Through strategic mapping of schools, modelling connectivity standards, and employing real-time monitoring tools like Giga Meter, the country is pioneering a model for leveraging technology to achieve transformative educational outcomes.
Since its launch in 2019, the pilot program has been a collaborative effort involving Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT, the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), UNICEF Rwanda, and Giga—a joint initiative of UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The project initially connected 63 schools, including 13 that serve refugee students from nearby camps. At the start, most of these institutions depended on mobile-based 3G/4G connections, which provided limited speeds of up to 5 Mbps at high per-megabit costs, hindering effective digital learning.
By aggregating demand across multiple schools in the Bugesera district, Giga’s approach enabled internet providers to invest in fixed wireless technology and fibre optics in certain locations. This shift justified infrastructure upgrades and resulted in significantly improved service quality at a lower cost. Every participating school received at least 25 Mbps, with scalability up to 100 Mbps. The government and development partners supplied devices to create a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem.
The impact has been notable. Internet costs dropped by 55%, from approximately US$20 per Mbps to US$9 per month, while connection speeds more than quadrupled due to the deployment of fixed infrastructure. UNICEF Rwanda’s Denis Mupenzi highlighted that UNICEF’s procurement approach effectively engaged the private sector, helping to secure more affordable prices for school connectivity. The real-time mapping provided by Giga further ensured that any areas experiencing reduced speeds were quickly identified and addressed, and that contractual commitments between the government and service providers remained on track.
Rwanda’s focus on school connectivity is part of its broader digital transformation strategy, which is seen as a key driver of employment and economic growth. A partnership with Airtel has connected 20 youth centres and 281 schools, providing free access to online courses that help young people develop digital skills. UNICEF Rwanda has worked with these providers to whitelist e-learning sites, ensuring continuous access to educational content both within and beyond school settings.
While connectivity is crucial, UNICEF emphasizes that improving education quality also depends on providing devices, relevant content, and teacher training. When these elements combine, the potential for positive change is profound. For example, teacher Nshuti, working in a remote school, can now use the internet to demonstrate concepts such as the impacts of extreme weather — floods and landslides — bringing lessons to life and engaging students more effectively.
Overall, Rwanda’s experience illustrates how strategic investment in school connectivity, supported by innovative tools and partnerships, can fundamentally improve educational outcomes and empower youth through digital learning.
