Stakeholders Gather in Kigali to Discuss the Development of TVET Education and Stakeholder Collaboration

Kigali, August 22, 2025 – The National Stakeholder Forum on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was held at the Don Bosco Hospitality Centre, bringing together key stakeholders across Rwanda. The event aimed to assess the current state of TVET, explore its role in private sector development, and strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders to improve vocational training.

The forum was attended by representatives from the private sector, Experts from the Education Sector, entrepreneurs, graduates of vocational and Technical Education from Don Bosco schools, educators, and Civil Society organizations.

Opening the discussions, Mr. Dominique Uwarugira, Project Officer at the Salesian Planning and Development Office, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in advancing vocational education. “Don Bosco has played a key role in training, but without strong partnerships among stakeholders, our efforts are limited. Collaboration is essential to effectively promote vocational education that addresses national development needs,” he said.

The first keynote speaker, Dr. Bagaragaza Romuald, highlighted Rwanda’s strategic focus on practical skills. He explained that TVET is vital in closing the skills gap within the labor market and supporting national goals such as Vision 2050. “TVET aims to equip individuals with skills that make them competitive internationally, create jobs, and help solve labor market challenges,” he stated. Dr. Bagaragaza also noted that despite acquiring relevant skills, there are still some TVET graduates who face difficulties in securing employment. He praised the rising number of girls entering vocational and technical education and called for curricula revisions to align better with labor market demands.

Discussions also addressed the crucial role of the private sector in shaping vocational education. Eng. Phocas Musabyimana and Ass. Prof. Felicien Majoro stressed the importance of industry input in curriculum development and internship opportunities. Eng. Musabyimana observed that private sector participation can sometimes be limited, but international practices clearly show the benefits of collaboration. He advocated for a staged approach to internships to allow more students to gain practical experience without creating demand surges that overwhelm industries.

Eng. Phocas Musabyimana

The participants agreed that Rwanda’s future labor market will increasingly be technician-driven. “Skills like repairing phones or other devices do not require a master’s degree. With TVET, youth can acquire practical skills quickly, find work, and contribute to the economy,” said Eng. Musabyimana. Both speakers emphasized the importance of cultivating subjects that foster self-reliance and innovation, highlighting how TVET can support entrepreneurs and investors by providing a skilled workforce ready to meet market needs.

Ass. Prof. Majoro emphasized the high employment rate among vocational graduates and urged individuals who perceive skills gaps as barriers to consider enrolling in TVET programs. He praised Don Bosco’s initiative of offering free additional courses during school holidays, particularly for Don Bosco graduates who may face labor challenges after completing their courses. This effort helps bridge skills gaps and prepares graduates for immediate employment.

The forum provided an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, fostering a shared vision for strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and identifying opportunities to enhance employment prospects for TVET graduates.

Mr. Phenias Mukiza highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated platform that links TVET graduates directly with employers. He stressed that improving stakeholder engagement and collaboration is essential to bridging the employment gap and supporting Rwanda’s broader development goals.