Creating jobs and stimulating growth in Rwanda

Context

Rwanda has one of the highest growth rates in Africa and is proving to be an increasingly attractive location for business and investment in the region. However, this growth has so far failed to create enough jobs. Rwanda is therefore seeking to create 1.5 million jobs by 2024 and is being supported by the Special Initiative.

Objective

African and European companies are growing and creating new jobs in Rwanda.

Approach

The project is supporting African and European companies in expanding their business activities and investments on the Rwandan market and creating jobs. It pursues four objectives:

Identifying and reducing barriers to investment
The project provides needs-based services to support companies across sectors, foster growth and foreign investment, and create jobs.

Promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
The project trains employees and applicants, provides advice on business development and contributes to increasing product quality. It also provides support in setting up the E-Commerce Center in Kigali and a platform for online trade.

Developing Rwanda's special economic zones (SEZs)
There is a focus on the SEZ that has already been established in Kigali. Together with local companies, the project is improving business-oriented services and other offerings. This is boosting growth and investment, creating jobs and improving working conditions for the workforce.

Promoting pharmaceutical and biotech companies in Rwanda
The project is supporting companies in networking and reducing barriers to investment. It is also improving training for skilled workers in consultation with Rwanda's Ministry of Education.

Last update: February 2023