Karongi, on 9^th October 2024: RP-Karongi College Hosted the Entrepreneurship Awareness Campaign organized by USAID Hanga Akazi in collaboration with other partners such as Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA), Ministry of Youth and Arts, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and Business Development Fund (BDF) Rwanda.

The campaign aims to foster a mindset among youth, particularly students in Rwanda Polytechnic Colleges, encouraging them to think ambitiously, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and create their own jobs even before completing their studies.

The students were introduced to a range of policies and strategies designed by the government of Rwanda to promote entrepreneurship.

Mr. Jacques Habyarimana, Service Promotion Policy Specialist in MINICOM said, “The Government of Rwanda has put in place various Policies and strategies aiming at promoting Entrepreneurship and job creation.”

He said, “For instance, we can mention policies such as the Made in Rwanda Policy and the Entrepreneurship Development Policy, as well as other initiatives like tax exemptions for raw materials and machinery imported by young entrepreneurs.” 

“Additionally, there are incubation centers that support beneficiaries from project ideation to the development of tangible prototypes or businesses. Another example is Zamukana Ubuziranenge, where the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) provides coaching and guidance to beneficiaries from the initial idea stage until the product is approved,” added Jacques.

Mr. Antoine Manzi, the Deputy Chief of Party at USAID Rwanda Hanga Akazi, stated that to help youth gain employment, they connect recent graduates with companies for six-month internships, after which the interns are often hired by those companies.

“We also collaborate with various partners to raise awareness among youth, especially those in Polytechnics, encouraging them to think big while still in school, so they can create jobs for themselves,” added Antoine.

Rosalie Semigabo, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BDF, also informed the participants about the services provided by BDF, including the Guarantee Scheme, leasing facility, SACCO refinancing facility, agribusiness facility, advisory services, and grants management.

USAID Rwanda Hanga Akazi builds capacity of Rwandans particularly women, youth and persons with disabilities, in key technical and soft skills required to participate in a modern workforce and addresses barriers to entrepreneurship.