While the West retreats, East Africa is boldly reforming. Kenya’s transition to a non-ranked Competency-Based Curriculum and Rwanda’s entry into the PISA assessment signal a region moving towards global benchmarking and specialized pathways.
The era of unfettered international student mobility is over. Driven by housing crises and political pressure, the “Big Four” destinations—Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US—have implemented the most severe restrictive measures in decades, fundamentally altering the global education market.
The era of “access-first” education policy is ending. The OECD’s 2025 Outlook introduces a new framework centered on learner agency to tackle the global stagnation in adult skills and the widening gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” of the knowledge economy.
In a historic restructuring, the US Department of Education is seeing key programs transferred to the State and Labor departments, driven by a new focus on national security and workforce alignment.
2025 was the year AI ceased to be a novelty and became infrastructure. From Duolingo’s generative content factories to teacher-facing coaching tools, EdTech has shifted from “disrupting” education to sustaining it at scale.
Education in Rwanda is growing rapidly, driven by curriculum reforms, improved teacher training, and expanded school infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Education’s 2023/2024 report, Rwanda had 4,986 schools by July 2024, enrolling about 4.8 million students — a 7% increase from the previous year. Despite progress, overcrowding remains a challenge, with an average of 52 pupils per classroom compared to the recommended 46 by UNESCO. Primary education dominates the system, accounting for over 3 million learners, while tertiary enrolment reached 130,474 students. Teacher numbers rose to 123,818, yet many still lack professional training.
Source: Jean Baptiste Nshimiyimana, “Education in Rwanda in Numbers,” published 24 October 2025, Igihe.com
The University of Kigali has launched a new, state-of-the-art campus in Remera, Kigali, signaling a major step toward innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness in Rwanda’s higher education. The new facility features smart classrooms, eco-friendly design, and modern student amenities.
Rwanda’s 2025 national evaluation of school leaders reveals steady progress in education management. Female leaders outperformed male peers, and top-performing districts such as Nyamasheke and Kirehe stood out for strong leadership. The report highlights both achievements and areas for continued professional growth.
The University of Rwanda marked its 11th graduation ceremony on October 17, 2025, at Huye Campus, celebrating over 9,000 graduates in a vibrant event broadcast live on RwandaTV. As UR scales its output of skilled graduates, questions about infrastructure, access, and future workforce readiness take center stage in Rwanda’s higher education journey.
The University of Rwanda has admitted 14,152 first-year students for the 2025/2026 academic year after merging the 2024 and 2025 student intakes. The move aims to reduce the waiting time between secondary school completion and university admission, according to Vice Chancellor Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga.
Bright Angels International School celebrates three staff members—Innocent, Emmanuel, and Divine—who are now internationally recognized ICDL Certified Trainers after completing the rigorous Train-the-Trainer course with ICDL Africa.
WHO Africa introduces competency-based curricula to revolutionize health professions education, aiming to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address Africa’s evolving health challenges.
The University of Rwanda is set to host its 2025 Graduation Ceremony on 17 October, with over 9,500 students expected to receive their degrees, highlighting a significant increase from previous years and reflecting the university’s growing academic excellence.
Rwanda has welcomed 50 new teacher-volunteers from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) to strengthen French language education across Teacher Training Colleges and secondary schools. The initiative highlights Rwanda’s commitment to multilingualism and international cooperation in education.
Rwanda’s New Generation Academy has opened applications for its accredited coding and embedded systems program, offering students from Senior 3 and international curricula the chance to gain in-demand technology skills and prepare for careers in software development, robotics, and digital innovation.
Rwanda has launched the second phase of its Smart Education Project alongside the DigiTruck mobile classroom, extending digital learning to 2,500 additional schools. The initiative provides internet access, virtual classrooms, and digital tools to students nationwide, empowering educators and preparing youth for the 21st century.
Rwanda joins the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day 2025 under the theme “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.” With UNESCO leading the global call for stronger teacher networks, Rwanda’s educators prepare for national celebrations emphasizing teamwork, innovation, and resilience.
Rwanda rolled out major education reforms in September 2025, targeting lower primary and upper secondary levels. The changes address challenges in the competency-based curriculum, especially in double-shift schools, and introduce flexible learning pathways.
Kigali will host the IAU 2025 International Conference on “Building Trust in Higher Education” from 21–23 October, bringing together global leaders to discuss academic integrity, governance, and innovation.
EG Business shares research-backed tips on how South African farmers can boost maize yields through better soil preparation, irrigation, and fertilization, while promoting sustainable growth across African agriculture.
Young founders from Rwanda, South Africa, Pakistan, and Sierra Leone have teamed up to launch a global e-learning platform. The initiative, aligned with SDG 4, will expand access and affordability in education through innovation, digital literacy, and inclusive solutions.
At UNGA 80, African leaders launched a bold plan to finance foundational learning through homegrown solutions, shifting from aid dependence to evidence-driven efficiency.
Laptops are transforming Rwanda’s TVET schools, giving teachers the tools to move beyond chalkboards and bring digital learning into classrooms. With over 5,200 laptops distributed and nationwide connectivity expanding, the initiative is narrowing the digital divide while preparing students for a job market that demands strong ICT skills.
The University of Rwanda and South Korea’s Yonsei University have signed a partnership to advance research and innovation in medical sciences, technology, AI, and IoT, opening new opportunities for collaboration, faculty exchange, and ethical, world-class research.
