President Paul Kagame has urged young Rwandans graduating from the Indangamirwa civic education programme to see themselves as the generation responsible for building the country’s future, insisting that Rwanda’s development will be driven by its own citizens rather than outside actors.

Addressing graduates during the 16th edition of Meet the President, Kagame challenged the youth to leave the Itorero programme with a clear sense of purpose, describing them as builders, innovators and problem solvers who have a direct role in advancing the country’s development agenda.

“Among the many things you are taking away with you, leave this place with one thing firmly in your minds: You are now builders of something. You are problem solvers. You are innovators. And you are also going to contribute to this nation, the national effort,” Kagame said.

He stressed that lasting national transformation depends on the commitment and capabilities of Rwandans themselves.

“Rwanda will not be developed by people coming from somewhere else, zero. If you thought there is anything like that, quickly change your mind. It is not like that. It doesn’t happen like that. You must be the one to do it,” he added.

The President said Rwanda’s progress will depend on a generation willing to create solutions instead of waiting for others, urging graduates to become active participants in the country’s economic and social transformation.

Kagame also used the occasion to caution young people against alcohol abuse, describing it as one of the greatest threats to their health, productivity and future. He warned that addiction was destroying lives and preventing many young people from achieving their full potential.

“As young people, we need you. We love you. But first and foremost, take care of yourselves,” he said. “Alcohol is killing you. It’s killing young people… I want to warn you and beg you: everything we have been talking about, what brought you here, and the plans we have for our country, this thing will kill you before you realise your ambitions.”

The President’s remarks reflected the broader objectives of the Itorero programme, a home-grown civic education initiative that equips participants with values of patriotism, discipline, integrity, leadership and service to the nation.

The Indangamirwa cohort brings together young Rwandans from across the country for training aimed at preparing them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

Kagame encouraged the graduates to translate those values into practical action by identifying challenges in their communities, embracing innovation, creating jobs, supporting national unity and contributing to Rwanda’s long-term development.

His message comes as Rwanda continues implementing the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which places young people at the centre of efforts to accelerate economic growth, create employment, improve public service delivery and achieve the country’s Vision 2050 ambition of becoming a high-income, knowledge-based economy.

He told the graduates that achieving those goals will require discipline, resilience and a belief that Rwanda’s future rests in the hands of its own people.