Rwanda is setting a new benchmark for digital education in Africa through the successful implementation of the Giga Initiative, which is demonstrating how strategic school connectivity can reduce internet costs and unlock inclusive access to quality digital learning.
By mapping schools, setting nationwide connectivity standards, and leveraging real-time monitoring tools like Giga Meter, Rwanda is fast becoming a regional leader in harnessing technology to drive transformative educational outcomes.
Connecting Classrooms to Opportunity
The Giga pilot, launched in 2019, is a collaboration between Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT, the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), UNICEF Rwanda, and Giga—a joint initiative between UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The project connected 63 schools, including 13 serving refugee students in and around camps. Initially, most schools used mobile 3G/4G connections with limited bandwidth—often capped at 5 Mbps—and high data costs. This was a significant obstacle to meaningful digital learning.
To overcome this, Giga aggregated internet demand across schools in Bugesera District, enabling service providers to justify infrastructure upgrades, including fixed wireless and fibre-optic deployments in select areas.
Real Impact: Faster, Cheaper, Scalable
Each pilot school now receives a minimum of 25 Mbps, with the option to scale up to 100 Mbps. Devices were provided by the government and partners, helping build a robust digital learning ecosystem.
The result?
- Internet costs dropped by 55% – from $20 to just $9 per Mbps.
- Speeds more than quadrupled thanks to fixed infrastructure.
- Monitoring tools ensured real-time performance tracking and accountability in supplier contracts.
“The pilot showed that UNICEF’s procurement approach is a powerful way to engage the private sector and negotiate better prices for school connectivity,” said Denis Mupenzi, Supply Specialist, UNICEF Rwanda.
Beyond the Classroom: Building a Digital Nation
This pilot aligns with Rwanda’s broader digital transformation agenda, where internet access is seen not just as a service but a driver of youth empowerment, job creation, and economic growth.
Through a public-private partnership with Airtel, Rwanda has connected 20 youth centres and 281 schools, offering free access to online learning platforms. E-learning sites have been allowed to ensure continued digital access, even outside classrooms.
But connectivity alone isn’t enough.
UNICEF Rwanda emphasises that for digital transformation to enhance education truly, schools must also receive devices, relevant content, and teacher training.
A New Era of Teaching
For teachers like Nshuti, working in a remote part of Rwanda, the internet has transformed how he teaches.
“Before, I could only talk about climate change. Now I can show my students real videos of floods, landslides, and other extreme weather events. It makes learning real and engaging,” shared Steve Nzaramba, Communications Specialist at UNICEF Rwanda.
What’s Next?
As the government continues scaling the Giga model nationwide, Rwanda is proving that smart, collaborative infrastructure investment can drive digital inclusion and educational equity. With stronger connectivity, better tools, and skilled teachers, the country is shaping a future where every child can access quality education—no matter where they live.
