Rwanda Marks Labour Day with Bold Job Strategy and Call for Shared Responsibility

Rwanda celebrated International Labour Day on May 1, 2025, with a resounding call for collective action to address unemployment and elevate the country’s workforce. In a ceremony marked by the launch of the new National Employment and Skills Strategy, Hon. Amb. Christine NKULIKIYINKA, Minister of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA), laid out Rwanda’s employment roadmap, calling it “a defining moment” in the nation’s economic transformation.

“Today is more than a celebration,” Hon. NKULIKIYINKA said. “It is a moment of reflection, of gratitude, and above all, of commitment. Behind every strong economy stands the strength of its workers.”

The 2025 Labour Day theme—“Job Creation: Our Shared Priority”—resonated throughout her address. It was a rallying cry to all sectors: public, private, development partners, educators, and citizens. The minister emphasized that job creation is not solely a government concern but a national imperative.

A Strategy for the Future

In a move signaling Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive growth, the government launched the National Employment and Skills Strategy during the event. The strategy outlines bold targets and policy directions aimed at reshaping Rwanda’s labour market to become more adaptive, inclusive, and resilient.

“This strategy is not just a document—it is a call to action,” declared Hon. NKULIKIYINKA. “It lays out a clear and measurable plan to create decent jobs across sectors, with a special focus on youth, women, and vulnerable groups.”

According to the minister, Rwanda increased its annual job creation capacity from 155,994 in 2017 to a projected 358,564 in 2024 and reduced its unemployment rate from 17% to 14% over the same period. Despite these gains, she acknowledged persistent challenges.

“We face a growing youth population, a mismatch between graduate skills and labour market needs, and widespread informal employment with limited social protection,” she noted.

She stressed that the country is navigating the crossroads of rapid technological shifts, climate change, and demographic transitions—all of which are reshaping the future of work. “Jobs are not just about livelihoods—they are about dignity, security, opportunity, and national transformation,” she added.

Youth at the Centre

At the heart of the strategy lies a deep commitment to youth empowerment. “There is no greater investment in our nation’s future than the investment in productive, decent, and sustainable employment for young men and women,” said the minister.

She challenged young Rwandans to be proactive: “You are leaders in what you are doing in your respective communities. Think always about how you can do it better—not just for yourself, but for your country.”

The minister urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, cultivate a saving culture, and take advantage of platforms like Ejo Heza. “It’s not about how much you earn. It’s about the vision you have,” she said.

With rhetorical flair, she asked: “Have you all become or are becoming your own bosses? Have you proved to be work-ready?”

Her message to the youth was both motivational and practical: “Spare no efforts in your journey to become who you must be… deliver quality services, in all you do. Whatever you do, give it your all.”

A Shared Responsibility

The Minister emphasized that employment generation is a shared task. She outlined specific roles for various stakeholders. To the private sector, she said, “You are the engines of job growth,” and promised an enabling environment for innovation and investment. To educational institutions, she emphasized the need to align training with market needs: “Equip our people not just with certificates, but with the confidence and capabilities to thrive.”

She also acknowledged the vital support of development partners. “Your technical, financial, and strategic support is helping us build a more sustainable and equitable future.” Addressing workers’ unions and organizations, she said, “Your voice matters. Continue to advocate for decent work, productivity, and social protection for all.”

Hon. NKULIKIYINKA stressed the importance of partnerships. “Achieving the NST2 target of creating 250,000 productive and decent jobs every year will require all of us. Government alone cannot solve unemployment.”

She urged collaboration with higher learning institutions to provide internships and workplace experience, noting that the youth must be prepared not just to work, but to lead.

A Ground-Level View: Youth Innovator Speaks

Samuel Turahimana, CEO of INESAM Company Ltd, a youth-led startup in Nyagatare District, echoed the minister’s message with lived experience. His company develops projects in IoT, AI, and machine learning for agriculture and supplies fruits and vegetables.

“What I learned today is that we, the youth, should work hard to create jobs, progress, and find opportunities,” Turahimana said. “Opportunities exist in this country. There are grants from various programs and projects.”

He cited competitions like AGUKA and Youth Connect as platforms that have helped young people access capital and grow their ventures. “It’s very important to bring together both private and public sectors to discuss job creation,” he added, expressing gratitude to MIFOTRA for its leadership.

Turahimana’s remarks grounded the day’s policy discussions in real-world experience. His company is a model of youth entrepreneurship driving innovation and local development.

Vision 2050: The Long View

As Rwanda moves toward Vision 2050, employment is seen not just as a means to economic growth but as a foundation for national dignity and equity.

“Let us be clear: employment is not only an economic issue—it is a matter of dignity, equity, and national transformation,” Hon. NKULIKIYINKA emphasized. “Every Rwandan deserves the opportunity to participate meaningfully in our country’s development.”

She closed her remarks with a powerful call to action: “Let us honour our workers not just with speeches, but with action. Not just with policies, but with opportunities. Let us remember that every job created is a life transformed.”

With the new National Employment and Skills Strategy launched and a renewed spirit of collaboration evident, Rwanda’s Labour Day 2025 marked more than a commemoration—it marked a commitment to building a future where every Rwandan can learn, earn, and thrive.