Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has said unemployment has become a global challenge that requires joint efforts from all nations.

The Premier made the remarks on early today (Monday) during the opening ceremony of the 2nd regional employment forum in Kigali. “Unemployment has become a global challenge but Rwanda is still designing solutions for both underemployment and unemployment. I urge all participants at this 2nd regional employment forum to take time and reflect on unemployment among youth and women,” he said. The two-day forum is held under the theme: ‘Promoting productive employment by supporting young entrepreneurs.’

It’s organized by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA), private sector institutions and regional employment stakeholders. Skills gap is one of the challenges encountered throughout the country, both in the private and public sectors, as well as among young labour market entrants.

Murekezi affirms that the government has established the National Employment Program (NEP) to optimize the impact of employment interventions.

“The government established Workforce Development Authority (WDA) to build and strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by equipping work force with hands on skills,” he said. Under Vision 2020, Rwanda aspires to have 50% of labour force working in off-farm jobs, and to have created 3.2 million off-farm jobs also.  The Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS2), also targets the creation of 200.000 off-farm jobs annually.