UNLEASH

Youth employment in Rwanda through digital innovation

Author: Dukundimana Toussaint, UNLEASH Hack Rwanda Organizing Team Member

After the Innovation Lab in Rwanda, our community in the region is as engaged as ever and there are not one but four UNLEASH Hacks scheduled to take place in the land of a thousand hills this year!

The first one took place a few weeks ago, where young changemakers got together to find solutions for something that affects them directly – youth employment. The focus was on the agriculture and tourism sectors, and the aim was to leverage digital tools to enhance the employability of Rwandan youth.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in intense teamwork, uncovering critical gaps that, when addressed, could significantly enhance employment opportunities for young people in Rwanda. The creativity and determination displayed by the teams were nothing short of inspiring.

A team that stood out, TourVR, developed a groundbreaking virtual reality experience showcasing Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and stunning tourist destinations. This innovation promises to elevate the tourism sector while creating new avenues for youth employment. Another impressive team, AGRIKORA, created a digital platform designed to improve employment opportunities for both youth and refugees in Rwanda. By leveraging digital innovation, this platform connects users with job opportunities, skill development courses, and tailored mentorship programs, directly addressing the needs of the community.

As an UNLEASH Hack Rwanda Organizing Team, we are immensely proud of the innovative solutions that emerged from the Hack and are eager to witness the positive impact they will have on Rwanda’s future. The program highlighted the potential of digital innovation to drive meaningful change, and we look forward to seeing these ideas come to life, creating a brighter future for the youth of Rwanda.