The school, based in Nyabihu District, was selected from nearly 3,000 nominations and applications submitted from 113 countries, highlighting its growing reputation as a centre of excellence in digital skills and future-focused learning.
RCA is competing in the AI Transformation category, supported by Fab AI, which promotes the use of artificial intelligence to improve education systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Founded in 2019, RCA is a government-run specialist high school that trains around 280 students aged between 14 and 19 to become software engineers and AI innovators. The institution has positioned itself as a key part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to build a knowledge-based, digital economy.
Its recognition in the global competition is largely driven by its distinctive approach to artificial intelligence education. Beyond technical skills, the academy integrates ethics, responsibility, and social impact into every project.
Students are encouraged to critically examine issues such as fairness, data privacy, and the societal implications of AI technologies.
Among its standout innovations is a student-developed computer vision system designed to detect road accidents in real time. The system uses locally sourced data and has been deliberately engineered to protect privacy by avoiding facial recognition features.
RCA’s track record of achievement has further strengthened its global standing. Students have developed more than 70 functional technology projects, and in 2025, they secured first, second, and third place at the picoCTF-Africa cybersecurity competition, outperforming participants from over 20 countries.
More recently, RCA students won the 2026 AI Ideathon organised by the Rwanda Education Board and are set to represent the country at the global level in Switzerland.
The school has also expanded its international footprint through partnerships with organisations such as the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), as well as participation in global hackathons and cyber-resilience forums.
The Global Schools Prize, founded by education entrepreneur Sunny Varkey, is the largest award of its kind. It celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to equipping learners with the skills and values needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.
“Congratulations, Rwanda Coding Academy. Your approach to teaching and learning powerfully demonstrates how schools play a defining role in equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to shape our rapidly evolving world,” Varkey said in a statement.
Mathias Esmann, Director of Partnerships at Fab AI, also commended the finalists, noting that they are “harnessing the enormous potential of AI to expand access, free up time for teachers and deliver measurable impact for learners.”
As part of the shortlist, RCA receives a Global Schools Prize badge and joins an international network of leading institutions, gaining access to partnerships, professional development opportunities, and global collaboration platforms.
The competition will now narrow the top 50 schools down to 10 category winners, each receiving $50,000. One overall winner will be awarded $500,000 to scale its impact.
The final winner is expected to be announced during the Education World Forum in London in May.
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