Rwanda’s push to digitize education is entering a new phase, with policymakers, technology firms and educators calling for deeper investment in internet connectivity, electricity and digital platforms to unlock the full potential of education technology across the country.

That message dominated the February edition of the EdTech Mondays dialogue series, held under the theme “Powering Digital Learning: Investing in Foundational Infrastructure for Education.” The discussion brought together government officials, EdTech innovators and development partners to examine the infrastructure gaps still constraining digital learning despite Rwanda’s ambitious digital transformation agenda.

All speakers agreed, reliable connectivity and electricity remain the backbone of effective EdTech adoption, particularly in rural schools where access to digital tools is uneven.

Rwanda has invested heavily in expanding broadband networks and digital public infrastructure as part of its broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy. The government has rolled out national platforms for digital learning and school administration, while partnerships with telecom operators and development organizations have supported connectivity programs targeting schools.

Still, participants in the discussion said infrastructure gaps remain one of the most significant barriers to equitable digital learning across the country.

“Technology can transform education, but only if it reaches every classroom,” Founder & Guardian Berulo Foundation, Ian Berulo Cyusa noted. “Rural connectivity is not just a technical issue, it is an education equity issue,” he said. 

The conversation highlighted how foundational infrastructure influences nearly every aspect of the education system. Beyond delivering digital content, connectivity enables teacher training, online student assessments, school management systems and integration with national education platforms.

Educational technology companies participating in the program said improved infrastructure is also essential for scaling locally developed solutions across the region.

“For EdTech companies, stable internet and reliable electricity determine whether a solution works consistently in schools,” Cyusa said during the session. “Without that foundation, innovation cannot reach the students who need it most.”

Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s most active EdTech ecosystems, with a growing number of startups developing digital learning platforms, skills training tools and school management technologies. The government has increasingly positioned the sector as a key component of its broader human capital development strategy.

The discussion also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between governments, telecom providers, development partners and the private sector to accelerate digital infrastructure expansion.

Panelists said targeted investments in rural connectivity, affordable devices and teacher digital skills could significantly increase the impact of EdTech initiatives already underway.

“Building infrastructure is not just about cables and towers,” Director of Emerging Technology for Education Unit ICT in Education Department REB, Vedaste A. Uwishema said. “It is about creating an ecosystem where teachers, students and innovators can all thrive.”

The EdTech Mondays platform, which convenes education stakeholders across Africa, aims to surface practical solutions to challenges facing digital learning systems on the continent.

As Rwanda continues to position itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, participants said ensuring strong foundational infrastructure will determine whether the country’s EdTech ambitions translate into lasting gains for students and educators alike.

“The future of education is digital,” Uwishema concluded. “But that future depends on the infrastructure we build today.”By Saul Butera