Heifer International Rwanda Invests RWF 50 million in Youth-Led Agritech Startups to Boost Smart Farming
Kigali, Rwanda, May 2025, in a significant push to support youth innovation in agriculture, Heifer International Rwanda, through the AYuTE Africa Challenge Rwanda, awarded RWF 50 million to three promising agritech startups during a ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel Kigali on April 30, 2025.
The competition recognized young entrepreneurs who are using technology to transform farming and showcased Rwanda’s expanding agritech industry. the top winners received funding to scale their ventures. Incutifoods, founded by Tresor Gashonga a start-up that took first place (RWF 25 million second place Avocare Ltd, founded by Niyidukunda Mugeni Euphrosine (RWF 15 million), and the third one Green Energy Technology Ltd, founded by Sabina Marie Rose.
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 of ideas.”
“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 a part of this grand finale, AYUTE Rwanda Challenge 2025. 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.
RYAF Communication