As Igire Rwanda Organization and SheCanCODE Bootcamp, we are beyond excited to be part of the transformative journey that is the Digital Skills for Employability (DSE) program, a groundbreaking initiative under the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.
Together with Digital Opportunity Trust Rwanda (DOT Rwanda) and an inspiring consortium of local organizations—Intango Technical Secondary School (TSS), Igire Rwanda Organization (IRO), Knowledge LAB (kLab), and SOLVIT Africa—we are committed to equipping over 10,000 young Rwandans, particularly women, with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to thrive in the evolving digital economy. This collaborative effort will deliver immersive, hands-on training, preparing youth in both urban and rural areas for a future filled with opportunity.
As we join this incredible initiative, we also acknowledge the critical challenges facing Rwanda’s youth labor market. According to the Labour Force Survey 2022, 35.6% of youth aged 16-30 fall under the NEET category (not in employment, education, or training). The numbers are even more concerning for young women, who face a NEET rate of 41%, compared to 29.9% for young men. In a nation rapidly transitioning into a knowledge-based economy, the lack of access to digital skills and technology threatens to leave many young people—especially women and rural youth—behind.
The DSE program is tackling this issue head-on by prioritizing vulnerable groups, including women, rural youth, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. By equipping these populations with digital and entrepreneurial skills, we aim to break the cycle of underemployment, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and succeed in the digital economy.
The program includes two transformative pathways designed to meet the needs of
Rwandan youth:
- Beginner
Digital and Business Skills
Spearheaded by DOT Rwanda and kLab, this pathway delivers foundational training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, financial management, and marketing. It is tailored for young entrepreneurs and necessity-based business operators, with a strong focus on women and rural youth. Participants will benefit from mentorship, coaching, and access to supportive business networks and financing opportunities, empowering them to establish and grow their enterprises. - Intermediate
and Advanced Digital Skills for Digital Jobs
Led by TSS, IRO, kLab, and SOLVIT Africa, this pathway equips participants with in-demand technical skills such as software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and UI/UX design. It also offers support for internships, apprenticeships, and job placements, helping youth pursue meaningful careers in the ICT sector.
We are proud to contribute to the Mastercard Foundation’s mission of enabling 300,000 young Rwandans to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. Through a focus on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership, the DSE program is creating a brighter future where Rwandan youth—especially women—can thrive in the IT sector, launch businesses, and secure future-ready careers.
We can’t wait to share more updates as we embark on this exciting journey, empowering the next generation of leaders in Rwanda’s digital economy!