Paid Internship at Rwanda development Board

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Paid Internship Programme: Empowering Young Rwandans for the Future

1. Introduction

For thousands of young graduates across Rwanda, the dream of finding a decent job right after university can feel almost impossible. Many leave school full of ambition but quickly discover that most employers are looking for experience something few fresh graduates have. To solve this challenge, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) stepped in with an initiative that has changed lives: the National Professional Internship Programme (NPIP), often known as the RDB Paid Internship Programme.

The program gives graduates a real chance to enter the world of work, gain practical skills, and start building their careers. It is part of the government’s larger plan to empower young people, reduce unemployment, and support Rwanda’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.

2. Why the Programme Was Created

The idea behind the RDB internship programme is simple but powerful help graduates bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

Many employers have complained that young people leave school with good grades but struggle with practical tasks, teamwork, or workplace discipline. On the other hand, young graduates often say they can’t find jobs because companies want experience. The RDB programme was created to fix this loop — by giving graduates hands-on experience and connecting them directly with institutions that need new talent.

The program’s main goals include:

1. Building professional skills: helping graduates learn how to work, communicate, and solve problems effectively.
2. Improving employability: giving interns a chance to prove themselves and possibly secure full-time jobs.
3. Supporting national employment efforts: aligning with Rwanda’s vision to create opportunities for youth.
4. Encouraging innovation: inspiring young people to think creatively, start businesses, or contribute to national projects.

3. Who Can Apply

The RDB internship program is open to Rwandan citizens who have recently finished their studies whether from universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

To qualify, applicants should:

1. Be unemployed graduates looking for their first job.
2. Have completed their studies within the past two years.
3. Hold at least a diploma or bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
4. Be willing to work in any assigned district or organization across Rwanda.

While all fields of study are accepted, preference is often given to areas that are key to national development such as ICT, business, engineering, agriculture, and tourism.

4. How the Internship Works

Once accepted, interns are placed in government offices, private companies, NGOs, or development projects for a period of six months though some placements may last up to a full year depending on performance and availability.

Each intern is given a supervisor who mentors them throughout the journey. They get to learn by doing attending meetings, contributing ideas, handling tasks, and understanding how organizations operate on a daily basis.

Many interns say that this experience completely changes their perspective — they move from being “students” to becoming confident professionals who understand what it takes to succeed in the workplace.

5. Financial Support

One of the best things about the RDB internship is that it’s paid. Each intern receives a monthly allowance of RWF 50,000 to help cover transport costs.

While it may not sound like much, it ensures that interns can focus on learning without worrying too much about basic expenses. Some host organizations, especially private companies, go a step further by providing extra support like meals, accommodation, or top-up allowances.

This payment also represents the government’s commitment to valuing youth efforts — even when they are still learning.

6. The Application Process

Applying for the RDB internship is easy and fully digital. Everything happens online through the RDB National Internship Portal:
https://internshipdev.rdb.rw

Here’s how to apply:

1. Visit the Portal: Open the RDB internship website and click Apply for Internship.
2. Create an Account: Register using your full name, ID number, phone, and email.
3. Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need your national ID, degree or diploma, academic transcripts, and CV.
4. Fill Out the Form: Choose your field of study and preferred internship area.
5. Submit: Once you’re done, submit and wait for feedback from RDB.
6. Get Matched: If selected, you’ll be placed with a suitable host institution and notified via email or SMS.

The program usually opens applications in cycles throughout the year, so it’s important to keep checking the RDB website or local job platforms like lmis.rw for updates.

7. Mentorship and Evaluation

During the internship, you are not left alone. Every intern has a mentor or supervisor who guides them, offers feedback, and helps them grow professionally. Interns also submit short progress reports during the program and a final report at the end.

After completing the internship, RDB awards each participant a Certificate of Completion, which becomes a valuable document for future job applications. Employers often appreciate this certificate because it confirms that the applicant has gone through a government-recognized training experience.

8. Why the Programme Matters

Since its launch, the RDB Paid Internship Programme has transformed the lives of thousands of young Rwandans. It has helped graduates build confidence, gain technical experience, and discover their career paths.

Here are some of its biggest impacts:

1. Creating jobs: Many interns are hired permanently by their host institutions after completing the program.

1. Developing skills: Interns learn professional etiquette, communication, leadership, and practical skills that schools don’t always teach.

1. Building networks: Interns meet professionals who later become mentors, references, or even employers.

1. Boosting confidence: young people gain courage and self-belief when they see their contributions making a difference.

1. Driving national growth: By training job-ready professionals, the program contributes directly to Rwanda’s Vision 2050 — building a prosperous, knowledge-driven society.

 

9. Challenges and the Way Forward

No program is perfect, and the RDB internship has its challenges. The biggest issue is often the limited allowance, which may not fully cover daily needs, especially for those working far from home. Another challenge is the high number of applicants compared to available slots — meaning some qualified graduates may have to wait for the next cycle.

However, these challenges also present opportunities. The government continues to look for ways to strengthen the program by:

1. Partnering with more private and international organizations to create more placements.
2. Increasing the monthly stipend as resources allow.
3. Strengthening post-internship follow-up systems to help graduates transition into permanent employment.

10. Conclusion

The RDB Paid Internship Programme is more than just an internship — it’s a bridge between dreams and reality for young Rwandans. It provides a fair chance for graduates to prove themselves, learn from professionals, and begin meaningful careers.

In a country that values innovation, discipline, and progress, RDB’s effort to empower youth through practical experience is both visionary and life-changing. With thousands of graduates already benefiting from the program, the future of Rwanda’s workforce looks brighter than ever.

For any young person wondering where to start after graduation, the message is clear: start with RDB learn, grow, and build your future.

  Apply here now