By MaryAnne Musilo

Two 18-year-old Rwandan innovators, who have just won East Africa’s AwardX for their school library system, have now launched an AI-driven mobile application to help farmers manage crop diseases..

Andy Melvin and Axel Karambizi won the top prize at the AwardX East Africa startup pitch event for high school entrepreneurs, with their Libblio school library management system, now being used in 20 schools in Rwanda.

Having won the $2,000 top prize and opportunities to join entrepreneurship programmes, both online and in the United States, the two, Young innovators have niw launched the ‘Agritech’ app for farmers, using AI to analyse images of diseased plants.

“By simply taking a photo of a diseased leaf, farmers receive instant diagnoses and tailored advice on treatment and prevention strategies,” said Melvin, a senior at Rwanda Coding Academy.

“Our goal is to empower farmers with accessible technology that enhances crop health and yields. By leveraging AI, we can provide real-time solutions to challenges that have long plagued the agricultural sector.”

The farmers’ app has now  earned Axel additional recognition at a national AI hackathon.

Meanwhile, their Libblio library system is transforming Rwanda’s school libraries by streamlining traditional library processes and promoting a culture of reading among students.

“We saw how traditional library is inefficient and frustrating and wanted to create a digital solution that would streamline everything.”

Libblio offers features such as cataloging, e-library access, and advanced analytics. Students can borrow books, track their reading progress, and even access free e-books during holidays.

 The system also calculates fines for lost books, ensuring accountability. To date, the duo has generated over \$700 in revenue, charging schools approximately \$20 per month after an initial free trial period.

“We’re not just building a business – we’re helping people, creating jobs, and modernising systems.”

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Their journey began In their shared neighborhood, where a mutual passion for technology and problem-solving brought them together. Despite attending different schools they collaborated to address real-world challenges.

“We had lots of intense discussions, but that’s what helped us bring out the best in each other’s ideas.”

With the award from AwardX East Africa, Andy and Axel now aim to expand Libblio’s reach to over 5,000 schools in Rwanda and across East Africa, and further develop their agricultural app to support more farmers.