The Rwandan government is developing new strategies to ensure that students and graduates gain the skills needed to meet labor market demands, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) said Thursday.
Speaking during the International Labour Day celebrations on May 1, Minister of Public Service and Labour Christine Nkulikiyinka said the country is committed to promoting sustainable employment through reforms in education and workforce development.
“This is about asking: what are we teaching students? Are they prepared for work when they graduate?” Nkulikiyinka said. “We are working on programs to empower students and recent graduates so they are job-ready.”
The minister said that the government is also looking to enhance the skills of workers already in the job market, particularly those without formal qualifications, as well as graduates who require additional training.
“These programs will target people at different levels—those in school, those in work without certification, and those who need to upgrade,” she said. “The goal is to ensure everyone has a pathway to improve and grow.”
Nkulikiyinka’s comments come amid growing concern over the gap between academic training and the realities of the job market, an issue facing many African countries. Earlier this year, Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana told a continental forum of African university leaders and education stakeholders that unemployment among graduates remains a pressing issue across the continent.
“Africa faces a serious mismatch between what is taught in classrooms and what the economy requires,” Nsengimana said at the March conference. “How do we align our education systems with labor market demands? Are we equipping students with the right skills?”
He called for stronger collaboration between universities and industries, noting that innovation, technology, and inclusive partnerships are key to modernizing higher education and preparing young people for the future of work.
Entrepreneurs in Rwanda have echoed similar concerns, saying many graduates lack the practical skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.
“Their knowledge often isn’t sufficient,” said Jean Bosco Niyomubyeyi, a staff member at the Masaka Business Incubation Center, which supports entrepreneurs with small business projects. “That makes it difficult for them to contribute meaningfully in the workplace.”
A 2024 study by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda found that more than 4 million people—roughly 58% of the workforce—were underperforming in terms of productivity.
As Rwanda works toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, government officials say aligning education with economic needs will remain a top priority.
