At least five projects recognised by the Ministry of Youth and ICT in Kigali, on Sunday, are expected to play a big role in youth empowerment and the country’s transformation.

Ninety young innovators, including Information and Communication Technology entrepreneurs, application and software developers, tourism and travel-based projects, agriculture, education and other  projects in different sectors, were given a two-day boot camp learning how to develop and promote their innovations.

 The top thirty projects were chosen, five pitched their ideas and finally the best three were awarded during the fourth edition of the National YouthConnekt Convention 2015.

The projects are expected to help empower the youth and promote job creation, inspire young people to be creative and innovative, promote the interests of young people in different government and development activities, and allow them to play their roles towards transformation processes.

Aimable Sibomana scooped the award for the best young innovator during the ceremony.

Sibomana’s project transforms scraps into smart and environmentally-friendly, useful materials, including charcoal stoves, metallic suitcases, doors, and tip-tappy innovations which improve sanitation.

 Sibomana, who has speech disability, walked away with Rwf3 million.

The government, through the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2), targets to create at least 200,000 off-farm jobs annually.

Speaking during the ceremony, the UN resident coordinator, Lamin M. Manneh, said the One-UN Rwanda, which partnered with the Ministry of Youth and ICT to organise the awards ceremony, is determined to work with various institutions to create platforms for young people to deal with unemployment related issues.

The annual National YouthConnekt Convention aims at giving young Rwandans a plattform showcase their potential and contribute towards the transformation of the country.

"I appreciate all the individuals, companies, institutions, and all the participants for their effort,” said Manneh.

Francis Kaboneka, the minister for Local government, who was also part of the ceremony, urged the youth to work hard to build their country.

 "Think of what you are doing for your country, this country is yours. You are not alone; there are other supportive hands. I am very sure there is nothing we can fail to achieve if we put together our strength. What we have achieved so far is a lot but let’s strive to do more,” Kaboneka noted.

Other participants who were awarded include Marie Paul Mutuyeyezu, who works with a tailoring company; Florien Habonimana, among others.

The first and second runners up received Rwf2 million and Rwf1 million respectively, while the rest walked away with Rwf500,000 each.

"I am so happy for this award, it came as a surprise. I am going to develop my project and help provide jobs to the young people, and other people in the community where I am working,” Sibomana said, through sign language, interpreted by his co-worker.

Sibomana said he didn’t expect to make it to the finals.

"Honestly, I cannot understand how I got this far but I thank God and I feel I want to make a difference,” he said.

YouthConnekt is an annual event that brings together more than 3,000 youths from across the country.