Rwanda has partnered with U.S. technology giant Oracle to launch a national digital skills initiative aimed at equipping citizens with industry-ready capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on February 11, 2026, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.
The program will offer internationally recognized certifications through Oracle Academy and Oracle University, targeting both students and working professionals. Oracle Academy will collaborate with schools and universities, providing educators with updated curricula, structured teaching resources, and access to enterprise-grade software tools and development platforms. This approach aims to enhance the quality of digital education and ensure students are prepared for the evolving demands of the labor market.
Oracle University will deliver specialized training and certifications through e-learning platforms, focusing on high-demand areas such as cloud computing, generative AI, cybersecurity, programming, and enterprise systems. The initiative seeks to bridge the skills gap identified in Rwanda and across sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid technological adoption is outpacing the availability of qualified professionals.
Addressing Rwanda’s Skills Gap and Unemployment
The initiative comes in response to a persistent mismatch between the skills taught in educational institutions and those required by employers. A 2025 study by Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization, found that universities are not fully aligned with industry requirements. This gap has slowed private sector growth and contributed to high unemployment, particularly among youth.
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According to the African Development Bank, Rwanda’s overall unemployment rate stood at 40.2 percent in 2023, with youth unemployment nearing 21 percent. Approximately 60% of employed Rwandans work in low-productivity sectors such as subsistence agriculture, retail trade, and construction. The World Bank has projected that by 2030, 230 million jobs across sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, underscoring the urgency for targeted training programs in countries like Rwanda.
Digital Transformation as a Development Driver
Rwanda’s government views digital skills as central to socio-economic development and the creation of a competitive, knowledge-based economy. By fostering proficiency in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, the program is expected to increase employability, support entrepreneurship, and enhance productivity in key sectors.
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Access to modern technologies and infrastructure will play a crucial role in the program’s effectiveness. Although training will be delivered online and offered free of charge, learners will need reliable devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, along with internet connectivity. As of December 2025, Rwanda had 5.01 million internet subscribers, representing a penetration rate of 34.2%, according to DataReportal. Expanding digital access will be critical to ensuring that the initiative reaches students and professionals across urban and rural areas.
Building Capacity for Future Workforce Needs
The program also emphasizes capacity-building for teachers and lecturers, providing them with advanced digital competencies to better prepare students for current and future labor market demands. By strengthening instructional quality and aligning curricula with industry standards, Rwanda aims to produce a digitally skilled workforce capable of supporting innovation and growth in emerging technology sectors.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in Africa, where governments and private companies are increasingly investing in digital skills development to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and leverage technology for inclusive development. By partnering with Oracle, Rwanda aims to establish itself as a regional leader in digital education and workforce readiness, ensuring its citizens are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a technology-driven future.
With a combination of government support, private sector collaboration, and access to international expertise, the Rwanda-Oracle program is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the country’s labor market, reducing the skills gap, and fostering a more competitive digital economy.
