How Rwandan start-ups plan to contribute to 1.5mn jobs target

Rwanda, known for its rapid economic growth and innovative approaches, is on a mission to create 1.5 million off-farm jobs by 2024. One of the key players in this ambitious goal is Bag Innovation, a youth consultancy agency revolutionizing the way young people are prepared for the job market. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Yussouf Ntwali, the Head of Operations at Bag Innovation, shed light on their unique approach and the challenges they face. Bag Innovation is not your typical startup; their focus is on upskilling young individuals to become consultants for businesses, bridging the gap between youth development and business growth. By offering high-quality services to companies, they aim to impact both the youth and the business sector positively. However, Ntwali highlighted the biggest challenge they are currently facing: partnership with universities. Despite the rapid growth of their business, the process of signing MOUs with universities in Africa, particularly in Rwanda, is cumbersome and time-consuming. This challenge stems from the lack of adequately nurtured talents in the education system. Bag Innovation believes that universities are not equipping students with the necessary skills required for the job market, which led to the inception of their training programs. While addressing the misconception of their name, Ntwali emphasized that Bag Innovation does not produce bags; instead, they focus on developing skills in design thinking and problem-solving amongst the youth. This emphasis on skill development aligns with Rwanda's strategy to empower its workforce and create job opportunities. With the government's commitment to fostering skill development through programs like Youth Connect, Rwanda is positioning itself as a hub for innovative solutions and talent. Ntwali stressed the importance of focusing on skills development to address the issue of youth unemployment and to meet the target of 1.5 million off-farm jobs. Bag Innovation's approach to tackling this challenge involves training young people in critical areas that employers value, such as problem-solving. By providing real-world experience and practical skills, Bag Innovation aims to create a new generation of problem solvers, as advocated by the President of Rwanda. In a country where youth make up a significant portion of the population, initiatives like Bag Innovation play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce and contributing to Rwanda's economic growth. As the startup continues to expand its reach and impact, it stands as a beacon of hope for the youth and a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in driving sustainable development.