Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei Technologies Rwanda to enhance skills development and create employment opportunities for young Rwandans in the ICT sector.
The partnership aims to foster innovation, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange, aligning with Rwanda’s ambition to become Africa’s leading technology and innovation hub.
The MoU was formalized on Friday, December 20, by Yves Iradukunda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, and Jin Jinqing, the Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Rwanda. The agreement is set to boost digital talent development and drive digital transformation in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services.
During the signing ceremony, Iradukunda emphasized the Rwandan government’s commitment to creating a tech-friendly environment that encourages companies like Huawei to establish a presence in the country. He noted that Rwanda’s growing network of universities focusing on technology would provide a pipeline of skilled talent.
“With a number of excellent universities focusing on technology, we hope this becomes an immediate pipeline of talent,” Iradukunda said, adding that the government aims to make Kigali a regional hub for proof-of-concept projects, providing opportunities for young innovators to tackle Africa’s challenges.
Jinqing, Huawei’s Managing Director, said the company is committed to nurturing thousands of Rwandan ICT talents over the coming years. The company plans to expand cooperation with local partners, introduce new ICT training programs, and continue its existing internship and talent recruitment efforts.
“Our goal is to create a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the global economy and bridge the digital divide,” Jinqing said. “This initiative will help Rwandan youth become more competitive in international job markets and enhance their employability.”
Jinqing also expressed Huawei’s long-term commitment to working with the Rwandan government and praised Rwanda’s progress in connectivity, skills development, and digital adoption.
“This MoU is more than just a formal agreement. It is a shared commitment to leverage technology to shape a bright future for Rwanda,” Jinqing said.
As part of the partnership, Huawei Technologies will provide world-class ICT training through its Huawei ICT Academy, the Huawei ICT competitions, and the Leadership Employability Advancement and Possibility (LEAP) Digital Talent program.
Huawei’s global initiatives aim to support young talent in excelling in ICT by offering industry exposure, training, and competitions. The company also plans to tap into Rwanda’s pool of university students and graduates to develop solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, and clean energy.