The Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, has called on Rwandan youth living abroad to take an active role in shaping the country’s future, urging them to become architects of Rwanda’s rebirth by contributing their skills, mindsets, and energy. Speaking at the fifth edition of the Rwanda Youth Tour, an initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFET), Umutoni emphasised the need for young people in the diaspora to understand Rwanda’s history and contribute meaningfully to its continued transformation. ALSO READ: From clicks to progress: Rwanda's youth at the forefront “We want them to understand what it took for Rwanda to be reborn after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, what it takes to ensure strong leadership, peace, and security in our country and to know that they have something to contribute to this ongoing rebirth,” she said. Held on July 7 at Norrsken Kigali, this year’s event brought together nearly 100 Rwandan youth from seven countries — Belgium, Canada, the UK, the USA, Senegal, Uganda, and Italy — offering them an opportunity to reconnect with their homeland and deepen their understanding of Rwandan culture, values, and development trajectory. The participants included both returning attendees and first-time visitors, all eager to explore Rwanda’s progress and discover opportunities to get involved. ALSO READ: No country can develop without patriotic citizens, Kabarebe tells youth “This is an entry point for them to learn more about our history and socio-economic transformation, and to understand Rwanda’s vision for the future,” Umutoni said. “They bring different skills we need and are encouraged to bring those talents back home.” Returnees making a difference Over the years, the Youth Tour has inspired several participants to return and invest in Rwanda. One such returnee is 22-year-old Calliste Musinga Dethier, who relocated from Montreal, Canada, after attending a previous edition of the tour. He now runs a growing business in real estate, property management, and car rentals. ALSO READ: Nshuti urges Diaspora youth to embrace cultural heritage, patriotism “It’s been a year since I started the business,” he shared. “During the tour, I witnessed how much the country had transformed. I’ve been to several places — Brussels, the U.S., parts of Europe — but I chose to invest in Rwanda. Here, I feel like I’m home and doing something for my country, not just running a business.” Dethier currently employs four permanent staff and collaborates with multiple partners, crediting Rwanda’s supportive business environment for his early success. Building a sstronger connection Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Pacific, and the Middle East at MINAFET, highlighted the strategic importance of the youth tour in strengthening ties between Rwanda and its young diaspora. “This initiative is about more than just goodwill — it’s a strategic investment in Rwanda’s future,” he said. “By deepening your connection to your roots, we are nurturing globally minded Rwandans who can drive national development, represent Rwanda abroad, and enrich our society with the knowledge and networks gained internationally.” He urged the youth to embrace Rwanda’s story and be proud of the country’s visionary leadership and progress. “You carry Rwanda’s values, culture, and story wherever you go,” he said. “You are our ambassadors. Whether through investment, trade, governance, or innovation, your contribution is critical. The government remains committed to supporting you both abroad and when you return home.”
