Support project to technical training and employability in Rwanda (AFTER II)

Context

AFTER II supports Rwanda’s ambition to create 250,000 jobs annually by enhancing vocational education and youth employability. Building on lessons from the first phase (AFTER I), the project improves learning conditions and expands capacity in four key institutions. It develops modern, relevant courses, strengthens collaboration with the private sector and encourages graduate entrepreneurship — especially among women and youth. The project also reinforces national technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions and integrates gender equality, ecological transition and social inclusion. By equipping young people with market-ready skills, AFTER II contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Objectives

The overall objective of AFTER II is to strengthen youth employability by improving technical and vocational education in line with labour market needs. Specifically, it upgrades four key institutions — the polytechnic colleges of Karongi and Kitabi, and the TVET schools of Muhororo and Cyanika — by expanding infrastructure and enhancing learning conditions. It modernises training courses, fosters entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, and builds capacity within national TVET agencies. Cross-cutting themes like gender equality, ecological transition and inclusion ensure broader social impact. Through enhanced curricula, eco-friendly initiatives and stronger ties to the private sector, the project equips young people with relevant skills and creates opportunities for meaningful employment.

Beneficiaries

The project's primary beneficiaries are the students of the four partner institutions, who gain practical, market-aligned skills that enhance their employability. Local and national employers, in turn, benefit from access to a more qualified workforce, which strengthens their productivity and competitiveness. By improving the quality of training and linking schools with industries, the project strengthens opportunities for youth and supports Rwanda’s economic growth.

Target geographical area 

AFTER II is active in specific regions of Rwanda, focusing on four key vocational institutions to maximise targeted impact. The beneficiary sites include the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) of Karongi and the Muhororo TVET School, both located in Karongi District, and the IPRC of Kitabi and the Cyanika TVET School, both in Nyamagabe District.

Stakeholders

AFTER II is delivered through close collaboration between Rwandan institutions and international partners. Led by the Agence française de développement (AFD), the project brings together the Rwanda TVET Board and Rwanda Polytechnic as key national actors, with technical implementation support from Expertise France.