President Paul Kagame, in collaboration with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, unveiled a groundbreaking commitment at the “Timbuktoo: Unleashing Africa’s Start-up Revolution” event, reinforcing Rwanda’s dedication to African innovation and youth empowerment.
President Kagame passionately highlighted the vast labor force in Africa as a formidable solution to global challenges.
Expressing concern about potential hindrances faced by another generation of African youth in realizing their full potential without adequate tools, Kagame announced Rwanda’s pledge of US$3 million to the Timbuktoo initiative.
This ambitious initiative, with a one-billion-dollar target, aims to fortify the African start-up innovation ecosystem.
“At Timbuktoo, with a one-billion-dollar target, we can create more opportunities for Africa’s youth to put their talent and creativity to good use,” said President Kagame.
He underscored the imperative need to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape and emphasized leveraging initiatives like Timbuktoo to harness the untapped potential of African youth.
Timbuktoo, an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on cultivating innovation and entrepreneurship across the African continent.
Rwanda’s designation as the host country for the Timbuktoo headquarters and the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Fund signifies the nation’s central role in fostering a conducive environment for groundbreaking ideas to thrive.
The US$3 million commitment from Rwanda signifies a tangible step towards realizing the country’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant start-up ecosystem in Africa.
By actively engaging in initiatives like Timbuktoo, Rwanda aims to provide the essential resources and opportunities for African youth to make substantial contributions to the global landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship.
President Kagame’s announcement reflects Rwanda’s broader vision for economic growth and youth empowerment, aligning seamlessly with the country’s unwavering commitment to adapting to the evolving world and nurturing a new generation of African leaders and innovators.
This significant pledge not only reinforces Rwanda’s role as a key player in fostering continental innovation but also underscores the nation’s dedication to empowering the youth for a brighter and more prosperous future.
