The programme was launched by the Government of Rwanda in 2024 as part of efforts to accelerate the country’s transformation under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

The initiative aims to equip one million people, particularly young people, with coding and other digital skills over a five-year period.

The programme was introduced amid Rwanda’s growing young population and the increasing demand for digital skills.

Data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census shows that people aged 30 and below account for 65.3% of Rwanda’s population.

The 1MRC programme is implemented under the supervision of the Digital Inclusion Council (DIC) in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.

Some of those who have benefited from the programme told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that the training has provided them with valuable skills and opened up new opportunities.

Umuhoza Evodie said the programme equipped her with skills to develop computer applications that can help address challenges faced by Rwandans.

“I was trained in computer programming, and the applications we develop can help Rwandans in their everyday lives,” she said.

Umuhire Aimée Cynthia said the skills she acquired through the programme helped her secure employment and prepared her to work on projects with potential impact both in Rwanda and internationally.

“They train us to compete in the global labour market, not just in Rwanda. Even the projects we are given to work on are designed with the international market in mind.

We are encouraged to think about how people outside Rwanda, or people in other countries, would use the solutions we develop,” she said.

She added that without the opportunity to acquire digital skills through the 1MRC programme, she would not have been able to work on the international projects she is currently involved in.

Ernest Mpundu, Project Manager in charge of Programs at the Digital Inclusion Council, said the initiative is not limited to teaching coding.

“The programme is not only about equipping people with computer programming skills. It is also about giving them broader digital literacy skills.

Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and by taking this approach, we are confident that we can achieve the goals we have set,” he said.

The 1MRC programme is part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to strengthen digital skills among its population and prepare young people for opportunities in the increasingly technology-driven global economy.