Denis Ndayizeye is the founder and executive director of Local Initiatives for Womens’ Development, an NGO that contributes to the improvement of women, girls and childrens’ lives and helping women establish self-sufficiency in Burundi. Through the NGO, Denis founded Baskets For Good, a business that employs women to produce high-quality woven baskets with local, natural, raw materials. 

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND BASKETS FOR GOOD

When Denis was 10 years old, his family was forced to flee their home country. During that time living as refugees, he became fatherless—leaving his mother to take care of the family alone while trying to return home. 

Denis witnessed firsthand the unique challenges his mother faced as a woman, as well as the difficulties of trying to educate children while living as refugees. It was this experience that later inspired him to launch a nonprofit focused on women's development. 

At Baskets For Food, Denis’ team produces products in Bubanza, Burundi and then sells to clients at local and regional exhibitions, to hotels and restaurants across the country, as well as to clients internationally. 

DENIS IN THE BECAUSE ACCELERATOR BUSINESS INCUBATOR

While in the Because Accelerator, Denis hopes to learn about building a financial plan, measuring impact, building an online presence and connecting with potential investors.

In five years, Denis hopes that Baskets For Good is a leader in the Burundi community for basketry and that they have established at least ten permanent US or EU-based markets for selling baskets. 

The Because Accelerator is a completely free online training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs who have product-focused ideas and businesses in areas impacted by poverty.