RICEM Partners with RTI for Culinary and Hospitality Training Program
Written By Admin Published on February 5, 2024

The Rwanda Institute of Cooperative, Entrepreneurship, and Microfinance (RICEM) has marked a significant milestone in Rwanda’s culinary and hospitality sector by securing a grant in partnership with RTI for the "Workforce Development Training in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program." This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize Rwanda’s culinary and hospitality industry by creating substantial employment opportunities and enhancing skills within the sector.

The overarching goal of the project is to actively support RICEM in fostering employment opportunities within Rwanda’s culinary and hospitality industry. The program will impart essential skills across various facets of the food value chain, including barista techniques, waiter service, baking, and culinary arts. With a focus on inclusivity, the project targets women, youth, and individuals with disabilities, aiming to enhance the skills and competencies of 250 trainees while promoting economic inclusion and sustainability.

The project involves comprehensive training modules, recruitment and training of individuals, collaboration with private sector companies, and organization of workshops and job fairs. With a strategic focus on Kigali, RICEM aims to maximize the project’s impact and reach across diverse regions, accommodating participants from various provinces.

A pivotal step in this endeavor was the workshop held on January 13, 2024, where hospitality industry professionals collaborated to identify industry gaps, laying the foundation for developing effective training modules and facilitating successful training sessions. The anticipated outcomes include a transformed culinary and hospitality sector characterized by a skilled workforce contributing to growth and prosperity. RICEM aims for 90 percent of participants to secure sustainable livelihoods, either through self-employment or wage-based positions, while equipping them with industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills.

RICEM’s commitment to providing up-to-date industry practices and promoting sustainable practices aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to environmental responsibility, shaping a more robust and resilient culinary and hospitality industry.