FEATURED: Rwanda Polytechnic launches ‘Skills Challenge’ to drive innovation, industrial growth

Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) has announced the 2025 edition of the RP 'Skills Challenge', hosted at the Rwanda Polytechnic – Kigali College campus. Launched on May 5, the challenge runs from Tuesday to Thursday, and winners will be awarded on May 29 during the ceremony for RP graduation. Under the theme “Skills for Innovation and Industrial Transformation”, the competition showcases the technical excellence and creativity of RP students while promoting industry-relevant skills that are critical to Rwanda’s socio-economic development. The contest features 30 top student competitors from RP colleges, competing in six skill areas: high-precision metal joining, decorative construction, industrial electrical installations, fashion design, industrial automation, and smart manufacturing CAD. The competitors represent seven Rwanda Polytechnic colleges: Kitabi, Gishari, Huye, Karongi, Musanze, Ngoma, and Tumba. Each participant has been selected through a rigorous college-level process and will be assessed by a panel of 21 expert trainers. The competition aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), reinforcing RP’s commitment to producing skilled and competitive graduates who can drive the country’s socio-economic transformation. It has brought together stakeholders from government, industry, development partners, and educational institutions to foster collaboration and inspire the next generation of technical professionals. Dr Sylvie Mucyo, Vice-Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, emphasised the institution’s role in driving industrial transformation through skilled graduates. “The competition aims to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are critical for tackling real-world challenges in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and energy. It highlights how technical education contributes to national development and global competitiveness. It also seeks to inspire high school students to pursue technical education, presenting it as a promising career path,” she said. The competition also provides students with the opportunity to interact with employers and stakeholders, build trust, and potentially secure employment. Mucyo encouraged students to take full advantage of the platform to showcase their skills and passion. Kim Kwonho, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Rwanda, who represented the Country Director, said: “The Skills Challenge is not just a competition—it’s a showcase of innovation, employability, and technical competence. It reflects the role of TVET in driving Rwanda’s economic transformation.” He noted that KOICA has supported Rwanda since 2010, beginning with IPRC Kigali. That support, he said, has since grown to include nationwide programmes focused on teacher training, curriculum development, qualification certification, and quality assurance. “A new project is being launched with Rwanda Polytechnic and MINEDUC to support advanced technical education,” he added. He urged students to continue learning, experimenting, and innovating: “KOICA and the Government of Korea reaffirm their long-term commitment to Rwanda’s youth, education sector, and industrial growth. Rwanda’s future lies in the hands of its skilled, curious, and hardworking youth—and Korea stands proudly beside you on that journey.” Arthur Germond, Country Director for Agence Française de Développement (AFD), stated: “AFD is proud to walk alongside Rwanda as a true partner in building a stronger, more inclusive technical education system—especially one that empowers young women and supports real, on-the-ground progress.” He underlined AFD’s ongoing commitment to making TVET more attractive to young women, expressing hope that future editions of the competition will see increased female participation and winners. “AFD is preparing to launch the third phase of support to strengthen Rwanda’s TVET system,” he said. Claudette Irere, Minister of State for Education, praised students as the “engine” of Rwanda’s industrial transformation. “The skills they demonstrate are not only for employment but also to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Vocational and technical skills are vital in today’s rapidly changing world, giving students the tools to create solutions, launch businesses, and generate employment,” she said. She called upon industry leaders to become more involved in such initiatives, pointing out that in other countries, these challenges are often private-sector led. “As we work to achieve the goals outlined in Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation, your skills and ideas are not just relevant—they are essential in shaping our socio-economic landscape. This Skills Challenge provides a meaningful platform to demonstrate your ingenuity, technical capability, and readiness to lead change in our industrial ecosystem,” she said. She also stressed that “the competencies students develop will prepare them not only for employment, but to innovate, create jobs, and lead enterprises that address both national and regional needs.” “You are the engine of Rwanda’s industrial transformation.” Pascaline Mukeshimana, a fashion design student at IPRC Kigali and participant in the competition, praised the initiative. “I thought of designs and innovations in fashion design. The competition has opened my eyes and enhanced my critical thinking in design and problem-solving.” Emile Harerimana, another contestant, said the Skills Challenge would help unlock job market opportunities: “We hope to meet private sector players interested in our solutions across various sectors. It will also increase my level of innovation, creativity, and competitiveness.” Angeline Mushimiyimana, a graduating student in industrial electrical installation, added: “The Skills Challenge will prove whether students are job-market ready.My idea focuses on addressing issues that could cause industrial accidents due to poor electrical installations. My solution can help prevent such incidents.”ndi

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FEATURED: Rwanda Polytechnic launches ‘Skills Challenge’ to drive innovation, industrial growth