Category: News

  • New senators pledge to serve Rwandans’ interests

    New senators pledge to serve Rwandans’ interests

    Among them are two appointed by President Paul Kagame: Dr. Uwamariya Valentine and Gasana Alfred, as well as two elected by political parties; Dr. Frank Habineza, president of the Green Party, and Nkubana Alphonse, president of the PSP party focused on social welfare and development. They join Evode Uwizeyimana and Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre who are beginning their second term after reappointment.

    After the swearing-in of the six senators, the Senate of Rwanda now comprises 26 senators, including 13 women and 13 men, which represents 50% women, reinforcing the principle of gender equality.

    President Kagame reminded them of their heavy responsibilities where Rwandans expect much greater than the country’s resources, emphasizing the need to strive for excellence in their work.

    “The Senate allows government institutions to direct their efforts appropriately and conducts necessary evaluations to ensure that all institutions remain aligned. It is your duty to align the country’s long-term goals with the daily lives of Rwandans,” he said.

    He continued, “It is crucial that decisions made reflect the needs of Rwandans and provide solutions to the problems they face.”

    {{Pledge to serve citizens’ interests}}

    Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, who has been appointed as a senator, has held various positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Environment, among other roles.

    In an interview with IGIHE, she expressed her gratitude for President Kagame’s continued trust in her, which reinforces the expectation of positive results.

    She said, “I am very grateful because the Head of State has placed his trust in me more times than I can count. I would say he still expects a lot from me. I was very happy when he appointed me, but once everything settles down, you sit and think, ‘What is expected of me?’ You feel grateful and immediately think about what you are going to do for Rwandans and Rwanda. To repay that trust is to work well.”

    She mentioned that she is ready to implement the duties of the legislative body, including overseeing government activities, passing laws to address citizens’ problems, engaging in debates, and attending consultations.

    Dr. Uwamariya said, “It’s about working together. From where I come from, I believe it won’t be hard to oversee because you are aware of the challenges. We have a unique country, with a unique history, and our approach must be distinct. There is oversight and consultations, and the President has asked us to work in an extraordinary way, focusing on the country’s development and the progress of its people.”

    She emphasized the readiness to collaborate with her colleagues, working towards a common goal and following the country’s vision.

    Amb. Alfred Gasana, who has previously served as Minister of Internal Security and as Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by President Kagame.

    He said, “I deeply thank the President for trusting me once again by appointing me as a senator. It’s a great honor. To repay him is to work with all my intelligence, heart, and strength. The President reminded us to implement the duties entrusted to us. I promise not to disappoint him, and I assure Rwandans the same.”

    Amb. Gasana stated that, regarding the responsibilities they are about to undertake, they will focus on the welfare of the citizens.

    Alphonse Nkubana, who was appointed a senator, said, “We are happy to have been given these new responsibilities, and the President has made it clear that we must work according to the wishes of the people. We are here, with strength and wisdom.”

    Dr. Frank Habineza, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament, expressed that he would continue his duties of overseeing government activities, assuring that he would continue to advocate for the people.

    He said, “I am happy to continue serving in the legislative body. We deeply appreciate the President for the trust he has placed in us, and the legislature’s role is to represent the people of Rwanda.”

    He added, “I believe you will see me as I was in Parliament. It depends on the duties of the Senate, but it still has the responsibility to speak on behalf of the people, visit them, and when they raise concerns to us, we must find solutions. We will continue to advocate for them even more effectively.”

    The new senators’ term will end in October 2030, while 20 others will finish theirs in 2029.
    A senator’s term usually lasts for five years, renewable once.

    Six new senators who entered the Senate of Rwanda after taking an oath of office on October 24, 2025, have pledged to do their best in fulfilling their duties for the benefit of Rwandans.
    Evode Uwizeyimana is a Senator in the Parliament of Rwanda, initially appointed by President Kagame in October 2020. He holds a Master’s degree in Law.
    Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu was recently reappointed for another term in Rwanda's Senate.
    Dr. Habineza is a politician and environmental advocate in Rwanda. In August 2009, he officially entered politics by founding the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (GDPR), a party focused on democracy and environmental protection.
    Alfred Gasana is among new members of Senate.
    President Kagame reminded senators of their heavy responsibilities.
  • British High Commissioner Thorpe shares joy of milking a cow for first time in Rwanda

    British High Commissioner Thorpe shares joy of milking a cow for first time in Rwanda

    Ambassador Thorpe shared that while traveling to Gisenyi for the Commonwealth Games’ King’s Baton Relay, she stopped for a brief moment in Bigogwe, where she successfully milked a cow for the first time.

