Rwanda Moves to Standardise Trade Qualifications as Artisan Blueprint Symposium Holds

The Minister of State, Claudette Irere, on Tuesday joined BluLever at the Artisan Blueprint Symposium, where stakeholders deliberated on plans to introduce standardised trade qualifications for artisans in Rwanda, beginning with the plumbing and electrical trades.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening skills development, improving workplace safety, and enhancing the competitiveness of Rwandan artisans within the local and regional labour markets.

Commending the programme, Minister Irere described it as a significant milestone in the country’s technical and vocational skills agenda. She noted that the introduction of clear, nationally recognised qualification standards would ensure artisans are properly trained and equipped to meet industry demands.

“By establishing clear criteria for what constitutes a fully qualified artisan, we ensure that individuals possess the skills required to perform their work effectively and safely,” the Minister said. “For artisans, attaining a recognised qualification opens doors to better employment opportunities, strengthens career prospects, and ultimately contributes to the broader economic development of our nation.”

Discussions at the symposium focused on frameworks for certification, quality assurance, and industry collaboration, with participants highlighting the need to align trade qualifications with international best practices while responding to Rwanda’s evolving infrastructure and labour needs.

Organisers said the Artisan Blueprint initiative is expected to lay the foundation for a structured and scalable skills certification system that supports job creation, professionalisation of trades, and sustainable economic growth.

The symposium brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, and skills development stakeholders committed to advancing technical excellence and workforce readiness in Rwanda.