ONE of the stars of TV’s The Apprentice has travelled to Africa to meet some young entrepreneurs facing tougher challenges than Sir Alan Sugar could ever dish out.

On a recent visit to Rwanda, Sir Alan’s righthand man Nick Hewer met entrepreneurs who were making progress despite the fact that HIV/Aids had left them as the breadwinners of their families.

Mr Hewer travelled to Rwanda with UK charity Hope and Homes for Children, to see how small business loans of as little as £20 were giving vulnerable families the chance to trade their way out of poverty.

Mr Hewer said: “Meeting some of these children whose lives have been transformed by Hope and Homes for Children has shown me that there is real hope. The charity not only supports these vulnerable families so that they can stay together but also helps them become self-sufficient.

“To do this, the charity is capitalising on the entrepreneurial spirit that already exists in Rwanda.”

One of the young entrepreneurs who left a lasting impression on Mr Hewer was market-seller Francois.

The 15-year-old, who has lost both parents to HIV/Aids, used a £20 loan to set up a business selling peanuts at the local market, and spent his loan on initial stock and equipment.

The teenager repaid his loan in only nine weeks and has plans to expand his business.