The Minister of Public Service and Labour, Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka, has called on all employers in Rwanda to strengthen measures that protect workers, as data shows that nearly 8,000 (7,955) workers were affected by work-related accidents and occupational diseases in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
She made this statement on Monday, April 28, 2025, during the national celebration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The event was held in Rwamagana District, specifically at mineral mining sites in Musha Sector. This year’s theme was: *“Safety and Health at Work: A Foundation for Productivity.”
Minister Nkulikiyinka expressed concern that some employers still treat workplace safety as a cost-avoidance strategy rather than a worker’s right.
She stated, *“We remind employers that a worker’s safety is not a favor but a legal obligation. If work is a source of development, we must protect those who perform it.”*
She added that the data from the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) points to a serious issue of workplace accidents and diseases, and that the actual number might be even higher, as it only accounts for workers in the formal sector with insurance coverage.
Annual reports from the Labour Inspectorate show that Rwanda still faces gaps in implementing decent work standards, especially concerning health and safety at work.
In the 2021/2022 fiscal year, the rate of compliance with workplace health and safety standards was 45.5%, rising to 59.9% in 2023/2024. Although this is progress, there remains a long way to go, especially in high-risk sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and construction.
As part of the day’s activities, attendees visited mineral mining sites in Musha where management showcased the safety equipment provided to workers, including protective footwear, helmets, face masks, earplugs, and torches.
Shema Hypolite, one of the miners, shared: “Receiving this equipment helps us a lot. It gives me the confidence to work knowing I will go home safe and sound.”
Jean Claude Ntirenganya, the health and safety officer at the mining site, added that they have procedures in place to assess safety risks before workers enter underground excavation areas.
A recent household welfare survey released in 2024 by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) showed that poverty levels dropped from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024. Minister Nkulikiyinka noted that this demonstrates how decent and secure employment is a pillar of sustainable development.
MIFOTRA reminded employers that they have both a duty to prevent workplace hazards and to ensure that workers are covered by insurance in case of accidents. This is especially important as many informal workers remain uninsured and vulnerable to severe consequences when injured or sick due to work conditions.
The Minister concluded: “We urge all employers to view the worker as their most valuable asset. As long as they are healthy and protected, productivity will follow.”
