Innovate4DigiJobs Project Launched to Boost Youth Employment through Digital Innovation

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), in partnership with Rwanda ICT Chamber, Luxembourg AID and Development, and the International Labor Organization (ILO), officially launched the Innovate4DigiJobs 2025 initiative. The project aims to equip young people with digital skills that improve their competitiveness in the job market and promote inclusive employment.

According to Ineza Aulolie, the project lead from Rwanda ICT Chamber, the initiative was born out of the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in Rwanda.

“Statistics show that although many youths pursue education, they still struggle to find jobs. On the other hand, entrepreneurs often lack capital to grow their businesses. We believe that by supporting entrepreneurs financially, they can, in turn, employ more young people,” she said.

Aulolie emphasized the importance of working with institutions and businesses that are already engaged with youth.

“We are identifying institutions and small businesses that support youth so we can provide them with the resources they need to expand. If today they are mentoring 20 young people, the funding should help them reach 50, and in more districts,” she added.

The ultimate goal, she said, is to empower young people with skills that meet market demands, while simultaneously enabling small businesses to grow and create more job opportunities.

The project will initially operate in nine districts: Huye, Kayonza, Musanze, Gasabo, Nyagatare, Nyarugenge, Rubavu, Ruhango, and Rusizi. These locations were chosen due to their high youth populations and presence of educational institutions, which are seen as key sources of innovative ideas.

“Schools often host bright, creative students who understand the problems facing their peers and can come up with effective solutions. That’s why we encourage schools to submit student-led project ideas that can be scaled with financial support,” Aulolie explained.

Strengthening Institutions and Enhancing Practical Learning

Dr. Habimana Alphonse, Director of the Kigali Excellent Tourism and Hospitality Academy (KETHA), welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to strengthen the institution’s efforts in equipping youth with practical skills.

“We sometimes lack the tools necessary to train youth effectively. This project will help us increase our capacity, improve our programs, and connect students to the job market more efficiently,” he stated.

The project is also designed to support initiatives with long-term potential.

“We’re not looking to fund projects that last two or three months,” said Aulolie. “We want ideas that can be sustained for five or ten years.”

Focus on Collaboration and Sustainability

Fatima Sirelkhatim, Project Manager at the ILO, stressed that the success of Innovate4DigiJobs hinges on strategic partnerships.

“This challenge is an opportunity for partners to co-create solutions that enable inclusive digital job creation. The success of our program depends on strong collaboration between youth, government, private sector, and civil society,” she said.

So far, more than 700 youth in Rusizi, Musanze, and Huye have benefited from digital skills training, with another 200 expected to graduate this year, thanks to a new curriculum developed in collaboration with project partners.

Brave Ngabo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, urged young innovators to take advantage of the opportunity.

“The name Innovate4DigiJobs speaks volumes. It’s about pushing boundaries to create jobs through digital innovation. We’ve invested in infrastructure — now it’s time to invest in people,” he said.

Reaching More Talented Youth

Arsene Furaha, Secretary of Ecoute-moi, an organization supporting talented youth across Rwanda and parts of the DRC, also expressed optimism.

“We’ve already helped over 500 young people in Rubavu, Musanze, and even Goma. This project will allow us to expand and reach more youth with talent who just need a pathway to turn their passion into sustainable livelihoods.”

How to Apply

Interested youth and institutions in the nine targeted districts can apply through the Rwanda ICT Chamber website. The application deadline is June 27, 2025. Applicants should navigate to the “Our Work” section, then to Projects, and select Innovate4DigiJobs, where they will find detailed application instructions.

Mukantwali Magnifique