60 Rwandan youth from the diaspora convene in country for 5th edition of Rwanda youth tour

Sixty Rwandan youth living abroad (the diaspora) from seven countries have gathered in Rwanda for the 5th edition of the Rwanda Youth Tour. The two-week program aims to help Rwandan youth in the diaspora learn about the country’s history and vision, reconnect with their homeland, discover the opportunities it offers, and understand its development journey through visits and panel discussions with various stakeholders. In this 2025 edition, participants have come from Belgium, Canada, the UK, the USA, Senegal, Uganda, and Italy. On the first day of the program, held on July 7 at Norrsken Kigali, the youth were joined by the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, and Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET). Minister Umutoni urged the youth to take an active role in shaping the country’s future by understanding what it took for Rwanda to be rebuilt after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “We want them [youth in the diaspora] to understand what it took for Rwanda to be reborn after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, what it takes to ensure strong leadership, peace, and security in our country, and to know that they have something to contribute to this ongoing rebirth,” she said. “This is an entry point for them to learn more about our history and socio-economic transformation, and to understand Rwanda’s vision for the future,” Umutoni added. “They bring different skills we need and are encouraged to bring those talents back home.” Virgile Rwanyagatare urged the youth to carry Rwanda’s values, culture, and story wherever they go. “You are our ambassadors. Whether through investment, trade, governance, or innovation, your contribution is critical. The government remains committed to supporting you both abroad and when you return home,” he said.