December 16, 2021: Government of Rwanda and the People Republic of China today signed a framework agreement that will create a basis for a concessional loan worth US$ 30 million (about Frw 30 billion) from the Exim Bank of China. The financing will support the Smart Education Project.

The Smart Education Project aims to improve Rwanda’s education ICT infrastructure by building an education platform system and establishing a dedicated networks system, provide a solid foundation for digital teaching, education resources sharing, and teaching methods innovation and the education level improvement for Rwandan citizens.

Speaking after the signing of the framework agreement, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana said: “This support will contribute to Rwanda’s National Transformation Strategy with a particular focus on building a knowledge-based economy through providing quality education for all”.

The Ambassador of the Peoples’ Republic of China to Rwanda His Excellency Mr. RAO Hongwei said: “As Rwanda continues to place ICT at the center of education, China is more than happy to be part and offer our concrete help. I firmly believe that the Smart Education Project will contribute to the betterment of digital infrastructure in Rwanda’s education sector and provide a solid foundation for teaching and learning based on data and information. It will create a strong impetus to the development of education in a quality and balanced way, to the cultivation of talents, and ultimately to Rwanda’s social economic development”.

The Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Education is embarking on promotion of digital learning by increasing the number of schools connected to affordable internet connectivity and setting up a cost effective education content sharing system through “Smart Education”. The project scope will focus on three main areas. These are dedicated education network, education data center as well smart campus and school network. The Project will connect 63 universities and higher learning institutions, and 1,437 schools from pre-primary to secondary and TVET schools.

China continues to be a strong development partner to Rwanda through continued support and cooperation in major sectors of our economy namely Transport, Agriculture, Health, Education and construction of Office buildings, among others.