Rwanda has launched an ambitious initiative to train one million citizens in digital skills and develop 500,000 technology professionals by 2030.
The program, known as 1 Million Rwandan Coders (1MRC), is spearheaded by the Digital Inclusion Council under the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
It seeks to close the digital skills gap, create jobs, and position Rwanda as a continental leader in digital talent.
1MRC is a key part of the country’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
It directly responds to challenges such as youth unemployment, which stands at 18.8%, and the lack of market-ready skills among graduates.
Rwanda’s workforce of 8.3 million people is expected to benefit from this large-scale training initiative, designed to prepare them for opportunities in the global digital economy.
The initiative aims to train one million Rwandans in basic and advanced digital skills, including software development, cybersecurity, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Half a million of these will be trained as specialists in emerging tech fields.
The program will also ensure digital literacy becomes a core competency across all demographics, while facilitating at least 2,500 digital jobs each year.
Learning will take place through the One Million Coders platform and the Digital Skills Academy (DSA).
These platforms will offer access to diverse learning opportunities, industry-certified courses, tools, and tailored pathways aligned with job market needs.
Learners will also be linked to internships, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship support.
1MRC is being implemented in collaboration with various national and international partners.
These include Udacity, ALX, RISA, the Digital Skills Foundation, the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), the National Robotics Program, and institutions such as Apple Authorized Training Centres and Amalitech.
Programs like the Digital Talent Program, Digital Ambassadors Program, and Digital Literacy initiatives are also integrated into the effort.
Partners such as TeKnowledge Rwanda have already praised the initiative. “The technical talent in Rwanda has proven to be exceptional. We see dedicated and excited, early-career professionals who are ready to learn and grow,” said Yvankester Amaife, Site Manager at TeKnowledge Rwanda. “The next wave of tech talent is coming from Rwanda.”
Similarly, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has recognized the initiative’s importance.
Fatima Elsanousi, Project Manager for the ILO’s youth digital economy program, said, “Digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about people, potential, and preparing for the future of work.
Rwanda is demonstrating leadership through the 1MRC initiative.”
The initiative targets not only Rwandan youth aged 18 to 35 but also aims to attract international tech companies, investors, and strategic partners.
Its broader goal is to make Rwanda Africa’s most attractive destination for digital investment and talent.
The 1MRC initiative is a strategic effort to drive innovation, create sustainable employment, and ensure Rwanda’s competitiveness in a rapidly digitizing global economy.
As the program scales up, it is expected to have far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities, and the future of work in Rwanda.
