The 7th YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali wrapped up with high attendance, inspiring discussions, and valuable networking opportunities aimed at fostering youth-driven development across the continent.
Held from November 8-10,
the summit drew over 3,000 young people and leaders, including Rwandan
President Paul Kagame, who delivered the opening address with a call to action
for African youth.
With this year's theme,
“Youth Employment Through Innovation,” President Kagame emphasized Africa’s
potential, driven by a vast youth population. He urged young people to take
charge of Africa's development, stating, “It’s not just about numbers; youth
must be empowered to make a real difference.”
An exciting highlight of
the event was the awarding of RWF 110 million to the winners of the annual
Hanga Pitch Fest, a competition celebrating tech-based projects led by youth.
Eric Mupenzi’s company, Sinc-Today Ltd, which provides a platform for event planning
services, won the top prize of RWF 50 million, showcasing Rwanda’s commitment
to nurturing homegrown innovations.
The summit also marked
the launch of the Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub, an initiative by the UNDP to
support health technology startups in Africa. With 40 selected startups,
Timbuktoo aims to help solve pressing healthcare challenges, drawing lessons
from recent global health crises like COVID-19.
Prominent leaders from
various sectors, including EU Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra, underscored the
importance of youth empowerment for Africa’s future. “With over 60% of Africans
under 25, we must equip them to steer Africa toward growth,” she noted.
Entertainment provided a
refreshing break as attendees enjoyed performances by Rwandan and international
entertainers, including comedians and DJs. Highlights included the “Gen-Z
Comedy Night” with popular comedians like Uganda’s Anne Kansiime and Kenya’s
Mammito, giving the youth a space to relax and enjoy the vibrant African
culture.
The summit also saw
unique employment opportunities for Rwandan artists and performers. Local
talents like DJ Ira, DJ Sonia, and dancer Titi Brown showcased their skills,
symbolizing YouthConnekt’s holistic approach to youth engagement.
Since its inception in
Rwanda 12 years ago, YouthConnekt has expanded to 33 African nations, becoming
a vital platform for youth empowerment. This year’s gathering reaffirmed its
mission to foster a future where Africa’s youth lead the way in innovation,
entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
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