Young entrepreneurs from different parts of the country are participating in district business plan competitions aiming to promote job creation and entrepreneurship among youth.

The competition, which targeted over 1,600 entrepreneurs from 15 districts consists of an intensive two-week boot camp in each district focusing on empowerment, innovation, business model generation, business planning, entrepreneurship and writing and financial literacy.

Selected winners from districts will participate in the finals to be conducted during the Global Entrepreneurship week from November 16 – 17 2015 in Kigali.

The competition was launched by DOT Rwanda under the theme ‘Gera ku Ntego: Youth breaking the cycle of poverty’’.

It is in line with national initiatives aimed at promoting job creation and entrepreneurship.

Three best participants will receive Rwf Rwf700, 000, Rwf500, 000 and Rwf300, 000 respectively.

Twelve young entrepreneurs from different parts of Kicukiro District on Tuesday participated in the competition in Kicukiro district.

Clarisse Murekatete, 23, Manager of Vit A Products, Adeline Uwimana of Creative Design Company and Ezzidine Umubyeyi emerged first, second and third in the competition.

Speaking at the event, the Kicukiro Vice-Mayor in charge of Finance and Economic Development, Angelique Mukunde, said it was crucial for the young people to inspire and support each other.

Mukunde also encouraged the winners not to sit and wait for others to help them.

"You don’t need to always sit down and wait for help. Don’t go and spend the money you won on unimportant things; rather invest it in your startups. For those who didn’t’ win, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. There is always a way forward. Don’t worry, your potential will lead you to great achievements,” she added.

The winner of the competition, Clarisse Murekatete, believes she won because she had a product that was unique.

"I see this initiative as a stepping stone to reducing rampant unemployment among the youth. For instance, I will now be able to employ more young people in my business,” she said.

As the top-placed competitors Clarisse Murekatete, and Adeline Uwimana will represent Kicukiro District at the national competition. The competitions are still ongoing.

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