Ndaruhutse Merci, commonly known by his stage name Merci from the comedy show Gen-Z is among the winners of the Youth Connekt awards that were held at Kigali Convention Centre on 18 February 2025.
Merci emerged as the overall winner in the performing Arts category, walking away with ten million Rwandan francs (10,000,000) that he said he’s going to invest in purchasing his own sound system.
The Arts category is a new addition to the Youth Connekt awards established to recognise young creatives for their role in the development of the country.
Other winners included Uwiduhaye Ligobert, founder SAWA studios from Musanze district, recognized with a cash prize of ten million Rwandan francs for his contribution to wildlife conservation through visual arts.
Similarly, Biseruka Joshua from Umuraza Arts Limited Gasabo triumphed in the Literature arts category where he competed as an author bagging the same amount. Biseruka plans to purchase modern art supplies to improve his craft.
The awards further awarded Nzazimana Janvier in the Agriculture category with 25 million Rwandan francs for his ‘Innovate for Independence’ initiative that has provided employment opportunities to over twenty full time youth employees.
In the Youth category, Annet Muhorakaye, Dufatanye Jean Claude and Nshimiyimana Michel swept the board, walking away with 25, 20 and 15 million Rwandan francs respectively.
Uwineza Shakira, the visionary behind Neza Chilli from Kamonyi district was awarded 5 million Rwandan francs as the most innovative entrepreneur in the women’s category. So was Ufitimana Aime Pacifique from Rutsiro district who represented People with Disabilities (PWDs).
Overall, 260 youth entrepreneurs were awarded a total of five hundred (500) million Rwandan francs for their hard work, resilience and commitment to the development of the country and continent at large through providing innovative solutions.
Addressing the youth during the awarding ceremony, the minister of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Hon. Paula Ingabire appreciated the young people for their talent and dedication towards the future of Rwanda.
Quoting the theme: “window of opportunities”, Ingabire stressed that opportunities are everywhere, encouraging the youth to seize them.
“A window can be looked through, can be admired and you can also choose to open the window and step into new possibilities,” she remarked. Adding that, “when talent meets hard work and brings pursuit, nothing is impossible.”
In response to Irakwa Andiste (Youth Connekt awards winner 2023 ICT category) request to reduce internet tariffs, the minister pledged to look into the matter and come back with results in two months. In addition, she pledged the ICT’s continued support to youth led startups.
On the other hand, the minister of Youth and Art in Rwanda, Hon. Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima besides calling upon entrepreneurs to invest in the Arts industry, and thanking those who were already on board, urged the youth to use the money obtained responsibly.
“Do not go out there and start acquiring new phones from the money you’ve won. Neither should you spend it on drinking alcohol. Remember HIV is real and it kills. Rwanda needs you to be healthy both mentally and physically,” he remarked.
The minister also informed the youth about the upcoming Anguka fund that will provide loans to young people without collateral and an interest rate of as low as 10 percent.
According to Gaspard Musonera, the permanent secretary at MIFOTRA (Ministry of Public Service and Labour), the Youth Connekt awards have awarded more than 2,000 businesses since inception.
Musonera cited Sakina Usengimana as one of the successful beneficiaries from the initiative, exporting her agricultural products to international markets in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), UK (United Kingdom), India, Germany and the Netherlands.
He thus shared a list of Do’s and Don’ts to the current winners of the awards if they want their ventures to thrive.
These included being disciplined, leveraging technology, acknowledging the importance of customer satisfaction and market research, among others.
“We still have a long way to go in our service delivery, so you need to start serving as role models in the way you do business. Avoid isolation, seek mentorship and engage with industry experts,” he noted.
Away from the speeches, the youth were treated to a fair dose of entertainment from Chriss Eazy, Ishami talents and comedian Merci. Not to mention DJ Niny’s electrifying sound that had many abandon their seats to whirl.
They also sent a resounding assurance to H.E Paul Kagame that ‘they’re with him’ come rain or sunshine in a ‘Turikumwe’ translated as “We are together” chant that was led by the MC’s Paula and Reuben.
Youth connect Africa was championed by President Paul Kagame and initiated by the Ministry of Youth and (ICT) Information and Communication Technology in 2012 to “empower young people and connect them to the public, private sector and civil society for economic opportunities”.
This year’s awards were a joint effort of the Government of Rwanda, UNDP (United Nations Development Program), Green Horizon Ventures, EU (European Union), Anguka, Creative Vision, among others.
