At 19 years of age, Yussouf Ntwali, alongside his colleague Gabriel Ekman, have come up with a solution to unemployment among the youth through a platform called ‘Building A Generation’ (BAG), which is meant to transform the future of career development. The platform also connects youth with rare skills to different companies depending on their area of expertise. The BAG platform was formed by the two entrepreneurs under a Kacyiru based firm known as BAG Innovation, a youth consultancy agency that so far has 5000 University students using the platform. Sunday Magazine’s Joan Mbabazi caught up with Ntwali to give more insights about the program and how youth are likely to benefit from it. Tell us about the BAG platform, what was the purpose of starting it? The BAG Innovation platform was created this year after continuous reports of high youth unemployment and the skills gap between the academic sector and the market place. Students are in need of individualized career guidance and relevant feedback before they graduate to prepare themselves for their future career opportunities. How does the platform work? BAG is an experience-based learning platform that uses modern technologies such as Gamification to revolutionize the future of career development. The platform provides market challenges that are related to a specific company to help the student understand what the market needs. The student submits their solutions to several challenges during their University studies and gets feedback from both BAG and the companies in Rwanda on what they need to improve to be “Market Relevant” and how to prepare for future market trends and changes. After this, the student gets a “profile” on our website which can be used to showcase their abilities and problem-solving skills to future employers. BAG also does matchmaking between youth with rare skills and companies, and so far we have already connected more than 500 graduates to different jobs. Who is entitled to join? And what are the requirements? BAG targets youth between 18 to 30 who are in a higher learning institute and in need of practical experience. The platform is free of charge for youth and there are no prior requirements needed to join the BAG program. Does the platform focus solely on Rwandans? BAG is planning on expanding this model to the East Africa community next year. We have seen the important impact that the BAG model has in Rwanda, and we want to make sure that every University student in the region has this chance, and of course to democratize opportunity. What impact do you think this platform will have in the near future? BAG is aiming at becoming one of the major tech-exports from Rwanda to the continent, and to become the number one technology for youth to fast track their career goals. With the BAG platform, we have seen youth realize their potential to their fullest and receive the best possible environment to reach their goals. We want to create a new generation of problem solvers that believe in informed decision making and action. How many people have benefited from the program? More than 5000 University students and Graduates are currently using the BAG Platform. More than 150 companies in Rwanda are using our services. Around 500 young people have been connected to employment opportunities through the platform. What have you achieved so far in regard to the platform? BAG is recognized as the Best EdTech in Rwanda by EdTechXGlobal and was one of the Tech start ups highlighted in London at the EdTechXGlobal summit 2019. BAG was also recognized as the Best Startup in Rwanda by HUB Africa and represented Rwanda in HUB Africa pitching competition in Morocco. BAG won the best startup at SusTech4Africa competition organized by OVO, an incubation project based in Belgium supporting Sustainable African solutions However, we are looking forward to expanding our activities to other countries in Africa, which requires on-ground expertise and advice. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
