ZANZIBAR, Tanzania – Baba TV’s Samuel Mwesigwa, a renowned Ugandan journalist and host of the popular agri-business show Kungula, has been recognized as the top-performing participant in a prestigious rural entrepreneurship program organized by China Agricultural University and Tencent Holdings. The graduation ceremony, held at Serena Hotel in Zanzibar, honored 20 outstanding young entrepreneurs from Uganda and Zanzibar, and marked the official launch of the Global South Rural Entrepreneurs Initiative (Africa).
Launched in August 2024, the project trained 20 from Africa , 10 young rural entrepreneurs from the Uganda particular Busoga region, under the Village Agriculture Model and the Young Rural Entrepreneurs initiatives championed by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) in collaboration with China Agricultural University(CAU).
The selected participants received full scholarships to attend China Agriculture University, with support from Tencent Holdings Limited.
The training focused on rural innovation, agro-business development, and community digital transformation. Upon returning to Uganda, the entrepreneurs launched various ventures — ranging from commercial farms and production centers to media platforms promoting digital literacy in rural communities.
Samuel Mwesigwa, Media Manager at Busoga Consortium and Manager of Current Affairs at Baba Television, showcased his community digital transformation initiative. He founded Ampa Media Company, now providing digital media training to rural communities.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, an emotional Mwesigwa shared:
“In Africa, education was traditionally seen as a path to employment. But today, I graduate not to seek a job, but to lead rural transformation. It pains me to see people struggling. I may not have all the answers, but I will begin from somewhere.”
Uganda’s delegation was led by Mr. Anthony Mula, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD). All 20 participants received Certificates of Completion, with special recognition given to those who excelled in innovation and community impact.
Hon. Omar Said Shaaban, Zanzibar’s Minister of Trade and Industrial Development, commended the initiative, saying:
“This program is a turning point for youth empowerment in rural Africa. The Government of Zanzibar is fully committed to supporting such transformative initiatives that ignite innovation and entrepreneurship among our young people.”
Professor Li Xiaoyun of China Agricultural University praised the graduates for their resilience and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering South–South collaboration in rural development.
In his remarks, Mr. Mula expressed appreciation on behalf of the Ugandan delegation:
“We are deeply grateful to CAU and Tencent for this opportunity. Our young people return home equipped with practical skills, global exposure, and a renewed drive to lead rural transformation in their communities.”
The unveiling of the Global Rural Young Entrepreneurs Initiative promises to expand this impact by supporting more youth-led innovations across Africa and beyond.
As graduates return to their home countries, they carry with them more than certificates — they bear the tools, vision, and commitment to drive sustainable change from the grassroots.
