Key Takeaways
- Youth farmers in Rwanda are utilizing technology, including drones, to enhance agricultural practices and market access.
- The AYuTe Challenge awarded innovative projects that address agricultural challenges, with Tresor Gashonga winning Rwf25 million for his chili processing initiative.
- Government and organizations emphasize the importance of supporting youth in agriculture, as they represent 70% of the population and drive innovation.
Innovating Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
Young farmers in Rwanda are transforming the agriculture sector by integrating technology, including drone delivery systems and mobile applications, to streamline processes and sustainability. On April 30, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and Heifer International recognized this movement during the AYuTe (Agriculture, Youth, Technology) Challenge in Kigali, where five standout innovators received awards for their contributions.
The grand prize of Rwf25 million was awarded to Tresor Gashonga, founder of Incuti Foods. His venture focuses on food science technology to process chilies, mitigating post-harvest losses and enhancing farm incomes. Gashonga stated, “Many chili farmers faced significant losses due to spoilage, but now we buy directly from them and process their harvest, helping them earn and avoid waste.” The prize will enable him to invest in industrial-grade equipment for increased production.
Following him, Mugeni Niyidukunda, CEO of Avocare Ltd, earned second place and Rwf15 million for her innovative approach to avocado processing, significantly reducing supply chain waste. Third place went to Sabina Marie Rose of Green Energy Technology, who secured Rwf10 million for her sustainable agribusiness model that combines green energy with agricultural practices.
Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that the country’s agriculture sector is at a pivotal moment. Through digital innovation, young entrepreneurs are achieving results in hours that once took months. He asserted, “We must support youth to ensure their success,” recognizing their potential in finding solutions to agricultural challenges.
Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, reinforced the critical role youth play in the economy, noting they constitute 70% of the population. Agriculture employs over 60% of Rwandans, making it vital for the nation’s goal of becoming a middle-income economy. She remarked, “If agriculture is to evolve, we must incorporate technology, and youth are the best drivers of innovation.”
Despite their creativity, many young entrepreneurs face financial and market access challenges. Initiatives like AYuTe aim to close these gaps by offering funding, mentorship, and training. Ruzibuka highlighted that while technology is advancing in numerous sectors, agriculture still lags behind, making the youth’s role even more crucial.
The overarching goal of the AYuTe Challenge is to empower young innovators through funding accessibility and mentorship, fostering resilience among smallholder farmers, and unlocking Rwanda’s full agribusiness potential. This initiative showcases that transforming agriculture goes beyond increased food production; it is about fostering smarter, inclusive systems that uplift rural communities and offer young people the opportunity to shape their futures.
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