Could the concept of "flexi-jobs" enable young people to secure multiple employment opportunities, offering incentives to both employers and employees?
Might a strategy of welcoming and integrating qualified foreign workers contrary to the anti- immigration stance prevalent among far-right groups in the West boost economic growth across Africa?
Rwanda has already benefited from Burundian professors, Congolese doctors (who represent 40% of all doctors in Rwanda), as well as financial experts from Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire, Kenyan bankers, and educators from diverse backgrounds.
Apprenticeships & Added Value
As in Switzerland, apprenticeships in high-value fields such as knowledge-based industries, luxury sectors, and advanced industries like watchmaking, optics, aerospace, digital technology, defence, aviation technology, and satellite sensors do not necessarily require long-term or university education.
It is sufficient to engage young people while they are still in secondary school, as is done in Switzerland, allowing them to enter apprenticeships while working, earning an income, and honing their skills.
Certainly, the NST2’s objective of preparing a future-ready workforce is crucial. The initiative will train one million coders and equip 500,000 people with advanced ICT skills.
Furthermore, Centres of Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will be established to meet the market’s demand for specialised skills among future generations.
Nevertheless, it remains essential to explore alternative methods for reducing youth unemployment. As the Rwandan saying goes, "Ujya gukira indwara arayirata" (one speaks of their illness to heal from it).
Industrial & Science Parks
The development of economic zones in all 30 districts across Rwanda is already underway and offers promising employment opportunities.
Each district possesses unique assets, facilitating win-win partnerships with other countries or cities and opening the door to sectors such as automobile and electric truck manufacturing.
Arts and vocational schools, polytechnics, and TVET centres, already present in many districts, provide knowledge that can be expanded and enhanced.
However, the process could be further strengthened through strategic partnerships between the diaspora of specific countries and individual districts, promoting regular, mutually beneficial exchanges between Rwanda and host nations.
Agriculture & Livestock
The reorientation of unemployed university graduates into livestock farming and agriculture could boost farmers through the establishment of an Agricultural & Pastoral STOP Centre in each district, where farmers could share their expertise.
Let us also acknowledge the first objective of NST2, which is the modernization of agriculture.
The plan projects annual growth exceeding 6% in the agricultural sector, transitioning it to a more market-oriented and sustainable model.
Productivity is set to increase by over 50%, targeting food self-sufficiency, with efforts concentrated on expanding irrigated land by 85%, improving access to fertilisers and seeds, enhancing animal breeds, and boosting national animal feed production.
Once again, the diaspora has a crucial role to play in supporting the agricultural and livestock sectors by channelling funds through the Orora & Hinga Bank to assist small-scale farmers and herders.
Made in Rwanda & Private Investment
The two objectives outlined in the NST2 transforming Rwanda into a hub for high-quality, locally manufactured products, and doubling private investment are commendable.
Exports are expected to rise, driven by non-traditional products, agro-industry, and value-added mining.
However, as the Rwandan proverb says, "Akanyoni katagurutse ntikamenya iyo bweze" (Those who never venture out will never find their fortune).
Importing successful models from other continents such as youth centres in Denmark, Asian tech hubs, or Swiss military and social service programs and tailoring them to fit the specific context of each district, region, or country, could expedite the integration of young people into the job market and foster personal development.
Conferences and Tourism
Rwanda’s safety and favourable climate position it as an ideal destination for tourism, international conferences, and the Visit Rwanda initiative.
The growth of the hospitality sector offers significant job creation opportunities, which in turn contribute to reducing youth unemployment.
According to NST2, tourism revenues are projected to double within the next five years, establishing Rwanda as a leading destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), as well as major sporting and cultural events.
This growth will be a key driver in addressing youth unemployment.
Once again, the diaspora can make substantial contributions by investing in tourism infrastructure, including hiking trails, cycling paths, and more.
Decentralizing Cooperation to Districts
Rwanda has long adopted the twinning system, but is it not time to intensify efforts toward boosting employment and district-level development through decentralised cooperation?
By fostering partnerships, such as Rhineland-Palatinate with Nyabihu District, South Korea with Kirehe, or Singapore with Gatsibo, each of Rwanda’s 30 districts could establish privileged relationships with specific countries in various sectors.
Of course, such efforts should remain under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to prevent any negative influences.
The writer is a Doctor, Thinker, and Writer