Kagame calls for expanding young people's access to agricultural finance
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, called on African governments to introduce policies supporting young people and improve their access to financing in the agricultural sector. This was reported by MyJoyOnline.
A question about jobs
During the president's meeting with young leaders, 24-year-old Ghanaian entrepreneur and PureLube CEO Fareeda Mustapha asked what governments must change for the agri-food system to become the main driver of job creation. According to her, millions of young people enter the labour market every year, while food systems have significant potential to create opportunities for young people.
Mustapha took part in the discussion alongside young representatives from Tanzania, Zambia and Rwanda. Participants included Rada360 founder from Tanzania Musa Mishamo, Cranitech Software Solutions Limited founder from Zambia Imungana Malikina, and All Greens founder from Rwanda Lydia Murekatete. The meeting was focused on investing in leadership.
Support for lending
Kagame said that governments should reduce risks for young people seeking to develop their own businesses. According to him, support mechanisms can be created to enable people to realize their potential.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
The president also noted that, with proper organization, supported entrepreneurs would be able to generate returns from their activities and repay loans. He called on African leaders to find ways to cover loans that cannot be repaid.
PureLube, founded in 2024 in Tamale, processes cashew waste into high-performance industrial lubricant for machinery. According to Mustapha, the company works with 3,000 farmers and has created 23 jobs.
In 2025, Mustapha won the Impact Award of the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize in Dakar and received $15,000 to invest in PureLube. Earlier that year, PureLube won the AgriTech Challenge Pro competition in Ghana, receiving a $25,000 prize.
The 20th Africa Food Systems Forum was held on September 1–4, 2026, at the Kigali Convention Centre. The forum focused on investment in Africa's agri-food systems, food security, job creation and strengthening resilience.
