Skills Development Fund

Today at Busasamana TSS, we inaugurated newly developed and rehabilitated modern infrastructure across six TVET schools, under the partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Germany, through the RTB-KfW Phase III TVET Project. The inaugurated infrastructure includes student dormitories, dining facilities, classrooms, and workshops, aimed at providing improved learning and living environments for TVET students. The beneficiary schools are Busasamana TSS/Nyanza District, ES Kinazi TSS/Ruhango District, Father Ramon TSS/Kamonyi District, Karengera TSS/Nyamasheke District, St. Augustin Mibirizi TSS/Rusizi District, and ETO Gatumba TSS/Ngororero District.

#Happeningnow : The TVET Sub-Sector Working Group (TSSWG) 2026/27 Q1 Meeting bringing together key stakeholders to assess the sector’s performance and discuss priorities for advancing quality, relevant and responsive TVET in Rwanda. In his opening remarks, DG RTB @PUmukunzi emphasized that quality, relevance and strong partnerships must remain at the heart of Rwanda’s TVET transformation, calling for stronger coordination, accountability and industry engagement to translate investments into better training and improved outcomes for learners and the economy. #SkillsThatMatter #NanjyeNdiTVET

This Tuesday, RTB DG @Pumukunzi received Dr. Pierluigi Floretta, Regional Director General of the Associazione Centro Aiuti Volontari (ACAV). Discussions focused on exploring potential areas of partnership in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), youth employability, and skills development in the Hospitality and Tourism sector. ACAV is an Italian Non-Government Organization working with local communities across Sub-Saharan Africa to promote inclusive, long-term and sustainable development. #NanjyeNdiTVET

In his remarks, RTB Director General Paul Umukunzi expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the partners for their valuable contribution to skills development, youth employment, and the continued development of the TVET sector in Rwanda. Representatives of the associations highlighted the importance of the agreements, noting that they mark the beginning of a more structured phase of collaboration between RTB and industry. Together, the four associations provide access to more than 1,680 businesses, in addition to approximately 1,500 individual tailors, representing a substantial private-sector network that can contribute significantly to the development of Rwanda’s skilled workforce.

Today, the Rwanda TVET Board signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four industry associations: the Rwanda Garage Association, Rwanda Wood Value Chain Association, Rwanda Tailors Association, and Rwanda Hospitality Association. The collaboration will facilitate Dual TVET, workplace placements, internships, apprenticeships, industrial attachments, and other structured workplace learning opportunities, while strengthening the capacity of workplace mentors and in-company instructors. The agreements will also deepen industry participation in occupational standards, curriculum development and review, training delivery, assessment, and quality assurance, helping ensure that TVET programmes remain responsive to current and emerging industry needs. #NanjyeNdiTVET

Today, Rwanda TVET Board in collaboration with @BluLever launched the first-ever Rwanda Plumbing Trade Test, marking an important milestone in the national rollout of a standardised plumbing trade test and qualification framework in Rwanda. This initiative will contribute to enhancing the quality, safety, and professionalism of the plumbing trade across the country by establishing a standardised approach to assessing and recognising plumbing skills and competencies. Delivering his remarks, RTB Director General Paul Umukunzi expressed his appreciation to BluLever Education for its commitment, expertise, and partnership in supporting Rwanda in initiating this Trade Test approach. He emphasised the importance of this milestone in improving the quality-of-service delivery within the labour market, both in Rwanda and beyond. As part of the launch of this foundational framework, the first cohort of 11 plumbers who successfully completed and passed the trade test were recognised and celebrated for their dedication, hard work, and achievement. Their success marks an important step towards strengthening skills recognition and professional standards within Rwanda’s plumbing sector. #NanjyeNdiTVET

This evening at RTB, Hon. Minister of State for Education @ClaudetteIrere and Chargée d'affaires e.p. of @LUinKigali in Rwanda Charlotte Helminger chaired the Blended Learning Demonstration Event, which aimed to showcase how digital learning approaches are being integrated into Technical Secondary Schools (TSSs) under the RWA/027 – Digital Skills for Quality TVET in Rwanda project, implemented by RTB in collaboration with @LuxDev_HQ The event provided an opportunity for representatives(Students, Teachers and School Managers) from 11 pilot schools to demonstrate the practical application of blended learning at school level, highlighting how digital learning resources are being used to enhance teaching and learning. The demonstration also served as a platform to showcase the progress achieved through the project and highlight the potential of blended learning to further support the digital transformation of TVET education in Rwanda. #NanjyeNdiTVET

Discover the latest highlights from Rwanda’s TVET sector in our Q1 2026/2027 Newsletter (Issue No. 006), featuring key engagements, international partnerships, and innovative initiatives advancing skills development, workforce readiness, and innovation. #NanjyeNdiTVET Click here for more: rtb.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_up…

