In the Nyagatare district of Rwanda, a pioneering initiative is empowering young people with the skills and knowledge needed to create their own jobs and improve their livelihoods. The Hanga Hub, a youth innovation center, was established in 2024 and has been providing training and mentorship to young entrepreneurs. The center offers a range of programs, including skills training in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.
The Hanga Hub was established as a partnership between the government and various stakeholders to address the challenges faced by young people in accessing employment opportunities. The center provides a platform for young people to acquire skills, knowledge, and experience in innovation and entrepreneurship. Rutabagisha Benitha, a graduate of the University of Rwanda, is one of the beneficiaries of the Hanga Hub program. She says that the skills and knowledge she acquired at the center have enabled her to start her own business and create employment opportunities for others.
Karangwa Didier, another beneficiary of the Hanga Hub program, says that the center has helped him to develop his skills in fashion design and entrepreneurship. He notes that the training and mentorship he received at the center have enabled him to start his own business and create employment opportunities for others. Didier's business involves designing and printing fashion items, and he says that he is able to earn a living and support himself and his family.
Nkurunziza Egide, a student at the University of Rwanda, is also a beneficiary of the Hanga Hub program. He says that the center has provided him with the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Egide notes that he has developed a machine that can produce chicken feed, which has won him a grant of 2 million Rwandan francs to support its production.
The Hanga Hub has been praised by stakeholders for its role in empowering young people and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Rwanda. The center's director, Gisa Silas, says that the hub is committed to providing opportunities for young people to acquire skills and knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship. Silas notes that the center's programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all young people, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.
Uwambayingabire Claire, the executive secretary of the Nyagatare district, says that the Hanga Hub is a valuable initiative that is helping to address the challenges faced by young people in accessing employment opportunities. She notes that the center's programs are aligned with the government's priorities for youth empowerment and economic development. Claire adds that the Hanga Hub is a model for other districts to follow in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
The Hanga Hub has been in operation for two years and has already made a significant impact on the lives of young people in Nyagatare. The center's programs have helped to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and have provided young people with the skills and knowledge needed to create their own jobs and improve their livelihoods. The Hanga Hub is an example of a successful initiative that is helping to address the challenges faced by young people in Rwanda and promote sustainable economic development.
Key points
- The Hanga Hub provides training and mentorship to young entrepreneurs, helping them to acquire skills and knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship.
