Small And Medium Enterprises as A Strategy to Reduce Unemployment Among Graduates in Rwanda

Abstract

This paper explores the importance and the role of Small and Medium enterprises as a strategy to lower the unemployment level among graduates in Rwanda. Even if it is difficult for the graduates to find employment, SMEs present and provide positive opportunities for employment and the economic development of the country. Entrepreneurship is getting better and easier to engage in since the government of Rwanda has introduced programs to help them grow, programs such as easy and quick registration of SMEs, access to capital, home industry protection policy, tax incentives, entrepreneurship education, and business development services helps in the creation, development, and sustainability of SMEs. Examples of graduates, who embraced the opportunity presented by SMEs, are now inspiring examples of how SMEs can change individuals, society, and the country. SMEs are heavily supported by the government of Rwanda since they can be used to achieve its vision of becoming a middle-income nation. This opportunity should be grabbed by the graduates and become entrepreneurs instead of waiting to get white-collar jobs.

Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprises, Unemployment, Graduates, Entrepreneurship, Government initiatives

DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/16-5-07

Publication date: June 30th 2024