ASHENEWS reports that to empower young African agripreneurs, and ahead of the highly anticipated Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2024 finals, AGRA has announced the Kigali Restaurant Week, which takes place in Kigali, Rwanda from May 27th to June 1st, 2024.
This unique initiative aims to empower young Rwandan agripreneurs and showcase agriculture’s potential as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
The week-long event will feature select restaurants offering specialized menus highlighting “Made in Rwanda” products. A key focus will be on sourcing directly from young Rwandan agri-preneurs, with a target of 80% of products coming from said businesses.
“Africa boasts a young and energetic population, and with the right resources and support, they can be the engine propelling the continent’s agricultural transformation,” said AGRA Rwanda Country Director, Jean-Paul Ndagijimana.
“The Kigali Restaurant Week leverages the excitement surrounding BAL 2024 to create a platform for these young leaders. It will not only showcase their innovation and dedication but also inspire others to explore the vast opportunities within agriculture.”
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To this end, AGRA will partner with the Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF), and the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Specialized Cluster to connect these young agri-preneurs with a wider audience and valuable market opportunities, with a focus on quality assurance.
“Rwanda has a vibrant agricultural sector, and this initiative provides a unique opportunity to connect young Rwandan agri-preneurs to a wider audience. By creating a platform for market access, networking, and collaboration, we are laying the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous future for Rwanda’s food system,” emphasizes Ndagijimana, highlighting the initiative’s potential impact.
With the potential to create decent and fulfilling jobs for youth in hospitality and increase restaurant foot traffic, the initiative goes beyond supporting young agri-preneurs.
It’s expected to ignite a wider economic boost by showcasing Kigali’s vibrant culinary scene, attracting tourists, encouraging local sourcing and fostering a sense of community pride through celebrating local Rwandan cuisine and the city’s unique offerings.
By harnessing the power of sports, agriculture, and the private sector, this initiative aims to empower young Africans and unlock a new era of agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent.
Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy.
AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 11 countries.
