Work conditions in Rwanda

The Active Population in Figures

Working Conditions

Legal Weekly Duration

Art. 49 of the Labour code states that the legal employment’s duration is forty five hours per week. However, due to the specific nature of the work the weekly working hours shall be based upon the agreement between the employer and the employee.

Retirement Age

For full pension, a worker must have at least 60 years of age (younger if prematurely aged), with minimum 180 months (15 years) of contributions.

Working Contracts

According to the Labour Code, employment contracts can be concluded for a fixed term, opened ended or for a specific task. They can be either oral or written. However, an employment contract must be in written if it is concluded for a period of 6 or more months; or if the work can't be completed in 6 months; or the employment contract has been signed in Rwanda but has to be implemented in a foreign country.

Labour Laws

Consult the Employment Act, to obtain a summary of the labour regulations that apply in Rwanda

Cost of Labour

Minimum Wage

Officially there is no minimum wage in Rwanda. According to the 1980 labour law, the minimum wage is RWF 100, but these figures are outdated and are considered below the international standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Average Wage

The average monthly wage for an employee is RWF 56,668 (ILO).

Social Contributions

Social Security Contributions Paid By Employers: 5%
Social Security Contributions Paid By Employees: The employer is required to contribute 5% of the employee's gross salary for social security contributions (deducted from the monthly salary), while employees contribution is equal to 3%.

Social Partners

Employer Associations

PSF - Rwanda Private Sector Association
PSF - Private Sector Federation

Social Dialogue and Involvement of Social Partners

The constitution provides for the rights to form trade unions, engage in collective bargaining (art. 38), and strike (art. 39). Nevertheless, de facto such rights are often limited, especially in the public sector or for “essential services” (with the government giving a broad interpretation of this concept, often including services that are not strictly essential for the public interest). Furthermore, according to a report by Freedom House, enforcement of rules against antiunion discrimination is weak, and the government allegedly interferes in union elections (the country’s largest union confederation is suspected to have close ties with the ruling party).

Labour Unions

Trade Union Centre of Workers of Rwanda (CESTRAR)

Unionisation Rate

n/a

Labour Regulation Bodies

Ministry of Public Service and Labour