More than Rwf15 million was last week awarded to the best youth innovators courtesy of City of Kigali.

The wards, which saw more than 11 innovative projects scoop cash prizes, are part of efforts to recognize the role of Youth in the country’s progress. The awards were organised by the City of Kigali in partnership with Dot Rwanda.

Jean-Marie Habiyaremye, the project Manager Cow Horns Kigali, Kenneth Geoffrey, the managing director, Community Nursery School, and Augustin Uwase, the Eagle Art Graphic Designers proprietor were awarded Rwf2 million each for exhibiting best bankable projects. The Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs, Patricia Muhongerwa, urged the youth to be more innovative as one of the strategies to contribute to the city’s economic development.

"The youth must be at the forefront of Made-in-Rwanda campaign to be able to contribute to the economic development of the country,” she said. She also tipped the youth to observe excellent financial management skills.

Serafina Nyirahabimana, the in charge of Private Sector Federation Business Development services, in Nyarugenge District, cited capacity building as one of the challenges facing youth in entrepreneurship.

She added that trainings are also on their agenda to increase the expertise of the youth in job creation.

"We are looking forward to organise study tours for the youth to go abroad and acquire more skills on entrepreneurship,” she said.

Doreen Gashuga, from the Business Development Fund (BDF), Nyarugenge District, said awarding innovative projects motivates other young innovators who need capital to implement their business ideas.

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