As an EdTech enthusiast and former startup founder, I am deeply passionate about leveraging technology to improve learning outcomes. My personal focus lies on foundational education—from nursery to secondary school—as I believe these years are the bedrock of a learner’s success. At a country level, Rwanda’s edtech sector is undergoing significant changes: the finalization of a 5-year EdTech policy, the coming of new startups, development-partner-led initiatives, and the repositioning of existing projects. With all these moving parts, I foresee a bright and innovative future for EdTech in Rwanda. Here are my predictions:
1. Collaboration Between Startups, Government, and Development Partners
Historically, EdTech innovations from startups often competed with government initiatives or development-partner-funded programs. This fragmentation led to inefficiencies in improving learning outcomes. However, the tide is shifting. I see more Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) emerging, where startups, government agencies, and development partners co-design solutions to address Rwanda’s pressing education challenges together. Such partnerships enables alignment, scalability, and better impact.
2. Tailored EdTech Incubation Programs
On a continental scale, we’ve seen specialized EdTech incubators such as Injini in South Africa and Mastercard Foundation/iHub programs in Kenya and Nigeria. I envision similar initiatives launching in Rwanda, either through Mastercard Foundation or another leading organization. These tailored incubators will provide EdTech startups with the mentorship, funding, and networks they need to thrive.
3. Addressing Local Problems with Innovative Solutions
Rwanda faces critical educational challenges: about 10% dropout rate and low proficiency levels, particularly in lower primary numeracy and literacy. I foresee startups developing AI-backed personalized learning solutions to tackle these issues. Field visits to deeply understand learner and teacher pain points will be crucial for creating solutions that work in local contexts. This data-driven, problem-solving approach can significantly improve learning outcomes.
4. Streamlined Identification Across Platforms
Currently, schools use fragmented systems for managing student records—attendance, marks, and other data. Although MINEDUC’s Student Data and Information Management System (SDIMS) exists, integration across various EdTech platforms is limited. I predict that regulators or the Ministry will introduce a unified digital student identifier, allowing EdTech solutions to seamlessly connect while reducing duplication and inefficiencies for teachers and students.
5. Strategic Partnerships with Global EdTech Players
Rwanda’s reputation as a proof-of-concept market will attract international EdTech giants seeking partnerships with local players. This collaboration will unlock expertise, funding, and advanced technologies. At the same time, Rwandan EdTech startups will look outward, leveraging partnerships to expand into target markets in Africa and beyond.
6. Growth of Skilled Talent
The EdTech ecosystem in Rwanda is building critical skills among key players—teachers, engineers, and product managers. As these professionals gain experience, the pool of EdTech talent will expand, making it easier for startups and organizations to hire qualified local workers. A robust talent pipeline will fuel innovation and scalability.
7. Improved Device Accessibility and Financing
Access to devices like laptops and smartphones remains a challenge for many students, particularly in foundational grades. Initiatives such as Connect Rwanda have increased smartphone penetration, but we need targeted efforts for children—like kid-friendly tablets or phones. I anticipate more private-sector players investing in device retailing or Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing models in partnership with financial institutions. Additionally, inclusive learning materials (e.g., Braille textbooks, assistive technology like JAWS for laptops) will need to be scaled to ensure accessibility for all.
8. Gamification to Drive Engagement
Reports from the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO (“A Path to Recovery, 2021” and “Learning Poverty, 2017”) highlight that over 60% of lower primary students fail to meet minimum proficiency levels in literacy and numeracy, largely due to unengaging learning content. While curriculum-based educational games have been introduced, adoption remains low. I predict a shift in strategy—both at the product and distribution levels—to create market-fit gamified learning solutions. Remedial programs, in particular, stand to benefit greatly from these tools.
9. The Rise of Online Tutoring Platforms
My personal dream is the establishment of regulated home-based learning models for primary schools. While Rwanda currently has informal coaching systems, often called cours du soir, I envision the emergence of platforms that enable pure online tutoring or hybrid learning models. Such solutions could democratize access to high-quality education, especially for underserved communities.
10. Regional Standardization of Education Policies
The East African Community (EAC) holds potential for harmonized policies around curricula and examination standards. Today, obtaining equivalency for studies completed in another EAC member state is time-consuming and resource-intensive. I foresee a future where standardized policies, backed by strong verification mechanisms, streamline regional mobility for students and educators alike.
Technology is set to play a pivotal role in transforming Rwanda’s education landscape. From solving local challenges to driving collaboration among stakeholders, EdTech will be at the forefront of improving learning outcomes. Startups, policymakers, and development partners must work together to deeply understand the local context and build sustainable, impactful solutions. By harnessing the power of innovation and strategic partnerships, we can ensure that every child in Rwanda has access to quality, engaging, and inclusive education.
The future of EdTech in Rwanda is bright—and I’m already excited about it.