Kigali, 27^th August 2019

Prime Minister Ngirente said that the Government of Rwanda believes that Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) skills are one of the drivers that support the economic transformation the country needs. 

He made the statement on Tuesday while opening the International Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA). 

He pointed out that Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) role in the country’s economic transformation would be possible if graduates from TVET are highly skilled and competitive on the labour market. 

Prime Minister pointed out that the country’s target in the National Strategy for Transformation (2017-2024) is to increase the number of students attending TVET schools to 60% by 2024 from 31.1% in 2017. 

“TVET is one of the most powerful tools to fight poverty. It does not only provide skills to gain paid employment but also to promote and support creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship to develop the ability to create jobs and employment opportunities.” Prime Minister Ngirente said. 

Dr Ngirente encouraged African Governments to support young people to acquire job-related skills since it is a key developmental challenge that most African Governments have.

He noted that Africa needs skilled workers, in particular, competent technicians who are needed to fill skills gaps in various sectors of the economy that include the construction industry, energy sector, water distribution and sanitation systems, and large public works. 

Prime Minister added that if African countries are to become talent-driven, they need to educate the youth and encourage them to embrace labour mobility opportunities.  

African youth should take advantage of AfCFTA in terms of free movement of labour as an added opportunity for them. The premier noted.

This CAPA conference that was themed “Building Partnerships for the Promotion of TVET for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Youth Employment in Africa” brought together 20 African member countries, represented by Education Ministers, Technical Universities, Polytechnics and Technical Colleges and Vocational Training Institutes in Africa as well as other stakeholders in TVET.