The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), officially launched the Rwanda Youth Forward for Agrifood Systems Transformation Forum (Youth FAST Forum), held from 24–25 November 2025 in Kigali.

Organized under the theme “Catalyzing Investments for Transformational Impact under PSTA5,” this two-day forum has been established as a national, annual platform aimed at accelerating youth-led transformation of Rwanda’s agrifood systems.

This inaugural edition focused on advancing the country’s strategic priorities under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5), by positioning young people as central actors and innovators in the agrifood sector.

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, urged young people to remain ambitious and curious, and to let professionalism, innovation, and performance guide their journey.

He emphasized that youth are not simply beneficiaries, but the drivers and central actors shaping the future of Rwanda’s agrifood systems.

Minister Bagabe highlighted the pivotal role of youth in transforming the sector.

“The transformation of our agrifood systems will be driven by the creativity, digital skills, and innovation of young Rwandans. Our youth are not just participants; they are leaders in shaping a modern, competitive, and climate-resilient agriculture sector,” he said.

He further underscored the government’s commitment to elevating youth as partners in national development.

“Through the Youth FAST Forum, we are institutionalizing a platform where young agripreneurs can engage, influence policy, access opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s Vision 2050. We are proud to work with our partners to unlock the potential of youth-led agrifood transformation,” he added.

Minister Bagabe emphasized the long-term significance of the initiative.

“This Forum is not a one-off event; it marks the beginning of a national movement. Each year, we will convene, reflect, innovate, and invest to ensure young Rwandans are empowered to drive the transformation we aspire to in our agrifood systems,” he said.

The Youth FAST Forum offered a high-level platform for disseminating national priorities, showcasing youth-led innovations, presenting MINAGRI flagship programmes targeting youth, and catalyzing investment synergies to support job creation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable sectoral growth.

Beyond this inaugural edition, the Youth FAST Forum is envisioned as an annual institutionalized platform bringing together youth, policymakers, the private sector, academia, and development partners. 

The Forum will serve as a mechanism for tracking progress, strengthening accountability, identifying promising youth-led ventures, aligning financing initiatives, and maintaining national momentum toward youth-driven agrifood transformation.

As part of this broader agenda, MINAGRI is developing anchor farmer-based youth agri-enterprise hubs to reduce fragmented interventions, enhance coordination, and maximize impact.

END.