Rwanda and China have signed a loan financing agreement that will support the Smart Education Project to create a solid foundation for digital education and innovation.
The framework agreement signed this December 16, 2021 will create a basis for acquiring a concessional loan worth $ 30 million (about Rwf 30 billion) from the Exim Bank of China.
The project will connect 63 universities and higher learning institutions, and 1,437 schools from pre-primary to secondary and TVET schools.
It will focus on three main areas including dedicated education network, education data center as well smart campus and school network.
This will contribute to the Government of Rwanda emphasis on promotion of digital learning by increasing the number of schools connected to affordable internet connectivity and setting up a cost effective education content sharing system through “Smart Education”.
“This support will contribute to Rwanda’s National Transformation Strategy (NST1) with a particular focus on building a knowledge-based economy through providing quality education for all,” Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana said.
The Ambassador of China to Rwanda Rao Hongwei said that with 50 years of good relationship between the two countries, his government is committed to supporting Rwanda and especially the education sector towards a digital inclusion.
“China is more than happy to be part and offer our concrete help. I firmly believe that the Smart Education Project will contribute to the betterment of digital infrastructure in Rwanda’s education sector and provide a solid foundation for teaching and learning based on data and information,” Hongwei said.
