It is often said the youth are Africa’s greatest asset. Today, their population is growing rapidly making it imperative to invest in youth education, skill development, and entrepreneurship to unlock their immense potential, driving innovation and productivity across all sectors while addressing high youth unemployment rates and harnessing their energy to solve pressing challenges.

The European Union in Rwanda in partnerishp with the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MOYA), UNDP Rwanda, and Tony Elumelu Foundation, have launched the Aguka Ideation Programme's second cohort. The initiative intends to successfully nurture 1,000 young entrepreneurs across Rwanda, transforming their innovative ideas into viable business ventures.

20-year-old Musafiri Arnaud, a software engineering student at the University of the Lay Adventists in Kigali is one of the participants. His start-up, "Kigali Urban Oasis," intends to introduce the perfect blend of agriculture and technology. 

Arnaud's hydroponic farming system, designed for urban areas, promises to redefine food production by recycling wastewater and utilizing UV rays for purification. His innovative approach intends to increase yield and address the pressing need for smart and sustainable urban agriculture.

Equally impressive is Kimararungu Arsene, 22, whose integrated insect farm promises to improve accessibility and reduce the overall cost of animal feeds. Arsene's concept of using black soldier flies, and crickets as a sustainable protein source for animal feed serves a deep understanding of the primary needs of animal husbandry. His project aims to minimize competition between human and animal food sources while providing a cost-effective solution for poultry and swine farmers.

The launch event also highlighted the entrepreneurial mindset of young women in agriculture. 20 year-old Triphine Ingabire presented her "Husk Defender" project—a biopesticide made from rice husks. Her solution addresses the high cost of traditional pesticides while repurposing agricultural waste, embodying the circular economy principles crucial for sustainable farming.

As the second cohort starts, the Aguka Ideation Programme is certainly tapping into a wellspring of passion among Rwanda's youth. It is encouraging to witness the interest of young entrepreneurs who showcase a deep commitment to transforming Rwanda's agricultural landscape. However, the participants of the second ideation phase are involved in more sectors.

When life handed Celine Ariette Isingizwe lemons during the COVID-19 lockdown, she didn't just make lemonade but crocheted a new future. The hospitality graduate from Akilah Institute found herself jobless and bored out of her mind. But instead of Netflix-binging her days away, Celine picked up some yarn and needles and went to work.

What started as a fun lockdown hobby quickly became an admirable skillset that left friends and family interested in getting a piece of Celine's creation. By October 2023, Celine's living room operation had become a fashion brand. Today, she employs three full-time staff and a couple of part-time staff who help her keep up with orders.  

The program's success in nurturing these ideas from concept to business plans has propelled the immense potential of Rwanda's youth in driving innovation, creating jobs for other youth, and, in the long run, contributing to the country's economic growth.