Rwanda is set to establish a specialised higher learning institution focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, marking the latest step in the country’s drive to build a technology-driven economy.
The decision was approved by Cabinet on July 24, paving the way for the creation of the Rwanda Institute of Computing (RIC), a specialised constituent college of the University of Rwanda.
The institute is expected to admit its first students in September 2026, offering undergraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced computing.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the new institution builds on the achievements of the Rwanda Coding Academy by creating a seamless pathway for graduates to pursue university education in computing and related disciplines.
The government said the institute will help produce the highly skilled workforce needed to support Rwanda’s ambitions of becoming a regional leader in digital innovation and a knowledge-based economy.
“The establishment of the Rwanda Institute of Computing will further strengthen Rwanda’s capacity to train highly skilled professionals who will contribute to the country’s technology-driven economic transformation,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
The announcement comes as Rwanda continues to expand its investments in artificial intelligence. In June, Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Office to coordinate AI development, accelerate innovation, attract investment and strengthen governance of emerging technologies.
Artificial intelligence is already being deployed across key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, justice, commerce, security and public service delivery.
RIC is expected to strengthen that ecosystem by producing graduates with advanced technical expertise while expanding opportunities for Rwanda Coding Academy alumni to continue into higher education, research and innovation.
The institute also supports the goals of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), under which Rwanda aims to achieve universal basic digital literacy by 2029 and provide specialised coding training to one million people.
The launch of the Rwanda Institute of Computing underscores Rwanda’s long-term strategy to position itself as a regional hub for emerging technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital innovation.
