In the ongoing efforts to create jobs in Ngoma District, infrastructure development projects such as road construction are expected to play a major role in providing employment opportunities, especially for young people — including graduates — who make up the largest portion of the unemployed population. The establishment of factories is also contributing to this effort.
The Vice Mayor of Ngoma District in charge of Economic Development, Mapambano Nyiridandi Cyriaque, urged the youth to seize the opportunities provided by the government.
He said, “We expect to create about 4,500 jobs this year alone. So far, we’ve already created 1,061, and since the year has just begun, young people must stay ready to take up these opportunities.”
He went on to highlight the main sectors that will be prioritized in job creation within the district.
“There are different programs — some jobs come from private contractors, others from local entrepreneurs and projects. For example, the construction of the Nyaruvumu–Gahushyi–Gituku road has provided many jobs, and there are also investors building factories,” he explained.
Vice Mayor Mapambano also noted that several large projects have already created jobs, while others are expected to do so soon.
He said, “We have a project nearing completion — the first phase of the water plant — and in November, we’ll begin the second phase, which will also need many workers. There’s still ongoing work on the Ngoma–Ramiro road as well.”
“All these projects lead us to ask ourselves whether we’re successfully connecting our citizens who need jobs with the available opportunities.”
The youth unemployment rate in Ngoma District currently stands at 17%.
Providing professional internship opportunities and supporting young entrepreneurs with startup capital are among the district’s strategies to enhance job creation.
So far this year, 82 private institutions have offered young people opportunities to gain professional experience.
In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the Eastern Province created more than 44,250 jobs, while 43,600 new jobs are expected in 2024/2025.
Under Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the government aims to create 1.25 million jobs over five years — an average of 250,000 jobs per year.
According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS 2025 Q2), the national unemployment rate in Rwanda decreased by 3.4%, from 16.8% in 2024 to 13.4% in 2025.
As of May 2025, the unemployment rate among women was 15.3%, compared to 11.8% among men.
Young people make up the largest proportion of the unemployed, with an unemployment rate of 15.4%, compared to 12.1% among adults.
Unemployment in rural areas stands at 13.3%, while in urban areas it is 13.7%.
