At least Rwf2 billion will go into training about 9,000 youths in manufacturing factories, energy sector, transport and logistics in a move designed to create jobs to curb unemployment over the next three years.

According to the Director General of Workforce Development Authority, Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, the support is part of a $24 million facility acquired from World Bank for skills development in Rwanda.

"The support targets companies that promote the Made-in-Rwanda initiative to reduce import bill, which also creates more jobs. We are building capacity of human resource since investors come with hope for a competitive workforce,” he said.

The first stage will target about 90 projects to train about 5,000 youths in one year of the academic qualifications range from high school drop-outs to graduates.

Gatabazi said the initiative will boost the seven-year government programme that runs from 2017 to 2024 with target to create at least 1.5 new jobs.

Emmanuel Habiniza, the representative of TAI Rwanda Ltd which produces garments such as jeans, cotton trousers and T-shirts ,said that their firm is one of those that acquired the support to train and employ the youth.

"We got Rwf100 million and will train over 100 youths of whom 70 per cent have to be retained for employment. Training one person requires at least Rwf1 million since they use equipment that are expensive,” he said.

The factory started production last year and produces 1,000 T-shirts, 1,000 jeans and 1,000 cotton clothes per day.

"We have about 150 machine operators and target to increase to 2, 500 workers,” he said.

The Ministry of Education, through the Workforce Development Authority (WDA), is on course to have at least 60 per cent of students completing the Nine Year Basic Education join Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools by 2024.

The Minister for Education, Eugene Mutimura, said that there is need for joint efforts to make sure results from the skills development project are sustained.

editorial@newtimesrwanda.com