Young entrepreneurs have been challenged to focus on initiatives that impact communities. Patrick Buchana, the managing director of AC Group, a local tech firm, said it is important innovations solve societal challenges and are relevant to community. 

He said that for any individual to operate a successful venture, they should first consider people’s needs and interests. Buchana, a young entrepreneur from the Chamber of ICT under Private Sector Federation (PSF), was speaking at the inauguration of PSF’s tenth Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs last week in Kigali. During the event, which coincided with the young entrepreneurs’ convention, three enterprising youths with outstanding ideas won a total of Rwf450,000 in cash prizes to invest in their businesses.

Jean Bovine Ishemaryayo, who pitched a health business idea, emerged winner and scooped Rwf200,000 cash prize. Saleh Senyonjo was second, while Bernard Nahabwe emerged third and pocketed Rwf150,000 and Rwf100,000, respectively. The trio beat seven other contestants to the prizes.

Lydie Hakizimana, the chairperson of the Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, urged successful young entrepreneurs to support innovative youth to grow and realise their potential. "Every successful entrepreneur today started somewhere. We need to support the younger entrepreneurs to, not only grow their business, but also contribute to national development,” Hakizimana said.