As a young scholar with aspirations to make a difference in my community and home country, I embarked on a rewarding journey as an intern at Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), as part of the Taxpayer Services and Communications Department.

Little did I know that this experience would not only shape my professional growth but also instill in me a profound sense of purpose and belonging.

From the very moment you step through its entrance, this is a place where you are consistently reminded that your presence and responsibilities should center around the customer, the taxpayer. This strong commitment is conveyed through a prominently displayed and easily legible phrase: "Here For You To Serve."

Today, I can affirm that it has been nothing short of exceptional, offering young talents like me a gateway to a revered government institution that equips us with the necessary skills to achieve our personal and professional goals.

Powering Rwanda's Growth - The Role of RRA

Established in 1997, Rwanda Revenue Authority is a crucial government institution, instrumental in Rwanda's economic development. As the country's financial backbone, RRA is responsible for revenue collection, providing the essential funds for infrastructure projects, education initiatives, and healthcare advancements.

The organization also boasts a number of accomplishments as a result of the development in the use of technology to mobilize income, such as the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, among others.

This success in tax collections is what continuously enables the development initiatives that have made the country a trending touristic destination. These achievements thus make RRA one of the ideal venues for students who want to step into the workforce and join an organization renowned on a continental level.

With a mission to enhance fiscal compliance and promote economic growth, RRA constantly reinstates its vital role in driving the country forward. Thus, the international success of its internship program comes as no surprise especially seeing as the institution received a total of 160 interns in the past two years with 75% joining the domestic taxes department, 20% joining the finance department and 5% joining the remaining ones.

Discovering a Gateway to Excellence: RRA's Remarkable Internship Program

One of the cornerstones of RRA's vision is its commitment to nurturing young talents and empowering them to make a difference. RRA's internship program is a shining example of this commitment, offering aspiring professionals an exceptional platform to contribute to the nation's growth.

Centered around the principles of diversity, inclusion, and active participation, internships are also designed to empower interns from various backgrounds to actively contribute to the organization's strategic initiatives.

Indeed, the programme spans across various fields of study, providing opportunities for kids from all walks of life to get involved. From finance and law to information technology (I.T.) and administration, RRA ensures that young minds can explore their interests and apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.

This unique initiative is made possible through RRA's close collaboration with different local and international universities such as African Leadership University (ALU), University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), facilitating the access to valuable internships, that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

"RRA's belief in its interns' capabilities is evident in the level of trust they place in us. From offering input in brainstorming sessions to actively implementing solutions, interns play a vital role in driving projects forward. It's an experience that I'll carry with me throughout my academic and professional career.” Said Vanessa Isimbi Nirere, a Student at UNILAK, who is undergoing her internship in Information Technology (I.T.) Department,

Cedric Mutoni, a graduate of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) who is pursuing an internship in RRA's Domestic Taxes Department, stated that he is now more experienced and he thanks RRA for the opportunity.

"I am having a remarkable experience at RRA,” he declared. "As my supervisor and data analytics team welcomed me warmly and involved me in their projects, making it an inclusive learning journey; participating in these projects also allowed me to apply what I have learned on a larger scale while also improving my soft skills,” he added.

A Melting Pot of Talent

One of the most remarkable aspects of RRA's internship program is its emphasis on giving equal opportunities to young professionals from the Rwandan diaspora. Being a Rwandan living in Canada myself, this element resonates deeply with me.

It shows that regardless of one’s background, we all have an equal chance to excel within the organization. Moreover, it creates a global learning environment where diverse worldviews come together to create a more competent team.

The institution and Rwanda as a whole also stand to gain from this melting pot of talent as a collective of educated young minds bringing in contrasting ideas is a doorway to broadening perspectives and enhancing the outcome for all parties involved.

"Having interns at RRA is favorable for everyone involved. Not only does the youth contribute new viewpoints, but also get a chance to go through real-life experiences of the theories they acquired in school.

As supervisors, we have the privilege of nurturing the next generation of professionals while benefiting from their commitment to learning,” said Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Taxpayer Services & Communications Department

Calling All Ambitious Hearts to Serve

Overall, my journey as an intern at Rwanda Revenue Authority has been a rich and fulfilling experience where work meets ambition and nationalism.

As people from the Rwandan diaspora and local kids alike, we hold a responsibility to care for our country, no matter how far we are or how disconnected we might feel. Fortunately, institutions like RRA remind us that differences are to be embraced as they ensure a vibrant and dynamic workplace that welcomes creativity and innovation.

Every ambitious heart is encouraged to seize the opportunity and apply for an internship at RRA. This experience is a chance to recognize one’s roots, maintain a strong connection to the homeland, and contribute to Rwanda's growth and development.

Plus, RRA provides a plethora of stimulating positions across various disciplines that go beyond the traditional concepts of the financial industry, ensuring that one will find fulfillment in their work.

Whether your passion lies in technology, data analysis, policy development, communications, or any other field, there's a place for you to make a meaningful impact at RRA.

Together, we can build a brighter future for Rwanda, where talents from every corner of the world converge to create a nation of prosperity and unity.

The author is an intern in the Communications department at Rwanda Revenue Authority