On April 28, 2025, the Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA) called on employers in Rwanda to prioritize the health and safety of their workers during the national celebration of the World Day for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). The event, held at Trinity Metals/Musha Mines in Rwamagana District, highlighted the theme “Healthy and Safe Workplaces: An Engine for Productivity,” emphasizing the critical link between workplace safety and national economic growth.
Rwanda’s Minister of Public Service and Labor, Hon. Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka, addressed attendees, stating, “This year’s theme reminds us of the link between promoting health and safety at work and employee productivity.” She referenced alarming statistics from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which estimates that over 395 million work-related accidents and illnesses occur globally each year. In Rwanda alone, nearly 8,000 occupational incidents were reported in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to data from the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).
“These figures only scratch the surface,” Nkulikiyinka pointed out. “We must consider how many more incidents go unreported, particularly among uninsured workers who lack support when accidents occur.”
The Minister cited recent labor inspection reports demonstrating a steady improvement in workplace compliance with decent work standards and occupational health and safety over the past three fiscal years. Compliance with decent work standards rose from 67.5% in 2021/2022 to 72.7% in 2023/2024. However, the adherence to occupational health and safety measures remains a challenge, increasing from just 45.5% to 59.9% in the same period.
“Neglecting safety at work has real costs—not only in terms of lost labor and insurance payouts but also in how it impacts families, businesses, and our economy,” she emphasized.
Minister Nkulikiyinka reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to worker welfare by citing the country’s 2023 ratification of ILO conventions that recognize occupational safety and health as fundamental rights. This commitment aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), which aims to create 250,000 jobs over the next five years, particularly within the mining sector.
“As we prepare to celebrate International Labour Day on May 1st, let’s remember that our commitment to safety is also a commitment to progress,” she concluded.
Eng. Andre Mutsindashyaka, Secretary General of the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), praised improvements in mining safety, stating, “In the past, we heard daily of fatal accidents in mines. That is now history.” He reported that Rwanda now has 81,000 mining workers, a significant increase from 32,000 ten years ago, and emphasized the importance of robust worker protections.
Mutsindashyaka pointed to Trinity Metals as a model employer, highlighting their commitment to safety through their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and improved pay structures. “Employees have seen their earnings grow from 1,600 Rwf per kilogram to 3,000 Rwf. We are also establishing a sector-wide base salary starting at 1,500 Rwf for workers without production output,” he added.
He noted a remarkable increase in the number of workers with formal contracts in the mining sector—from 5% to 34% in just seven years—driven by collaborative efforts and collective bargaining.
Benitha Twebaze, Superintendent of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community at Musha Trinity Metals, spoke on the company’s ongoing commitment to health and safety. “We have implemented a comprehensive health and safety management system that includes daily risk assessments and pre-shift toolbox talks,” she explained.
Twebaze highlighted the importance of safety protocols, stating, “Since a fatal incident two years ago, we’ve tightened our safety measures. Our ultimate goal is zero harm, and safety is our top priority.”
Workers echoed these sentiments, with Jeanette Uwimana, a five-year employee at Musha Trinity Metals, sharing, “We are equipped with personal protective equipment, which helps ensure we return home safely every day. This commitment to our safety means so much to us both physically and financially.”
As Rwanda continues its journey towards a safer working environment, the ongoing efforts from the government, unions, and employers demonstrate a collective commitment to protecting the health and safety of all workers. By prioritizing safety, Rwanda is paving the way for a more productive and prosperous future.
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