The Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), in partnership with the Government of Korea, on Tuesday, August 5, launched an initiative to establish eight Centers of Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and equip 17 Technical Secondary Schools across the country. The establishment of the eight centres and the equipping of the 17 Technical Secondary schools are part of a $110.8 million project (approx. Rwf160 billion), which is funded by the Korean government, throuth the Korea Export and Import Bank. The launch event on Tuesday, attended by government officials and development partners, signaled the start of a transformative project aimed at aligning Rwanda’s vocational education with international standards and labour market needs. The project aims to establish at one TVET centre of excellence in each of Rwanda's 30 districts. The eight Centers of Excellence will be located in Bugesera, Nyagatare, Karongi, Rubavu, Gicumbi, Burera, Huye, and Kamonyi districts. They will offer high-level training in specialised fields such as land surveying, public works, and ICT. ALSO READ: How TVET schools are enhancing practical training for workforce readiness Modernising TVET to meet global standards Paul Umukunzi, Director General of RTB, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise Rwanda’s TVET system and produce a skilled workforce that can compete in both local and international job markets. “These centers will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies. We want our teachers to be proficient in modern tools and able to transfer these skills to young people,” he said. “The goal is to ensure our graduates are not only fit for jobs in Rwanda, but also in countries like Korea, across Europe, and the USA.” He emphasised the importance of teacher training and industry collaboration, saying, “The private sector is a key player. We want to ensure our graduates respond to real labour market needs.” Professor Park Hung Kook, a computer science professor at Sangmyung University in Korea and the lead consultant on the project, said the initiative goes beyond infrastructure and equipment. “This is about preparing for the future—creating places where young Rwandans can gain the mindset, knowledge, and skills to succeed in a fast-changing global environment,” he said. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s plan to increase women enrollment in TVET He stressed the importance of building strong links between educational institutions and industry, to ensure training remains practical and relevant. Local impact in districts Karongi District Mayor Gérard Muzungu expressed gratitude that the district was selected as one of the host locations, with the facility set to be built in Gishita Sector. “This center, focusing on land surveying and public works, will equip youth with employable skills and help address issues like land management. It’s a timely investment in tackling youth unemployment,” he said. The project, funded by the Korean Government through Korea Exim Bank, covers infrastructure development, modern curricula, teacher training, and international certification—preparing Rwandan youth for the demands of a global workforce.
