Kigali, 18 July 2025 | Agriculture stakeholders and potential employers have hailed RICA students for their exceptional skills, professionalism and attitude at an annual Job Fair hosted by the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) in Kigali.
RICA’s 83 students who are graduating in September 2025 were able to network with potential employers during the job fair event. The stakeholders, many of whom have hosted RICA students for internships, shared very positive feedback, highlighting the impact and innovative ideas RICA interns brought to their companies and institutions.
Organized annually at the end of the six-month student internship, the RICA Job Fair provides a valuable opportunity for students to align their aspirations with labor market realities, while employers discover student talent and skills relevant to their organizational needs.
In his remarks, Dr. Olusegun Adedayo Yerokun, RICA’s Interim Vice Chancellor, commended stakeholders for granting hands-on industrial experience to RICA students, which exposes them to real-world perspectives. The industrial attachment has not only deepened their technical and professional skills but has also built their confidence and broadened their understanding of the labor market”, said Dr Olusegun.
He emphasized that the RICA’s job fair has the potential to strengthen the bridge between education and employment, reaffirming partners and stakeholders shared responsibility in nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals and ethical leaders.
RICA’s experiential learning a game changer
Testimonials from stakeholders who have hosted RICA students as interns have commended them for their performance, skills and innovation during the internship period. This is thanks to RICA’s unique approach to teaching and learning, where 50% of course time is spent on field practice. This equips students with valuable skills and a strong understanding of the subject matter, making them stand out off campus.
According to Deborah, the Masaka Farms’ Human Resources Lead and Executive Advisor, “RICA trains students for the world. Their graduates add real value, and we strongly encourage other institutions and companies to provide them with opportunities. They are well-prepared, professional, and making a meaningful impact”.
Deborah added that after a successful internship, the company has decided to offer them full-time employment in recognition of the exceptional skills and professionalism. She disclosed that one of the RICA graduates is now leading the Research and Development unit, bringing valuable insights and innovation to Masaka Farms processes.
Masaka Farms’ observations were shared by several stakeholders who attended today’s job fair, some attesting to learning a lot from RICA students during internship period.
“According to Yotam Bien, the Project Coordinator at Fair Planet Rwanda, RICA interns have made a significant impact through their innovative ideas, creative solutions, and collaborative spirit, making hosting them an exceptional experience. “They seamlessly integrate into our teams, bringing a fresh perspective and a willingness to learn and contribute. RICA is cultivating well-rounded professionals ready to make a real impact!” – said Yotam.
Similarly, highlighting the exceptional skills of RICA interns, GIZ Rwanda’s Commissioner Manager, Mateo Gomez Jattin, announced at the RICA 2025 Job Fair that GIZ is pleased to offer the two RICA interns the positions as Junior Advisors for the Sustainable Mechanization of Value Chains Project.
He noted that RICA students effectively combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, quickly grasp tasks, require minimal guidance, and demonstrate innovation and problem-solving skills. “RICA is clearly nurturing a new generation of professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also proactive problem-solvers,” he said.
The 3rd annual job fair underscored RICA’s success in preparing students for impactful careers in agriculture. With strong industry partnerships and a focus on experiential learning, RICA is poised to continue shaping the future of agriculture in Rwanda and beyond.
