Rwandan President Paul Kagame has urged young people to focus on building strong foundations for their future instead of chasing fleeting trends, saying lasting success and national development cannot be achieved by "investing in vibes."
Kagame made the remarks on Friday while chairing the extended Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) Bureau Politique meeting at Intare Arena, which brought together more than 2,000 RPF members, leaders from the public and private sectors, representatives of other political parties, members of the diplomatic corps and young professionals.
His comments come at a time when the term "vibes" has become part of everyday conversations among young people in Rwanda and across many African countries.
Popularised through social media and entertainment culture, the expression is often associated with living in the moment and prioritising enjoyment.
While the trend has gained widespread popularity, leaders and education advocates continue to encourage young people to balance leisure with investments in education, skills, entrepreneurship and financial security.
Addressing the gathering, Kagame said there was nothing wrong with enjoying life, provided it was anchored on meaningful achievements.
"I hear what is popular among young people these days: vibes. I have nothing against good vibes. Vibes are not just for young people. Even those of us who are older can enjoy them. But if we are going to enjoy the vibes, we must have something solid to stand on, please. Don't invest in vibes, invest in the foundation where you can now vibe. Because if there is no foundation, it won't last," Kagame said.
He said countries seeking sustainable development must build resilient societies capable of withstanding challenges rather than relying on temporary excitement.
"We want things that are sustainable. We want to build a society that is resilient. You can't build a society that is resilient on vibes. But a resilient society can vibe," he said.
Turning to the country's youth, Kagame reminded them that Rwanda's future rests largely in their hands, urging them to take responsibility for shaping it through the right mindset and deliberate personal development.
"To the young people, once again, this country expects a lot from you. And when I say the country, I mean you. You are, in fact, waiting for yourselves. You are the future you are looking toward," he said.
The Rwandan leader also stressed that education and good health must go hand in hand, arguing that knowledge alone is of little value if a person lacks the health needed to put it into practice.
"You must have knowledge, and you must have good health. Because if you are not healthy, what use is knowledge? What good is knowing anything if you do not have the health to make use of it? You must have both. And it is entirely possible to have both, if you make the choice to pursue both. It cannot be one without the other," Kagame said.
Using the analogy of raising a child or planting a tree, Kagame urged young people to continually invest in their growth and ensure the knowledge they acquire is translated into practical achievements.
"It is like raising a child, or planting a tree. You plant the seed, and as it grows, you continue giving it what it needs in order to thrive. It is the same with people. You need knowledge, and you should do everything possible to acquire it. But not simply to possess it. You must be able to use that knowledge to achieve the goals you have set for yourselves."
Kagame's remarks add to a growing debate across Africa about the direction young people should take in an era dominated by social media, as governments increasingly promote innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship as the foundations of long-term prosperity while cautioning against lifestyles centred solely on temporary gratification and online trends.
