Youth Empowerment in Action: Kabahire’s Journey and the YEFFA Momentum Ahead of Kigali Convening
Kigali, Rwanda – May 21, 2025 – As Rwanda prepares to host a national convening on “Empowering Youth for Decent Jobs and Climate Resilient Food Systems,” excitement is already building across the country. A day before the official event launch, the Youth Engagement for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program was spotlighted on a leading morning show aired by Radio and TV10, Rwanda’s first private television station.
The program brought to life the tangible impact of YEFFA,aPan-African strategic partnership aimed at catalyzing dignified and fulfilling work for young people, especially young women, through the growth of inclusive agrifood systems. It seeks to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for 1.5 million young people, 50 percent of whom will be young women.
One of the standout voices in the broadcast was KabahireAgripine, a young entrepreneur from Kirehe District, who shared her personal journey in agribusiness. Trained by ABUSOL, one of YEFFA’s implementing partners in Rwanda, Kabahire now runs a thriving poultry and piggery business, demonstrating the power of practical training and mentorship.
“I started with just a few chickens and big dreams,” Kabahiresaid. “Thanks to the training and support I received through YEFFA and ABUSOL, I’ve been able to grow steadily. I now see farming as a real business, not just survival.”
Encouraging other young people especially women like Kabahire emphasized the importance of determination and smart planning.
“Start small, set SMART goals, stay consistent, and work closely with your local leaders and development partners. The opportunities are there what matters is your willingness to act.”
Joining Kabahire on the show was Ntagungira Emmanuel, Executive Director of Akazi Kanoze Access, one of YEFFA’s implementing organizations in Rwanda. He highlighted the program’s alignment with national priorities and its broader mission beyond job creation.
“YEFFA is designed to align with Rwanda’s national development goals by promoting agribusiness as a strategic sector for youth employment,” Emmanuel said. “We’re not only helping youth access jobs, but also connecting them to markets, financial services, and leadership opportunities.”
Listeners were also informed about how to join the program through a simple USSD code. By dialing *774#, youth across Rwanda especially in the Eastern Province can register for YEFFA and begin receiving tailored support and follow-up from partners.
The media appearance set the stage for the two-day national convening, co-hosted by AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation, taking place on May 22–23 in Kigali. The event will bring together over 100 young leaders, policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners to collaborate on building inclusive, climate-resilient food systems.
“This convening is our collective answer to the challenges holding back young people especially young women from taking leadership in food systems,” said Jean Paul Ndagijimana, AGRA’s Country Director for Rwanda. “Through YEFFA, we are bridging policy gaps, amplifying youth voices, and building value chains that are both sustainable and inclusive.”
As the convening opens, Kabahire’s story stands as a powerful testament to what youth can achieve when equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support.
