On April 30, 2026, the AYuTe Africa Challenge Rwanda took place at Camp Kigali with five finalists showcasing their high-tech innovations aimed at helping with farming in Rwanda and winning a combined total of RWF 65 million to support their business development.
The competition was run by Heifer International and targeted youth between the ages of 18 and 35 years. The total amount of the prize pool expanded from RWF 50 million last year to RWF 65 million this year indicating increased investment and support for young farmer entrepreneurs in the future.
Individuals selected as finalists were chosen from a field of 1,200 applicants to attend a "bootcamp" style 5-day training program where they could develop their skills before presenting their ideas to a panel of judges who would select the grand prize winners among them.
Three grand prizes of RWF 30 million, RWF 20 million and RWF 15 million were awarded as follows:
1st Place - Mutoni Goodluck (Goodness of God) - RWF 30 million. Mutoni produces organic hair care products using ginger and garlic. She anticipates that she will employ additional people and will work with more farmers in the creation of these products.
2nd Place- Isidole Niyigirimpuhwe (Techplus Trust Ltd.)- RWF 20 million. Isidole produces an intelligent machine that helps poultry farmers to produce more healthy chicks quickly.
2nd Place- Isidole Niyigirimpuhwe (Techplus Trust Ltd.)- RWF 20 million. Isidole produces an intelligent machine that helps poultry farmers to produce more healthy chicks quickly.
3rd Place - Axel Muyombano (Ampere Vision)- RWF 15 million. Axel has developed a drone application that farmers can use to apply pesticides and fungicides to their crops allowing crops to be protected and providing an opportunity for farmers to preserve their investment.
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, was present at the event. He stated, “The government will continue to support youth with innovative ideas for the agriculture industry”. He went on to say that the aim is to assist young innovators in gaining access to partners to help them expand their business and find larger markets.
Dr. Ndabamenye stated, “We will also provide experts to mentor these youth entrepreneurs”.
Verena Ruzibuka, head of Heifer International Rwanda, said agriculture cannot change without the inclusion of youth and technology. She also explained that the AYuTe platform is more than just a competition; it provides a forum to connect youth innovators with investors and leaders.
The challenge will focus on using economic data as a means of improving agriculture and assisting in connecting farmers to customers. As an international community seeks new alternatives to producing food while remaining environmentally responsible, youth in Rwanda are taking a lead with intelligent solutions.
Written: By Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE