Kigali, Rwanda’s active capital, mirrors a nationwide challenge: youth unemployment. Despite the city’s rapid urbanization and the country’s impressive economic growth, finding jobs remains a struggle for many young Rwandans.
With a median age of just 19 years, Rwanda’s population is predominantly youthful-about 78% of its people are under 35. This demographic dominance comes with high expectations for employment, but the reality is sobering. The youth unemployment rate stood at 18% in 2023, according to the World Bank, reflecting persistent obstacles despite government efforts.
Causes of Youth Unemployment
Each year, thousands of graduates enter Rwanda’s job market, yet many struggle to secure positions. The formal sector, while growing, cannot accommodate the influx of job seekers. Compounding this issue, many graduates lack the skills demanded by employers in critical industries.
Kelly, a filmmaking student at East Africa University, describes her frustration: “It’s hard for young Rwandans and foreigners in Rwanda to find work because there aren’t enough opportunities. Sometimes jobs exist, but young people miss out because they lack the required skills,” she says.
Kelly also points to another hurdle: limited professional networks. “Having connections is crucial. A good network of friends or well-placed people can make all the difference,” she adds.
However, not all young people share the same perspective. Grayanne, another young resident, is optimistic. “Rwanda offers plenty of opportunities because it’s a developing country in need of manpower,” he argues.
He emphasizes the importance of meeting employability criteria: “You need strong skills in languages like English, French, or Kinyarwanda, and training in key sectors to adapt to the professional environment.”
Employability: A Global and Local concern
The challenge of youth unemployment isn’t unique to Rwanda. Globally, employability is a pressing issue, especially in regions with growing youth populations. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted the need for skill development to match labor market demands.
Valter Nebuloni, Director-General of the ILO, stresses the urgency: “It is essential to build young people’s capacity to adapt to change, enable companies to adopt new technologies, and improve productivity and working conditions. Employability directly influences the ability of young people to secure decent jobs.”
Solutions and Government Efforts
The The Rwandan government has launched several initiatives to address youth unemployment, including:
– Improving the quality of education,
– Expanding vocational training programs tailored to market needs, and
– Promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain in scaling these programs and ensuring they reach all youth. Expanding access to training, resources, and funding is critical for unlocking the full potential of Rwanda’s young population.
As Kigali continues to grow and evolve, tackling youth unemployment requires a coordinated and sustained effort. Bridging the gap between skills and job opportunities will be key to ensuring that Rwanda’s young majority becomes a driver of the country’s development.
