Rwandan youth are turning innovative ideas into action, launching projects that tackle national challenges while creating jobs for their peers.
The Ministry of Youth and Arts Development (MOYA) is encouraging young entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities that contribute to Rwanda’s goal of expanding employment across the country.
On Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, 15 standout projects from the sixth cycle of the Innovation Accelerator, or iAccelerator, were recognized for their progress and potential in the job market. The projects were selected from an initial pool of 40, with 10 receiving Rwf 10 million each and six months of mentorship to refine their ventures.
Marie Ange Raissa Uwamungu, founder of Impanuro Girls Initiative, said programs like iAccelerator help young women and girls build confidence and financial literacy. “Before iAccelerator, it could take years to find funding or support. This program gives young entrepreneurs a chance to act on their ideas quickly,” she said.
Celine Diana Bizimungu, whose project Kozzy Wellness focuses on mental health, said the support allowed her team to expand rapidly. “Since receiving funding last year, we’ve trained youth in schools, workplaces, and communities. We’ve brought in experts to discuss mental health and reached a wide audience,” she said.
Élodie Shami, CEO of Imbuto Foundation, emphasized the transformative potential of youth innovation. “These projects are more than business ideas. They show what young people can achieve when given trust, resources, and space to innovate,” Shami said. “Our goal is to help these solutions grow and connect them with experts, investors, and policymakers.”
Brave Ngabo, permanent secretary at MOYA, highlighted the importance of youth-led job creation. “The best outcomes happen when young entrepreneurs identify real needs and develop solutions that create opportunities for others,” he said.
Since its launch in December 2016, iAccelerator has helped young Rwandans develop sustainable solutions to societal problems. The program provides funding, mentorship, and training to turn ideas into impactful ventures, contributing to both innovation and employment growth across the country.
