The first cohort of a targeted 500 women entrepreneurs and refugees from across Rwanda has graduated in Kigali with new skills in internet safety and cybersecurity, equipping them to conduct business online more securely and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.

A total of 205 trainees completed the specialized training on June 4, 2026, receiving certificates recognizing their ability to use the internet safely while leveraging digital platforms to grow their businesses without falling victim to emerging cyber threats.

The initiative, dubbed **Online Trust and Safety (OTS)**, is spearheaded by the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter in partnership with the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA).

The program aims to empower women entrepreneurs and refugees with the knowledge and skills needed to safely use digital technologies.

It focuses on building practical cybersecurity competencies, enabling participants to protect their devices, secure online accounts, manage personal data, and use digital platforms safely for communication and business purposes.

It also seeks to increase awareness of online risks, including fraud, misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy breaches, while strengthening participants’ ability to identify and respond to such threats.

In addition, the initiative promotes responsible, ethical, and respectful use of the internet through critical evaluation of online information and adherence to good digital practices.

In its first phase, the program aims to equip more than 500 women with practical digital safety skills to help them navigate the internet securely and confidently.

The initiative seeks to strengthen digital resilience among vulnerable communities by building practical skills in device protection, password management, online account security, data privacy, responsible social media use, misinformation detection, and fraud prevention.

The training, which primarily targets women in business, aligns with Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a middle-income, digitally driven economy by 2030 through enhanced connectivity and smart employment opportunities.

As Rwanda continues to embrace digital transformation, internet use and online services have expanded significantly.

With more than 12.5 million active mobile phone subscriptions and nearly five million internet users, platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X have become central to communication, commerce, and access to information.

However, experts warn that increased connectivity has also heightened exposure to cybercrime, particularly among users with limited digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness.

Recent cybersecurity findings for 2025–2026 indicate that nearly 60 percent of Rwandans have been targeted by online scams through email, SMS, phone calls, or online platforms, while 9 percent reported becoming victims.

The rapid adoption of digital financial services has further increased exposure to fraud, particularly through mobile money and WhatsApp-linked accounts.

Common cyber threats reported in Rwanda include phishing, vishing, fake investment schemes, identity theft, and mobile money scams.

To address these risks, participants were trained on how to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, report online abuse to service providers and relevant authorities, and understand key legislation, including Rwanda’s Data Protection and Privacy Law.

The trainees were also introduced to various cybercrimes and their legal penalties, helping raise awareness and reduce the likelihood of becoming either victims or perpetrators of cyber offenses.

Many participants expressed particular interest in learning about digital footprints, oversharing and co-sharing online, phishing attacks, and the long-term implications of content posted on social media platforms.

One of the trainees, Kaneza, said the training would help her better protect both personal and business information online.

Having previously fallen victim to a mobile money scam, she believes the newly acquired skills will help her make safer decisions in the digital space.

“As a business owner, I sometimes get excited about sharing information or pursuing opportunities online without properly assessing the risks,” Kaneza said.

“These skills have helped me become more aware of how much information I share online, how I use social media, and the importance of verifying links before clicking on them. I now know how to better mitigate digital risks.”

Why Women in Business?

Geoffrey Karegeya, Business Development and Partnership Manager at RICTA, said the decision to focus on women was informed by their critical role in families, communities, and the economy.

“Educating a woman is educating a nation,” Karegeya said.

“Women contribute significantly to national development and family welfare. As entrepreneurs and community leaders, they need the knowledge and tools to stay safe online and fully benefit from digital opportunities.”

The Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, urged participants to put the knowledge acquired during the training into practice to protect their businesses, families, and communities.

He also emphasized the importance of helping children develop safe online habits, noting that young people are spending increasing amounts of time on the internet and face growing digital risks.

“The internet presents enormous opportunities, but it also comes with responsibilities.

As parents and business owners, these women can play a critical role in creating safer digital environments for themselves and their children,” Mfitumukiza said.

The project’s broader objective is to foster a culture of safe and responsible digital behavior while strengthening local capacity to sustain online safety initiatives within communities.

Implementers say beneficiaries will continue receiving mentorship and follow-up support through trainers assigned to each cohort.

The ongoing engagement is intended to reinforce learning, promote the practical application of cybersecurity skills, and encourage safer online practices.

The next cohort will be trained at Mahama Refugee Camp in Kirehe District, with a specific focus on refugee women engaged in business and income-generating activities.

With plans to scale up and reach more women entrepreneurs across Rwanda, the organizers say the program remains open to partnerships with institutions interested in promoting digital inclusion, online safety awareness, and community resilience against cyber threats.