Africa

Rwanda, Japan sign $92.1 million loan to strengthen education sector

Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda Isao Fukushima and Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Uzziel Ndagijimana. (MINECOFIN)

By Hanifa Adan | Tuesday, March 5, 2024

The agreement seeks to enhance operational efficiency across primary and secondary levels and foster an enriched learning environment within technical colleges.

Rwanda and Japan signed a loan agreement worth Rwf118 billion ($92,1 million) aimed at financing digital transformation in the education sector.

The agreement was signed between the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana, and Minako Shiotsuka, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima on March 5.

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The agreement seeks to enhance operational efficiency across primary and secondary levels and foster an enriched learning environment within technical colleges.

Minister Uzziel said it exemplifies the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Rwanda and aligns with the country's vision.

"The government places paramount importance on a robust education sector, recognising it as a fundamental catalyst for Rwanda's future development endeavours."

He says Rwanda's education sector leads with high budget allocation with Rwf760 billion ($563 million) laid out in the fiscal year 2023/2024, spotting the different initiatives to deliver quality education.

Amb Fukushima said that based on Japan's human-centred development cooperation, education is not only the foundation of the economic development of a country but also essential for individuals to live in dignity as human beings.

"It is the very reason why we must ensure equal access to education for all people, regardless of where they live in the world. I sincerely hope this loan will further create a synergy effect with the other projects, contributing to making Rwanda a country where all people have access to quality education."

Just 18 per cent of children in Rwanda are enrolled in pre-primary education. There are too few pre-primary facilities, insufficient government budgeting for pre-primary education, and inadequately trained pre-primary educators, according to UNICEF.

Bilateral cooperation between Japan and Rwanda has among others supported the water and sanitation programmes, agriculture, energy, transport, and education sectors.