In today’s world, when you talk to young people in Rwanda and across Africa, you’ll find that 99.9% of them dream of becoming wealthy and successful. Many envision owning cars, building houses, and living a luxurious life by the time they are 20. For instance, a 12-year-old may confidently say, “By the time I’m 20, I’ll have my own house, my own car, and I’ll drive myself.”
However, most of these young dreamers don’t understand the actual path or challenges it takes to achieve such goals.
As the years pass, the same child who dreamed of owning a house and car at 20 may later adjust their goal to just owning a bicycle. This shift in ambition is often not due to laziness or lack of will, but because of real-life barriers that suffocate dreams.
Interestingly, this is not the case in many developed countries, where a 16-year-old might already have their own car, a part-time job, and access to opportunities that encourage independence and wealth creation at a young age.
So, let’s face the question, “Why is it so difficult for young people in Africa to become rich early?”
Based on my ideas, experience, and research, these are some reasons why it is difficult to get rich while still young in Africa:
1. Low Value of Currency
In many African countries, local currencies have very low purchasing power. Inflation and economic instability make everything expensive. A simple meal or a small electronic device may cost a lot in local currency — which discourages saving and investing. In contrast, young people in wealthier countries earn in strong currencies, allowing them to accumulate value faster.
2. Limited Job Opportunities
Youth unemployment in Africa is extremely high. Even university graduates struggle to find decent jobs. Those who do find work often earn very little. On the other hand, developed countries offer a wide range of part-time, online, and entry-level jobs for young people to start building wealth.
3. Poverty in Families
Many African children grow up in deep poverty, where even basic needs like food and shelter are a struggle. When a child has a great idea or wants to start a small business, they often lack tools, money, and a support system. In developed countries, youth have access to affordable equipment, internet, and family or government support.
4. Uneducated or Misinformed Parents
In Africa, many parents didn’t get the chance to go to school. Because of this, some may discourage their children’s ambition, simply because they don’t understand it. Others may push their children to drop out of school and help at home or farm — unintentionally killing their future potential. In developed countries, parents are more likely to support education and modern career paths.
5. Poor-Quality Education
The education system in many African countries focuses more on producing job seekers, not job creators. Students are rarely taught entrepreneurship, technology, or creativity. As a result, many young people are trained only to look for non-existent jobs — instead of learning to create value and build wealth.
6. Limited Digital Access
The internet has opened the door to wealth for millions globally — but in Africa, internet access is still expensive, slow, or unavailable in many areas. This prevents youth from accessing online learning, global freelancing, digital entrepreneurship, or even YouTube income.
7. Corruption and Unfair Systems
Success in some African countries often depends more on “who you know” than “what you know.” Many hardworking youth are denied opportunities due to nepotism, bribery, or discrimination. In more developed countries, systems are more transparent, allowing talent to rise regardless of background.
8. Lack of Mentorship and Exposure
Young people in developed countries are often exposed to mentors, tech fairs, school projects, and real-life role models who guide them. In Africa, many talented youths have no access to mentors or examples of people who “made it” through hard work and innovation.
9. No Access to Capital
To start a business, you need money. In Africa, banks rarely lend to youth without collateral. There are very few youth-friendly funding programs, and even fewer angel investors or venture capitalists. In contrast, many developed countries offer youth startup grants, competitions, and crowdfunding platforms.
Is It possible for Young Africans to Become Rich?
Yes. It’s possible. There are young Africans who have achieved success early in life, but they are the exception, not the rule.
Those who succeed early are usually:
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From wealthy families with connections and capital
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Exceptionally talented in music, sports, or arts — and get lucky breaks
Example: Some African artists become millionaires before 25 due to a viral hit. Others play professional football abroad. But for an average youth with no connections or special talent, the journey is extremely hard.
What Can Rwanda (and Africa) Do to Change This?
Here are some solutions that can help more young people in Africa succeed early:
1. Strengthen Practical Education
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Schools should teach entrepreneurship, digital skills, coding, and financial literacy.
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Add hands-on training like farming, crafts, video editing, or design.
2. Expand Internet Access
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Make internet fast and affordable across the country, especially in rural areas.
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Promote free access to learning platforms like YouTube, Coursera, or Khan Academy.
3. Create Youth Funding Programs
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The government, NGOs, and private sector should support small business grants for youth with good ideas.
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Encourage banks to offer loans with low interest to qualified young entrepreneurs.
4. Mentorship and Role Models
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Launch mentorship programs pairing successful Rwandans with youth.
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Schools and communities should regularly invite young achievers to speak and inspire.
5. Reward Innovation
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Organize competitions where youth can showcase business ideas and win funding.
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Celebrate local success stories to shift the mindset from “I can’t” to “I can.”
6. Family and Community Awareness
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Educate parents on how to support their children’s dreams — not block them.
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Encourage communities to give youth access to tools, information, and safe spaces to create.
7. Promote Youth in Government and Policy
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Young people understand youth challenges. Give them a voice in shaping policies.
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Create youth-led innovation hubs supported by local leaders.
Being young and African doesn’t mean you can’t succeed but the system makes it much harder than it should be. With the right mindset, skills, support, and opportunity, young Africans can rise and build their futures.
But to do that, we must fix the system, not just blame the youth.
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