Over 2,000 youth from different countries are set to convene at the Intare Conference Arena for a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the YouthConnekt, on Wednesday, August 23.

Launched in 2012, YouthConnekt is a platform that connects youth with their peers, leaders, role models, skills and resources to promote employability, access to finance, civic engagement and entrepreneurship opportunities.

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The event is expected to feature exhibited innovations, testimonial videos, TED talk presentations, panel discussions and also stands to spotlight insights from the top leadership of the country.

Here are the five key takeaways:

Over 36,000 jobs created

Since its inception, over 36,000 jobs have been created, with 2,000 youth-led enterprises empowered and supported with business development skills, seed funding and mentorship services, while over 3000 vulnerable youth were supported. Among them include teen mothers, people with disabilities and youth from poor families.

"YouthConnekt has been instrumental in promoting social inclusion. It has reached marginalised and vulnerable youth, in urban and rural areas, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards empowerment,” Varsha Redkar-Palepu, the Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP Rwanda told The New Times in an exclusive interview.

"YouthConnekt has empowered young people to become active agents of change, leading projects that tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges,” she added.

A game changer platform

10 years ago, according to Palepu, UNDP was privileged to partner with Rwanda to co-create YouthConnekt Rwanda, "a game-changer platform – to intentionally support youth, connect their minds and connect with business institutions and with their elders through intergeneration discussions.”

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She said the institution’s role has been pivotal in attracting diverse partners to the cause.

"From the ONE UN family to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the European Union, various entities have responded to the call for support, and united in the endeavour to empower youth for sustainable and inclusive development. Our partnerships span public, private, and philanthropic sectors, enabling us to extend support to young individuals and assist them in translating their ideas into tangible and viable projects.”

Driving economic growth

Over the past decade, YouthConnekt has amplified the empowerment of young people in Rwanda, this, according to UNDP’s Palepu, is through various initiatives and programmes, "We've witnessed young individuals taking charge of their futures with newfound confidence and skills.

"One of the key takeaways is the substantial impact on skills development, where young people have been equipped with practical skills, ranging from vocational training to leadership development, and enhancing their employability and career prospects.”

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She pointed out that the platform has also addressed youth unemployment by fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

"This has led to the creation of new businesses and startups, providing not only employment opportunities for young people but also driving economic growth.”

For instance, over Rwf2.5 billion was registered as direct investment in grants, recording Rwf5 billion in total revenue from the supported businesses.

Leaving no one behind

YouthConnekt has been instrumental in promoting social inclusion. It has reached marginalised and vulnerable youth, in urban and rural areas, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards empowerment.

This has been partly achieved through empowering young people to become active agents of change, leading projects that tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges.

"All this is hinged on the themes discussed ranging from accelerating investments in youth, positioning the youth for the post COVID-19 economy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities, boosting an industrious young Africa, among many other.”

"The key takeaway is that it is not just about short-term benefits but creating a lasting legacy. The empowerment, skills, networks, and opportunities provided through YouthConnekt will continue to impact young people for generations to come.”

Expanding beyond Rwanda

The YouthConnekt influence has expanded beyond Rwanda's borders to encompass over 32 African countries.

"YouthConnekt Rwanda has not only proven successful but also serves as a model of empowerment and collaboration for youth across nations,” she said, adding, "Envisioning the next decade, I see YouthConnekt as a cornerstone within the development agendas of nations worldwide. Its potential to address societal challenges—from climate change to conflicts—cannot be understated.

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"The untapped power and capacity of youth, once given opportunities, hold the potential to achieve feats that surpass imagination and belief,” she asserted.