In the heart of Kigali, a revolution is brewing, and it’s not just about the coffee. Young Rwandans are taking the reins of the agriculture sector, armed with drones, mobile apps, and an insatiable appetite for innovation. The recent AYuTe (Agriculture, Youth, Technology) Challenge, held on April 30, 2025, showcased the best of what these young minds have to offer, transforming the way we think about farming in Rwanda.
Five standout innovators were awarded for their tech-driven agricultural projects, each addressing critical challenges in the sector. Tresor Gashonga, founder of Incuti Foods, took home the grand prize of Rwf25 million. His company uses food science technology to process chilies, creating value-added products that slash post-harvest losses and open up new income streams for farmers. By buying directly from farmers and processing their harvest, Incuti Foods ensures that farmers earn money and reduce waste. Gashonga plans to use the prize money to invest in industrial-grade equipment, scaling up production and impact.
Mugeni Niyidukunda, CEO of Avocare Ltd, secured second place with her innovative avocado processing initiative. Her project reduces waste and adds value across the entire supply chain, earning her Rwf15 million. Sabina Marie Rose, founder of Green Energy Technology, claimed third place with her sustainable agribusiness model that integrates green energy and farming, winning Rwf10 million.
The AYuTe Challenge, a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and Heifer International, saw over 500 young Rwandans present their tech-based agricultural projects. These innovators are tackling some of the sector’s most significant challenges, from pest control to market access, using drones, mobile apps, and other digital tools.
Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, highlighted the sector’s transformation. “We have found solutions to many of our agricultural challenges, and those solutions lie with our youth,” he stated. “They possess the strength, vision, and time to build lasting solutions. More importantly, they are capitalising on the opportunities that come with modern technology.”
Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, echoed these sentiments, noting that young people make up 70 per cent of the country’s population and are crucial to its economic future. “Agriculture provides jobs for over 60 per cent of Rwandans. If we aspire to become a middle-income economy, we cannot overlook agriculture. However, for agriculture to evolve, we must incorporate technology, and youth are the best drivers of innovation.”
Despite their creativity and passion, young entrepreneurs often face obstacles, particularly a lack of financial resources and market access. Programs like AYuTe are helping to bridge that gap, providing capital, training, mentorship, and exposure. The challenge’s broader mission is to empower youth, promote innovation, boost resilience among smallholder farmers, and unlock Rwanda’s agribusiness potential.
The AYuTe Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to Rwanda’s agricultural transformation. It’s about developing smarter, more inclusive systems that uplift rural communities and enable young people to shape their futures. As these young innovators continue to push boundaries, the future of agriculture in Rwanda looks greener and more prosperous than ever.
