Rwanda Capital Market Authority (CMA) is intensifying efforts to promote a culture of saving and investing among young people, arguing that financial literacy and participation in capital markets are essential for long-term economic prosperity. More than 1,000 young people attended the Capital Markets Youth Forum 2026, organised by CMA on June 10 in partnership with Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), Access to Finance Rwanda, Rwanda National Investment Trust (RNIT Iterambere Fund), and the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation. The forum focused on savings, investment, and wealth creation, with participants encouraged to put their money into productive assets such as businesses, land, and financial instruments rather than leaving it idle, where its value can be diminished by inflation over time. ALSO READ: What’s driving Rwanda's growth in corporate bond issuances? According to Romeo Ngarambe, Chief Executive Officer of CMA, the forum aims to deepen young people's understanding of Rwanda's capital market, promote long-term investing, and connect youth with mentors and industry professionals. “Through this programme, we seek to build a stronger culture of saving and investment among youth. We want young people to understand that the capital market is not reserved for a few institutions or large investors,” he said. “It is a platform where individuals can participate, learn, invest, raise capital, support businesses and contribute to the country’s development agenda.” As part of the event, CMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Rwanda to expand financial literacy and capital market awareness across the country. Ngarambe urged young people to develop a long-term investment mindset. “Growth takes time, discipline and patience. Investment is not only about money. It is also about mindset. It requires planning, consistency and the willingness to learn,” he said. “The earlier you understand this, the better prepared you become to manage your resources, support your families, build enterprises and contribute to Rwanda’s prosperity.” University challenge rewards young investors with outstanding projects A highlight of the forum was the Capital Market University Challenge, which attracted 1,100 participants from eight universities. The competition introduced students to shares, bonds, Collective Investment Schemes, and the broader role of capital markets in economic development. Five finalists with outstanding projects were rewarded through capital market instruments to encourage practical investing. Ishimwe Senga Christian emerged as the overall winner, receiving investments worth Rwf1.5 million. He was followed by Key Hirwa Iza (Rwf1.2 million), Protegene Maniraguha (Rwf1 million), Jean Baptiste Byiringiro (Rwf800,000), and Marthe Nshimiyimana (Rwf500,000). Explaining the rationale behind awarding investments instead of cash, Ngarambe said: “We do not want the prizes to end at recognition only. We want the winners to experience what it means to own an investment, to follow its performance, to understand risk and return, and to appreciate the benefits of long-term participation in the capital market.” Saving alone not enough: Experts warn against leaving money idle Speaking on savings and investment from an East African Community perspective, Alodie Iradukunda, a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly, encouraged young people to think beyond Rwanda’s borders and tap into a regional market of more than 300 million people. She highlighted opportunities such as the RNIT Iterambere Fund, which can be accessed through mobile phones with a minimum investment of Rwf2,000 --yielding compounded and tax-free returns of around 11 to 11.5 per cent annually -- as well as government Treasury Bonds listed on Rwanda Stock Exchange. Warning against leaving money idle, she said: “Saving alone is no longer enough. In fact, leaving your money sitting idle in a basic bank account under the guise of ‘safety’ is financial suicide. Every single day, inflation quietly steals its purchasing power from you.” Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Stock Exchange, urged participants to start investing regardless of the amount they can afford. “Don’t wait until you feel rich to start investing. And don’t wait until you know everything about the financial market. Start today, where you are, and with the knowledge you acquired. As time goes on, you will learn continuously, save consistently, and invest responsibly.” According to CMA, the 2025 edition of the youth programme reached more than 2,000 students nationwide. Building on that success, the 2026 edition introduced a structured mentorship component to provide career exposure and sustain youth engagement in capital markets. For competition winner Christian Ishimwe Senga, the lessons were clear. “We received necessary skills enough to understand the paramount of investments in shares. You can save and remain with the same money however; investment means multiplication of the money. You need to let money work for you.”
