President Paul Kagame engaged approximately 10,000 young Rwandans on employment, entrepreneurship, drug abuse and social challenges during the Meet the President dialogue held at BK Arena on October 21, 2026.

The gathering brought together young people from different backgrounds and regions to share their concerns, propose solutions and discuss their role in Rwanda’s development.

Unemployment emerged as one of the key issues raised by participants. Jean de la Croix Havugimana, from Murama Sector in Kayonza District, identified the lack of employment opportunities as a major challenge facing young people.

He also linked drug abuse among youth to poverty and family circumstances, arguing that some young people turn to drugs after experiencing neglect at home.

“Sometimes families abandon us when we are still children, which can lead us to seek refuge in drugs,” Havugimana said.

He also commended Kagame for promoting equal opportunities for Rwandans.

Entrepreneurship and digital content creation were other important topics during the dialogue. Social media personality Chef Arsène raised concerns about the difficulties faced by young entrepreneurs with limited capital and content creators struggling to monetise their work.

Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire explained that discussions were ongoing with payment service providers, including PayPal and Equity Bank Rwanda, to address challenges associated with receiving payments from digital platforms. She also linked rising internet costs to the transition towards faster 4G and 5G connectivity.

The President also addressed drug and alcohol abuse, urging young people to confront life's challenges rather than rely on substances as an escape. Other discussions covered education, fashion, public service delivery and responsible spending.

Participants also highlighted concerns about theft, sexual misconduct and drug abuse. Uwase Beatrice, a University of Rwanda student, said these issues continue to affect young people, including those struggling to find employment after completing their studies.

The Meet the President dialogue was last held in May 2024, when more than 7,500 youth volunteers gathered at BK Arena to exchange ideas with the Head of State.

The latest gathering provided another opportunity for young Rwandans to raise concerns directly with national leadership. With more than 8.6 million Rwandans under the age of 30, addressing youth unemployment, strengthening families and expanding opportunities remain important priorities for the country's future.

A little more informed. A little more connected.