Workforce and Talent in Rwanda
The labour market in figures
| Indicator | Figure | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Population (projection, medium scenario) | 14,418,145 | 2026 |
| Working-age population (16 and over) | 8.7 million | June 2026 |
| Employed | 4.7 million | June 2026 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | June 2026 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | August 2026 |
| Employment-to-population ratio | 54% | August 2026 |
Source: National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Labour Force Survey, June 2026; National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Labour Force Survey 2026; National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Population projections, fifth census thematic report1,2,9
The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda runs the Labour Force Survey every quarter. The figures change from quarter to quarter, so compare the same quarter across years.
Where the workers are: unemployment and pay by district
Unemployment and median monthly pay in each district, from the 2025 Labour Force Survey.
Show the figures as a table
| Rank | District | Province | Unemployment, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nyamasheke | Western Province | 18.4% |
| 2 | Gicumbi | Northern Province | 18.1% |
| 3 | Kamonyi | Southern Province | 17.4% |
| 4 | Nyaruguru | Southern Province | 17.4% |
| 5 | Burera | Northern Province | 16.4% |
| 6 | Rutsiro | Western Province | 15.6% |
| 7 | Rusizi | Western Province | 15.0% |
| 8 | Nyamagabe | Southern Province | 13.5% |
| 9 | Nyanza | Southern Province | 13.5% |
| 10 | Bugesera | Eastern Province | 13.3% |
| 11 | Kicukiro | City of Kigali | 13.2% |
| 12 | Rubavu | Western Province | 12.7% |
| 13 | Muhanga | Southern Province | 12.6% |
| 14 | Nyarugenge | City of Kigali | 12.4% |
| 15 | Rulindo | Northern Province | 12.4% |
| 16 | Huye | Southern Province | 12.4% |
| 17 | Gisagara | Southern Province | 12.3% |
| 18 | Karongi | Western Province | 12.1% |
| 19 | Musanze | Northern Province | 11.8% |
| 20 | Rwamagana | Eastern Province | 11.7% |
| 21 | Gatsibo | Eastern Province | 11.5% |
| 22 | Gasabo | City of Kigali | 11.2% |
| 23 | Ngoma | Eastern Province | 10.1% |
| 24 | Nyagatare | Eastern Province | 10.0% |
| 25 | Ruhango | Southern Province | 9.4% |
| 26 | Kirehe | Eastern Province | 9.3% |
| 27 | Kayonza | Eastern Province | 9.2% |
| 28 | Ngororero | Western Province | 8.6% |
| 29 | Gakenke | Northern Province | 7.0% |
| 30 | Nyabihu | Western Province | 7.0% |
| Rank | District | Province | Median monthly pay, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kicukiro | City of Kigali | RWF 100,000 |
| 2 | Gasabo | City of Kigali | RWF 80,000 |
| 3 | Nyarugenge | City of Kigali | RWF 80,000 |
| 4 | Musanze | Northern Province | RWF 52,000 |
| 5 | Rubavu | Western Province | RWF 52,000 |
| 6 | Kamonyi | Southern Province | RWF 46,800 |
| 7 | Bugesera | Eastern Province | RWF 43,333 |
| 8 | Burera | Northern Province | RWF 39,000 |
| 9 | Muhanga | Southern Province | RWF 39,000 |
| 10 | Rwamagana | Eastern Province | RWF 39,000 |
| 11 | Rusizi | Western Province | RWF 39,000 |
| 12 | Nyamasheke | Western Province | RWF 39,000 |
| 13 | Nyabihu | Western Province | RWF 39,000 |
| 14 | Gicumbi | Northern Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 15 | Rulindo | Northern Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 16 | Huye | Southern Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 17 | Nyamagabe | Southern Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 18 | Ruhango | Southern Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 19 | Nyaruguru | Southern Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 20 | Karongi | Western Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 21 | Rutsiro | Western Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 22 | Ngororero | Western Province | RWF 31,200 |
| 23 | Kayonza | Eastern Province | RWF 30,000 |
| 24 | Gakenke | Northern Province | RWF 26,000 |
| 25 | Gisagara | Southern Province | RWF 26,000 |
| 26 | Nyanza | Southern Province | RWF 26,000 |
| 27 | Nyagatare | Eastern Province | RWF 26,000 |
| 28 | Gatsibo | Eastern Province | RWF 26,000 |
| 29 | Kirehe | Eastern Province | RWF 26,000 |
| 30 | Ngoma | Eastern Province | RWF 26,000 |
Languages
The Constitution names Kinyarwanda, English and French as official languages, and an organic law of 2017 added Swahili. Kinyarwanda is the national language. In business with foreign investors, English is the usual working language; Swahili helps with trade across East Africa.
Skills in short supply, and skills growing
- In short supply: experienced accountants, lawyers, engineers and technicians.
- Growing: ICT skills. The national plan to 2029 aims to train 1 million people in basic coding and 500,000 in advanced ICT skills.
Higher education enrolment rose by 17.5% in 2024/25, to 153,318 students in 39 institutions.
Hiring foreign staff
- An investor with at least USD 250,000 invested may recruit three foreign employees.
- Citizens of other East African Community states may work in Rwanda, and Rwanda has abolished work permit fees for them.
- Other foreign staff need a work permit from the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Rwanda’s workforce?
Rwanda had 8.7 million people of working age, 16 and over, in June 2026. Unemployment was 15.6% in August 2026.
How many students are in higher education in Rwanda?
There were 153,318 students in higher education in 2024/25, at 39 higher learning institutions.
Can a company in Rwanda hire foreign staff?
Yes. Foreign staff need a work permit from the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Citizens of other East African Community states may work in Rwanda without work permit fees.
Sources
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Labour Force Survey, June 2026
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Labour Force Survey 2026
- U.S. Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Rwanda
- Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda: 2003 text, revised in 2015, Article 8
- RwandaLII: Organic Law n° 02/2017/OL establishing Kiswahili as an official language, Official Gazette n° 18 of 01/05/2017
- Ministry of Education: Education Statistical Yearbook 2024/25
- Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning: ICT Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, abridged
- East African Community: Working in East Africa
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Population projections, fifth census thematic report
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
