On November 3, 2025, JA Rwanda successfully hosted a high-energy Climate Innovation Pitch Competition, bringing together young innovators from secondary schools across the country. The event provided a dynamic platform for students to showcase bold, practical solutions addressing real environmental challenges within their communities.
This competition marks a major milestone within the SET4LYF (School-To-Work Educational Transitions For Long-Term Youth Fulfillment ) regional initiative, a program designed to equip African youth with the entrepreneurial mindset, leadership capabilities, and teamwork skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
A Stage for Youth-Led Climate Action
Throughout the competition, student teams demonstrated impressive creativity, problem-solving, and business modeling. From waste management innovations to renewable-energy concepts, the pitches reflected a deep understanding of Rwanda’s climate priorities and the role young people can play in solving them.
Industry professionals, educators, and community partners joined the judging panel, offering real-world insights and mentorship to participants.
The winning team (Agro Haven from Rwanda Coding Academy) impressed the judges with an outstanding pitch addressing an urgent climate challenge with a scalable, community-centered approach. Their teacher expressed pride in seeing students apply newly acquired entrepreneurship skills to real-world contexts.
The team advances with ongoing mentorship to further refine and strengthen their solution.
Introducing the Next Cohort of 10MAG Trailblazers
This year’s competition also served as an exciting induction moment for Rwanda’s first cohort of female students joining the 10MAG Community — a regional network that celebrates and empowers girl innovators. Their participation underscores JA Rwanda’s continued commitment to gender inclusivity, STEM leadership, and youth agency.
Becoming part of this community opens doors to mentorship sessions, innovation labs, and lifelong networking opportunities across the continent.
Why SET4LYF Matters
The SET4LYF program bridges a critical gap in youth preparedness. It focuses on:
- Employability skills/ work readiness
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Financial literacy
- Global citizenship
By enabling students to turn classroom learning into real-world solutions, the program strengthens Rwanda’s innovation pipeline and aligns with national youth development goals.
Celebrating Collaboration, Confidence & Growth
During the event, representatives from the Ministry of Youth, JA Rwanda’s Board Chair, program managers, and partner educators shared their perspectives on why competitions like this are essential. Their interviews highlighted:
- The urgent need for environmental innovation
- The rising talent among Rwanda’s youth
- The importance of experiential learning
Teachers and students described the competition as transformative, improving communication, teamwork, and confidence.
Looking Ahead
As JA Rwanda continues to deepen its footprint in youth innovation and skill development, this event stands as a testament to what young people can achieve when given:
- the right skills
- the right platform
- the right support
With more SET4LYF activities rolling out, and the 10MAG network expanding, the future looks bright for Rwanda’s next generation of leaders.
A Thank You to Our Partners
JA Rwanda extends heartfelt gratitude to educators, corporate partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders whose support makes opportunities like this possible.
Together, we are inspiring youth, uplifting communities, and shaping sustainable futures.
