Kigali – Government institutions, development partners, private sector actors and technical experts have concluded a three-day Technical Discussion on Linking Job-Rich Sectors with Social Protection, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening pathways that connect social protection beneficiaries to sustainable employment, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.

The workshop comes shortly after the signing of an additional financing agreement worth USD 80 million with World Bank to support the implementation of the Social Protection Transformation Project (SPTP), implemented by the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA). The additional financing is expected to further strengthen social protection systems while expanding opportunities for economic inclusion and resilience among vulnerable households.

Over the three days, participants engaged in technical discussions aimed at identifying practical strategies for linking beneficiaries of social protection programmes to job-rich sectors of the economy. The discussions explored opportunities in agriculture value chains, agro-processing, infrastructure and utilities, the care economy, green jobs and financial inclusion, among other sectors with strong employment potential.

Participants examined labor market opportunities, skills requirements, entrepreneurship support mechanisms and private sector engagement models that can facilitate the transition of beneficiaries from social assistance to sustainable livelihoods.

Opening the discussions, stakeholders emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation to ensure that social protection programmes not only provide immediate support to vulnerable households but also create pathways towards self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Closing the workshop, the Division Manager for Community Development & Strategy at LODA, Mr. Maurice Nsabibaruta, underscored the importance of coordinated efforts in achieving Rwanda's poverty reduction objectives.

"This is a joint noble objective to eliminate poverty," he said.

He highlighted the progress Rwanda has made in building strong social protection systems and institutions capable of supporting integrated interventions.

"As MINALOC and LODA, we have tried to set the foundation. We know who the poor are, we know where they are, and we know what they need. We have an established monitoring system and a Unified Social Registry through which partners can identify and reach beneficiaries effectively," he noted.

The Division Manager further emphasized the role of digitally equipped Para-Social Workers in monitoring changes in livelihoods and supporting the implementation of economic inclusion interventions at the community level.

Speaking at the closing session, Mr. Silas Udahemuka, Senior Human Development Specialist and Task Team Lead for the World Bank's Social Protection engagement in Rwanda, commended participants for their contributions and the quality of discussions held during the workshop.

He noted that the opportunities identified throughout the discussions are real and achievable, provided stakeholders maintain a strong focus on quality implementation.

"Quality matters," he emphasized, urging stakeholders to ensure that all interventions are delivered to high standards in order to generate meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Mr. Udahemuka also stressed the importance of certification and skills recognition for targeted beneficiaries to improve their employability and facilitate access to economic opportunities.

The workshop concluded with a shared understanding that stronger collaboration among Government institutions, development partners, private sector actors and communities will be essential to unlocking opportunities for social protection beneficiaries and ensuring that investments under the Social Protection Transformation Project contribute to lasting economic inclusion, resilience and poverty reduction.