    Bigogwe is located in the western part of Rwanda, in the Nyabihu District. It is a well-known area for cattle farming and the high-quality pasture found on its hills.

    This journey gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture.

    Traditionally, farmers explain that cows are not just a source of milk, but also a symbol of wealth, unity, and value among the people. In Rwandan culture, giving a cow to someone is a strong sign of love and partnership.

    Visitors to Bigogwe often participate in milking cows. For someone doing it for the first time, it is not as easy as it looks, but they gain essential skills and knowledge.

    Ambassador Thorpe shared her experience on social media, posting photos from her time in Bigogwe. She expressed her happiness about milking the cow for the first time, despite the difficulty she faced.

    “On my journey to Gisenyi for the King’s Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, I stopped in Bigogwe to try milking a cow for the first time. There was more milk on my pants than in the bucket! It was fun, and I learned a lot about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture,” she said.

    Ngabo Karegeya, the founder of “Ibere rya Bigogwe,” who started cow based tourism activities in the area, is known on social media for helping people visit cattle farms and promoting livestock farming.

    Karegeya explains that his passion for cattle comes from his mother, who raised him around cows, feeding him milk, and forming a close bond with them.

    British High Commissioner Thorpe has shared joy of milking a cow for first time in Rwanda.
    Ambassador Thorpe shared her experience on social media, posting photos from her time in Bigogwe.
    Traditionally, farmers explain that cows are not just a source of milk, but also a symbol of wealth, unity, and value among the people.
  • DRC: 12 politicians vie for National Assembly President’s position in DRC

    DRC: 12 politicians vie for National Assembly President’s position in DRC

    Kamerhe resigned from this position on September 22, 2025, following pressure from members of the National Assembly who accused him of mismanaging funds and undermining the credibility of the legislative body.

    It was expected that the person replacing Kamerhe would come from his party, the UNC, in accordance with the agreement within the Union Sacrée. However, it appears that many politicians, including some long-time members of DRC politics, are vying for this position.

    Among the candidates is one from the UNC party, two from Tshisekedi’s UDPS party, and one from each of the other parties within the Union Sacrée.

    On October 22, Willy Buhini Mishiki, from the PEP AAP party, opposed the idea of replacing Kamerhe with a member of his own party, arguing that such a move is not in line with democratic principles.

    “The Union Sacrée does not have representatives in the National Assembly. Therefore, there is no reason to appoint a single candidate,” he said.

    Among the candidates is Christophe Mboso N’Kodia, who served as the President of the National Assembly from 2021 to 2024 and is currently the Second Vice President of the Assembly.

    Mboso has expressed his belief that he is the best candidate to lead the Assembly, based on his experience in the institution and in the country’s politics.

    President Tshisekedi’s decision as leader of the Union Sacrée could determine who will represent the alliance in this competition, with the potential for the candidate to win.

    Twelve politicians from the Union Sacrée, the alliance supporting President Félix Tshisekedi's government in the Democratic Republic of Congo, are competing to replace Vital Kamerhe as the President of the National Assembly.
  • Plan International Rwanda plans to impact 1.2 million lives in next five years

    Plan International Rwanda plans to impact 1.2 million lives in next five years

    The disclosure was made on October 23, 2025, during a presentation of their five-year strategic plan, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2030, in partnership with other stakeholders.

    The strategy will focus on the organization’s activities, centered around two main pillars: creating job opportunities, building skills, and improving the well-being of youth and families.

    Another pillar of the strategy is ensuring a better future through child development and sexual and reproductive health.

    A significant addition to this plan is Plan International’s focus on promoting technology in its work and increasing collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organizations across Rwanda.

    Additionally, over the next five years, the number of districts where Plan International operates will increase from three to ten.

