Youth have been urged to acquire information technology-related skills to boost their competitiveness in the job market.

Hiroshi Tsaeki, from World Bank Rwanda office, said information technology skills are essential in accelerating a country’s development. Tsaeki was speaking during a graduation ceremony of 90 youths from Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC)Kigali on Wednesday at Telecom House, Kacyiru in Gasabo District.

The youth, 39 girls and 51 boys, graduated with diplomas and certificates in Microsoft technology associate and Microsoft certified technology under the skills development programme funded by the World Bank and government.

The programme is being implemented by the Workforce Development Authority under the national employment programme, and aims at equipping Rwandans with market-oriented skills, as well as promoting entrepreneurship among the youth. Livingstone Byandaga, the WDA skills development fund manager, said the short courses seek to bridge the skills gap to support the country’s Vision 2020 agenda.

One of the graduates, Kaneza Toussaint, said he acquired skills on how to handle IT challenges.

business@business.co.rw