Over 300 young people from various districts across Rwanda, currently employed by Pioner Contractors in Kagasa Cell, Gashora Sector, Bugesera District in the Eastern Province, are expressing their appreciation for the technological and entrepreneurial skills they continue to acquire — all aimed at improving their livelihoods and self-reliance.
These youth are part of Pioner Contractors, the workforce management company serving Imana Steel Rwanda Limited, a factory that manufactures construction steel bars (fer à béton). They say the knowledge and training they received — initially provided by foreign experts — have significantly transformed their lives both economically and socially.
Augustin Hategekimana shared how his work experience at Pioner Contractors has improved his life through exposure to modern technology and entrepreneurship.
“I’ve worked at Imana Steel for a year and a half. During this time, I managed to renovate my house and provide for my family. My salary has increased since I started, and I can now perform tasks that used to be handled by Kenyan experts, all by myself. I’m thankful for the progress I’ve made by working with skilled professionals,” he said.
Other employees who trained under foreign professionals at Pioner Contractors Ltd Kigali confirm that learning technical trades has been the foundation of their personal and professional growth, noting that “no one who learns a craft remains unemployed.”
Marie Manishimwe, another employee at Imana Steel, described how her job has reshaped her life: “I’ve been working at the factory for three years. My salary has allowed me to pay for my driving lessons — now I have a driving license — I can afford quality education for my child, and I pay rent comfortably. Working here truly changed my life.”
She added: “Factory work isn’t only for men. Yes, there are few of us women here, but that doesn’t mean the job is too difficult for women. There are things men can endure that women can’t — but also things women can handle that men can’t. It’s about resilience and teamwork.”
Theogene Habinshuti, 28, also shared his journey: “I’ve worked here for two years. I was trained to operate machines, and now I’m certified with Category F. I do tasks that used to be performed by foreign workers. The skills and training I gained here helped me rise out of poverty.”
He further noted: “Our employers are very supportive. Whenever we face challenges, they help us. I started in a different role, but after acquiring new skills, they promoted me to a better position.”
Maurice Turahimana, originally from Muhanga District, has worked at Imana Steel since 2019 in the section that molds metal casting pots.
“Working here has given me valuable skills and the chance to grow financially. I’ve bought two cows, 20 iron sheets for building, and I’m saving money regularly,” he shared proudly.
His colleague Emanuel Iradukunda echoed similar sentiments, saying that through the training provided, he now performs tasks that were once handled by Ugandan workers — a clear sign of growing local capacity.
Gaspard Kabagambe, who oversees daily worker operations, said he joined the factory in 2020 in the construction department and has since witnessed remarkable transformation among local workers.
“The knowledge Rwandan employees gained from the foreign experts who initially worked here has enabled many young people to secure jobs, improve their lives, and move out of poverty,” he said.
He also commended the company’s management for maintaining strong worker relations: “Every year on May 1, Labor Day, management meets with all staff to celebrate and discuss progress. At the end of the year, we also gather for a company dinner. These initiatives strengthen unity between employees and employers.”
The Managing Director of Pioner Contractors Ltd, Jean Damascene Iyamuremye, explained that Pioner is a Rwandan company specializing in construction and building materials, with an additional focus on improving quality standards. Founded in 2013 after operating in Kenya, its mission was to ensure a sufficient local supply of steel bars (fer à béton) and contribute to national development.
“Our goal is to support the government in addressing youth unemployment by creating jobs. We train employees continuously, and those who were once trained by foreign experts now train others. We’ve reached the level we envisioned — employing skilled Rwandans in positions once held by expatriates,” he said.
He continued: “We currently have around 300 employees, including daily laborers and those on short- and long-term contracts. Many have improved their living standards — some have bought motorbikes, others have married, and all are covered under the national pension scheme Ejo Heza. We also encourage them to save and join cooperatives.”
Iyamuremye added that the company uses a digital ID card system to enhance transparency: “Through this system, both employers and employees can access up-to-date information about their work and performance. We’re grateful to the President of the Republic for encouraging the creation of local jobs and urging youth to work within the country — that’s what inspired us to invest in empowering Rwandan youth.”
He concluded by highlighting the company’s social responsibility: “We appreciate the government’s support in our development initiatives. We work closely with local authorities to promote environmental protection, assist vulnerable communities, and encourage our employees to participate in national programs. We’re also grateful to Bugesera District’s labor authorities for providing guidance and training that help our staff deliver efficient, high-quality work.”
Imana Steel Rwanda Limited is a steel manufacturing company situated in the Bugesera Industrial Zone, Kagasa Cell, Gashora Sector, Eastern Province, Rwanda.
Gabriel UZABAKIRIHO / KIGALI TIMES