Many young people in Rwanda face significant challenges in accessing dignified and fulfilling work. Despite various government-led youth employment programs (YEPs), the demand for work opportunities continues to exceed supply.
Local PEP researchers evaluated these initiatives and found that while individual programs have a positive impact, their overall effectiveness is hindered by poor coordination, insufficient funding, and skill gaps.
Key barriers include a mismatch between education and labor market needs, limited capital for youth entrepreneurs, and low awareness of available opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Sustainability challenges and weak monitoring further restrict long-term success.
To enhance access to dignified and fulfilling work, researchers recommend strengthening technical and vocational education (TVET), expanding access to funding for entrepreneurs, improving coordination of YEPs, and enhancing communication about available opportunities. They also emphasize the need for sustainable funding and stronger public-private partnerships to drive job creation.
Find out more about the research methods, findings, and policy recommendations in the following PEP publications:
Working Paper: Coming soon | Policy Brief | More about the What Works for Youth Employment in Africa initiative, supported in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation
