In a major step forward for youth-led artificial intelligence innovation in Africa, Youth in AI officially launched the Youth in AI Innovation Hub in Kigali, Rwanda, marking a bold investment in young talent and locally driven AI solutions for social impact.
The Innovation Hub was funded by Hands of Mercy International (HoM) as part of its commitment to youth economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and ethical innovation across Africa.
The launch event brought together university students, emerging researchers, technology mentors, policymakers, and private-sector partners, all united by a shared belief: Africa’s youth must play a leading role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
The Innovation Hub was established to address a growing gap in access to advanced AI research opportunities for young Africans. While global investment in AI continues to accelerate, many talented youth across the continent lack access to infrastructure, mentorship, and hands-on research environments.
With financial and strategic support from Hands of Mercy International, Youth in AI created the Kigali Hub to bridge this divide—offering a collaborative space where young innovators can learn, experiment, and apply AI tools to real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, climate resilience, and public services.
“We did not want young people to wait for opportunity—we wanted to build it,” said Jessica B’briky, Rwanda Country Lead for Youth in AI, during the launch.
“With support from partners like Hands of Mercy International, we are creating spaces where young people can innovate with purpose and impact.”
During the launch, Jean-Paul Niyonsenga, Program Coordinator for the Innovation Hub, emphasized that the Hub is already translating ideas into action.
“Our teams are developing AI models that respond directly to challenges faced by Rwandan communities,” he said.
“This Hub allows young people to move from theory to practice, and from ideas to impact—thanks to the investment and trust placed in youth by HoM.”
Since its establishment, the Youth in AI Innovation Hub in Rwanda has initiated several applied research projects, including:
Additional projects are under development, focusing on AI applications in transport, climate monitoring, and digital education.
Backed by Hands of Mercy International’s funding and a growing network of academic institutions, AI researchers, and technology partners, the Hub offers:
All activities are guided by Youth in AI’s principle of “AI for Social Good,” closely aligned with HoM’s mission to advance dignity, opportunity, and sustainable development.
The launch of the Youth in AI Innovation Hub—made possible through Hands of Mercy International’s investment—represents more than a physical space. It is a statement that young Africans are not just consumers of technology, but creators and leaders shaping its future.
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