Need to invest in Youth entrepreneurship and mentorship initiatives - President William Ruto

Nairobi, 

Saturday, 9 December, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto has emphasized on the need for African states to provide mentorship, capital and entrepreneurship opportunities to the youths to transform their ideas and promote cross - border business. 

"We must also foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship by providing young people with access to capital, mentorship and opportunities to transform their ideas into thriving cross-border businesses."President Ruto said. 

“This can be achieved by simplifying business regulations, facilitating access to finance and promoting regional economic integration,” he added. 

The president made the remarks while adressing the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, KICC, Nairobi on Saturday afternoon. 

The event also doubled as the graduation ceremony of graduates from Arizona State University as well as those from Google Hustler Academy.

President Ruto acknowledged the efforts by the Kenyan government to provide quality and accessible credit to all including the youth which supports their entrepreneurship ideas. 

“The Hustler Fund has enabled more than 21.7 million Kenyans access resources to establish and progress their enterprises especially those at the lowest echelons of the socio-economic ladder,” he said.

President Ruto affirmed Kenya’s support for the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a borderless market for African businesses.

“Kenya is in the process of eliminating visa requirements for African Countries as we strive to ensure the attainment of Africa’s Borderless Commerce,” he added.

The Head of State said innovation holds the potential to accelerate Africa’s development goals.

“To grow fast, we must deliberately focus on innovation to create fresh opportunities through the creation of new products, models and partnerships,” he said.

The head of state was in company of Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his spouse pastor Dorcas, and Rwanda’s Minister for Youth Affairs Abdallah Utumatwishima among others