MIFOTRA Urges Employers to Prioritize Worker Safety for National Development

The Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA) has urged employers across Rwanda to make the health and safety of workers a top priority, highlighting the vital connection between decent work and national economic growth.

This call was made on April 28, 2025, during the national celebration of the World Day for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), held at Trinity Metals/Musha Mines in Rwamagana District, under the theme, “Healthy and Safe Workplaces: An Engine for Productivity,” emphasizing how workplace safety directly contributes to sustainable development.

“As we reflect on Occupational Safety and Health Day at the Workplace, I would like to remind you that this year’s theme reminds us of the link between promoting health and safety at work and employee productivity,” said Rwanda’s Minister of Public Service and Labor, Hon. Amb. Christine NKULIKIYINKA.

She cited alarming figures: globally, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates over 395 million work-related accidents and illnesses occur each year. In Rwanda alone, nearly 8,000 occupational incidents were reported in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to data from the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).

“These are only the cases we know about through formal employment,” Nkulikiyinka said. “We must ask ourselves how many more go unreported—especially among uninsured workers who receive no support when accidents occur.”

The minister further pointed to labor inspection reports that show there has been a steady improvement in workplace compliance with decent work standards and occupational health and safety over the past three fiscal years. In 2021/2022, the overall compliance rate for decent work standards stood at 67.5%, while adherence to occupational health and safety measures was significantly lower, at just 45.5%.

The following year, 2022/2023, saw notable progress. Compliance with decent work standards rose to 72%, and occupational health and safety improved to 52.2%. 

The upward trend continued in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, with compliance for decent work standards reaching 72.7%, and occupational health and safety climbing to 59.9%. Yet, she noted, this remains the weakest area among all decent work indicators.

“These figures show the real cost of neglecting safety at work—not just in lost labor or RSSB payouts, but in the impact on families, businesses, and the entire economy,” she stressed.

She also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to worker welfare, noting the country’s 2023 ratification of ILO conventions that enshrine occupational safety and health as fundamental rights. This aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), which aims to create 250,000 jobs in five years—with mining expected to play a significant role.

Figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show this effort is bearing fruit. Mining alone has created over 76,000 jobs, while the overall poverty rate has dropped from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024.

“We can’t talk about decent work without talking about safe work,” NKULIKIYINKAconcluded. “As we prepare to celebrate International Labour Day on May 1st, let’s remember that our commitment to safety is also a commitment to progress.”

Speaking at the event, Eng. Andre MUTSINDASHYAKA, Secretary General of the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), praised the strides made in mining safety.

“In the past, we heard daily of fatal accidents in mines. That is now history,” he said. “Today, we have 81,000 mining workers, up from 32,000 ten years ago—and with strong worker protections.”

He highlighted Trinity Metals as a model employer, citing its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and improved pay structure. “An employee who used to earn 1,600 Rwf per kilogram now earns 3,000 Rwf. We are also establishing a sector-wide base salary, starting at 1,500 Rwf, for workers without production output,” he said.

MUTSINDASHYAKA added that workers with formal contracts in the sector have risen from 5% to 34% in just seven years—a transformation driven by collaboration and collective agreements.

Benitha Twebaze, Superintendent of Health, Safety, Environment and Community at Musha Trinity Metals, detailed the company’s evolving safety practices.

“We have implemented a robust health and safety management system, including daily risk assessments, pre-shift toolbox talks, and worker training through partnerships like SML4Change,” she explained.

“We’ve even partnered with the Rwanda Military Hospital to ensure emergency care is available. Since a fatal incident two years ago, we’ve tightened our protocols. Our belief is zero harm, and safety is our number one priority.”

Workers at the site echoed the benefits of these initiatives. Jeanette UWIMANA, who has worked at Musha Trinity Metals for five years, shared how personal protective equipment has become a critical part of their daily work.

“We’re given helmets, masks, flashlights, and special boots. These protect us and help us return home healthy. That means a lot to me — both for my safety and financially,” she said.