More than 90,000 Rwandans employed in mining sector #rwanda #RwOT

The four-day event has brought together global investors, policymakers, mining companies, financial institutions, tech innovators and development partners to explore Rwanda's growing position in the global critical minerals landscape.

In his address at the Kigali Convention Centre, Dr. Nsengiyumva praised the sector for its continued contribution to national development and highlighted progress in improving professionalism, environmental management and adherence to international mining standards.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent regulatory environment that encourages responsible investment and supports both workers and operators.

'Your efforts demonstrate that mining can indeed be a driver of sustainable development,' the Prime Minister said, urging the sector to continue prioritising good governance, technological upgrading and community welfare.

While the Prime Minister referenced only the latest employment figure, data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows the broader trajectory of the sector's recovery. During the Covid-19 pandemic, mining jobs fell by 19 per cent, dropping to 57,379, down from 71,205 workers in 2019. In 2017, the industry employed 47,727 people. The rebound to over 92,000 jobs marks the strongest recovery in nearly a decade.

The sector's rapid expansion is also reflected in export performance. Rwanda's mineral export revenues have grown from $373 million in 2017 to $1.75 billion in 2024, with the government targeting $2.17 billion by 2029, driven by rising global demand for critical minerals essential to modern technologies.

This year's Rwanda Mining Week adopts the theme 'Minerals for a Smarter and Greener Future,' highlighting the importance of critical minerals in the global transition to clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Rwanda continues to position itself as a reliable supplier of strategic minerals, supported by strengthened partnerships with investors, researchers and development institutions.

Dr. Nsengiyumva said the country is committed to playing its part as a 'principled, responsible and reliable partner' in the global low-carbon transition.

He called for deeper collaboration and meaningful discussions aimed at advancing the sector's contribution to Rwanda's economic transformation.

Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva opened the 8th Rwanda Mining Week on Tuesday, noting that the sector now employs more than 92,000 Rwandans.

Dr. Nsengiyumva praised the sector for its continued contribution to national development and highlighted progress in improving professionalism, environmental management and adherence to international mining standards.