Rwanda celebrated International Labour Day 2025 not just with speeches, but with a powerful message: the future of work belongs to the youth. Under the theme “Job Creation: Our Shared Priority,” the event centered on young innovators, their potential, and the nation’s collective effort to build a resilient and inclusive labour market. At the heart of the celebration was the launch of the National Employment and Skills Strategy, a bold roadmap meant to empower young Rwandans and accelerate decent job creation across the country.
Hon. Amb. Christine NKULIKIYINKA, Minister of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA), opened the Labour Day ceremony by celebrating the country’s workforce while issuing a call for shared responsibility. “Today is not only a day of gratitude,” she said, “it’s a declaration of purpose. We are here to empower our youth to lead, to innovate, and to build a better Rwanda.”
The spotlight shone brightly on Rwanda’s young leaders, particularly those using technology and entrepreneurship to create jobs and transform communities. Among them was Samuel Turahimana, CEO of INESAM Company Ltd, a youth-led startup in Nyagatare District working in agriculture, AI, and IoT.
“What I learned today is that we, the youth, must create opportunities, not wait for them,” said Turahimana. His company, which supplies agricultural innovations and fresh produce, is a testament to what young Rwandans can achieve with the right support. “We’ve benefited from initiatives like Youth Connect and AGUKA competitions, which provide grants and mentorship. These platforms are changing lives.”
The newly launched National Employment and Skills Strategy prioritizes young people, women, and vulnerable groups. It emphasizes entrepreneurship, market-aligned skills training, and a future-ready workforce.
“This strategy is not just about policies—it’s about people,” said Hon. NKULIKIYINKA. “We are putting young people at the center because they are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leading today.”
The strategy includes targets to create over 250,000 productive and decent jobs annually. It also addresses barriers like skill mismatches, informal employment, and access to finance. With the youth population growing rapidly, Rwanda’s approach is both urgent and forward-thinking.
The Minister called on all sectors to align their efforts. To the private sector, she said: “You are the engines of job creation—invest, mentor, and innovate.” She urged universities and training institutions to prepare students for real-world challenges. Development partners were commended for their ongoing technical and financial contributions.
She challenged youth directly: “Ask yourselves—are you becoming your own boss? Are you delivering value and quality? Whatever you do, do it with purpose and pride.”
What distinguished Labour Day 2025 was not just the announcement of new strategies, but the celebration of young Rwandans already making a difference. Innovators like Turahimana showed what’s possible when vision, support, and hard work align.
As the country moves toward Vision 2050, where employment is seen as a pillar of dignity and equity, the message is clear: the youth are not waiting for the futurethey are building it.
Hon. NKULIKIYINKA’s closing remarks summed up the spirit of the day: “Let us honour our workers not just with words, but with action. Let us invest in youth, fuel innovation, and ensure that every Rwandan has the opportunity to thrive.”
Rwanda’s Labour Day 2025 marked a bold step forward, placing young innovators at the helm of national transformation
