Deadline: January 21, 2026
The DOT Rwanda Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027 is a flagship community-based leadership and digital skills initiative designed to empower young Rwandans to drive inclusive socio-economic development. Implemented by Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Rwanda under the Digital Skills for Employability (DSE) programme, the initiative is delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The DOT Rwanda Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027 equips participants with practical digital, business, and leadership competencies while enabling them to support micro, small, and informal enterprises (MSMEs) within their local communities.
About the Program
The Youth Leadership Program is a one-year immersive experience that prepares young people to become Digital Champions and Business Coaches. Participants receive structured training, mentorship, and hands-on field experience while working directly with community members and local enterprises.
The programme places strong emphasis on:
- Digital inclusion
- Youth employability
- Community-led development
- Gender equality and social impact
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
- Be between 21 and 35 years old
- Be either:
- A university or college graduate, or
- A secondary school graduate with a minimum of two years’ community engagement experience
- Be Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)
- Possess basic digital collaboration skills, including tools such as Google Drive and Zoom
- Be proficient in both English and Kinyarwanda
- Demonstrate a strong passion for community empowerment, digital inclusion, and gender equality
- Be willing to live and work in a selected district in Rwanda for one year
Ineligibility
- Alumni of previous DOT Rwanda internship programmes are not eligible to apply.
Program Locations
Selected participants will be deployed to one of the following districts across Rwanda:
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
What Participants Will Gain
Successful candidates in the DOT Rwanda Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027 will benefit from:
- Comprehensive training in leadership, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, financial management, and marketing
- Practical experience as Digital Champions and Business Coaches, supporting MSMEs at the community level
- Mentorship and career development support, including pathways to employment and entrepreneurship
- Access to the #DOTYouth community, a national network of young changemakers and development leaders
Program Duration and Commitment
- Duration: One year
- Commitment: Full-time, community-based placement within an assigned district in Rwanda
Participants must be fully available and willing to relocate for the entire duration of the programme.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 21 January 2026
- Time: 05:00 PM (GMT+2)
Late applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must submit their application through the official online application form. A Gmail account is required to access and complete the form.
Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and complete before submission
- Commitment to community service and youth development is essential for success in this programme