RTB Director General @Pumukunzi participated in a panel discussion at the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 in China, focusing on the alignment and mutual recognition of standards and qualifications in China–Africa TVET cooperation. He highlighted the importance of harmonising occupational standards and qualifications to bridge skills gaps, strengthen quality assurance, and facilitate the international recognition of skills and competencies. He also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to collaborating with China, African countries, and international partners to strengthen TVET systems, expand opportunities for young people, and promote shared prosperity. The conference aims at exploring ways to advance TVET in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and semiconductors, to better align workforce skills with evolving industry needs and global labour market demands. #NanjyeNdiTVET

#DriveRwandaForward: Through Drive Rwanda Forward, an inclusive skills development pilot project, Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), in collaboration with Programme CLÉ, Gacuriro TSS, disability organisations and partner garages, is equipping 20 students with disabilities with practical skills in automobile body repair and painting. The six-month training programme combines three months of school-based learning with three months of workplace training, giving learners hands-on experience to strengthen their technical competencies, build confidence and prepare for the labour market. Beyond skills development, the initiative promotes inclusive, gender-responsive TVET, strengthens the capacity of trainers and employers to accommodate diverse learning needs, and expands pathways to employment and self-employment. Drive Rwanda Forward aims to turn skills into opportunities, advance economic inclusion and generate lessons to inform future inclusive TVET initiatives in Rwanda.

This Monday, DG RTB, @PUmukunzi , attended the opening ceremony of the second cohort of Rwandan students at Zhengzhou Electric Power College (ZEPC) in Henan Province, China. The programme, part of Rwanda–China TVET cooperation, provides Rwandan youth with opportunities to acquire advanced technical knowledge and practical skills in the power and energy sector. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce as Rwanda continues its economic transformation. He encouraged the students to make full use of this opportunity, work hard, acquire relevant skills, and return home ready to contribute to Rwanda’s development. He also commended the Government of China, the Department of Education of Henan Province, ZEPC, Forever Technology, and all partners for their continued support of this cooperation. Under the RTB–ZEPC partnership, 36 Rwandan TVET students are currently enrolled at the college, building skills for Rwanda’s energy sector. #NanjyeNdiTVET #SkillsThatMatter

Today in the #SkillsThatMatter series, @AsherMutijima , Ag. Division Manager, Digital Technologies Division at RTB, shares his insights on the critical role of technical education in driving employment and economic productivity. TVET equips learners with the digital skills, practical competencies, and innovative mindset needed to transition seamlessly from the classroom to the workforce and contribute meaningfully to Rwanda's socio-economic development. #NanjyeNdiTVET #TVETinRwanda #SkillsForTheFuture

Today in the #SkillsThatMatter series, Bizumuremyi Isaac, Managing Director of Isaac Manufacturing Center, shares how TVET-trained professionals are helping businesses innovate, boost productivity, and stay competitive through practical skills and modern technology. A strong TVET system ensures that businesses have access to skilled local talent while creating opportunities for young people to thrive. This strengthens industries, drives innovation, and accelerates Rwanda's socio-economic transformation. #NanjyeNdiTVET #TVETinRwanda #SkillsForTheFuture

Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), in partnership with the German Government through KfW Development Bank, is pleased to announce the continuation of the TVET Scholarship Programme. Launched in 2023, the programme supports high-performing students from low-income households pursuing technical education at selected Technical Secondary Schools. Currently benefiting 2,787 students nationwide, the initiative aims to expand its reach to 4,000 beneficiaries by the 2026/2027 school year, strengthening equitable access to quality TVET and building Rwanda's skilled workforce. View the list of eligible programmes and participating schools here: bit.ly/4vLMVx6

Today in the #SkillsThatMatter series, NIYITANGA Patrick, CEO of Nexshield Technology Ltd and a proud TVET graduate, reflects on how TVET gave him the practical foundation to build a successful technology business. TVET equips learners with hands-on experience, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to innovate, preparing them to excel in the workplace and create solutions that make a real impact. #NanjyeNdiTVET #TVETinRwanda #SkillsForTheFuture

Today in the #SkillsThatMatter series, @RwamasiraboAim1, Head of Department, Curriculum and Instructional Materials Development at RTB, highlights how TVET empowers learners to turn ambition into achievement and passion into profession. By combining practical training with real-world problem-solving, TVET equips young people with the competencies employers value and entrepreneurs need to build a successful future. #SkillsThatMatter #NanjyeNdiTVET #TVETinRwanda #SkillsForTheFuture

Today in the #SkillsthatMatter series: Amb. @CNkulikiyinka , Minister of Public Service and Labour, highlights the role of TVET in creating a skilled and inclusive workforce ready to drive Rwanda’s development. Through TVET, Rwanda is shaping its future, one skill at a time. #NanjyeNdiTVET #SkillsForTheFuture #TVETinRwanda

First up in our #SkillsthatMatter series, Hon. @JoNsengimana, The Minister of Education reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to hands-on skills as a key driver of future national economic transformation. With TVET, our youth are ready to thrive in a world reshaped by technology. #NanjyeNdiTVET #SkillsForTheFuture #TVETinRwanda