TVET stakeholders from government, industry, development partners, and training institutions convened in Nyagatare for the 2026 TVET Sub‑Sector Working Group Annual Retreat to review progress toward NST2 TVET targets, assess the feasibility of the TVET Strategy 2025–2030, and identify the partnerships and investments needed to support its implementation.

Held from 3 to 5 June 2026 under the theme “Driving Rwanda’s Transformation Agenda through Market‑Relevant Skills and Innovative TVET Systems,” the retreat reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to building a responsive and future‑ready skills development system that supports Rwanda’s transformation agenda.

Ahead of the retreat, participants visited industries to strengthen academia–industry linkages and gain firsthand insights into workforce needs, emerging technologies, and evolving workplace practices. These visits provided opportunities to engage with employers, identify skills gaps, and explore practical ways to align training with labour market demands.

Opening the retreat, the Director General of Rwanda TVET Board, Paul UMUKUNZI, emphasized the critical role of market‑relevant skills in achieving Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and NST2 targets, describing TVET as a bridge between workforce potential and the productive labour market. He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to build a future‑ready TVET system that responds to the country’s development needs.

This was echoed by Hon. Claudette Irere, Minister of State for Education, who underscored the importance of a resilient TVET system that can adapt to global disruptions while continuing to deliver quality training aligned with labour market needs.

“Even in the face of global challenges, our ambition remains unchanged. We must continue equipping learners with the skills, innovation, and adaptability needed to thrive, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s economic transformation,” she added.

Throughout the retreat, participants examined labour market trends and explored practical solutions to strengthen industry engagement, expand workplace learning opportunities, promote entrepreneurship, and improve employment outcomes for TVET graduates.

The retreat concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to advance an inclusive, responsive, and market‑driven TVET system that equips Rwandans with relevant skills for productive employment and contributes to the country’s socio‑economic transformation.