A total of 41 young entrepreneurs whose projects excelled in the YouthConnekt 2025 competition have been awarded a combined Rwf 41 million, with each winner receiving Rwf 1 million to support their business ideas.
The awards were presented during celebrations marking the Youth Development Day held at Maison des Jeunes Kimisagara in Nyarugenge District on March 27, 2025.
Speaking at the event, State Minister in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development, Sandrine Umutoni, urged the beneficiaries to look beyond the financial reward and focus on long term growth and impact.
She said, “Today is not only about what has been achieved, but also about where we are heading. Each one of you has a key role to play in building the Rwanda we want. Use this opportunity wisely and continue striving for progress.”
Among the winners is Uwase Assoumpta, founder of Urugero Fashion, who said the funds will help her expand her business by acquiring essential tailoring equipment.
She said, “This support will help me buy machines that I did not have before. In our work, equipment is essential to improve efficiency and increase production.”
Similar award ceremonies were also held across different provinces. In the Eastern Province, the Minister of Youth and Arts Development, Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, encouraged young people to take initiative and seize available opportunities.
Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa urged youth to invest in emerging opportunities, particularly in agriculture and irrigation, while also sharing knowledge with others.
In the Northern Province, Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde called on award recipients to make the most of the opportunities they have received and contribute to national development through hard work and discipline.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Clément Kabiligi, noted that the awarded youth represent a strong example that success is achievable through available opportunities, urging them to maintain good conduct and inspire others.
In the Southern Province, Nyamagabe Vice Mayor Thaddée Habimana advised youth to be thoughtful and avoid making rushed decisions, while also participating in national programs such as community work and commemoration activities.
Western Province Governor Jean Bosco Ntibitura commended continued efforts by government and partners in empowering youth, noting that such initiatives encourage innovation and self reliance.
The YouthConnekt initiative is organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union.
The awarding event also marked the launch of the Aguka Fund, a financing facility designed to provide loans to young entrepreneurs at an interest rate of 9 percent, requiring a 10 percent collateral.
UNDP Rwanda Country Representative Fatmata Lovetta Sesay congratulated the winners, noting that their projects demonstrate strong potential to drive positive change, urging them to scale up their ideas and compete effectively in the job market while contributing to Rwanda’s private sector growth and Africa’s economic development.
