Do not invest in 'vibes', Kagame tells youth

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Rwandan President Paul Kagame cautioned young people against building their futures around short-lived social media trends, urging them instead to focus on education, practical skills, health and entrepreneurship. He made the remarks on Friday while chairing an extended Rwanda Patriotic Front Bureau Politique meeting at Intare Arena, attended by more than 2,000 RPF members, public and private sector leaders, representatives of other political parties, diplomats and young professionals.

According to the report, Kagame referred to the popular use of the word “vibes” among young people in Rwanda and across parts of Africa, saying enjoyment was not a problem if it rested on a durable foundation. His message was that lasting personal success and national development require preparation, resilience and productive choices rather than temporary excitement or online-driven lifestyles.

Kagame also linked Rwanda’s future to its youth, saying they carry responsibility for shaping the country they expect to inherit. Nile Post reported that he emphasized both knowledge and good health, arguing that education has limited value if people are not healthy enough to apply what they learn. He also encouraged young people to turn knowledge into practical results rather than treating learning as an end in itself.

The remarks fit into a wider policy conversation in many African countries, where governments and education advocates are promoting skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and financial security amid the influence of social media and entertainment culture. Nile Post framed Kagame’s comments as part of that broader debate over how young people balance leisure with long-term investment in themselves and their communities.