Leaders in education, business, and the arts on Friday, November 1, emphasised the need for hands-on and market-aligned skills for the next generation. They urged for a collaborative push to shift mindsets from traditional academic approaches to a hands-on entrepreneurial model aligned with Rwanda’s aspirations for innovation and economic resilience. This was highlighted during the launch of a book by Richard Hategekimana, the president of Rwanda Writers Federation. His book celebrates President Kagame's legacy of visionary leadership, resilience, and transformational qualities. Its launch was attended by officials from Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) who pointed out how education and entrepreneurship can drive the nation towards a knowledge-driven economy. ALSO READ: Rwanda: Towards a knowledge based economy Speaking to The New Times, Calixitte Kanamugire, the Chief Advocacy Officer at PSF, said that the importance of practical experiences for students is a model that can transform Rwanda's workforce, preparing it for real-world challenges. Kanamugire argued that in other countries, students regularly visit businesses, industries, and learning centres, and engage with self-made individuals. These experiences often help students develop a business mindset from a young age. “We’ve seen examples globally, like in Germany, Switzerland, and elsewhere where students gain firsthand industrial experience through traineeships. By integrating such opportunities, Rwanda can better equip young people with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in a modern economy,” he said. “Every job has its own unique culture and methods, often known only by those who run the business. This knowledge can’t be fully learned in school; it must be gained in the field within the respective ventures. Schools and industries should form partnerships to give students hands-on experience for a certain period, enabling them to gain practical, not just theoretical skills,” he added. A focus on entrepreneurship among young Rwandans is becoming increasingly vital to this vision. The government has placed a strong emphasis on entrepreneurial development, with numerous initiatives and support programmes aimed at encouraging innovation among the youth. Schools are encouraged to adapt their curricula to reflect real-world demands, focusing not only on academic learning but also on building the practical skills essential for business and technology sectors. ALSO READ: Tech-enabled learning will bolster Rwanda’s knowledge-based economy ambitions Rwandan entrepreneur and author Sina Gerald who has written extensively on knowledge-based economies, stressed the need for students to engage in experiential learning. The serial and social entrepreneur noted: “It’s crucial to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. “When students understand not only the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of their fields, they’re better positioned to innovate and drive change. This shift is essential for Rwanda to lead in the knowledge-based economy. However, young ones should adopt a reading culture early.” “I have a school [Sina Gérard Foundation], and that's one of the reasons I wanted to share my work with young people. If you follow my journey to this point, it always offers new perspectives. People shouldn't fear starting small or investing big. Some avoid taking risks because they’re afraid of failure. That's not right,” he argued. Emilienne Ishimwe, a fourth-year maths and biology student at the University of Technology and Arts of Byumba in Gicumbi District, believes that the local curriculum should prioritise content relevant to Rwanda’s context, rather than focusing on a universal curriculum with outdated topics like European history. “I fully support the idea that practical experience is the best model to transform Rwanda's workforce. By prioritising Rwanda's history and addressing the specific gaps we know exist, it won’t be as challenging. There should be a shift from emphasising theory to focusing on practice,” she said.