    The Country Director of Plan International Rwanda, Emilie Fernandes, explained that the expansion was aligned with the country’s vision for development, and the organization wanted to contribute more actively.

    “The Rwandan government has excellent programs for improving the well-being of children and youth, and we are here to support these efforts along with our partners. We have seen a decline in poverty, teenage pregnancies, and malnutrition among children, but there are still gaps to address,” she said.

    She continued, “We are focusing on addressing these gaps, especially for young mothers, children with disabilities, refugees, and those seeking employment.”

    Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, praised Plan International’s contribution, stating that its programs in Rwanda align well with the country’s development goals, especially in accelerating development and meeting the first phase of the Vision 2050 goals.

    She stated, “You have helped us protect children, promote gender equality, and advance family development in our country. Your focus on driving positive change in society, working with youth, and fostering innovation in technology is well aligned with Rwanda’s vision. This contributes significantly to changing mindsets, empowering youth, and building strong families.”

    Kamabonwa Prudencienne, who works with the Guides Association in Rwanda, shared how the collaboration with Plan International has taught youth in Nyaruguru and Gatsibo to avoid unintended pregnancies.

    Meanwhile, Mukantwali Alphoncine, a representative of daycare providers in the Kamabuye sector of Bugesera district, noted that Plan International helped reach 800 children attending daycare centers, with 30 of them overcoming malnutrition, leaving no one in that category.

    In its 2020-2025 strategy, Plan International Rwanda reached 770,474 beneficiaries, including 400,000 girls and 302,948 boys.

    Over the next five years, Plan International Rwanda will work with eight partners: AEE Rwanda, Dream Village Organization, Imbaraga, Caritas Rwanda, Bamporeze, Association des Guides du Rwanda, Health Development Initiative, and Learn Work Develop.

    The beneficiaries will include 1.2 million children, girls, and youth, including 750,000 girls and 450,000 boys.

    Plan International will continue its work in Bugesera, Nyaruguru, and Gatsibo districts and expand to seven additional districts under the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) project.

    The organization will also operate in the refugee camps of Mugombwa, Kigeme, Kiziba, Nyabiheke, Mahama, Nkamira, Nyarushishi, and Kijote.

    Plan International Rwanda has announced plans to expand its activities in Rwanda over the next five years, aiming to support 1.2 million people, including children, girls, and youth.
    The five-year strategic plan was unveiled on October 23, 2025.
    The Country Director of Plan International Rwanda, Emilie Fernandes, explained that the expansion was aligned with the country's vision for development, and the organization wanted to contribute more actively.
    Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, praised Plan International's contribution, stating that its programs in Rwanda align well with the country’s development goals, especially in accelerating development and meeting the first stage of the Vision 2050 goals.
  • 75 officers complete Junior Command and Staff Course in Musanze

    75 officers complete Junior Command and Staff Course in Musanze

    The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.

    The course equipped officers with the vital knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform mid level command and staff roles in the military. It also enabled officers to step outside their professional specialisations and broaden their leadership and management skills at the tactical level.

    Speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Nyakarundi, congratulated the graduates on their remarkable achievement.

    “The course has equipped you to become proactive, agile, and solution-oriented leaders who bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the Force,” he said.

    Maj Gen Nyakarundi emphasized that the graduated officers are now tasked with renewing the sense of urgency and enhancing the operational effectiveness required to succeed against any adversary.

    Maj Gen Nyakarundi urged them to rise to the great challenge that lies ahead.

    “Building a Defence Force and ultimately a nation that we all want and deserve, we must strive for a force built on trust, accountability, and sacrifice. You must look ahead and often far ahead, to anticipate potential opportunities, threats and challenges in today’s ever-changing and unpredictable security environment,” he noted.

    Maj Gen Nyakarundi further reminded the graduates, as they depart from the college, to remember that their roles are pivotal in driving positive change and upholding the values of patriotism, integrity, and commitment in an increasingly complex global environment.

    The Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, commended the graduates for their exceptional discipline, teamwork, and dedication throughout the 22-week course.

    He urged them to carry forward the same spirit of hard work, discipline, commitment, and professionalism into their future assignments, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence with the enthusiasm they demonstrated during the course.

