Over the past three years, the AGUKA project has proven that small investments in youth with innovative business ideas can yield substantial economic returns for both the country and its citizens.
Data released on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, shows that AGUKA’s impact far exceeds the initial investment. Out of a total of 628 million Rwf invested, every 1 million Rwf has generated 54.2 million Rwf in business revenue, 15.8 million Rwf in profit, and 3.6 million Rwf in taxes.
The investment has also created 48 jobs per million Rwf, highlighting the tangible value of youth-focused entrepreneurship programs.
AGUKA exemplifies how supporting youth can sustainably transform Rwanda’s economy. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development (MoYA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union (EU), and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
Through this collaboration, AGUKA has empowered Rwandan youth to turn business ideas into profitable ventures. One of its cornerstone initiatives is the provision of “seed capital,” granting $3,000 (about 4 million Rwf) annually to 100 selected entrepreneurs to start or expand their projects—particularly aiding youth who lack access to bank loans.
Participants also receive intensive training via the TEFConnect platform, covering business management, financial literacy, and marketing strategies, giving them the skills to compete effectively and grow their ventures.
Mentorship is another key element, pairing young entrepreneurs with business experts to refine projects and overcome challenges. Those who benefit from mentorship consistently show higher success rates compared to those who do not.
AGUKA-supported businesses have collectively generated over 34 billion Rwf in revenue, nearly 10 billion Rwf in profit, and 2.25 billion Rwf in taxes—evidence of their ability to reinvest and expand.
In terms of job creation, AGUKA has significantly boosted youth employment. Between 2022 and May 2025, the project helped create over 128,000 jobs, including more than 30,000 permanent positions.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain, particularly around job quality, as many positions are temporary or short-term.
This data underscores that targeted investment in youth entrepreneurship not only drives economic growth but also generates meaningful employment opportunities, reinforcing the importance of programs like AGUKA for Rwanda’s long-term development.
