The Rwandan youth living in different countries abroad, have been tipped on the priority areas of investment and job opportunities available in different sectors of the economy.

This was during a business fair which brought together members of the Rwanda Youth Club, a group of 70 youths drawn from at least 13 countries in different continents.

The businesses fair which is part of their two-week tour by the youth, was coordinated by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations

Sandrine Uwimbabazi Maziyateke, the Director of Rwanda Community Abroad at the foreign affairs ministry said that the youth have been to different places learning about the country’s history, challenges and opportunities.

One of the members of  group of 70 youths  from Diaspora asks some clarification during a business fair  in Kigali on July 19 

She said that, "they have seen how far the country has grown and is still growing. The message we give them is to continue to be eager to return to their country and encourage their other compatriots to do the same.”

The youth who spoke said that they were able to see many opportunities.

"I am a student of International Business in Canada but my interest is in in interior design and I see opportunities in the field,” said Arlette Ishimwe.

Ishimwe said that the tour was very important, saying that on returning to Canada, she will research further and establish contacts which she can use once she decides to come back and make her contribution to the industry in the country.

A business fair brought together members of the Rwanda Youth Club, a group of 70 youths drawn from at least 13 countries in different continents in Kigali on July 19 

Jasmine Kabandana, one of the founders of the Rwanda Youth Club, said the reason they decided to come is that most of them do not know anything about Rwanda and need to learn about their country, which is why we decided to set up a 'Rwanda Youth Club', so we planned to come and visit our country.

Kabandana said that the tours have yielded results saying that among the youngsters who came last year, some had already found opportunities either in employment or training.

She added that, "This is an opportunity for us to understand our role and how we can contribute to the development of Rwanda and giving back to our community.”

Louise Kanyonga the Chief Strategy Officer at RDB said that Rwanda has a lot of opportunities be it investment, business or even employment and the youth in diaspora should explore them.

She encouraged them to take time and clearly understand these opportunities and also be forward-looking for what may be the opportunities in the future, saying that they have the skills, exposure and talent to take the country further.

Rwanda Defence Force officer interacts with some of the youth from Diaspora at a Business Fair in Kigali on July 19. Courtesy