Young people who attended the 2025 Hanga Pitchfest awards ceremony say the event has sparked new motivation to pursue entrepreneurship and create development-driven solutions for their communities.
The fifth edition of the national innovation competition took place on November 14, gathering young innovators, students, industry leaders, and policymakers to witness Rwanda’s most promising startup projects.
Re-Banatex, a company that manufactures recycled textile products including clothes, shoes, and bags, emerged the overall winner, taking home Rwf 50 million.
Other winning projects included NEEM Company, which produces smart health mats to help diabetes patients detect early signs of complications, securing Rwf 20 million as the first runner-up. Nabsil Grainbank, a solution designed to preserve maize harvests and minimize post-harvest losses, finished third and won Rwf 15 million.
Participants inspired to innovate
Students say the event changed their mindset
Many students including those from Instutit Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) who attended expressed that Hanga Pitchfest gave them a new outlook on the power of innovation.
Olivier Ndayishimiye, a student at East African University, said he left the event motivated to pursue his own idea.
“The Government of Rwanda truly values its youth. Being young is itself capital. We should use the opportunities we have to design projects that benefit the community.” He said.
From Collège Saint André, Kevine Umuhoza described the event as transformative. “Coming here showed me that once you take the first step, you shouldn’t go back. We must not fear ourselves, we have opportunities and we should use them.”
Uwamahoro Denyse from ICK said Hanga Pitchfest taught her to think bigger.
“Our development begins with us. When we design projects that can grow, we not only uplift ourselves but also create jobs for others.”She expalined
Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire praised the creativity displayed and promised continued support for youth-led entrepreneurship:
“Young people are central to Rwanda’s innovation journey. We will continue to support you in turning your ideas into impactful solutions.”
State Minister Iradukunda Yves noted that Hanga Pitchfest was launched in 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic to harness youth creativity for national resilience.
Winners received grants, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with investors, benefits that many students hope to also access in the future.
This year, 45 startups were approved to compete, joining a bootcamp for business training before only five advanced to the grand finale.
Rwanda Awards Rwf 110 Million to Young Innovators at Hanga Pitchfest
