A short video shared on social media by a young Rwandan woman declaring that she is “damn broke” has sparked an intense national conversation about youth hardship, poverty, and how quickly Rwanda’s strong economic growth is translating into everyday livelihoods.
The clip, which circulated widely on X over the past week, shows the woman speaking candidly about her financial struggles and urging authorities to pay closer attention to the challenges facing young people. Its blunt tone resonated with many viewers and quickly drew both support and criticism.
Supporters of the video argue that it reflects lived economic realities for a large segment of urban youth, while critics contend that it misrepresents a country that has recorded consistent development gains. The debate highlights a familiar tension in Kigali and beyond, as Rwanda remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies but continues to grapple with inequality and job creation.
Rwanda’s economy expanded by an estimated 8 to 9 percent in 2024, driven largely by services, construction, tourism, and agriculture, according to government figures and international lenders. This growth has contributed to a long-term reduction in poverty, with the national poverty rate falling to about 27 percent in 2023/24 from nearly 40 percent in 2017. Extreme poverty has also declined, reflecting improved access to education, healthcare, electricity, clean water, and sustained public investment in infrastructure and social protection programs.
Despite these gains, labor-market pressures persist, particularly among young people. Youth unemployment is estimated at around 17.5 percent significantly higher than the national average—and many employed youths remain concentrated in informal or low-paying work. Each year, thousands of graduates enter a labor market where formal job creation has struggled to keep pace with population growth.
Part of the backlash against the video focused on the woman’s appearance. Some critics argued that her clothing, smartphone, and grooming did not align with claims of poverty. Development specialists caution, however, that such visual cues can be misleading. Many urban youths rely on borrowing, shared assets, or personal sacrifice to maintain dignity in public, even while facing serious income insecurity.
The debate has largely unfolded online, with users lining up on both sides. Some commentators argued that speaking openly about economic struggle should not be automatically interpreted as an attack on the government, noting that many young people are simply describing their socio-economic reality. Others pointed out that equating presentability with prosperity overlooks the complexity of urban survival.
More skeptical voices warned against what they described as misleading narratives, suggesting the video carried political undertones or risked promoting entitlement rather than initiative. Others questioned the lack of detail about the woman’s skills or employment history, arguing that the message lacked sufficient context.
The exchange underscores the sensitivity surrounding economic discourse in Rwanda, where authorities emphasize development progress and social cohesion, while younger citizens increasingly turn to digital platforms to express frustration over jobs, wages, and the rising cost of living.
