COOANYA
Coopérative des Artisans de Nyamagabe
Empowering local artisans through quality craftsmanship in carpentry and welding, building sustainable livelihoods in Southern Rwanda since 2016.
About COOANYA
Our Story
Founded in 2016 and officially registered with the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA), COOANYA represents a collective of skilled artisans from Nyamagabe District dedicated to excellence in carpentry and metal fabrication.
Located in Nyabivumu Cell, Gasaka Sector, our cooperative has grown from a small group of local craftspeople into a professional manufacturing operation serving communities across Southern Province.
Our Location
📍 Nyabivumu Cell, Gasaka Sector
Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, Rwanda
Chairs, tables, beds, cupboards, sofas
Doors, windows, bed-frames, custom fabrication
Mobile toilets for events and construction sites
Tailored solutions for unique project requirements
Our Products & Services
Quality craftsmanship serving homes, schools, NGOs, and businesses across Rwanda
Wooden Furniture
Handcrafted chairs, tables, beds, cupboards, and sofas built with locally-sourced timber and traditional joinery techniques.
Metal Doors & Windows
Secure, durable steel doors and windows manufactured to specification for residential and commercial projects.
Metal Bed Frames
Robust steel bed frames in single, double, and queen sizes, built for durability and comfort.
Mobile Toilets
Portable sanitation units for construction sites, events, and communities lacking adequate facilities.
Custom Fabrication
Bespoke metalwork and woodwork tailored to specific project requirements and client specifications.
National Setting
COOANYA operates within Rwanda's ambitious transformation agenda
Rwanda's Vision 2050
- Light manufacturing central to job creation & export growth
- Industrial growth targeted at 12.7% by 2026
- 250,000 new jobs created annually
Made-in-Rwanda Strategy
- Manufacturing share of GDP to reach 25% by 2025
- Priority sectors: furniture, construction materials, metal fabrication
- Reducing import dependency
Key Challenges in Sector
- Skills gaps in design and modern machinery operation
- Inconsistent finishing techniques limit competitiveness
- SMEs struggle to meet institutional buyer standards
This policy environment strongly favours cooperatives like COOANYA that upgrade technology, green their processes, and professionalise marketing.
Critical Challenges
Key obstacles threatening sustainable growth without intervention
Proposed Solutions
5-Year Strategic Roadmap for Sustainable Growth
| Strategic Action | Year 1-2 | Year 3-5 | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure permanent site (0.3 ha) | Year 1-2 Land-bank application; negotiate 20-year lease |
Year 3-5 Build 800m² workshop & 200m² waste-to-energy block |
Space for CNC line & briquette press; long-term security |
| Machinery upgrade | Year 1-2 Leverage BDF/BRD SME credit; 60% grant/loan mix |
Year 3-5 Add laser-engraver & powder-coating booth |
Productivity +40%, defect rate –25% |
| Circular waste management – briquette plant | Year 1-2 Pilot 1t/shift briquetting from sawdust |
Year 3-5 Scale to commercial cook-stove production |
Revenue stream; environmental compliance; community health |
| Skills development program | Year 1-2 CNC routing & MIG/TIG certification training |
Year 3-5 Advanced upholstery & finishing techniques |
Reduced rework; meet institutional buyer standards |
| Marketing & showroom establishment | Year 1-2 Build client-facing display area; digital portfolio |
Year 3-5 Strategic partnerships with NGOs & government |
Regular contracts; stable cash-flow; brand recognition |
| Logistics & delivery capability | Year 1-2 Acquire light truck; establish delivery zones |
Year 3-5 Fleet expansion; regional distribution network |
Execute contracts beyond Nyamagabe; reduce delivery costs |
Our Vision for 2030
To become Southern Province's leading artisan cooperative, recognized for quality craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and community impact—creating dignified employment for 50+ artisans while serving thousands of Rwandan families and institutions.