A consultative meeting held on February 20, 2025 that focused on shaping careers and creating opportunities in the digital age, brought together young entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and key stakeholders to explore this dynamic landscape.
The event, organized by Code Empowerment Progress (CEP), served as a platform to inspire, educate, and connect, empowering attendees to thrive in the ever-evolving digital economy.
As Ornella Uwase Ndahiro, founder and CEO at CEP explained, the digital age should find young people equipped with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to leverage technology for social and economic growth.
She shared a personal insight into her journey in the digital space, highlighting the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community-building in navigating the digital economy.
Many individuals, such as Isaac Rudasingwa, have been inspired through success stories and gained from knowledge about available tools and opportunities.
Rudasingwa, Co-founder of Medixr, discussed the role of innovation and digital tools in healthcare and beyond, urging young people to explore tech-driven solutions to everyday challenges.
Similarly, Rogers Kamugisha, an expert in the education sector, shed light into education and leadership development, encouraging attendees to build practical skills and leverage mentorship for career growth.
The event targeted youths aged between 16 and 25 ambitious to leverage technology and brought together individuals, influencers and industry leaders.
During a panel discussion, where speakers shared invaluable insights, Cynthia Umutoniwase, proprietor of LOOPA Ltd., a local company involved in the production of organic waste management material, emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuous learning.
"Share your ideas and be open to feedback, even if it's not what you want to hear. Always strive to learn something new, and develop strong money management skills,' she advised.
When seeking partners, Umutoniwase cautioned on finding individuals who complement each other sharing the same vision and aspirations. 'Always remember to have everything clearly documented," she said.
Cedric Mupenzi, CEO of Sinc Today, echoed the importance of teamwork and vision. "The biggest mistake young entrepreneurs make is involving unmotivated individuals. As a founder, it's your responsibility to communicate your goals and visions to your team and work relentlessly to achieve them," he cautioned.
He revealed that the secret lies in having the right team, a solid structure, logistical support, and the right partners.
The interactive sessions provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the speakers, while networking thus fostering connections between peers and potential mentors.
King Ngabo, founder of the Ingabo Museum based at Rebero, offered a powerful call to action. "Use your energy while you're young. Don't wait for approval to pursue your passions. People will recognize and appreciate your work along the way,' he urged.
The consultative meeting offered practical tools and strategies to navigate the digital landscape, equipping youth with the skills needed to build successful careers.
The outcomes included increased awareness of technology's role in career development, practical insights for taking actionable steps toward digital success, stronger networks between young innovators and stakeholders, and a platform to celebrate the next generation of digital leaders.
The event served as a powerful reminder that the future of work is digital, and young people are at the forefront, shaping their own careers while creating opportunities for themselves and others.
Sam K Nkurunziza
