On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, AYuTE Africa Challenge Rwanda held its award ceremony at the Marriott Hotel Kigali, where three outstanding youth-led startups were awarded a total prize of 50 million for their innovative agritech solutions.The top three winning startups received a total of Rwf 50 million to accelerate the growth of their ventures. The first-place prize of 25 million was awarded to Tresor Gashonga, the founder of Incutifoods; the second-place prize of 15 million went to Niyidukunda Mugeni Euphrosine, founder of Avocare Ltd, while Sabina Marie Rose, founder of Green Energy Technology Ltd, secured the third-place prize of Rwf 10 million.
Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director for Heifer International Rwanda,emphasized the vital role of youth in shaping the future of agriculture. “Youth make up over 70 per cent of our population, and agriculture remains the backbone of our economy,” she said. “If we are truly to transform the sector,youth must be at the centre. They are innovative, tech-savvy, and full ofideas.”
“In his remarks at the AYUTE Rwanda Challenge 2025Grand Finale, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Dr Bagabe Cyubahiro Mark said: “I am so thrilled to be apart of this grand finale, AYUTE Rwanda Challenge2025. So, for me, this is more than just an event; it is a celebration of our vision and extraordinary potential that we find in youth. …Heifer, I want to appreciate you,the long history of empowering lives.” Minister praised Heifer International Rwanda for creating a platform that highlights the creativity and ambition of young innovators.
There were many impressive ideas from AI drones combating crop pests to smart storage systems reducing post-harvest losses,” he said. “It’s evident that Rwanda’s youth are recognizing the vast opportunities in agriculture.” This year’s challenge drew more than 500 applications from across the country, highlighting the growing interest of youth in agricultural innovation.
Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE