The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, has reaffirmed that quality education remains the foundation of Rwanda’s development and a key driver of national transformation, underscoring the need to strengthen the sector through increased investment in innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He made the remarks on February 20, 2026, while closing the two-day Global Learning Conference 2026, an international forum on advancing education held in Rwanda.
Minister Nsengimana said the conference provided valuable insights for Rwanda and other participating countries, describing the discussions as impactful across multiple sectors, especially in shaping the future of education.
He stressed that building a strong and inclusive education system requires collective effort, noting that Rwanda’s long-term development agenda is firmly rooted in resilient, high-quality education.
“For Rwanda, education is not simply important — it is the cornerstone of development and a catalyst for transformation,” he said. “In a fast-changing world driven by rapid technological advancement, we are committed to building an education system capable of responding to emerging challenges. Our goal is to ensure every child acquires knowledge, practical skills, creativity, and values that empower them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Minister also expressed appreciation to partners who organized the conference and selected Rwanda as the host nation.
AI in Education: Support Tool, Not Replacement
A key focus of the conference was the integration of Artificial Intelligence in schools. While some participants raised concerns about the potential misuse of AI and its possible impact on teachers’ employment, education leaders were quick to clarify its intended role.
The Minister of State for Education, Claudette Irere, emphasized that AI is designed to complement — not replace — teachers.
“Whenever we discuss Artificial Intelligence, the first concern is often whether teachers will lose their jobs,” she said. “In education, that is not the case. AI will not replace teachers. Instead, it is a tool to support them — to enhance teaching methods, improve lesson delivery, and make learning more effective.”
Students and Teachers Report Positive Impact
Students attending the conference highlighted the benefits of AI in their studies, noting that while it simplifies and accelerates learning, it does not eliminate personal responsibility.
Uhirwe Eshter Hope, a student in Software Programming and Embedded Systems at Rwanda Coding Academy, said AI enhances efficiency without encouraging complacency.
“AI does not make us lazy,” she said. “It requires critical thinking to use it effectively. It helps us learn faster and work more efficiently, but the effort remains ours.”
Ishimwe Irene, a student of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science at Ecole De Science Byimana, also noted visible improvements in learning outcomes since the introduction of AI tools.
Meanwhile, Habyarimana Clogette, a Physics teacher at Rwanda Coding Academy, pointed to structured training programs that equip teachers to integrate AI responsibly into classrooms.
“AI has not come to replace teachers,” she said. “It helps us improve the quality of instruction and deliver lessons more effectively. The teacher remains central to the learning process.”
The conference concluded with a shared commitment among participants to harness innovation responsibly while safeguarding the human-centered nature of education, positioning Rwanda as an active player in shaping the future of learning in the digital age.
