![\"Aguka](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Updated-Aguka-Image-1024x570.jpg\")
<\/p>\nApplications Open 1 November for 100 Young Rwandans To Apply for Training and Funding<\/p>\n
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A Partnership of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the UNDP, the European Union, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts<\/p>\n
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Lagos, Nigeria AND KIGALI, RWANDA \u2013 November 03, 2025 \u2013 The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union (EU), and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts (MoYA), launches the fourth Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme, which will support for 100 young Rwandan entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n
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This follows the success of previous cohorts, empowering 300 young Rwandans, with USD $900,000 in total seed capital and business training.<\/p>\n
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Derived from the Kinyarwanda word \u201cAguka,\u201d meaning \u201cArise\u201d, the Programme reflects a shared mission to empower Rwanda\u2019s youth to build sustainable businesses that transform communities. The 2026 Aguka Ideation Programme prioritises youth-led ventures in technology, agriculture, health, education, and renewable energy\u2014key sectors driving Rwanda\u2019s sustainable development agenda.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAt the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we remain deeply committed to empowering Africa\u2019s next generation of changemakers,\u201d said Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. \u201cAguka demonstrates how public-private partnerships can deliver real impact. Every young Rwandan with an idea holds the power to transform their community, create jobs, and contribute to Rwanda\u2019s economic transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Programme Benefits include:<\/p>\n
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Entrepreneurship training on TEFConnect covering business management, financial literacy, and sustainability.<\/p>\n
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Expert mentorship from African business leaders and professionals.<\/p>\n
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Seed capital of USD $3,000 to launch or scale ventures.<\/p>\n
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Networking access to TEF\u2019s continental entrepreneurship ecosystem.<\/p>\n
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Selected beneficiaries of previous Aguka cohorts have launched innovative businesses that are already making an impact across Rwanda:<\/p>\n
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Naomi Iradukunda, founder of Ira EcoSolutions, who developed affordable biodegradable packaging, using banana fibres, reducing plastic waste, while creating jobs for women in Musanze District.<\/p>\n
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Jean Bosco Hirwa, through AgriSmart Rwanda, introduced solar-powered irrigation systems to smallholder farmers, increasing yields and improving food security.<\/p>\n
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Keza Umutoni, a Kigali-based entrepreneur, expanded her youth-led digital literacy start-up Tech4Teens, training over 500 secondary school students in coding and digital skills.<\/p>\n
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Applications for the 2026 Aguka Cohort open November 1, 2025, and close January 11, 2026, via www.TEFConnect.com<\/a>. Selected entrepreneurs will undergo six weeks of intensive business training, followed by mentorship, business development support, and a national pitching competition. Each selected entrepreneur will receive USD $3,000 in non-refundable seed funding and lifetime access to TEF\u2019s pan-African entrepreneurship network.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n