Rwanda combines youth innovation and circular economy to build a resilient nation

In the early hours of the day, as the streets of Kigali come alive with the hum of motorcycles and vendors, young entrepreneurs are quietly leading a green revolution. In a country where 39% of the population is aged between 14 and 35, innovators like Tresor Gashonga and Rafiki Gatsinzi—founders of Incuti Foods—are turning rural challenges into urban solutions. Their chili sauces, crafted from surplus agricultural produce, exemplify a model that fights food waste while generating income for local farmers. Despite logistical hurdles, their circular approach includes the return of empty jars for reuse.

The duo is part of the inaugural cohort of the AfriCircular Innovators Program, an initiative driven by the African Circular Economy Fund (ACEF) and the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA). This program provides training and grants to MSMEs offering sustainable solutions. Kigali received more than 150 applications for just 10 slots, signaling a youth eager to innovate with impact. Elisa Luotonen, the program coordinator, notes their mission is to build an African ecosystem of circular entrepreneurs and connect ideas with the resources needed for sustainable growth.

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Other entrepreneurs like Gad Nishimwe (South Circle) and Jonathan Shauri (Rebanatex) are proving how waste can be transformed into profitable resources—turning glass into construction materials or banana fibers into textiles. Meanwhile, Merci Hirwa (SLS Energy) is repurposing discarded batteries to power small businesses. However, he points out that a lack of patient capital, tax incentives, and structural support remains a major barrier to scaling these innovations, as financial institutions still often fail to grasp the value of circular economy ventures.

The potential is undeniable: Rwanda’s circular economy could generate up to 18,000 new jobs by 2030, particularly in key sectors like agriculture. Within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), entrepreneurs are calling for harmonized policies, certification systems to validate their products, and platforms to strengthen strategic alliances. One notable example is the partnership between SLS Energy and Aflimba, which transforms used jeans into bags powered by recycled batteries—showcasing the power of synergy within the ecosystem.

With the AfriCircular program set to expand to new hubs across Africa and backed by the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), Rwanda is positioning itself as a continental hub for circular innovation. From remote rural hills to Kigali’s vibrant co-working spaces, African youth are proving that sustainability is not just a concept but a movement powered by local talent, creativity, and future-focused vision. Africa is no longer waiting—it is building tomorrow, today.