As Africa continues to seek lasting solutions to the problems of unemployment, inequality and the effects of climate change, youth continue to be identified as a major pillar of development.It is in this context that the Legado Africa Initiative continues to invest in building the capacity of young people, helping them to gain knowledge, confidence and opportunities to create jobs and contribute to the development of their countries.The organization focuses on providing equal opportunities for youth, where all boys and girls are placed on the same level in accessing quality education, training related to daily life, as well as being taught to protect the environment.In our work, the Legado Africa Initiative emphasizes that youth should not wait for opportunities but should create them, through various trainings, constructive discussions, and development projects, many young people have begun to see that they have the ability to change their lives and their families. Girls in particular are encouraged to have a voice and believe that they can achieve their dreams just like boys.This helps reduce inequality and build a society that values everyone and gives them opportunities to thrive.Not only that, but the organization focuses on environmental conservation, teaching youth the importance of protecting the environment and using natural resources wisely. Youth are taught that sustainable development cannot be achieved without taking the environment into account.The leadership of the Legado Africa Initiative aims to build self-confident youth, with the knowledge and skills to innovate and be agents of positive change in Africa.At a time when the world needs young people with vision, the Legado Africa Initiative continues to show that when young people are given opportunities, they can be the solution to many of the problems plaguing society.
Mu gihe Afurika ikomeje gushaka ibisubizo birambye ku bibazo by’ubushomeri, ubusumbane n’ingaruka z’ihindagurika ry’ibihe, urubyiruko rukomeje kugaragazwa nk’inkingi ikomeye y’iterambere. Ni muri urwo rwego umuryango Legado Africa Initiative ukomeje gushyira imbaraga mu kubaka ubushobozi bw’abasore n’inkumi, ubafasha kugira ubumenyi, icyizere n’amahirwe yo kwihangira umurimo no kugira uruhare mu iterambere ry’ibihugu byabo.Uyu muryango wibanda ku guha urubyiruko amahirwe angana, aho abahungu n’abakobwa bose bashyirwa ku rwego rumwe mu kubona uburezi bufite ireme, amahugurwa ajyanye n’ubuzima bwa buri munsi, ndetse no kwigishwa ibikorwa byo kurengera ibidukikije.Mu bikorwa byacu, Legado Africa Initiative dushyira imbere ko urubyiruko rutagomba gutegereza amahirwe ahubwo rugomba kuyarema, binyuze mu mahugurwa atandukanye, ibiganiro byubaka, n’imishinga y’iterambere, benshi mu rubyiruko batangiye kubona ko bafite ubushobozi bwo guhindura ubuzima bwabo ndetse n’imiryango yabo.Abakobwa by’umwihariko bakomeje gushishikarizwa kugira ijambo no kwizera ko bashoboye kugera ku nzozi zabo nk’uko bimeze ku bahungu. Ibi bifasha kugabanya ubusumbane no kubaka sosiyete iha buri wese agaciro n’amahirwe yo gutera imbere.Si ibyo gusa kuko umuryango unibanda ku kubungabunga ibidukikije, wigisha urubyiruko akamaro ko kurengera ibidukikije no gukoresha neza umutungo kamere, Urubyiruko rwigishwa ko iterambere rirambye ritagerwaho hatitawe ku bidukikije.Ubuyobozi bwa Legado Africa Initiative intego yabwo ni ukubaka urubyiruko rwigirira icyizere, rufite ubumenyi n’ubushobozi bwo guhanga udushya no kuba umusemburo w’impinduka nziza muri Afurika.Mu gihe isi ikeneye urubyiruko rufite icyerekezo, Legado Africa Initiative ikomeje gutanga icyizere ko iyo urubyiruko ruhabwa amahirwe, rushobora kuba igisubizo cy’ibibazo byinshi bibangamiye sosiyete.
LEGADO AFRICA INITIATIVE (LAI), in partnership with the Youth Department of the Foursquare Gospel Church, successfully organized the Youth Business Grants Competition during the Joshua Generation Conference (JGC) 2026 held at CityLight Foursquare Church. The initiative was designed to empower young entrepreneurs by equipping them with entrepreneurship knowledge, mentorship opportunities, and financial support to transform innovative ideas into sustainable and impactful businesses.The competition brought together ambitious and visionary young people committed to creating positive social and economic change within their communities while integrating leadership, integrity, and Christian values into their entrepreneurial journeys. Through intensive entrepreneurship and business management training sessions conducted during the conference, participants strengthened their capacities in business planning, financial literacy, innovation, leadership, and sustainable business development.The initiative generated remarkable enthusiasm and participation among youth. A total of thirty (30) business proposals were submitted, reflecting strong creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial potential across different sectors. Following a transparent and merit-based evaluation process conducted by a panel composed of business professionals, entrepreneurship mentors, church leaders, and representatives from LAI, fourteen (14) promising projects were shortlisted for the final pitching stage.During the live presentation session, shortlisted participants presented and defended their business ideas before a panel of judges and conference attendees. The atmosphere was filled with inspiration, creativity, and determination as young entrepreneurs showcased innovative solutions aimed at addressing community challenges, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to sustainable development in Rwanda.At the conclusion of the competition, three outstanding youth-led business projects were awarded grants from a total funding envelope of Fifteen Million Rwandan Francs (15,000,000 RWF). The winners were officially announced and recognized during the closing ceremony held on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Beyond financial support, the initiative also opened doors for continued mentorship, networking opportunities, coaching, and long-term business development support to help beneficiaries strengthen and sustain their enterprises.The Youth Business Grants Competition marked an important milestone in promoting youth entrepreneurship, economic resilience, innovation, and community transformation in Rwanda. It further demonstrated the power of collaboration between faith-based institutions and development organizations in creating meaningful opportunities for young people to become agents of positive change within society.Despite challenges such as limited time for proposal review and the need for additional mentorship support for some participants, the initiative achieved significant success in inspiring youth to pursue innovation, responsible leadership, and sustainable livelihoods. The experience also reinforced LAI’s commitment to investing in youth empowerment, supporting entrepreneurship ecosystems, and building resilient communities for future generations.Through this initiative, LEGADO AFRICA INITIATIVE (LAI) continues to demonstrate its dedication to advancing inclusive development, leadership, and economic empowerment for young people across Africa. The competition highlighted the importance of investing in youth entrepreneurship as a pathway toward sustainable livelihoods, innovation, social transformation, and long-term community resilience.
