Influence of Digital Project Management Tools on Project Success among Youth Agritech Startups in Rwanda: Evidence from the AYuTe Challenge in Kayonza District

Pascal Muhire and Afolabi Luqman
University of Kigali
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1900-7119
Email: evinds11@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the influence of digital project management tools on project success among youth agritech startups supported by the AYuTe Challenge in Kayonza District, Rwanda. The target population comprised 563 eligible AYuTe-supported entrepreneurs and programme stakeholders, from whom 234 respondents were selected through stratified and simple random sampling. Questionnaires were completed by 215 respondents, giving a 91.9% response rate, while four key-informant interviews provided contextual explanations and triangulation. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS version 29 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and hypothesis testing at the 0.05level; interview notes were organised thematically and integrated with the quantitative findings. The regression model was statistically significant, R² = 0.838 and adjusted R² = 0.835. Digital planning tools were a significant positive predictor of perceived project success (B = 0.098, β = 0.117, t = 2.800, p = 0.005). Digital communication tools (B = 0.253, β = 0.303, t = 7.028, p < 0.001), digital budgeting tools (B = 0.248, β = 0.298, t = 6.526, p < 0.001), and digital monitoring and reporting tools (B = 0.274, β = 0.328, t = 7.829, p < 0.001) were also significant positive predictors. The study concluded that greater reported use of the four digital tool dimensions was significantly associated with higher perceived project success, with monitoring and reporting showing the strongest unique association. The study recommended a standardised programme dashboard, an official shared communication workspace, standardised budget and variance templates, and targeted planning support for AYuTe-supported startups.