Enhancing Public Works Programmes for Sustainable Job Opportunities in Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda, 28 May 2026 — The Government of Rwanda, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank (WB), officially launched the Multi-Partner Global Accelerator (M-GA) on Jobs and Social Protection for a Just Transition in Rwanda at the Mövenpick Hotel in Kigali.

Supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund, this multi-partner programme aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing the jobs gap and expanding social protection coverage. In Rwanda, the M-GA responds to persistent challenges related to employment quality, labour market inclusion, climate vulnerability, and fragmentation across jobs, social protection, and climate agendas. The joint programme has a budget of USD 1.2 million and will run until August 2027. In Rwanda, the programme will improve the quality and sustainability of jobs provided through public works programmes by strengthening linkages to local economic opportunities across sectors. It will focus on Ngororero and Burera districts, where poor and vulnerable populations are most affected, while supporting an inclusive green transition.

Claudine Nyinawagaga, the Director General of the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency, said, "The launch of the Multi-Partner Global Accelerator marks an important milestone in Rwanda's commitment to creating more inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient livelihoods. Through this partnership between the Government of Rwanda, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Joint SDG Fund, we are strengthening the link between jobs, social protection, and climate action to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens—particularly women—have greater opportunities to thrive. By working together under strong national leadership, we can deliver lasting impact and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals."

Andrea Bagnoli, the World Food Programme Country Director in Rwanda speaking on behalf of the United Nations system in Rwanda, said: 

“Today’s event reflects a shared commitment to a central priority for Rwanda: strengthening social protection systems while expanding access to decent and sustainable jobs. This joint programme builds on Rwanda’s strong national momentum and is fully aligned with key national priorities, including NST2, Vision 2050, the Social Protection Sector Strategic Plan, and ongoing Vision Umurenge Programme reforms, while also contributing directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals."

"I am proud to reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations, through WFP and UNICEF together with the World Bank, to support the Government of Rwanda in advancing jobs, social protection, and inclusive growth. Together, we have an opportunity to transform public works into a stronger foundation for sustainable livelihoods and resilience,” he added. 

Godfrey Kayigana, the Director General of Social Affairs and Community Development spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government, and said: 

"Today's launch reflects our shared commitment to creating more and better jobs, expanding social protection, and building climate resilience through stronger partnerships and coordinated action. While this milestone marks the beginning of an important journey, our priority now is to translate our commitments into tangible results that improve livelihoods, particularly for the most vulnerable. The Government of Rwanda remains fully committed to working with all partners to ensure this programme delivers lasting impact for our communities."

The launch event brought together representatives from government ministries and institutions, UN agencies, development and financial partners, and donors supporting the joint programme through the SDG Fund. It served as a platform to build a shared understanding of the programme’s objectives, scope, and implementation approach, while strengthening alignment, coordination, and collaboration among partners for effective implementation.

The joint programme brings together complementary interventions led by the three partner agencies. UNICEF will strengthen the skills of caregivers in home- and community-based ECD centres to support workforce professionalization and improve the quality of care. WFP will support the Government’s rethinking of the social protection agenda by linking climate-smart public works to the creation of productive and sustainable jobs. The World Bank will contribute through policy dialogue, diagnostics, and systems strengthening. The programme is expected to deliver three key results: improved design of public works programmes with stronger coordination and linkages to local economic development initiatives across sectors; proof of concept for more productive, market-oriented, and sustainable public works jobs; and accredited caregivers in home-based early childhood development settings, contributing to improved developmental outcomes for children.

WFP, UNICEF and the World Bank, together with other partners,  sincerely appreciate the contributions of the European Union, the Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as private sector funding partners, whose support is helping drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The launch marked an important milestone in building a shared platform for collaboration and sustained partnership, reinforcing Rwanda’s efforts to advance more formalized, productive employment and sustainable graduation pathways.