Sandrine Umutoni

"Rwanda’s commitment to promoting gender equality can be seen in policies that ensure women’s representation at various levels of decision-making across different institutions, ranging from business to leadership and judiciary."

"ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi is a project that seeks to identify young artistic talent across a wide spectrum of art disciplines."

"Begin with your legacy in mind. Do your research and make an effort to find information that’s not easily findable."

"Therefore, it made logical sense to bring together the portfolios that contribute the most to youth economic empowerment. This move will help create a more cohesive and efficient management structure for these sectors."

"This plan will focus on issues such as international standards for art development and the improvement of infrastructure and training opportunities. These efforts will contribute to the growth and recognition of the arts in Rwanda, attracting cultural tourism and establishing a stronger international presence for Rwandan art and culture."

"We aim to encourage both local and international investment in the creative economy, which involves creating favourable policies, providing financial support, and facilitating partnerships between artists, entrepreneurs, and investors. By doing so, the Ministry hopes to contribute to the overall development of the creative economy in Rwanda,"

"Bringing the creative sector under the same ministry as youth empowerment, the government recognises the significant role that young people play in the creative industries."

"As you navigate the turbulent terrain of entrepreneurship, let the following 3 Ps be your compass; Passion – Purpose – Profit. Keep in mind profit should always come after passion and purpose."

"When we talk about sustainable development, we look to you. Progress requires the contribution of all citizens, but lasting development depends on youth prepared to continue where their elders left off. Achieving this calls for commitment from all sectors, but especially the determination of young people to expand their dreams and pursue them relentlessly."

"We trust your contribution will continue to grow as you innovate in modern technology, provide solutions to climate change, make informed decisions and engage in policies that advance your development and that of the country,"

"In Rwanda, we have come to deeply understand and respect the transformative power of culture. It has helped us confront historical scars, rebuild hope, and reclaim our voice in telling our stories"

"In Kinyarwanda, we say, 'Culture is our heritage.' It is our duty to safeguard, advance, and cherish it for a peaceful tomorrow."

"Creativity drives livelihoods, sustainability, and legacy. Giving art and culture the respect they deserve will not only create jobs and growth but also shape Rwanda’s identity"

"Giving art and culture the respect they deserve will not only create jobs and growth but also shape Rwanda’s identity and secure Africa’s place as a global leader in culture, innovation, and creativity."

"Talent does not discriminate. Through stronger collaboration, we can unlock the potential of youth including the over 1 million out-of-school and rural youth, regardless of background, by providing access to quality training, and mentorship opportunities."

"The conference is a great platform to our creative industry since it brings together musicians and business people behind music industry to share ideas, discover local talents, share expertise and exchange ideas with international artists on how to do music as a business. This means that artists have a chance on how to learn more about earning from their creatives, technical know how about intellectual property law and networking."

"We know what music brings to our communities and to our economy because at the end of the day, it’s all about creative economy and when we talk about creative economy, we mean sustainable development of the entire economy of the country."

"The Government of Rwanda acknowledges the vital role of arts in youth development and actively supports artistic endeavors such as the Kigali Triennial."

"We believe that Rwanda is a proof of concept. Rwanda was liberated by young people in their 20s and 30s."

"What we’re asking each one of you today is to realize your potential. Yes, it is scary, and I don’t mean to be patronizing because we’ve all gone through the phase of not being sure how it’s going to happen or what it means to fully embrace your Rwandan identity. But you have so much to offer, and all we’re asking is for you to give us a chance to dive into that potential."

"You are at a crossroads in your lives where you have to make decisions. We ask that you base those decisions on research, knowledge, and taking the time to understand the causes of political shifts and changes in socioeconomic factors around you. Never think it’s over."

"As you travel around the country, you will see some challenges. I urge you not to consider those challenges as something for others to solve. If we all thought that way, some issues would never have been faced. Use the knowledge and expertise you have to find a way to address these challenges at your own level."

"We owe our future generations to start treating the creative sector as a driving force for socio-economic transformation, while showcasing African excellence globally, let us imagine an Africa where national and international investors view arts not as risks, but as valuable opportunities that strengthen our economies and enrich our cultures."

"Together, let us light a path where art is accessible to all, and imagination is seen as a precious resource, to be nurtured from the youngest age."

"We need to build the capacity of those who make the entire ecosystem of the creative industry such as the cultural managers who need to be trained with proper negotiations to protect the rights of artistes, the technicians who make the performance so much more enjoyable, the lawyers who are proficient in intellectual property regulations and negotiations, among others."

"We believe that this investment will not only catalyze the growth of Rwanda’s creative sector but also enhance Rwanda’s capacity to drive continental and international opportunities aligning with strategic objectives of the AU."

"Local and foreign investors need to view the creative industries not as a risk, but as a valuable opportunity that strengthens our economies, reiterating the importance of supporting the creative industries value chain, the creative economy is a tapestry of interconnected roles that contribute to a thriving ecosystem and fuel local economies."

"Art can be an important force capable of strengthening our national unity, while also acting as a catalyst for job creation, economic prosperity, and contributing to the overall enrichment of our society’s cultural heritage."

"Youth involvement in agriculture is essential for ensuring food security, affordability, and safety. Additionally, it provides opportunities for decent and productive employment."

"MoYA will continue to incentivize youth through access to agricultural inputs, data-driven knowledge, and finance by collectively undertaking key actions."

"I want to thank Sherrie Silver for using her talent to uplift others, create opportunities, and showcase African artistry worldwide. This evening demonstrates how investing in young talent and prioritizing the arts can lead to national development—not merely for entertainment or charity, but as critical pillars of transformation and progress."

"Supporting artists goes beyond acknowledging their talent. It’s about empowering them to become influencers, educators, and ambassadors of our culture and values"

"Under the stewardship of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, the Rwandan government recognizes the significance of the creative industries. We are firmly committed to positioning arts and culture at the forefront of our nation’s growth agenda."

"Trusting the youth, supporting artists, and prioritizing the arts are fundamental pillars for building the future of our nation."

"Investing in youth and the arts is central to driving national development."