As unemployment continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing young people, some have chosen not to wait for jobs but instead used the small opportunities they had to start income‑generating activities. Some started with very little money, while others began with simple tools, but over time their businesses grew and changed their lives.
ALSO READ: Rwanda and Russia Commit to Strengthening Military Cooperation
Research and different discussions show that more young people are creating their own jobs, especially in small businesses, technology, farming, video production, tailoring, and other income‑generating activities. In interviews with journalist Claude Nzabahimana, some young people explained that starting was not easy, but staying focused and continuing to work helped them succeed.
Success Stories from Youth Entrepreneurs
Mukandayisenga Aline, 24, from Kigali, said that after finishing secondary school, she spent a long time looking for a job without success.
ALSO READ: APR Crowned Peace Cup Champions After 4-2 Penalty Victory Over Rayon
She later decided to start selling fruits and juice. “I started with Frw 20,000 given to me by my mother. I bought a few fruits, cut them into pieces, and sold them near a school. At first, I made a profit of between Frw 2,000 and Frw 5,000 per day.”
Aline said she continued saving and adding more products until she eventually opened a small shop selling different fruits and juices. “Now I can earn more than Frw 500,000 per month. I never imagined reaching this level.”
ALSO READ: Oklahoma Christian Partnership Has Boosted Rwanda’s Innovation and Development_President Paul Kagame
Uwase Sonia, 26, said she first started with simple tailoring work before learning hairdressing. “I started with Frw 35,000, which I used to buy a few hairdressing tools. I worked from home and served customers there.” She explained that she earned small profits in the beginning but continued working and promoting her business on social media. “Now I own my own salon worth over Frw 4 million and I can pay four employees.”
Niyomugabo Eric said that after completing secondary school, he realized waiting for a job could take a long time. “I started selling phone accessories with Frw 50,000. I used to carry the products and sell them in different places.” He said his profits slowly increased and he later opened his own shop. “Now I own two shops and I can earn up to Frw 1 million per month.”
Habimana Patrick said he started creating videos and taking pictures using an ordinary phone. “I started with only Frw 15,000. I used the money for transport and internet so I could learn more from YouTube.” He explained that later he slowly bought better equipment. “Now I create videos for weddings, events, and businesses. I earn between Frw 700,000 and Frw 900,000 per month.”
Mugisha Kevin said he started by selling a few clothes bought from the market. “At that time I only had Frw 10,000. I bought a few clothes, sold them, and used the profit to buy more.” He said success required patience and not being ashamed of starting small. “Now my businesses are worth over Frw 3 million and I also work with other people.”
Lessons from Their Journeys
These young entrepreneurs emphasized patience, resilience, and the importance of not being ashamed to start small. They highlighted how consistent saving, learning new skills, and promoting their work—often through social media—helped them grow. Their stories prove that even small beginnings can lead to significant achievements when combined with vision and determination.
Expert Advice for Young People
Experts encourage youth not to wait for jobs but to use available opportunities, learn skills, and develop a saving culture. One youth trainer explained: “Many people think they need a lot of money to start a business, but that is not true. The important thing is to start and have a vision.”
Although lack of money is often seen as a challenge, these stories show that persistence and focus can transform small investments into life‑changing ventures. Young people are urged to take small steps today, as they can become the foundation of a better future.
