Rwanda launches National Strategy for Youth Employment in Agri-Food Systems (NSYEAS)

Developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the strategy was launched with major financial support from AGRA and implemented in partnership with Masters Foundation, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to placing youth at the core of agricultural modernization.

The launch event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, brought together government leaders, development partners, private-sector actors, over 400 youth agripreneurs, civil society, and innovation hubs making it one of the most important milestones of YouthFAST 2025.

In his opening address, Dr. Marc Cyubahiro, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized the urgency and opportunity embedded in the new strategy.

He said: “Today, we launch a strategy that is not just a document but a commitment to action a pledge to unlock dignified, profitable and sustainable employment opportunities for Rwanda’s youth in our agrifood systems.”

Minister Marc Cyubahiro launches NSYEAS, calling it a national commitment to creating dignified and profitable jobs for Rwanda’s youth.

The Minister said that if the country acted with unity and determination. He said: “If we act with unity and determination, we will mobilize financing at the required scale, accelerate the implementation of PSTA5 and the Youth Strategy, and return next year to celebrate measurable progress driven by our young agri-preneurs.”

He also mentioned role of the youth in implementing this strategy. He said: “With a median age of 20 and nearly 60% of our population under 30, our youth represent a dynamic and innovative force. They are not just beneficiaries they are central actors in shaping Rwanda’s agrifood future.”

The AGRA Country Director in Rwanda Jean Paul Ndagijimana emphasized that the organization is committed to supporting farmers and addressing any challenges they face.

He said: “If you have an institution, a company, an association, or a cooperative, even a youth group organized in a savings, we don’t want you to struggle with any challenge you encounter. We want to help you overcome it.”

He added: “Our goal is to bring about transformation in agriculture and agri-food systems in a way that creates jobs, increases food production, and enhances learning, ultimately helping to lift many people out of poverty and improve their livelihoods.”

AGRA’s Country Director Jean Paul Ndagijimana reaffirms AGRA’s commitment to helping farmers and youth overcome challenges in agriculture

He also stated that AGRA aims to work with Rwandans to increase the value of agriculture so that it moves from subsistence farming where people grow only for consumption to a form of agriculture that is oriented toward investment.

He said: “Another important aspect is that we want Rwandans and non-Rwandans to invest their capital in agriculture and benefit from it. We no longer want subsistence farming; we want farming that generates income, farming that makes someone proud and fulfilled because they are part of the agricultural sector.”

Young agripreneurs present at the launch shared optimism about what NSYEAS means for their future.

Hawa Chloe Niyigena Agro-processing entrepreneur said:
“For years, youth have been working hard but lacked a clear national framework. NSYEAS gives us a seat at the table. We now know where to plug in, what opportunities to pursue, and how government and partners will support us.”

Dany Vassyly Mugisha said that The biggest challenge for young entrepreneurs remains financing, and now they have hope. He said:
“The biggest challenge for young entrepreneurs remains financing. If NSYEAS can make financing more accessible and reduce collateral barriers, youth-led enterprises like ours will scale faster and create more jobs.”

The launch of the National Strategy for Youth Employment in Agri-Food Systems (NSYEAS) signals a new phase in Rwanda’s commitment to youth-led agricultural transformation.

Data presented during YouthFAST shows that the seven flagship youth projects require a combined investment of 35.4 billion Frw, of which 25.5 billion Frw has already been secured, leaving a financing gap of 9.8 billion Frw that government and partners including AGRA and Masters Foundation are now working to close.

These projects are set to create 4,393 jobs for young people across key value chains such as greenhouse horticulture, poultry, piggery, mechanization, seed production and fodder systems. Mechanization alone carries the largest investment at 19.3 billion Frw, while youth-led greenhouse farming, poultry and piggery projects collectively engage thousands and demonstrate strong profitability, with Internal Rate of Returns ranging between 22% and over 70% in some seed and fodder systems.

The Anchor Farmer-Based Youth Flagship Projects presented at YouthFAST outline seven high-impact initiatives requiring a combined investment of 35.4 billion Frw, with 25.5 billion Frw already secured and a remaining 9.8 billion Frw funding gap.

These projects include greenhouse horticulture 2.8 billion Frw with 400 jobs, poultry 695 million Frw with 300 jobs, piggery 3.99 billion Frw with 3,156 jobs, mechanization 19.3 billion Frw with 117 jobs, potato seed production 4.61 billion Frw with 70 jobs, rice seed production 1.31 billion Frw with 150 jobs and fodder production 1.02 billion Frw with 200 jobs. Together, they are expected to create 4,393 youth jobs nationwide, showcasing the scale and economic potential of youth-led agrifood enterprises.

Last year AGRA supported with the launch of PSTA 5 and immediately moved on the development of a national strategy that would crystallize the inclusion of Rwanda's youth population.

Dany Vassyly Mugisha emphasizes that accessible financing under NSYEAS will help youth enterprises grow faster and create more jobs

Young entrepreneur Hawa Chloe Niyigena says NSYEAS finally gives youth a national framework and a real seat at the decision-making table

Vice Mayors in charge of economic development from all 30 districts participated in the launch, reaffirming local government commitment to advancing youth-led agrifood transformation

Photos:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dHQP6pwC3hBMyT0lLn8sYw3YvgOoSdKy?usp=sharing