    The pass-out ceremony was graced by Generals and senior officers from the RDF and RNP and was attended by the spouses, parents, friends, relatives of the graduates, as well as religious leaders and local authorities from the Northern Province.

    The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.
    The course equipped officers with the vital knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform mid level command and staff roles in the military.
    Maj Gen Nyakarundi emphasized that the graduated officers are now tasked with renewing the sense of urgency and enhancing the operational effectiveness required to succeed against any adversary.
  • Europe steps up sanctions on Russia, provides more support for Ukraine

    Europe steps up sanctions on Russia, provides more support for Ukraine

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders held a joint press conference after the meeting, saying the coalition aims to gradually phase out Russian oil and gas from the global market and channel frozen Russian assets into funding Ukraine’s reconstruction.

    Starmer said Britain had taken the lead in fully sanctioning Russian oil and gas, followed by the United States and the European Union. He announced that Britain plans to supply Ukraine with more than 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles, with 140 delivered ahead of schedule.

    On Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU member states had approved the bloc’s 19th round of sanctions against Russia, which include targetting the country’s natural gas sector for the first time. The sector is a pillar of Russia’s economy.

  • UN chief asks Security Council to spend resources in peace instead of war

    UN chief asks Security Council to spend resources in peace instead of war

    Guterres made the plea at an open debate of the Security Council on the future of the United Nations, held to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the world body.

    Via a video link from Hanoi, the secretary-general started his speech by alluding to an anecdote of the Security Council.

    Guterres said that in the spring of 1946, the first ballot box of the Security Council was opened for inspection before voting, and to everyone’s surprise, there was already a slip of paper inside. It was a message from the box’s maker, a local New York mechanic named Paul Antonio, who said he wished for lasting peace all over the world, the UN chief said.

    “That humble note reminds us why the Security Council exists: for people — sincere, hopeful people who, for the last eight decades, have placed their trust in this institution to save them from the scourge of war,” he said.

    “The privilege to sit at this table carries a duty, above all, to honor the faith of those people. And to channel the resources so often spent on war to the causes of development and peace,” said the UN chief.

    On many pivotal occasions, the Security Council has delivered on that task, and it has prevented the chaos of a great-power war in the past eight decades, he said.

    “The council is a vital necessity and a powerful force for good. But at the same time, its legitimacy is fragile. Too often, we have seen members of this body act outside the principles of the (UN) Charter — principles we have all freely agreed to as sovereign nations,” said Guterres.

    “When that happens, it not only stalls action in the moment, it erodes trust in the entire United Nations project. It also puts us all in great danger. When one nation flouts the rules, others think they have license to do the same. And history tells us, with brutal clarity, where that road leads,” said the UN chief.

    Guterres also said that reform of the Security Council is imperative and long overdue to maintain global order and safety, including the expansion of the membership.

    He stressed Africa as an example, where nearly half of all UN peacekeeping missions, along with numerous special political missions, are carried out, yet Africa has no permanent voice at the council table.

    The time has come to open the doors of the Security Council Chamber and let in the light, because without a Security Council fit for purpose, the world is in grave danger, he said.

    “It is our duty to forge a body that can meet the challenges of the next 80 years — one that delivers justice and safety for all,” said Guterres. “Paul Antonio the mechanic never sat at this table. He never gave a speech or signed a treaty. But he believed in everyone here. He believed in you. I urge you: honor that trust, make this chamber worthy of the hopes of every man, woman and child.”

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (on screens) speaks via a video link at an open debate of the Security Council on the future of the UN at the UN headquarters in New York, Oct. 24, 2025. Guterres called on the Security Council to channel the resources often spent on war to development and peace on Friday.
  • President Kagame: Rwandans must confront adversity, not beg for survival

    President Kagame: Rwandans must confront adversity, not beg for survival

    He made the remarks on Friday, October 24, 2025, while presiding over the swearing-in of six senators, four of whom are new members, at the Parliamentary Building in Kigali.

    President Kagame said Rwanda continues to face numerous challenges, both internal and external, urging citizens to adopt an extraordinary mindset and work ethic in addressing them.

