Isabelle Kamariza

Isabelle Kamariza, founder of Solid'Africa, has made a lasting impact on nutrition security in Rwanda. Since 2010, she has championed access to affordable, nutritious meals as a fundamental human right, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Solid'Africa was born from Isabelle’s desire to support low-income patients in public hospitals, where meals are not traditionally provided. Today, the organization serves three daily meals to over 1,700 vulnerable patients across six public hospitals, benefiting more than 100,000 people annually. In 2023, the Government of Rwanda formalized a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Solid'Africa to expand this model to all 47 public district hospitals, ensuring sustainable access to hospital nutrition.

Beyond hospitals, Solid'Africa is addressing broader food security challenges. In 2024, the Ministry of Education partnered with the organization to strengthen the National School Feeding Program. Through a farm-to-fork model prioritizing nutrition, local sourcing, and sustainability, Solid'Africa now provides daily meals to 7,500 students, with plans for national expansion.

Isabelle’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including being named Global Citizen Disruptor of the Year in 2024 and receiving the Elevate Prize and Bold Social Impact Catalyst Award the same year. She is an Ashoka, Imagine Leaders, and Praxis Fellow (2023) and received the Forbes Woman Africa Social Impact Award (2021). Other honors include the Segal Family Foundation’s System Innovator Award (2019), the Queen Elizabeth II Points of Light Award (2018), the Celebrating Young Rwandan Achievers Award by the First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda through the Imbuto Foundation (2013), and recognition by the First Lady of the United States at the Young African Women Leaders Forum (2011). Isabelle also serves on the boards of the Segal Family Foundation and Panorama Global.

Through Solid'Africa, Isabelle is transforming the conversation around food security by prioritizing nutrition in public health. Her work integrates education, awareness, and sustainable agriculture to combat malnutrition and promote lasting change in Rwanda.