Covid 19 and its impact on Labour force in Rwanda
According to the Labour Force Survey results of November 2020(Q4), the unemployment rate in Rwanda was 20.3 percent compared to 16.0 percent in August 2020(Q2); indicating an increase of 4.3 percentage points A higher increase was observed among males (5.6 percentage points) as compared to females (2.7 percentage points). The comparison of unemployment rate of May 2020 and the one of November 2020, reveals that it decreased among both males and females with a higher decrease among females (2.6 percentage point) as compared to males (1.0 percentage points)
COVID-19 and its impact on Labour force in Rwanda
Source: NISR, LFS_2017-2020
Rwanda toward achieving 1.500.000 job creation
During the elaboration of The National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), job creation was included as one of the key components of the economic pillar. NST1 stipulates creation of 1.500.000 jobs by 2024. The strategy also emphasizes inclusive growth, creation of productive and descent work for all (Off Farm). The government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Finance and economic planning identified high priority sectors with potential for employment creation.
Declining trend in Unemployment rate
The Rwanda unemployment rate has been varying between 14.5 and 15.4 percent in last four quarters of 2019 and has continue to decline in the 1st Quarter 2020 up to 13.1% a figure that has not yet achieved in last four years. As a result, the number of population out of labour force has increased as compared to the previous quarter and the number of working age population in subsistence agriculture has increased.
Unemployment rate declined by 3.4 percent in the last 3 years
UR=Unemployment rate, EPR=Employment to population Ratio, LFPR=Labour Force Participation Rate
Rwanda’s unemployment rate increasing in Quarter 3, 2019
UR=Unemployment rate, EPR=Employment to population Ratio, LFPR=Labour Force Participation Rate
Declining trend in Unemployment rate from February 2017 to February 2019(Q1)
The Rwanda Labour Force Survey (LFS) started in 2016 with an annual sample spread into two rounds to provide bi-annual estimates of main labour market indicators at National level.
Unemployment rate in Rwanda is slightly declining
UR=Unemployment rate, EPR=Employment to population Ratio, LFPR=Labour Force Participation Rate
In past two years (2017 and 2018), the unemployment rate in Rwanda is slightly declining while the employment to population and Labour force participation Rate is increasing.
Labour force participation in Rwanda: Results from the Population and Housing Census of 2012
In Rwanda, according to the Population and Housing Census conducted in 2012 (2012RPHC), the population aged 16 years and above increased during the last decade.
Employment rate, higher for women than men in Rwanda
Rwanda has always recorded a higher female employment rate over past ten years than in men category. Even though the difference is not so big, women are still having a bigger employment rate since 2000.