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publicationSeptember 17, 2024

Rwanda Economic Update: Investing in Skills Development Can Spur Rwanda¡¯s Private Sector Growth and Economic Transformation

Rwanda

Young woman at a cooperative located in Kanzenze in Bugesera District, manufacturing clean cooking materials. 

Photo: Illume Photos

Investing in skills development across key sectors of the economy is crucial to accelerating the growth of Rwanda¡¯s private sector and achieving the country¡¯s economic targets, as outlined in Vision 2050.

Rwanda has made noteworthy progress in education, however, more needs to be done to ensure the skill levels in its workforce match labor-market demands and the country¡¯s development goals. This is according to the 23rd edition of the .

In key sectors such as agriculture and industry, most workers have only attained basic education. In agriculture, for instance, 98% of the workforce has not completed primary school, limiting their opportunities for decent jobs and hindering the sector's growth.

Rwanda's Vision 2050, which aims to transform the country into a high-income nation, emphasizes the need for a well-skilled workforce to drive a knowledge-based economy. However, one of the major challenges is the mismatch between the education system¡¯s outputs and labor market demands, with students pursuing degrees that do not align with job market needs.

To address this challenge, stronger collaboration with the private sector is essential. Through active participation in the design and development of academic curricula and by offering internships, the private sector can help ensure that the skills taught in schools are aligned with the demands of the job market.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is working closely with the Government of Rwanda to strengthen skills development initiatives and, earlier this month, approved $ 200 million for the . This project aims to provide 200,000 vulnerable youth, particularly those who are not in education, employment, or training,