The unemployment rate in the city of Kigali has increased especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic and its prevention measures have exposed the current Rwandan society and its economy to change in all its aspects.
Some sectors such as hotels, restaurants, infrastructure and industry have been more affected. Some have been suspended. This has also led to an increase in unemployment.
According to the National Institute of Statistics (NISR), in November 2021, the unemployment rate increased to 23.8 percent from an estimated 19.4 percent in the previous quarter (August 2021). The unemployment rate remains relatively higher for women (27.3 percent) than for men (20.7 percent). It is also relatively higher among youth aged 16-30 (29.8 percent) than adults aged 31 and older (19.3 percent).
The city of Kigali, where there is a greater concentration of youth, organized a meeting last Friday, May 13, to exchange with its partners. The aim was to find a solution to this challenge.
The private sector, young graduates, authorities of higher institutions, young entrepreneurs, Non Governmental Organizations participated in this dialogue to put in place measures to end unemployment.
One way is to connect young people to job providers according to their desired qualifications and skills.
The second way is to encourage youth to create jobs for themselves. “Young people who have created jobs after experiencing unemployment, and offering work to others, we have such cases,” said the Mayor of the City of Kigali, Pudence Rubingisa.
Niyibizi Abdul is a young entrepreneur and owner of a Smart Class company. He allows all Rwandan students to benefit from similar academic courses. It is thanks to the collaboration with his colleagues that he was able to create his company. He urges young people to put their ideas together for their development. “It is difficult to progress working alone,” said the young entrepreneur.
Icyitegetse Vénuste says he has participated in several trainings organized by the Kigali Employment Service Center. It serves to promote the professional capacity of young people seeking employment. The skills he acquired gave him confidence in himself. He was able to create a small business for himself.
Capital is also needed. Youth without financial means are encouraged to submit their projects to the Business Development Fund (BDF).
If necessary, the City of Kigali, according to Mayor Pudence Rubingisa, is ready to intervene to support young people with good projects.
Sandra Nadège Uwamariya
