260 entrepreneurs recognized at YouthConnekt Awards

260 young entrepreneurs were honored at the 2024 YouthConnekt Awards on February 18. The annual initiative aims to empower Rwanda’s youth through financial support, mentorship, and business training. The event featured top prizes of Rwf25 million, Rwf20 million, Rwf15 million, and Rwf10 million, with additional awards of Rwf5 million, Rwf3 million, and Rwf1 million granted to deserving entrepreneurs. Special recognition was also given to women entrepreneurs and youth with disabilities, each receiving Rwf5 million. Among the top winners was Annet Muhorakeye, founder of Coffee Company, who emerged as the overall champion, securing Rwf25 million to expand her business at Kisimite Center. Jean Claude Dufatanye, an electrical engineer from Kirehe, received Rwf20 million for his innovation in manufacturing a locally made refrigerator. In the Women’s Category, Shakira Uwineza from Kamonyi District, founder of Neza Chill, was awarded Rwf5 million. Meanwhile, Aime Pacifique Uwimana from Rutsiro District received Rwf5 million in the category for people with disabilities. Creativity and the arts were also celebrated, with Merci Ndaruhutse, founder of GEN-Z Comedy Show, winning Rwf10 million in the Performing Arts category. Ligobert Uwiduhaye, founder of Studio of African Wildlife Art (SAWA) in Musanze District, was honored in the Vision Art category. In the agribusiness sector, Janvier Nsazimana from Rusizi District secured Rwf25 million.

Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, encouraged young entrepreneurs to seize opportunities and remain committed to their ventures. “A window can be looked through, can be admired, or you can also choose to open the window and step into new opportunities. For the next generation of young people here today, this is the moment to seize those opportunities,” she said. She also announced a major initiative to support startups, stating, “The government is listening, and we are addressing the challenges you face, starting with lowering internet costs to ensure better access for young entrepreneurs.”

Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering youth in agriculture and the arts. “We have found that agriculture is a major source of jobs for young people, spanning production, food processing, and trade. That is why AgriConnect has become a crucial part of our awards,” he said. He further encouraged stakeholders to support youth-led agribusiness ventures and emphasized the importance of nurturing young artists. To further boost youth entrepreneurship, the government, in collaboration with the Business Development Fund (BDF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is launching the Aguka Fund. This initiative aims to provide additional financial support to young business owners, ensuring sustainable economic growth and job creation. The YouthConnekt Awards continue to be a beacon of hope for Rwanda’s young entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and driving the nation’s economic transformation.