Rwanda and the International Labour Organization (ILO) signed a landmark agreement aimed at advancing digital literacy through the ongoing One Million Rwandan Coders initiative. The program continues to equip citizens with essential ICT skills, boosting their confidence and competitiveness in today’s job market.
At the center of this partnership lies a shared vision: ensuring women and girls gain equal access to opportunities in technology and innovation. This initiative complements Rwanda’s broader efforts to close the gender gap in digital access and foster job creation that is inclusive and sustainable.
By expanding opportunities for women and marginalized groups, the program is expected to accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation, strengthen its workforce, and promote gender equality across sectors.
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive socio-economic development. Priorities include widening access to education, empowering persons with disabilities, and fostering technology-driven job creation.
The agreement also focuses on capacity-building for SMEs, providing more training opportunities, and supporting entrepreneurship through digital solutions. This approach ensures that no one is left behind in Rwanda’s journey toward a sustainable digital economy.
ILO leaders praised Rwanda’s inclusive strategy, noting: “This partnership demonstrates Rwanda’s determination to use technology not only for economic growth, but also as a pathway to social development. More citizens will now access opportunities created by the digital economy.”
Supporting SMEs with digital tools is also expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and help Rwanda achieve its NST2 goal of generating at least 1.2 million jobs.
This new agreement builds on earlier cooperation launched in 2023, which expanded access to digital skills and prepared young people for future employment. Moving forward, Rwanda and ILO pledged to deepen their collaboration, delivering digital solutions that enable citizens to thrive in a secure, technology-driven future.
