Mastercard foundation launches Rwanda program to expand digital skills training

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, launched June 11, 2026, in partnership with the Private Sector Federation’s ICT Chamber, aims to reach 40,000 students over 18 months by helping selected institutions expand and improve their technology programs.

Each of the eight beneficiary institutions will receive a $50,000 grant, equivalent to more than 73 million Rwandan francs, along with support to improve teaching quality, develop industry-relevant courses and increase access to technology training.

The program will help institutions identify weaknesses in their training models, strengthen their capacity and provide learners with skills needed in the digital economy. It will also focus on reaching students who face barriers to accessing technology education, including those in rural communities.

Claudette Irere, Rwanda’s state minister in charge of education, said the initiative would contribute to the country’s efforts to build a workforce equipped for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.

“Beyond improving education outcomes, this program will help young people gain digital skills that can support job creation, business growth and Rwanda’s wider technology ambitions,” Irere said.

Alex Ntale, director general of the ICT Chamber at the Private Sector Federation, said the partnership would help technology education providers deliver stronger programs.

“Some institutions already offer technology training, but they need additional capacity, resources and expertise to meet the growing demand for digital skills,” Ntale said.

The Mastercard Foundation said gaps remain in technology education, with many graduates leaving training programs without enough practical skills. It also highlighted challenges affecting learners outside urban areas, including limited access to electricity and fewer technology training centers.

Rodwell Mandis, a Mastercard Foundation official, said the initiative aligns with the foundation’s goal of expanding inclusive education and supporting young Africans’ access to employment opportunities.

Hirwa Aurore, CEO of EdTech Solutions, one of the participating organizations, said the program would allow institutions to extend training beyond Kigali and reach rural communities, refugees and people with disabilities.

Rwanda has placed digital skills at the center of its development plans, with a target of ensuring citizens have basic technology skills by 2029 and training one million people in coding.