In line with its strong emphasis on TVET, the Government of Rwanda received a credit from the World Bank to enable Workforce Development Authority (WDA) implement the Skills Development Project (SDP). Mining is one of the major income generating sectors in Rwanda’s economy today and one that requires much attention.

Because of this, WDA is developing a curriculum which is to be adopted in training key personnel in the sector including technicians that will need to obtain skills and certificates in the discipline of mining.

WDA/SDF has so far trained 60 people in the mining sector. LIVINGSTONE BYANDAGA, Program Manager, Skills Development Fund at WDA gives an insight into their support to the sector.

Building capacity of miners through regular technical trainings and outsourced experts is one of the projects supported by WDA through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to improve mining skills among the sector workforce.

 In order to uphold the viability of the sector potential, currently employing about 35,000 people, the government is increasing exploration in other minerals like copper and lithium.

Wolfram Mining and Processing Company (WMPC) is the first mining company to benefit from the Skills Development Fund (SDF) a sum of 59,850,000frw and 60 trainees have already graduated. In the fourth round SEAVMC, a mining association located in Ngoma district was also awarded 31,500,000frw for the yet to start mining trainings and relative support.

The Chief Executive Officer of Wolfram Mining and Processing Company, also the president of Rwanda Mining Association Jean-Malic Kalima has been helpful in sensitizing other mining companies to seize the opportunity of up-skilling their employees.