Kigali, Rwanda – June 23, 2025: The Thriving Inclusive Community Organization (TICO) has officially launched the third cohort of the Youth Entrepreneurial Design Fellowship (EDF 2025) cohort 3, a flagship program aimed at equipping young Rwandans with entrepreneurial and leadership skills to drive innovation and inclusion in their communities.
The week-long training, held from June 23rd to 27th, 2025, brings together 40 dynamic young entrepreneurs from across the country. The participants engage in intensive sessions focused on creativity, business design, problem-solving, and community impact.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Egide HABINSHUTI, Executive Director of TICO, inspired participants to seize the opportunities that the fellowship offers and to make the most of every session. He emphasized that the Youth Entrepreneurial Design Fellowship is not just a training program, but a platform for young innovators to explore their creativity, develop solutions, and contribute to Rwanda’s growth.
“You are here because we believe in your ideas, your energy, and your potential to make a difference, in your own life and in your community,” he said.
Mr. Habinshuti encouraged the participants to remain curious, proactive, and collaborative throughout the journey, reminding them that innovation begins with the courage to dream and the discipline to act.
The official launch ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Alison Thorpe, the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, who attended as the Distinguished Guest of Honor. Delivering an inspiring keynote address on Global Citizenship, H.E. Thorpe commended TICO’s efforts in empowering young Rwandans to become active contributors to national and global development. She urged the fellows to think beyond borders and lead with innovation and courage, stating:
Think globally, act boldly, and innovate locally, “she statedHer Excellency’s remarks underscored the pivotal role of young people as today’s solution-builders, individuals capable of shaping inclusive, creative, and resilient economies through collaboration and visionary leadership.
At the end of the fellowship, participants will showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through a competitive pitching session, where they will present their innovative projects to a panel of experts and mentors. The most outstanding and scalable ideas will be recognized with awards, mentorship, and tailored incubation support, helping young entrepreneurs transform their visions into tangible, community-driven enterprises.
Through transformative initiatives like the Entrepreneurial Design Fellowship (EDF), TICO reaffirms its unwavering commitment to empowering Rwanda’s youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become drivers of inclusive growth. By nurturing innovation, fostering collaboration, and promoting equal opportunities, TICO continues to equip young change makers with the tools and mindset to design a better, more sustainable future for themselves and their communities.
