Oliva Tuyishime
February 26th2025
The Ministry of Technology and Innovation has set a goal to help 20,000 Rwandan youth acquire technological skills through the ‘Digital Talent Program,’ which aims to provide opportunities for learning, employment, and self-employment.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the Ministry of Technology and Innovation launched the Digital Talent Program, aimed at advancing the technological knowledge of Rwanda’s youth and helping them access job opportunities both within the country and internationally.
This initiative was launched in partnership with IHS Towers Group, the Ministry of Youth, and Rwanda ICT Chamber. The program focuses on teaching the youth technology-related courses while also creating job opportunities. It aims to reach 20,000 young people within three years, with a target that at least 20% of the graduates will secure employment within six months of completing the program.
Iradukunda Yves, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Innovation, emphasized that the program seeks to help youth tackle unemployment and create opportunities for obtaining modern job opportunities. He stated, “This initiative encourages young people to embrace technology and learn how to use it in a broad way so they can find employment both at home and abroad.”
As Rwanda aims to build an economy based on knowledge, the Digital Talent Program is one of the critical efforts to address youth unemployment and provide skills for self-employment. The program will begin in five districts of Kigali, where technology centers will offer training to young people. Graduates will acquire the skills to use technology in various sectors, including innovation and entrepreneurship.
The knowledge provided in this program will not only focus on computer skills but will also cover cybersecurity and the use of technological tools in various contexts. As outlined by the Ministry of Technology, technological education will empower youth to contribute to the country’s economic development while tackling the challenges of unemployment.
Regarding unemployment, particularly among youth aged 16-30, the Minister of Technology highlighted that concrete actions are underway to help young people create their own jobs. Research shows that youth unemployment in Rwanda reached 20.5%, but initiatives like this aim to equip youth with skills that will enable them to start their own businesses or work in telecom and other technology-related industries.
Kunle Iluyemi, the CEO of IHS Towers, explained that the Digital Talent Program would help young people develop their talents and find opportunities for advancement. He encouraged them to embrace technology-based learning, stating, “Youth are the future of this country. Don’t be afraid to pursue your talents, but instead, be encouraged to use the knowledge you gain to build a bright future.”
Participants in the program expressed their readiness to apply the knowledge gained to various projects, including job creation, creating animation videos, and helping others learn and use technology.
Global research indicates significant shifts in job opportunities. In 2024, the global unemployment rate stood at 5%, while youth unemployment was higher at 12.6%. In this context, programs like Digital Talent Program aim to help young people start their careers and address global unemployment challenges.
