Kigali, 5 March 2024

The Government of Rwanda and Japan today signed a long-term financing agreement worth 14 billion Japanese Yen (approximately Frw 118 billion to support transformation of the education sector.

The agreement in form of concessional loan marks a pivotal step towards driving digital transformation within education, enhancing operational efficiency across primary and secondary levels, and fostering an enriched learning environment within technical colleges. The overarching objective is to ensure equitable access to quality education for all.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel NDAGIJIMANA said: "The Government places paramount importance on a robust education sector, recognizing it as a fundamental catalyst for Rwanda's future development endeavors. This financing agreement exemplifies the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Rwanda, aligned with Rwanda’s development vision”.

H.E Mr. Isao FUKUSHIMA, the Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda , “This development policy loan is unprecedented in its scale. Japan has led human-centered development cooperation based upon the philosophy of “Human Security”. I believe that education is not only the foundation of economic development of a country, but also essential for individuals to live in dignity as human beings. It is the very reason why we must ensure equal access to education for all the people, regardless of where they live in the world. I sincerely hope that this loan will further create a synergy effect with the other projects, contributing to making Rwanda a country where all people have access to quality education”. It is the Japan’s hope that this loan will commit to addressing the gaps in educational opportunity between those rich and poor, or those living in Kigali and rural areas

Bilateral cooperation between Japan and Rwanda has among others supported the Water and Sanitation, Agriculture, Energy, Transport and Education sectors mainly through JICA.