How is Rwanda planning to enhance youth employment through the ERP
Introduction
Rwanda’s Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) includes several key initiatives to enhance youth employment:
Skills Development
The Priority Skills for Growth and Youth Empowerment (PSGYE) Program, approved by the World Bank in September 2024, is a major component of Rwanda’s strategy to boost youth employment. This $200 million program aims to:
Improve employability of over 200,000 targeted youths
Increase opportunities for acquiring market-demanded skills
Provide short-term, market-driven training for youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
Offer student loans and affordable hostels to enhance access to tertiary education, especially for female students
Improve quality and delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and degree programs aligned with Rwanda’s priority economic sectors
Digital Economy Focus LLP
Rwanda is partnering with international organizations to boost decent jobs for youth in the digital economy:
A four-year, €4 million project with the International Labour Organization (ILO) targets youth aged 16-30 in Kigali and secondary cities
The project aims to create job and entrepreneurship opportunities in the digital economy
It will improve digital skills among young men and women
Enhance public and private employment services for young people
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The ERP supports youth entrepreneurship and innovation through various initiatives:
Entrepreneurship programs that incubate businesses, mentor, and finance young leaders
Investing in youth skills to match the 21st-century job market and business ideation
Scaling up programs that promote digital skills and stimulate demand for digital services among micro, small, and medium enterprises
Sector-Specific Initiatives
The plan targets key sectors for youth employment:
Agriculture and tourism sectors are being leveraged for digital innovation to enhance youth employability
Support for innovative projects like TourVR, which uses virtual reality to showcase Rwanda’s cultural heritage and tourist destinations
Platforms like AGRIKORA connect youth with job opportunities, skill development courses, and mentorship programs
Conclusion
By implementing these multifaceted approaches, Rwanda aims to address youth unemployment, improve skills relevance, and create opportunities in emerging sectors, particularly the digital economy, as part of its broader economic recovery and transformation strategy.



