A single conversation in Kigali can change everything. For our alumni Carolin Link and Leon Jaeger, the AGYLE Meet-Up became the starting point of a collaboration that now contributes to Rwanda’s transition toward green and circular mobility.
Carolin is co-founder of Kirova Partners, a network of expert consultants combining strategic advisory experience with deep local knowledge in Rwanda’s climate, mobility and development sectors. Leon is a consultant at Rodiek & Co. GmbH for waste management, recycling and circular economy, helping clients to develop and implement strategies for effective material management so that resources are maintained or recovered and wastes avoided. Both joined AGYLE with the desire to grow, connect and collaborate. In this interview, they share what motivated them to join AGYLE, what they gained from the program, and how their first exchange set the foundation for a cross-continental collaboration.
Seeking Exchange, Finding Community
You both came to AGYLE with strong professional backgrounds. What made the program appealing to you?
Leon: I joined AGYLE primarily for professional development and networking.
Carolin: I saw AGYLE as a chance to exchange ideas with other entrepreneurs and leaders, explore new business collaborations across Africa and Germany and get inspired by innovative approaches to sustainable growth.
Looking back now, what did you take away from that experience, and what surprised you?
Leon: My expectations were far exceeded. It was incredible to exchange ideas with such a diverse, smart, and inspiring group of people. Beyond professional connections, I also built personal relationships—many have become lasting friendships.
Carolin: I was surprised how quickly we bonded and moved beyond introductions into real conversations about collaboration - and how many concrete ideas emerged in such a short time. I was impressed by the openness in the group.
Where AGYLE Made an Impact
Which experience within the AGYLE program had the strongest impact on your personal or professional development?
Leon: The program made me realize that each member brings unique value to the network. Engaging with other members is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your perspective, both professionally and personally.
Carolin: The biggest impact for me came from the conversations with other entrepreneurs. Hearing their stories, challenges and approaches to building businesses across Africa gave me new perspectives.
When a Conversation Becomes a Collaboration
Your collaboration started in Kigali. How did a simple exchange turn into a joint project?
Leon: We met during the AGYLE Meet-Up in Kigali, at a reception at the German Ambassador’s residence. We started talking about recycling and circular economy and realized that we have common touchpoints and could benefit from collaboration.
A few weeks later, Carolin received a tender invitation, and we decided to hand in a joint application. Due to the comprehensiveness of our expertise and qualifications we were able to win that tender!
Shaping Rwanda’s E-Mobility Transition Through Smart Waste Management
Congratulations on winning the tender. Could you share a bit more about the project and its overall aim?
Carolin: The aim of the project is to develop a strategy on how to handle waste generated from motorcycles in the transition towards electromobility. Rwanda has set itself very ambitious goals for electromobility, and one important step was the decision to stop registering new ICE moto-taxis in Kigali from 2025. That sends a clear signal that the fleet will gradually shift toward electric over time. In parallel, several companies are already piloting retrofit programmes, where existing ICE motorcycles are converted into electric ones. All of this is very positive, but it also means new types of waste will start to appear - from old engines to lithium-ion batteries.
Leon: Our mandate is to ensure that these waste streams are managed in an environmentally sound and circular way. Because Rwanda has not yet had to deal with this kind of waste at scale, this project represents the first comprehensive waste management strategy for managing motorcycle waste and to establish the systems and structures needed for an effective and sustainable transition towards electromobility.
Thank you both for taking the time to walk us through your journey. We can’t wait to see what comes next.
Their collaboration highlights what AGYLE strives to build: a community where meaningful connections turn into concrete action. As Carolin and Leon continue their work in Rwanda, their story stands as an example of the impact that emerges when young leaders come together with openness, curiosity, and a shared sense of purpose.
