According to Valentin Nshimiyimana, the Operations Manager at Imagine Rwanda, the idea for the platform was born in 2024 after the completion of a collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, which had supported training for more than 2,000 students.“We collected about 200 outstanding stories written during that program and published them on our digital library so that young people can easily access what their peers have written and feel inspired to read and write more,” Nshimiyimana explained.

He added that Imagine We also worked with the Nyundo School of Music, where students explored the art of creating illustrated stories. “That’s when we developed the ‘Imagine Rwanda’ project,” he said. “We later partnered with Centre Culturel Francophone, Création Africa, and the French Embassy in Rwanda, who supported the idea and helped us bring it to life.”
Through the project, 20 students from the music school received specialized training in producing illustrated books and animation films.
One of the participants, Lynka Umuhoza, expressed gratitude for the experience: “We learned a lot from professional artists who shared their knowledge with us. It opened our minds and encouraged us to turn our creativity into something tangible,” she said.
Besides the training sessions, participants were also given opportunities to attend international festivals dedicated to illustration and animation in France and Kenya, where they showcased their own work.

Irakoze King Charmant, another trainee, shared how such events enriched their artistic perspective: “Participating in festivals in France and Kenya allowed us to learn from other cultures while also sharing Rwandan culture through our creations,” he noted.
At the closing ceremony of the “Imagine Rwanda” project, participants presented 19 illustrated books and eight animated films, all developed during the training.
To ensure these artists continue to benefit from their talent, Imagine We Publishers launched the “Imagine Creators Platform”  a new digital marketplace where creators can upload, promote, and sell their work directly to audiences.

Nshimiyimana said the goal is to support cultural growth and help artists sustain their careers, as many struggle to find outlets for their creations. “This platform will enable artists to sell their work, monitor its performance, and use real data to attract sponsors or investors,” he explained. “It’s not just a shop  it’s a tool for professional growth.”
The Imagine Creators Platform will host a wide range of creative content, including music, films, artworks, podcasts, and other artistic productions.

By combining creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship, Imagine We Publishers hopes to make the Rwandan creative industry more visible and profitable  both locally and internationally.