Rwandan youth have built a reputation for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in technology, social enterprise, and community development.

ALSO READ: How Rwanda’s startups are overcoming barriers to grow

Their growing influence is evident in how they are shaping responses to both local and global challenges while contributing meaningfully to Rwanda’s development agenda and international presence.

One such opportunity is the International Festival of Youth, an annual event hosted by Russia that convenes young leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers from around the globe to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas.

Scheduled for September 2026 in Yekaterinburg, it is expected to bring together participants from about 190 countries, fostering networking, learning, cultural exchange, and collaboration.

During a recent visit to Rwanda, Amina Khubieva, Chief Advisor for African Countries in the International Department of the World Youth Festival Directorate, Russia, highlighted the growing role of African youth in global conversations and why young Rwandans are well positioned to benefit from such platforms.

She described the festival as a space where ideas become opportunities.

"The International Festival of Youth is a unique platform where groundbreaking ideas converge,” Khubieva said. "It provides a space for exchanging concepts, presenting projects to a global audience, and engaging in constructive dialogue with officials and thought leaders.”

The event builds on the legacy of the World Youth Festival, launched in 2017 in Sirius, a federal territory known for hosting major international events, including the 2014 Winter Olympics. The 2024 edition attracted thousands of participants from around the world.

"The festival has consistently drawn strong interest, including from young people across Africa,” she said. "The upcoming edition will continue to bring together participants from diverse countries and backgrounds, encouraging dialogue, cooperation, and new partnerships.”

Opportunities for Rwanda's innovators

Rwanda is often cited as one of Africa’s youngest nations, with a growing ecosystem of startups, digital innovators, and youth-led social enterprises.

According to Amina Khubieva, young innovators in the country stand to benefit significantly from international youth platforms.

ALSO READ: How Rwanda’s digital hub project could boost tech startups

She noted that the festival programme includes workshops, panel discussions, innovation labs, and pitching competitions designed to strengthen skills, encourage collaboration, and connect participants with global stakeholders.

For entrepreneurs, a key advantage lies in the opportunity to present their projects to influential audiences.

"I am aware that there are many young innovators in Rwanda,” she said. "They will have a chance to take part in pitching sessions with Russian government officials and showcase their ideas on a global stage.”

Participants will also engage with experts from various fields and countries, gaining practical knowledge and fresh perspectives.

"Every participant has the opportunity to interact with world-class speakers and industry experts from across the globe,” she added. "The knowledge gained can be applied to drive change within their communities.”

Such exposure helps innovators refine their ideas, expand networks, explore collaboration opportunities and build confidence to scale their initiatives.

ALSO READ: Supporting small-scale entrepreneurs to expand their businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa

A platform for global conversations

Khubieva said the festival is designed not only as a learning space but also as a platform for young people to engage in global conversations.

Participants have access to networking hubs, exhibition areas, thematic discussions, and collaborative sessions on topics such as technology, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and social innovation.

One of its key features is the pitching session with senior government officials. "We organise this interactive format every year, and it remains highly popular,” she said. The sessions allow participants to present ideas, ask questions, and receive direct feedback from policymakers and experts.

For Rwandan youth, increasingly active in international forums and innovation competitions, the platform offers an opportunity to share perspectives on community challenges while engaging with peers globally.

ALSO READ: Sixty youth-led innovations to boost Rwanda’s agric, health and tech through RISA funding

Khubieva added that participants are grouped across nationalities to promote cross-cultural exchange. "A Rwandan participant will not only meet people from Russia or Africa,” she said. "They will interact with young people from across the world. This exchange of ideas is one of the festival’s greatest strengths.”

The connections established during the event often evolve into lasting professional relationships and future collaborative opportunities.

Growing African participation

African youth are an important part of the festival’s global community. According to Khubieva, more than 1,500 young people from nearly every African country have participated in recent editions, reflecting the continent’s strong presence.

"Their role has always been highly important to us because African youth remain among the most active, resilient, and motivated participants in the global youth movement,” she said.

For Rwanda, at least 20 participants are expected at this year’s edition.

"We foresee their contributions, entrepreneurial spirit, and expertise in social innovation becoming integral to the festival’s success,” she added.

Khubieva also pointed to the long-term impact of such engagement, citing a former participant from West Africa who later secured a senior role in his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after gaining visibility through the programme.

While she did not disclose the individual’s identity due to privacy concerns, she said the case illustrates how global platforms can open doors for emerging leaders.

What makes a strong candidate?

With thousands of applications submitted globally, selection for international youth programmes is highly competitive. Khubieva said candidates are assessed based on achievements, leadership potential, and community impact.

"The scope and impact of their work are key considerations,” she said. "Whether in social innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, or community leadership, we closely examine how they drive positive change.”

She encouraged applicants to present a well-rounded profile highlighting education, professional journey, initiatives, and accomplishments.

"A diverse set of experiences is the main criterion,” she explained. "Applicants should include their academic background, career path, social initiatives, personal projects, and anything they want the world to know.”

Although registration for the 2026 festival has closed, she urged interested youth to prepare for future editions and follow official channels for updates.

Opportunities beyond the festival

Participation continues beyond the festival itself. Khubieva highlighted several initiatives that allow alumni to further develop their skills and experience.

Among them is the "International Start” programme, a two-week immersive experience where participants work alongside the World Youth Festival Directorate team.

"This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in organising large-scale international events in Russia,” she said.

Alumni can also access training programmes in areas such as media, public administration, creative industries, civic engagement, and social entrepreneurship.

According to Khubieva, hundreds of international participants, including many from Africa, have already benefited.

"The opportunities extend beyond the event itself,” she said. "Participants receive mentorship, build international partnerships, and access ongoing support for their projects.”

She added that these follow-up initiatives help participants continue developing their ideas and careers long after the festival ends.

A call to Rwanda's youth

As Rwanda continues investing in youth development and innovation, Khubieva encouraged young people to pursue opportunities that showcase their potential and share their stories.

"Believe in yourself and your unique potential,” she said. "Seize every opportunity to tell the world your story.”

She also urged them to value their experiences and perspectives. "Your ideas, energy, and vision are exactly what the global youth movement needs,” she said.

Khubieva added that Rwanda’s youth have the talent and determination to make an impact. "They have the creativity and drive to create real change,” she said, urging them: "Let the world hear your voice.”

She noted that international cooperation among young leaders is expected to play a growing role in addressing global challenges.