From a small cooperative to a model rural manufacturer
Our Story
Coopérative des Artisans de Nyamagabe (COOANYA) was established in 2016 and officially registered with the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA). Based in Nyabivumu Cell, Gasaka Sector, Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, Rwanda.
Our cooperative brings together 22 skilled artisans—15 experienced craftsmen, 5 women members, and 3 youth contributors—united by a vision of producing high-quality furniture and metal works while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Vision, Mission & Values
Guiding principles that drive our cooperative forward
Our Vision
To become a modern, inclusive, and environmentally responsible artisanal cooperative that provides high-quality furniture and metal works in Rwanda and beyond.
Our Mission
To empower local artisans—especially youth and women—through access to modern equipment, training, and market opportunities, while producing durable, affordable, and eco-friendly products.
Core Values
Quality: Excellence in craftsmanship
Innovation: Modern technologies
Inclusiveness: Equal opportunity for all
Environmental: Recycling & sustainability
Integrity: Transparent operations
Cooperation: Teamwork & unity
Our Products
Handcrafted furniture and metal works built to last
Akabati (Beds)
Traditional and modern carbooad designs for homes and institutions
Intebe (Sofas)
Comfortable and stylish sofas for living rooms and offices
Amashusho (Doors)
Modern metal doors for security and style
Home Furniture
Complete furniture sets for homes and institutions
Our Services
Comprehensive solutions for all your carpentry and metal fabrication needs
Carpentry Services
Custom wooden furniture manufacturing with precision craftsmanship
- Chairs, Tables & Desks
- Beds & Cupboards
- Sofas & Upholstery
- Custom Cabinetry
Metal Fabrication
Professional metal work for construction and manufacturing
- Security Doors & Windows
- Bed Frames & Furniture
- Metal Grills & Railings
- Custom Fabrication
Mobile Toilets
Portable sanitation solutions for events and construction sites
- Portable Toilet Units
- Event Sanitation
- Construction Site Facilities
- Maintenance Services
Eco Solutions
Sustainable products from recycled materials
- Briquettes from Wood Waste
- Metal Cook Stoves
- Efficient Energy Products
- Waste-to-Energy Solutions
Leadership Team
Experienced professionals driving COOANYA forward
Athanase BIGIRIMANA
Chairperson
MUKANSANGA
Vice Chairperson
Ange Michelle KUNDIMANA
Managing Director
Skilled Artisans
Production Team
Challenges We Face
Understanding our journey to growth
Limited Workshop Space
Currently renting district plot. Cannot install larger machines or waste-handling area. Risk of eviction when lease ends. Production capped at ~50 units/month.
Out-dated Machinery
Manual saws and basic welders limit precision and increase labor costs. Prices uncompetitive for public tenders. Occupational safety risks and inconsistent quality.
Waste Accumulation
Sawdust, off-cuts, and metal scrap create environmental compliance issues. Missed opportunity to monetize residues as briquettes and efficient cook-stoves.
Limited Market Access
No modern showroom. Reliance on roadside sales. Limited visibility to NGOs, schools & contractors. Irregular cash-flow from lack of retail presence.
Skills Gaps
Need training in CNC routing, MIG/TIG welding, and upholstery. High re-work rates and rejection by institutional buyers demanding standardized finishes.
No Transport Solution
No truck for logistics. Raw-material delays. Inability to deliver bulky orders beyond Nyamagabe. Forfeited contracts or costly third-party haulage.
Vision 2030 Roadmap
Our 5-year plan to transform COOANYA into a model rural manufacturer
Foundation & Infrastructure
Secure permanent site (0.3 ha) via district industrial park or cooperative purchase. Build 800m² workshop & 200m² waste-to-energy block. Acquire CNC router, edge-bander, thickness planer, and MIG-welder set through BDF/BRD SME financing.
Technology & Skills Upgrade
Partner with IPRC Huye & Rwanda Standards Board for skills development. 6-month up-skilling for 15 artisans. ISO-compliant QC manuals. Add laser-engraver & powder-coating booth. Pilot 1 t/shift briquette press.
Market Expansion
Rent 60m² retail showroom in Nyamagabe town. Train sales staff. Launch e-commerce portal. Target Made-in-Rwanda expo annually. Direct contracts with 3 district schools, 2 health centres, 1 NGO housing project.
Scale & Sustainability
Scale briquette production to 3 t/shift with "Nyamagabe Eco-Briquettes" brand. Sign 5-ton flat-bed truck lease (1.2M RWF/yr). Consider EV/solar-charging retrofit. Full environmental compliance with 100% wood waste valorised.
Full Realization
Output capacity: 2,200 units/year (from 600). Revenue: 1.6B RWF (from 83M). Jobs: 450 skilled workers (40% women & youth). 120t CO₂-eq saved through briquettes. Model rural manufacturer status achieved.
Goals by 2030
Transforming our cooperative and community
Production Capacity
Units per year (up from 600)
Annual Revenue
RWF (growth from 830M)
Jobs Created
Skilled workers (40% women & youth)
Carbon Savings
CO₂-equivalent through briquettes
Cost Reduction
Cost per unit decreased
Institutional Clients
Schools, health centres & NGOs
Strategic Partners
Collaborating for growth and sustainability
Partner With COOANYA Today
Join us in building a sustainable future for Nyamagabe's artisans. Whether you're a government institution, NGO, business, or individual—we're ready to serve.
Contact Us
Ready to discuss your furniture or metal fabrication needs? Reach out to us for orders, partnerships, or inquiries.
Our Location
Nyabivumu Cell, Gasaka Sector
Nyamagabe District, Southern Province
Rwanda
Phone
+250 788 XXX XXX
info@cooanya.rw
Working Hours
Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM