Since its inception, YouthConnekt triggered the creation of more than 36,000 direct jobs, nurtured 24,000 policy advocates and 4 Million community activists in the Rwandan community.

While celebrating the 10 years of YouthConnekt impact, young people also had a chance to talk to the president, sharing their ideas and seeking advice on issues that can improve their economic statuses and develop the country.

President Paul Kagame challenged young people in Rwanda and Africa to reflect on what to do to develop their countries, looking at how other youths around the world have spurred development in their countries.

"Young people, in everything you do ask yourself why Rwanda and Africa are still lagging in terms of development when other parts of the world have managed to move ahead” President Kagame challenged.

“In whatever you do” the president added, ask yourself what you can contribute toward solving that problem. There is no early time or young age for you to not think about the future and what you can do about it.”

YouthConnekt programme started in 2012 as a platform meant to bring together the youth with leaders, role models, rally their skills and resources to spur employability, accessing finance as well as civic engagement.

After a decade of impact, YouthConnekt has inspired the youth from across Africa.

President Kagame called upon young people, educated and uneducated, to work for the country's development.

 “Knowledge from education is helpful to find a solution[s] but it is not the only possible way because there are even those making contributions without necessarily going to school, however, education amplifies your work in the development of the country.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth, Hon. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah emphasized that the 10 years’ anniversary signifies a journey of empowerment, innovation, and resilience undertaken by the youth of Rwanda.

“YouthConnekt is a Rwandan initiative that was championed by His Excellency, President Paul Kagame. As we look back on these 10 years, we witness a transformation led by the determination of our young innovators. The YouthConnekt programme has provided a platform for the youth to flourish. They have embraced challenges within their communities and transformed them into opportunities.”

Dr. Utumatwishima added that: “Youthconnekt's success is a result of effective and efficient partnerships between the Government of Rwanda, the youth themselves, and development partners namely the UNDP, Imbuto Foundation, KOICA Rwanda, EU, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNWOMEN, WHO, FAO, WFP, Mastercard Foundation, MTN Rwanda, AIRTEL Rwanda, Bank of Kigali, BPR/KCB, CRS, AGRA, World Vision, GGGI Youth organizations and Youth-Led organizations, and others.”

Varsha Redkar Palepu, the Deputy Representative for Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hailed YouthConnekt as a testimony to the importance of investing in young people.

“YouthConnek is a testimony of the power of investing in youth. It's where dreams turn into reality; aspirations find wings and Africa's potential flourishes. It is a platform where youth’s voices and aspirations resonate across borders,”

Palepu appreciated the partnership with the Rwanda government in co-creating YouthConnekt which she said “underscores our commitment to unleashing the potential of youth. It's not just an initiative, but a movement that's changing lives and shaping the continent's future."

YouthConnekt programs are designed to uplift young people from all walks of life including the less educated, degree holders, rural youths, urban youths, young men, and women.

Many young men and women shared their experience with YouthConnekt programs from scratch to factory owners and big investments.

Over the 10 years, the YouthConnekthas invested 2,5 Billion Frw in over 2,000 youth-led businesses contributing 5 Billion Frw to Rwanda's economy in return. Started as a Rwandan home-grown initiative, YouthConnekt is now a continental movement with a presence in over 30 African countries.