Thirty youth-led business groups showcased their potential in the Compete to Grow Challenge finals, with Rwf 42.6 million awarded to support their business growth. Organized by Caritas Rwanda, Caritas Kibungo and CRS Rwanda, the challenge supported young entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses, access opportunities and build sustainable enterprises.
Thirty youth-led business groups from Goma, Kayonza and Rwamagana (10 in each district) showcased their entrepreneurial skills, innovation and determination during the final pitch of the Compete to Grow Challenge, held on 23rd, 28th and 30th July 2026 respectly in every district.
The events were organized by Caritas Rwanda, in partnership with Caritas Kibungo and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), as part of the Gera Ku Ntego Youth Project, to support young entrepreneurs to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The ten finalist groups in every district presented their income-generating businesses before a panel of judges and the public, responding to questions on their business models, achievements, challenges and future growth plans.
Addressing the young entrepreneurs from Ngoma District, Chandra Kumud, Country Manager of CRS Rwanda, encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities and support available to further grow their businesses.
“Use them to grow your businesses even further. But this is not the end. This is the beginning of your journey. Do not take your eyes off the prize.”
She urged the young entrepreneurs to remain focused and continue demonstrating the potential of their businesses in the months ahead.
Strengthening youth entrepreneurship
Representatives from various banks presented their financial products and services, highlighting opportunities available to young entrepreneurs to access finance and grow their businesses.
In their speeches, districts leaders who attended the final pitch events encouraged the youth to make good use of the opportunities and support provided through the programme and to continue working towards improving their livelihoods and contributing to the development of their communities.
The Compete to Grow Challenge is part of the Gera Ku Ntego Youth Project, implemented from 2024 to 2026 in Ngoma, Kayonza and Rwamagana districts by Caritas Kibungo under the supervision of Caritas Rwanda, with funding from CRS Rwanda.
The challenge was designed to support and accelerate the growth of youth-led businesses, helping young entrepreneurs move beyond business start-up and build sustainable enterprises.
This competition brought together 216 youth groups across Ngoma, Kayonza and Rwamagana districts, with 64 groups from Ngoma, 79 of Kayonza and 73 of Rwamagana District.
Of these, ten groups advanced to the final stage, and all ten finalists were awarded prizes in recognition of their efforts and entrepreneurial potential.
The Icyizere (from Ngoma), Umurava (from Kayonza) and Terimbere (Rwamagana) Youth groups emerged as the overall winners and won Frw 2,500,000 each.
A total of Rwf 42.6 million was awarded to thirty finalists.