May 2026 Photo of the Month: Young People Leading Change
Our monthly photo series highlights the beauty and emotion in the lives of our clients around the world. This month, we highlight young people who are building livelihoods and shaping today's economies.
Around the world, young people are entering the workforce in contexts shaped by climate change, limited job opportunities, and shifting markets. TechnoServe’s work focuses on helping them move beyond being passive participants in the economy and instead become active contributors: earning an income, building businesses, and making decisions about their future.
This month, our photos highlight young leaders who are creating opportunities for themselves while contributing to more resilient and sustainable economic systems.
Regenerative Livelihoods in Rwanda: Building businesses that respond to local needs
Meet Emerance Ukwitegetse, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Rwanda who transitioned from an unstable income in cross-border trade to building a business rooted in her community. Through the Regenerate Rwanda project, she identified a gap: farmers lacked access to organic inputs.
She began by connecting farmers with suppliers and later became a certified agro-dealer, supplying organic compost produced from biodegradable waste. Despite early challenges, she built trust through demonstration plots and consistent engagement with farmers.
Today, her income has increased, her farm is more productive, and most farmers in her area now use organic inputs. Her work is also influencing others, including women who are following her path into agro-dealing.
Youth Voice in the Blue Economy in Kenya: Shaping opportunities for the future
In Kenya, the BlueBiz program supports young people to access opportunities in the blue economy. Beyond training and business support, the program creates space for youth to contribute to decision-making through a Youth Advisory Council.
This platform allows young people to share their perspectives, identify barriers, and help shape program design. It establishes a co-creation mechanism that ensures solutions reflect their realities and align with their aspirations.
One of its members is Yvonne Linda Muyia, a young marine conservationist with experience in co-managing marine resources along the Kenyan coastline. She works with coastal fishers in remote and rural communities to rebuild marine environments and restore ocean life. She is particularly interested in advancing co-management approaches and strengthening conservation leadership among young people.
“As a YAC member, I envision a future where every young person sees the blue economy as a pathway to success. By fostering youth inclusion in beach management units, we’re investing in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Yvonne.
Building a Business in Benin: Turning small ideas into growing enterprises
Meet Mounira Kaffou, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Benin who began her journey with a small goat-farming operation. Over time, she identified an opportunity to use goat manure to grow vegetables, creating a second income stream.
Through the BeniBiz program, she strengthened her business skills and began planning for growth. Today, she manages both activities, supports her household, and makes financial decisions that contribute to her family’s stability.
Her work has also influenced how others in her community view women’s roles in business. As her business has grown, so has her confidence and her ability to shape her own future.
Supporting Youth to Shape the Future
Across geographies, young people like Emerance, Mounira, and participants in BlueBiz are showing that income is a starting point, not the end goal. When young people earn, they expand their options, build confidence, and create new pathways for themselves and others.
At TechnoServe, we work alongside young people to strengthen the skills, access, and opportunities they need to build livelihoods in today’s economy. This includes supporting businesses that respond to local demand, preparing youth for emerging sectors, and ensuring they can adapt to changing conditions.
Stories like these highlight the role young people play in shaping more resilient and inclusive economies.