The thematic portfolio on Social Protection, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium and implemented in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, aims to enhance the opportunities for women and young people of working age in the Great Lakes region to access decent work. It seeks to ensure better protection through labour rights, improved social protection, and more inclusive social dialogue. The portfolio signed between Rwanda and the Kingdom of Belgium in May 2022 continues to align with Rwandan development priorities resulting from joint co-creation during the formulation of the portfolio.

Under the Economic transformation pillar of NST2, Rwanda ambitions to create 1.25 million productive and decent Jobs (250,000 annually) over the next five years. Aligning to this ambition, the portfolio promotes micro and small enterprises (MSEs) development, supports skills training, and enhances employability, particularly for young workers entering the labour market. Targeting sectors like mining, construction, trade, and manufacturing in the Kivu Belt and the City of Kigali, the programme focuses on workplace learning and formalising informal businesses to create sustainable job opportunities and boost economic resilience.

Under the social transformation pillar, the portfolio is enhancing households' capacity to sustainably graduate from poverty, reduce vulnerability, and contribute significantly to eliminating malnutrition and reducing stunting.
This is achieved through the Parasocial Workers initiative, a partnership with the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), which plays a key role in educating households on nutrition, tracking children’s health, and supporting vulnerable households. Most importantly, it fosters mindset change.
Additionally, initiatives like pilot maternity leave programs, in collaboration with the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), aim to improve the well-being of informal workers.

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