Speaking to the participants at the #ImaliAgriChallenge award ceremony today, Imbuto Foundation Deputy Director General Christa Umuhoza explained the reasons why the Imbuto Foundation and its partners launched the Challenge. “Imali means wealth, but not only in the financial sense. For us, it represents the wealth of ideas, creativity, and purpose within our youth. It reflects what we believe Rwanda’s young people are capable of creating solutions that uplift lives, strengthen communities, and drive national progress.”
Unemployment among the youth doesn’t only impacts livelihoods, it takes a toll on mental well-being too. This is why initiatives like the #ImaliAgriChallenge aim to empower youth with skills, hope, and purpose. Alexis Rutagarama from Imbuto Foundation, had a conversation with agripreneurs about how unemployment affects mental well-being, and why creating opportunities matters now more than ever.
10 brilliant young agripreneurs named winners of the ImaliAgriChallenge Phase 2 each receiving Rwf 10M in seed funding and 6 months of mentorship to accelerate their ventures. Their creativity and determination reflect the future of sustainable farming and youth-led transformation. Clémentine Mukeshima | David Tuyishime | Felice Karangwa | Lydia Murekatete | Yves Bernard Kabagamba | Shakira Uwineza | Grâce Niyonsaba | Trésor Gashonga Karimwabo | Hawa Niyigena | Valens Ruhorimbere.
Imbuto Foundation and partners introduced Imali Agribusiness Challenge initiative to engage and support youth entrepreneurs in agriculture, helping them scale their impact and empower young farmers. The initiative addresses barriers such as limited access to land, finance, markets, and knowledge, transforming agriculture from an alternative option into a career of choice for Rwanda’s youth.
Written by Jean Bernard Mukundente