The ICT Chamber of the Rwanda Private Sector Federation has launched a project called the Digital Talent Program (DTP), aimed at training 20,000 youth across the country in various fields of technology.
The project was officially launched in Kigali on March 27, 2025. Its goal is to equip young people with digital skills and help them leverage those skills for economic opportunities.
DTP will be implemented by the ICT Chamber in collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Youth, and with support from IHS Towers Group, a company specializing in telecommunication towers.
The courses offered will cover Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, Data Analysis, and other technology-related subjects.
The program will run for two years in 15 districts, where youth will receive free training at youth centers. Additionally, young people from other parts of the country will be able to follow the courses online.
According to ICT Chamber, those attending in person will study during working hours on weekdays, while those learning online will be able to access the training materials on an e-learning platform at their convenience.
Registration is open to anyone interested, and applicants can register online. However, participants must have internet access and a computer for online learning. Those attending in-person training at youth centers can use the computers available at the centers.
Another requirement is proficiency in English, as the courses are conducted in this language.
Each course will last six months, after which graduates will receive support in finding job opportunities. The program aims for at least 20% of graduates to secure employment within six months after completing the training.
So far, over 7,000 people have registered, and more than 800 have already started learning.
Currently, training is taking place both online and in-person at Club Rafiki in Nyamirambo, the Huye Youth Center, Nyagatare Youth Center, and Rusizi Youth Center. Training in 11 other districts is being prepared.
The first phase of the DTP program will begin with 5,000 learners, with more participants joining in subsequent phases.
Ntare Alexis, the CEO of the ICT Chamber, stated that DTP is expected to support the government’s efforts to enhance youth skills in technology and promote self-employment.
He said, “Our goal is to provide opportunities for young people to gain practical skills that will help them generate income. Additionally, DTP will strengthen the private sector because local and international technology companies need skilled individuals to drive innovation and business growth.”
Paula Ingabire, the Minister of Technology and Innovation, emphasized that DTP is one of the key programs that will help Rwanda achieve its goal of training one million software developers (coders) within the next five years.
The project will also contribute to Rwanda’s vision of becoming a technology hub, enabling young people to access job opportunities both locally and internationally.
She said, “This program is a great step towards our goal of not just being technology consumers but also becoming technology service providers. This transformation will have a positive impact on the entire society. We believe this initiative will increase employment opportunities, as DTP graduates will gain the skills needed to compete in the job market.”
Kunle Iluyemi, the IHS Rwanda Country Manager and representative of IHS Towers in Sub-Saharan Africa, stated that investing in youth digital skills is an investment in knowledge, which will be highly valuable in the future job market.
Claude Iranzi, one of the students enrolled in the DTP program, shared that he is gaining advanced knowledge for free, whereas he previously had to pay for similar training. He believes that this program will prepare him to become a highly skilled professional in the future
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