    “For Rwanda, even when a neighbour makes mistakes that cause problems, it is Rwanda that gets punished. We are the ones expected to fix them. You must understand this and reflect it in the way you work,” he said. “We cannot operate in the usual, everyday manner like others who don’t face such challenges. We carry a double burden, being accountable for our own issues and those of others.”

    The Head of State cautioned against a culture of despair, calling on Rwandans to draw strength from within instead of lamenting or seeking sympathy.

    “Instead of sitting in despair or crying out for help, people should find within themselves the strength to confront these challenges,” he noted. “Injustice against Rwanda is not new; it is part of our history. These are not problems we create, but we are the ones who must face them, and they should not derail us from our path.”

    President Kagame emphasised that resilience and self-reliance remain central to Rwanda’s development philosophy.

    “This requires wisdom and strength, not necessarily physical strength, which we may lack, but strength of spirit and determination,” he said. “We must use those strengths as best we can.”

    He went on to remind citizens that Rwandans should never beg for the right to exist, describing such a mindset as a betrayal of the country’s hard-won dignity.

    “No one gives us the right to live. We cannot and should not ask anyone for permission to live the way we deserve,” Kagame said. “A Rwandan who fails to understand that, given our history, has lost sight of our values; there’s something wrong. Confrontation is better than begging. Stand firm, face people directly, and tell them what must be said.”

    He further underscored that all people are equal, and no one is inherently entitled to dominate or oppress others.

    “Those who act otherwise are human beings just like you. No one is created to rule or hurt others. That is Rwanda’s political philosophy,” he said. “Those who fail to understand it, we shall also confront those challenges.”

    Among the six senators who took the oath of office, four were appointed by the President of the Republic: Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu and Evode Uwizeyimana, who were reappointed, and newcomers Dr. Valentine Uwamariya and Alfred Gasana. The other two, Dr. Frank Habineza and Alphonse Nkubana, were elected by the Consultative Forum of Political Organisations.

    President Kagame presides over the swearing in of six senatorsat the Parliamentary Building in Kigali on Friday, October 24, 2025.
    The Head of State reminded Rwandans that no one should have to beg for the right to live, stressing the need for resilience and determination in confronting challenges facing the nation.
  • DRC opposition coalition FCC backs Kabila’s push for political change

    DRC opposition coalition FCC backs Kabila’s push for political change

    On October 15, 2025, Kabila and his supporters met in Nairobi, Kenya, to launch a new coalition called Sauvons La RDC (“Let’s Save the DRC”), which aims to address long-standing political and social challenges facing the country.

    The coalition said it will base its efforts on twelve proposals Kabila presented in May, including ending authoritarian rule, promoting inclusive dialogue, dismantling armed groups, and engaging with neighbouring countries.

    Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, was sentenced to death in September by a military court after being convicted of crimes including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and participation in an illegal armed group. The government has maintained that Kabila should not be allowed to take part in national peace talks and, if apprehended, should face the sentence imposed by the court.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently told DRC President Félix Tshisekedi that Kabila is “effectively dead” politically, suggesting he could be removed from influence depending on the loyalty of his supporters.

    Political marginalisation within the DRC appears to have driven Kabila to form the new coalition, which includes politicians who fled the country or are wanted by justice, such as former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo.

    It remains unclear how Kabila’s allies still in the DRC, including PPRD party President Aubin Minaku, Secretary-General Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, and Ferdinand Kambere, will respond.

    On October 23, FCC leaders, mostly PPRD members, held a meeting to discuss the coalition’s formation and Kabila’s plans. In a statement, they confirmed FCC’s membership in Sauvons La RDC and pledged support for all of its objectives.

    “FCC, the coalition of His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, comprising multiple groups, political parties, and associations, is a member of Sauvons la RDC. This coalition aims to ensure inclusive national dialogue, oppose constitutional amendments, and end authoritarian rule,” the statement read.

    Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya told Africa Radio on October 23 that Kabila no longer holds power in the country and is unlikely to achieve any tangible results.

    “He is a man of the past, who gathered in Nairobi those convicted of crimes and fugitives from justice, united by their opposition to President Tshisekedi,” Muyaya said.

