The government is targeting the creation of 30,000 youth jobs in the food innovation economy by 2035 through a new strategy aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, research and skills development in the sector.

The Rwanda Food Innovation Ecosystem Strategy (RFIES) 2026-2035 seeks to establish a coordinated ecosystem that supports innovators, improves access to technology and finance, and helps transform food-related ideas into commercially viable products.

The strategy, approved by Cabinet on July 24, will also lead to the establishment of the Rwanda Food Innovation Partnership (RFIP), a platform that will bring together government institutions, private sector players, research institutions, academia and development partners.

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Eugene Kwibuka, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), said the strategy will focus on developing the skills needed for Rwandan talent to participate in the emerging food innovation economy.

"The Human Capital Accelerator invests in the talent pipeline through TVET reform, technology-transfer offices, research and development infrastructure and secondment programmes, preparing Rwandan talent for jobs in this growing ecosystem,” Kwibuka told The New Times.

He said the strategy is built around three key objectives: strengthening the business environment and regulatory framework, supporting private-sector growth and entrepreneurship, and advancing applied research and human capital development.

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The strategy identifies four priority innovation areas where resources will be concentrated: modern production technologies, protein diversification, value-chain strengthening, and nutrition, health and biotechnology innovation.

Kwibuka said programmes under the strategy will support innovators at different stages, including helping young entrepreneurs develop ideas into market-ready products.

"The Venture and SME Accelerator works with accelerator programmes and venture studios to help home-grown Rwandan food innovators move through their journey from prototype to commercial product,” he said.

The programme will also help unlock funding opportunities for innovators working in the four priority areas.

Building a talent pipeline

Kwibuka said RFIP will play a central role in developing the skills and support systems required for the food innovation economy.

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"The Human Capital Accelerator invests in the talent pipeline through TVET reform, technology-transfer offices, research and development infrastructure and secondment programmes,” he said.

The partnership will also improve access to knowledge, technology and research support for innovators.

"RFIP channels investment to innovators, connects innovators to research and global expertise, supports prototyping and technology transfer,” Kwibuka said.

He added that the partnership will serve as a central entry point for food innovators seeking support.

"RFIP will act as a single front door that screens and refers to any food innovator within a few working days,” he said.

Beyond job creation

Besides creating jobs, Kwibuka said the strategy is expected to contribute to other national priorities, including reducing stunting among children under five to below 15 per cent by 2029 and increasing agri-food export value beyond $650 million by 2035.

"The strategy’s underlying logic is to cut the time, cost and uncertainty innovators currently face by creating one coordinated pathway across regulation, testing, finance and skills,” he said.

RFIP will initially operate through a secretariat hosted by MINAGRI during the 2026-2027 phase before gradually transitioning into a standalone entity from 2028.

The Rwanda Food Innovation Ecosystem Strategy and RFIP will be officially launched during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2026, scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 1 to 4.

Kwibuka said initial programmes, including the Food Innovation Policy and Regulatory Accelerator, Innovation Investment Accelerator, Venture and SME Accelerator, and Human Capital Accelerator, will begin implementation in the fourth quarter of 2026.