Youth-led innovations in agritech were recognised at the 2026 AYuTe Africa Challenge Rwanda Grand Finale, with young entrepreneurs awarded over Rwf60 million for solutions aimed at transforming the sector.

The competition, now in its third edition and organised by Heifer International, rewards agripreneurs leveraging technology to improve productivity, market access, and resilience in agriculture.

ALSO READ: Heifer Rwanda launches 2026 AYuTE challenge with Rwf65m for youth-led Agritech solutions

Held on Thursday, April 30, at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, the event brought together policymakers, investors, and innovators to celebrate youth-driven solutions.

Winners take top prizes

Goodness of God Ltd, led by Goodluck Mutoni, emerged the overall winner, receiving Rwf30 million. Techplus Trust Ltd, led by Isidole Niyigirimpuhwe, secured second place with Rwf20 million, while Ampere Vision Rwanda, led by Happy Axel Muyombano, took third place and was awarded RWF 15 million.

An additional Rwf2 million Emerging Innovator Award went to Vexta Sachet Ltd, led by Samuel Shema Sonny Munyaneza.

ALSO READ: Top 12 agritech innovators advance to AYuTe Rwanda 2026 bootcamp ahead of grand finale

From ideas to impact

The 2026 edition attracted more than 1,200 applications from young innovators aged between 18 and 35 across the country. After a rigorous selection process, 12 startups were shortlisted and taken through an intensive bootcamp held from April 20 to 24.

The programme offered mentorship, business development support, and financial planning guidance, culminating in a pitch session that selected five finalists for the grand finale.

ALSO READ: Heifer International Rwanda awards Rwf50m to youth-led agritech startups in push for smart farming

Encouraging youth-led innovations

Verena Ruzibuka, the Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, said the AYuTe Africa Challenge continues to serve as a platform for identifying and supporting youth-led agritech solutions with potential to transform agriculture.

Previous editions supported participants to scale their innovations to a point where they are no longer considered high-risk, enabling commercial banks to gain confidence in financing them, she explained.

So far, Ruzibuka noted that there are seven agritech entrepreneurs who have in previous, won at both national and continental levels and have gone on to create 192 jobs.

She said this year’s edition featured five finalists competing for Rwf65 million, while other innovators were also recognised for early-stage solutions showing strong potential.

"These are not only fully developed businesses. We also highlight emerging ideas that are still developing but demonstrate clear promise,” she said.

Ruzibuka encouraged young innovators, including those with nascent ideas, to participate in the programme, noting that the platform allows them to test, refine, and improve their solutions through feedback and exposure.

She said the initiative is rooted in the belief that youth and technology are central to transforming agriculture, but stressed that broader collaboration is needed to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

"We cannot do this alone. The innovation journey is long and requires different partners to support young people at various stages,” she said.

Reflecting on lessons from previous editions, she observed the outreach had been expanded to reach more young people across the country, leading to a significant increase in applications.

She noted that participation has grown from dozens in the first edition to more than 1,200 in the latest round, driven by improved awareness and engagement at grassroots level.

Ruzibuka also highlighted the creativity of young innovators, saying many are developing practical solutions using locally available materials to address challenges such as post-harvest losses and value addition.

Innovation rooted in real-life experience

For Goodluck Mutoni, the top winner, the journey was driven by personal experience.

Her company produces hair care products using agricultural inputs such as onion, ginger, garlic, and rosemary, sourced from local farmers.

"We work with farmers, train them, and buy their produce, which we transform into hair products,” she said.

Before the competition, her production could only meet about 40 per cent of market demand. With the prize money, she plans to expand operations, increase farmer partnerships, and invest in equipment.

"We used to produce about 1,200 bottles per week. Now, we aim to produce that per day,” she said.

She added that the bootcamp helped her build confidence, improve her business skills, and connect with potential partners and markets.

Minister outlines vision for the sector, hails Heifer International’s support

The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Telesphore Ndabamenye, said the future of Rwanda’s agriculture sector lies in innovation driven by young people.

He outlined a vision for the next decade: food, money and jobs.

"Food for everyone, money for everyone, and jobs for everyone. That is the future of our food systems,” he said, urging young innovators to scale up their ideas and focus on impact.

Ndabamenye stated that agriculture must evolve into a smarter, faster and more connected sector, powered by technology and creativity, and encouraged innovators to turn ideas into scalable businesses that reach farmers and markets.

"I thank Heifer International for bringing us together around the issue of food,” he said, commending the organisation’s contribution to supporting the agriculture