    Kabila became a Senator for Life for the DRC upon leaving the presidency in 2019. He was living in exile in South Africa until his return to the eastern DRC in April 2025, which preceded his conviction in absentia by a military court in September 2025 for crimes including treason.

    Kabila, Matata Ponyo, and other politicians launched the coalition ‘Sauvons La RDC’ (“Let’s Save the DRC”) on October 15.
    The FCC coalition, comprising political parties opposed to the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has announced its support for former President Joseph Kabila in a new initiative aimed at promoting political change in the country.
  • Rwanda’s education in numbers

    Rwanda’s education in numbers

    By July 2024, the number of schools in Rwanda had reached 4,986, up from 4,923 the previous year. Of these, 2,077 were government-aided, 1,569 were public, and 1,340 were privately owned.

    The distribution of ownership remains relatively stable, with government institutions accounting for 31.5 percent of all schools, the Catholic Church for 28 percent, Protestant denominations for 16.8 percent, parents’ associations for 6 percent, the Adventist Church for 1.7 percent, Islamic organisations for 0.6 percent, and private individuals owning 15.1 percent.

    The total number of classrooms in use stood at 86,780 in 2023/24, reflecting an increase of 2,045 from the previous year. Yet, despite this expansion, overcrowding continues to pose a challenge. The national pupil–classroom ratio rose from 50 to 52 learners per room, with congestion most severe in the lower grades, 76 pupils per classroom in Primary 1, 66 in Primary 2, and 61 in Primary 3. Only 43 percent of primary schools meet the national standard of 46 pupils per class, compared to 83 percent in lower secondary and 97 percent in upper secondary.

    Overall, the number of learners enrolled across the education system rose to 4,766,125 in 2023/24, representing a 7 percent increase from 4.46 million in 2022/23.

    Efforts to improve the learning environment are visible in other ways too. Nearly half of all schools, 49.1 percent, now have dedicated girls’ rooms, up by 1.7 percentage points from the previous year. However, sports facilities remain limited, with football and volleyball grounds available in only 41 percent of schools, basketball courts in 15 percent, and gymnasiums in barely 0.1 percent.

    Overall, the number of learners enrolled across the education system rose to 4,766,125 in 2023/24, representing a 7 percent increase from 4.46 million in 2022/23. This means that more than a third of Rwanda’s population, 35.3 percent, is currently in school.

    Early learning has seen the most significant expansion, with combined enrolment in Early Childhood Development and pre-primary centres climbing from 1.13 million to 1.29 million, an increase of 14.4 percent. Within that total, children attending ECD centres rose by 16.6 percent to 692,507, while pre-primary enrolment grew by 11.9 percent to 605,229.

    At the primary level, enrolment reached 3,006,709 pupils, up 5.9 percent from the previous year, reaffirming primary education as the foundation of Rwanda’s school system. Enrolment in general and professional secondary schools increased modestly by 1.45 percent to 196,384 students, with girls forming the majority.

    Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes also expanded, with enrolment in Levels 1 to 5 rising by 12.8 percent to 116,791 trainees. Despite this growth, gender disparities persist, with women still under-represented in vocational fields.

    Higher education continued its upward trajectory, as the number of students in universities and polytechnics increased from 119,716 to 130,474, an 8.99 percent rise in one year.

    In contrast, adult literacy centres experienced a decline, with enrolment dropping by 9.1 percent to 99,255 learners, suggesting a gradual shift towards formal education pathways.
    Taken together, these figures depict a system that is expanding not just in size but in diversity, advancing Rwanda’s vision of inclusive and lifelong learning for all.

    Enrolment rates also improved across all levels. The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) and Net Enrolment Rate (NER) in pre-primary education rose to 59.5 and 44.7 percent respectively, up from 53.1 and 39 percent a year earlier. At the primary level, GER reached 148.2 percent while NER climbed slightly to 95 percent.

    Rwanda’s education system continues to grow steadily, demonstrating measurable progress in access, infrastructure, and teaching quality.

    Secondary GER increased to 48.6 percent and NER to 29.1 percent, while higher education GER grew from 8.6 to 9 percent. Girls now outnumber boys in both lower and upper secondary levels, though boys still form the majority in primary, TVET, and higher education institutions.

