The Rwanda Development Board last week released its Annual Report, again shining a light on Rwanda’s ripeness for doing business and attracting investment. An aspect central to Rwanda’s continuing sustainability is the engagement and investment in its youth. Around 78 percent of Rwanda’s population are under the age of 35. One might say that Government intervention can bolster entrepreneurship and growth, but it takes more than Government alone. Youth-led development can bring a new perspective to existing challenges, creative and critical thinking and a future focus that can complement and honour existing culture and norms. For instance, the YouthConnekt movement is a pivotal initiative which raises the voices and priorities of young people across the continent, with a number of verticals sparking innovation and new development across entrepreneurship, the arts, agriculture and more. When countries create an enabling and encouraging environment, youth can explore issues which matter to them and take action on them. Connecting youth to the right technical resource, supportive mentors and providing access to the systems and networks for growth can be the key to unlocking new ideas, new flows of investment and home-grown talent. Early talent detection is a critical piece of this coherent strategy. A national youth strategy which cuts across inter-governmental departments, in a system where policies and practice are shaped by real-life experiences for and with its people, is a society which Rwanda strives to be. This is evident through the diversity and makeup of Rwanda from the very top to the grassroots. Whilst many young innovators are on the constant hunt for finance and sustainable financing of their work, consideration of an effective approach to building the resilience of projects, talent and micro-businesses might be an answer to side-step and overcome this challenge. Finance should be catalytic, in order to facilitate sustainable growth - aligned with the principle of aid for today to build a better tomorrow. The ‘Rwanda Brand’ is a significant exportable asset which is still being realised in the country. Rwanda’s inspirational journey, its ranking amongst the best in the world for ease of doing business and its friendly, collaborative culture, as well as mature and well-functioning systems, make the Rwandan story one that is rewarding and impactful to be a part of. Whilst there are still development progressions taking place, initiatives like Generation Unlimited help to fill vital gaps and strengthen youth participation in school and civic society and concerted efforts on a national and local Government level support active and healthy engagement of young people through Yego Centres, the Imbuto Foundation and many others led by private and charitable sectors. As an investor leading a youth-led business in Rwanda, it is telling that effort reaps equal reward in this country. Our own business is currently working on a national creative development programme for youth, which has uncovered the raw passion, enthusiasm and creativity which simply adds to the rich tapestry of culture, enterprising endeavour and positive social progress. Every single citizen we have met and interacted with deeply holds a sincere passion for the nation and the continent’s progress and when this talent is exposed to opportunity and targeted intervention, the next generation coming after us will certainly leave the world in a better place than when they found it. The writer is a British investor and a social entrepreneur based in Rwanda
