This was revealed by Minister of Public Service and Labour, Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka, while presenting her Ministry’s progress report to members of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights. The report highlighted efforts to extend social protection coverage to informal workers.

Minister Nkulikiyinka explained that her Ministry is working closely with the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) to develop a digital system that enables easy registration and contribution payments, particularly through mobile phones.

“We are putting in place an easy digital registration and contribution system, mainly through mobile phones. We are also partnering with cooperatives and associations of small traders and service providers to help their members enroll and contribute collectively,” Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka.

She added that by the fourth quarter of 2026, the Government will have finalized new laws and regulations designed to expand access to social protection for all categories of workers, including those in temporary or non-permanent employment.

Members of the Senate Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights urged the Ministry to establish a national program to prepare employees approaching retirement, to help them adjust psychologically and socially to life after active service.

Senator Sosthène Cyitatire noted that many workers experience emotional distress after retirement due to the lack of preparation and reintegration programs.

“Some retirees feel disconnected from society after leaving their jobs, which affects their mental health. They need early preparation and continued engagement in community or advisory roles,” Senator Cyitatire.

Minister Nkulikiyinka assured the Committee that her Ministry plans to introduce pre-retirement preparation programs for both employees and their families.

“We want to ensure that employees and their families are mentally and financially ready before retirement, so that transition becomes smoother,” Amb. Nkulikiyinka

The Minister further revealed that the Government plans to review the current social security laws and policies by late 2026 to align them with Rwanda’s evolving labor market and the needs of informal workers.

The review will cover contribution schemes, payment flexibility, and maternity protection benefits, aiming to make social protection services more inclusive and adaptive.

As of the 2024/2025 fiscal year: 852,800 workers were contributing to pension and occupational accident schemes, 838,385 contributed to the maternity leave benefit scheme, and 748,766 were covered under RAMA health insurance.

Meanwhile, 87.9% of Rwandans were enrolled in community-based health insurance (CBHI), and the EjoHeza long-term savings scheme had surpassed 3.7 million subscribers.