Call for Applications: DOT Rwanda Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027

Applications for the Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027 has been opened by Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Rwanda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the Digital Skills for Employability (DSE) program. This community-based initiative is designed for young Rwandans who are passionate about digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and community-driven development. Applications close on 21 January 2026.

About the Digital Skills for Employability (DSE) Program

The DSE program is a transformative four-year initiative supporting Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) 2024–2029, Vision 2050, and the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy. Led by DOT Rwanda, the program is implemented through a consortium of partners including:

• Intango Technical Secondary School (TSS)

• Igire Rwanda Organization (IRO)

• Knowledge LAB (kLab)

• SOLVIT Africa

Together, they aim to empower over 10,000 young people—particularly young women, rural youth, persons with disabilities, and refugees—with the digital and entrepreneurial skills needed to participate in Rwanda’s growing digital economy.

Through the Beginner Digital and Business Skills initiative, DOT Rwanda equips necessity-based entrepreneurs and small business operators with foundational digital literacy, entrepreneurship training, financial management skills, and marketing competencies. Participants also gain access to coaching, mentorship, finance opportunities, and business networks.

Why Join the Youth Leadership Program?

The Youth Leadership Program prepares participants to become Digital Champions and Business Coaches within their communities. Selected youth will receive hands-on training to strengthen their digital skills, leadership capabilities, and social impact competencies. As a Youth Leader, you will play a crucial role in supporting micro, small, and informal businesses by delivering essential digital and business skills.

Benefits of the Program

• Comprehensive Training: Receive in-depth training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing, and leadership. Career development support and employment linkages are included.

• Become a Changemaker: Serve as a coach and peer role model, helping to shape an entrepreneurial and innovative community environment.

• Empower Local Businesses: Support MSMEs with practical skills to help them grow and adopt digital tools.

• Join the #DOTYouth Network: Become part of a vibrant national community of young leaders with access to national and international opportunities for collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a university or college graduate aged 21–35, OR
  be a secondary school graduate aged 21–35 with at least two years of community engagement experience.

• Be Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).

• Have basic digital collaboration skills (e.g., Zoom, Google Drive).

• Be fluent in English and Kinyarwanda.

• Demonstrate passion for community empowerment, digital inclusion, and gender equality.

• Be a resident of—and committed to working for one year in—one of the following districts:

City of Kigali: Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge
Southern Province: Gisagara, Muhanga, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, Nyanza
Eastern Province: Bugesera, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Kirehe, Ngoma
Northern Province: Burera, Gakenke, Musanze, Rulindo
Western Province: Karongi, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, Rubavu

This role is fully community-based, requiring participants to work directly within their selected district.

Note: DOT strongly encourages applications from young women, youth with disabilities, and refugees. Reasonable accommodations will be provided throughout the selection process.

Former DOT Rwanda interns and individuals currently studying or in full-time employment are not eligible.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the Google Form linked below by 21 January 2026 at 05:00 PM GMT+2. A Gmail account is required to access the form and upload documents.

Application Form: https://forms.gle/NDE7fpo6PNZG8j4n8

DOT Rwanda is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment. If you experience misconduct, fraud, or safety concerns during the application process, contact: rwanda@dotrust.org

Final Call

This is a unique opportunity to develop your digital leadership skills, uplift your community, and join a powerful network of youth change-makers across Rwanda. Apply today and become part of the movement transforming Rwanda’s digital future.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.