How this 22 year old entrepreneur is disrupting Rwanda’s food delivery market, helping fight youth unemployment

In a bid to transform Rwanda's food delivery market and tackle youth unemployment head-on, 22-year-old Yvonne Nyinawumuntu has launched an online platform called 'Go Cook'. This innovative website, gocook.rw, connects customers directly with talented chefs who are ready to cook delicious meals in the comfort of their homes. The concept is simple yet revolutionary, saving customers the hassle of going out to eat and providing chefs with a new avenue to showcase their culinary skills. Operating for just four months, Go Cook has already made significant strides in the market. Customers are delighted with the service and are eager for more, while chefs have embraced the platform as a source of additional income and job opportunities. One of the key challenges faced by the platform was gaining the trust of both customers and chefs. Convincing customers to invite a chef into their homes was initially met with skepticism, but positive feedback and a reliable mediation system quickly alleviated their concerns. For chefs, the opportunity to take on more jobs and expand their client base proved to be a compelling reason to join the platform. When it comes to payment, Go Cook operates on a commission-based system. Part-time chefs receive a percentage of the customer's payment, while full-time chefs are paid a fixed monthly salary. The company takes a 30% commission, providing a sustainable model for both the chefs and the business. Despite the success of Go Cook, Nyinawumuntu acknowledges the challenges of operating as an intermediary between chefs and customers. The risk of clients and chefs bypassing the platform once a connection is established is a concern, but the platform mitigates this risk by ensuring that chefs receive the support and benefits they need to stay engaged. Additionally, Go Cook steps in to resolve any issues that may arise during a service, providing peace of mind to both parties. To join the platform as a chef, individuals must possess a certification in food production or culinary arts, demonstrating their expertise in the field. Professional training and experience in hotels or other culinary establishments are also highly valued qualifications for aspiring chefs. Looking to the future, Go Cook aims to diversify its offerings by bringing in chefs skilled in a wide range of international cuisines. While currently focusing on local and Indian cuisine, the platform is eager to expand its roster to include Japanese, Italian, and other global culinary traditions.