News

The University of Rwanda-College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) in collaboration with Converge 4 Africa organized a one-day conference on Agriculture and Agribusiness, to aggregate the diverse talents, skills and resources of academicians, Alumni entrepreneurs, corporations, government leaders, NGOs, scientists, UR-CAVM students, practitioners and workers. The conference was headed by Mrs Nannette Atuahene, Co-Founder of Converge 4 Africa, in partnership with UR-CAVM management at Busogo Campus.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Guillaume NYAGATARE, the Principal of UR-CAVM thanked Mrs. Nannette Atuahene for partnering with the college to organize such a successful event, where participants with visionary minds, innovators, and practitioners shared a deep commitment to transforming the agricultural sector. He mentioned that agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, contributing significantly to food security, livelihoods, and national development. “By integrating science and education in Agriculture, academia fosters a robust agricultural and agribusiness sector, vital for economic development and global food security” Said Nyagatare.

Mrs Nannette Atuahene, with Converge 4 Africa, is passionate about educating, equipping and empowering African youth on how they can become economically self-sufficient. She advised students to work hard toward a future where agriculture not only feeds Africans, but also powers its prosperity. She challenged them to listen to all of the information that was provided to them, and take all the resources they have, to transform challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. “Every time you don’t have money, you stop thinking...Ask yourself, ’if I had all the money and resources required, what would I do next ?’ “The next step is commitment and collaboration”, she said.

In his closing remarks, the Principal of UR-CAVM, thanked participants for their enthusiasm and determination, which inspired hope for a brighter agricultural future, and extended special thanks to the speakers and organizers for their solid dedication and vision. He highlighted the immense potential within the agricultural sector, not just as a means of ensuring food security, but as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. He insisted on the fact that the future of Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness lies in the hands of its youth.
The conference was a good opportunity for the alumni - local, young entrepreneurs-to showcase success and opportunities when it comes to agriculture and agribusiness. They shared stories of economic growth with students, and talked about problems and solutions in the industry, to bridge the gaps in the agriculture sector.

Jacqueline UMUPFASONI, Public Relations Officer
Wednesday, November 27, 2024