• Program offers certifications in AI, cloud, cybersecurity
• Aims to address skills gap and high unemployment

Rwanda and U.S. technology company Oracle launched a national digital skills initiative on Tuesday, signing a memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership.

The program aims to provide Rwandans with advanced digital training aligned with international standards and leading to industry-recognized certifications through Oracle Academy and Oracle University, Oracle said.

Oracle Academy will work with schools and universities, equipping teachers with updated curricula, structured teaching resources and access to enterprise-grade technologies, software tools and development platforms to improve the quality of digital education.

Oracle University will deliver specialized training and certifications via an e-learning platform in strategic fields including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, generative AI, cybersecurity, programming and enterprise systems. The goal is to equip learners with skills in demand in the job market.

The initiative comes as Rwanda, like many African countries, positions digital transformation as a key driver of socio-economic development. The International Telecommunication Union says digital skills are central to building the digital economy and form a core component of national transformation strategies.

A study published in October 2025 by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organisation, found a gap between the skills employers seek and those taught in universities. The mismatch hampers industry, and private sector actors have called for greater academic investment in digital skills programs. Teachers and university lecturers in particular need advanced digital competencies to better prepare students for current and future labor market demands.

According to the World Bank, 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The trend presents a significant opportunity in Rwanda, where unemployment remains high. The African Development Bank estimated the unemployment rate at 40.2% in 2023, citing skills mismatch as a key factor. In a 2022 study, the World Bank said about 14% of the labor force is unemployed and lacks market-relevant skills. Youth unemployment stands at nearly 21%, while around 60% of those employed work in low-productivity sectors such as subsistence agriculture, retail trade and construction.

Although the training will be delivered online and offered free of charge, effective access will depend on the availability of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers, as well as internet connectivity. DataReportal said Rwanda had 5.01 million internet subscribers at the end of December 2025, representing a penetration rate of 34.2%.

Isaac K. Kassouwi