    Student progression data reveal both gains and persistent challenges. Only 13.1 percent of pupils who start Primary 1 complete Senior 6 within twelve years, though the share of those finishing primary school on time increased from 37.5 to 42.7 percent.

    In primary schools, promotion rates reached 65.1 percent, repetition dropped to 29.7 percent, and dropout fell to 5.2 percent. Secondary schools recorded similar progress, with dropout declining from 7.5 to 4.4 percent, even as repetition rates rose slightly to 13.8 percent.

    Transition rates across education levels shifted unevenly: 79 percent of pupils moved from primary to lower secondary, down by 4.7 points, while 83.3 percent advanced from lower to upper secondary, up by 0.9 points. The proportion proceeding from secondary to higher education declined more sharply, from 64.8 to 49.6 percent. Currently, around 23.4 percent of secondary and TVET learners are enrolled in boarding schools.

    The teaching workforce also grew, with 123,818 teachers recorded in 2023/24, a 2.6 percent increase from the previous year. Most are qualified by national standards: 99.4 percent of pre-primary, 99.8 percent of primary, 86.6 percent of secondary, and 80.3 percent of TVET teachers meet minimum qualification requirements.

    However, formal pedagogical training remains uneven. Only 52.7 percent of pre-primary, 67.6 percent of primary, 78 percent of secondary, and 25.7 percent of TVET teachers have completed professional training.

    This imbalance translates into uneven classroom experiences, with one trained teacher for every 106 pupils in pre-primary, 65 in primary, 36 in secondary, and 77 in TVET. Women dominate teaching in the early years, accounting for 83 percent of pre-primary and 56.7 percent of primary teachers, while men remain the majority in secondary (65 percent), TVET (69.4 percent), and higher education (78.8 percent).

    Technology use in education continues to accelerate. The yearbook shows that 35.5 percent of schools now use ICT tools in teaching, 21.9 percent have smart classrooms, and 28.2 percent operate computer laboratories. Connectivity is improving, with 61.8 percent of schools connected to the internet and nearly all (97.4 percent) having at least one computer.

    The computer-to-student ratio now stands at one for every nine learners, an improvement from one per ten in 2017. Teachers have an average of one computer for every two individuals, while administrative staff enjoy full access. These figures reflect a system increasingly equipped for digital learning, though rural–urban disparities persist.

    Textbook availability has improved, particularly at the primary level, where the average book-to-pupil ratio stands at two to one. Core subjects such as Kinyarwanda, English, and Mathematics have achieved full coverage, with one book per pupil. However, Science and Elementary Technology lag behind at a ratio of four to one.

    In lower and upper secondary levels, the average ratio remains at three to one across science, language, and humanities streams. Teacher Training Colleges remain under-supplied, with four students sharing a single book, while pre-primary institutions, where play-based learning dominates, report ratios ranging from one to one to as high as twenty-one to one, reflecting the strain of rapid enrolment growth.

    Access to basic utilities in schools has also improved steadily. By 2024, 84.2 percent of schools were connected to the national electricity grid, 18.7 percent used solar energy, 11.9 percent relied on generators, and 1.7 percent operated biogas systems.

    Water access expanded as well, with 81.8 percent of schools having tap water, 65.6 percent providing safe drinking water, and 88.7 percent harvesting rainwater. Hygiene facilities are now nearly universal: 93.7 percent of schools have handwashing stations, and 94.8 percent offer separate toilets for girls and boys. However, the recommended ratio of one toilet for every 25 students remains unmet as enrolment continues to rise.

    The school-feeding programme has also expanded significantly. The proportion of learners receiving meals at school increased from 92.8 to 96.8 percent, while the share of schools providing meals jumped from 87.4 to 99.3 percent within a single year. Officials attribute this success to improved community engagement and government support, noting that the programme has helped reduce absenteeism and enhance student concentration.

    Altogether, these trends point to a rapidly evolving education system that continues to make strides in inclusion, quality, and digital readiness, even as it grapples with enduring challenges such as overcrowding, teacher training gaps, and unequal resource distribution. Rwanda’s ongoing investments suggest a strong commitment to ensuring that every learner, from early childhood to higher education, benefits from the promise of lifelong learning.