Minister Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye highlights youth as a cornerstone of agricultural transformation
On April 29, 2026, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, attended the grand finale of the Agriculture, Youth & Technology (AYuTe) Challenge 2026, held in Kigali under the theme: “Innovate to Elevate: Youth Agritech for Resilient Food Systems.”
The AYuTe Challenge serves as a dynamic platform that convenes young innovators in agriculture and food systems, with the objective of catalyzing technology-driven solutions.
These innovations are instrumental in enhancing agricultural productivity, streamlining market access, and fostering resilient agricultural systems, particularly in the face of escalating climate variability and environmental pressures.
In his keynote address, Dr. Ndabamenye underscored that the future trajectory of Rwanda’s agricultural sector will be profoundly anchored in youth-led innovation.
He emphasized the transformative potential of young people leveraging advanced technologies to devise sustainable and scalable solutions to contemporary agricultural challenges.
He further articulated the critical importance of strategic investment in youth ingenuity, capacity development, and the creation of enabling ecosystems that facilitate the scaling of agritech innovations.
He stated: “The future of agriculture will be shaped by bold ideas and visionary individuals. It is imperative that we empower young innovators utilizing technology to establish sustainable agricultural systems capable of withstanding modern-day challenges.”
The Minister also accentuated the indispensability of multi-stakeholder partnerships involving government institutions, private sector actors, and development partners. Such collaborative frameworks are vital in accelerating the adoption and dissemination of agritech solutions, thereby ensuring inclusive access for farmers and improving livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.
The AYuTe Challenge continues to evolve as a pivotal nexus connecting youth innovators, investors, and key stakeholders, all committed to advancing a modern, sustainable, and technology-oriented agricultural paradigm.
Participants at the event lauded the initiative as a significant milestone in strengthening Rwanda’s agricultural sector—enhancing food production capacity, stimulating economic growth, and addressing food security challenges both nationally and across the broader region.
