SOYEE Graduates Unveil Business Solutions That Could Shape Bugesera’s Economic Future

In Bugesera District, where agriculture, small businesses and bicycles remain the backbone of daily life, a new generation of young innovators is emerging with practical solutions that could create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship and transform livelihoods.

On June 19, forty-six young men and women—many of them former school dropouts and vulnerable youth—graduated from the Skills and Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (SOYEE) Hub after eight months of intensive training.

Their graduation was not merely a celebration of completed studies; it was a showcase of innovation, resilience and the untapped potential of Rwanda’s youth.

Supported by Plan International Rwanda and implemented by Dream Village Rwanda, the SOYEE project equips marginalized young people, particularly young women, with vocational skills, business knowledge and mentorship to help them build sustainable futures.

The graduates demonstrated that with the right opportunities, young people can become job creators rather than job seekers.

Since its launch in Bugesera in January 2025, the SOYEE Hub has become a catalyst for youth empowerment.

The programme, which also operates in Gatsibo and Nyaruguru districts, provides market-oriented training in welding, electrical installation, tailoring, fashion design, hairdressing and beauty, alongside entrepreneurship and life skills.

At the graduation ceremony, the young innovators unveiled products and business ideas designed to solve real community challenges while generating income and employment opportunities.

“The training programme offers more than skills in hairdressing, tailoring, fashion design, welding and electricity,” said Fiona Niwowegusa, Health Programme Manager at Dream Village Rwanda.

“We have attained the gender aspect where 60 percent are female and are able to create a new workforce generation in Bugesera District.”

She noted that the programme is helping build a skilled labour force while contributing to national development goals, thanks to the support of Plan International Rwanda and collaboration with local authorities.

Mobile Salon for Rural Entrepreneurs:

One of the most eye-catching innovations came from a welding team led by Samuel, who designed a portable mobile salon.

Constructed using locally available metal materials, the structure resembles a small house but functions as a fully equipped movable beauty salon.

Designed with insulation suitable for Bugesera’s hot climate, the innovation enables hairdressers and beauty professionals to operate from different locations without needing permanent premises.

“We came up with this portable salon design in consideration of our sisters in the hairdressing business to enable them to work from anywhere with a full package of all they need in one place,” Nsabiyumva explained.

Valued at approximately Rwf3 million, the structure could significantly reduce operational costs for small entrepreneurs.

Benitha, one of the project’s female designers, said the innovation could free small business owners from the burden of rental expenses.

“This kind of structure could be good for small business owners who, upon investing in it, will no longer have to worry about rent fees, which remain one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs,” she said.

The team plans to commercialize the product and create employment opportunities for fellow youth through future construction projects.

Reinventing Transportation for Bugesera:

Recognizing Bugesera’s reliance on bicycles and the rising cost of fuel, another group led by graduate Butorano developed a multi-purpose four-wheeled cycle designed to transport both passengers and cargo.

The innovation aims to provide an affordable, environmentally friendly transport option for rural communities.

“This multipurpose cycle can carry lots of luggage and persons at once. It will reduce transport costs and counteract current fuel challenges while promoting Made-in-Rwanda environmentally friendly transport solutions that fit this community,” Butorano said.

The innovation aligns with Rwanda’s ambitions to promote green mobility and locally manufactured products.

Green Solutions with Economic Impact:

Another welding team developed durable, fuel-efficient cooking stoves capable of reducing firewood consumption in rural households.

The stoves, priced between Rwf5,000 and Rwf10,000, are designed to last for decades while reducing cooking costs for low-income families.

“We can make at least one stove in twenty minutes and about 50 stoves in a day,” said Evariste, a representative of the welding learners.

“This stove can be vital for low-income earners but also saves on the amount of firewood used in rural homes.”

Beyond stove production, the team plans to manufacture cupboards, school trunks and household furniture, creating employment opportunities while addressing local market demand.

Youth Innovation Beyond Traditional Boundaries:

The graduates also showcased furniture and household products designed to maximize space and improve living conditions.

Among them was a “Five-in-One” table and chair set developed by Elia and his team. The innovation is designed for families living in small homes, allowing multiple uses within limited space.

Another standout project was developed by Jean Claude, who designed a multifunctional wardrobe that combines storage for clothes, kitchen utensils and cooking gas in one compact unit.

Having previously spent years working on farms and raising livestock after dropping out of school, Jean Claude said the programme transformed his outlook on life.

“Through this hub, God has shone a light on my life and wiped away my past sorrows,” he said.

“It is unbelievable that I joined the hub and graduated with something to show the world. That is why I called this innovation ‘The Wonders of God’.”

Breaking Barriers for Persons with Disabilities:

The SOYEE programme’s impact extends beyond technical training.

For the first time, the programme attracted young people living with disabilities, creating opportunities for inclusion and economic empowerment.

Among the graduates was Suzanna, a young woman who has an albinism disability, successfully completed training in hairdressing and fashion design despite social stigma and personal challenges.

“With financial support, I am determined to implement my project idea and succeed because I have managed to overcome my challenges,” she said.

Female graduates also demonstrated increasing participation in traditionally male-dominated professions such as welding and electrical installation.

Sandrine, one of the welding graduates, said her experience working alongside male colleagues would encourage more girls to pursue technical careers.

Investing in Youth For Economic Growth:

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Plan International Rwanda Country Director, Emilie Fernandes, described the graduates as proof of what can happen when young people are given opportunities to succeed.

“Today is more than a graduation ceremony. It is a celebration of determination, talent and the power of opportunity,” Fernandes said.

“It is also a reminder of what can be achieved when young people are given the skills, support and confidence to build better futures.”

She emphasized that vocational skills are not merely technical competencies but pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and economic independence.

“These are not simply technical skills. They are pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and a brighter future,” she said.

Highlighting the programme’s broader impact, Fernandes noted that SOYEE has already equipped 180 young people across Bugesera, Gatsibo and Nyaruguru districts with market-relevant skills in this year only.

“Through our partnership with Dream Village, the SOYEE initiative has equipped young people with market-relevant skills that can transform lives, strengthen families and contribute to local economic development.”

She praised the creativity and confidence demonstrated by the graduates.

“I am really impressed by your innovation, your style and your marketing skills,” Fernandes said.

“You can be proud of your achievements.”

In a strong message to the graduates, she challenged them to become agents of economic transformation in their communities.

“Use your skills to create opportunities for yourselves and others. Continue to be innovative, work with integrity and continue learning.”

“Rwanda’s future depends on the energy, creativity and leadership of young people like you.”

She also called on parents, local authorities and development partners to continue supporting young entrepreneurs through access to finance, business opportunities and an enabling environment for growth.

Building the Workforce of the Future:

For local leaders, the challenge now is helping graduates convert their ideas into successful enterprises.

Ngeruka Sector Executive Secretary Aimable Kadafi encouraged graduates to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive labour market.

“You are going on a market which already has some of these skills, but the question you should ask is: what opportunities are you bringing to the market?” he said.

As Bugesera prepares for major economic transformation driven by infrastructure projects such as the forthcoming Bugesera International Airport, youth-led enterprises could play a critical role in meeting growing demand for products, services and skilled labour.

The innovations showcased by the SOYEE graduates demonstrate that youth empowerment is not only a social intervention but also an economic investment.

With continued support, the ideas presented in Bugesera could evolve into businesses that create jobs, stimulate local industries and contribute to Rwanda’s broader vision of inclusive and sustainable development.

For the 46 graduates, the ceremony marked the end of training—but the beginning of a journey as entrepreneurs, innovators and future employers.