The development was announced on Sunday, 21 December 2025, by Mwizerwa Murisa, Founder, Managing Director and Exam Coordinator of the German Language Academy, during a press conference held to officially unveil the launch of the ECL German examination in Rwanda. Murisa said the certification will allow learners to obtain an internationally recognized language credential without having to travel abroad.

“This is a major milestone for us and for the country. Learners will now be able to sit for an international examination and receive a globally recognized certificate while remaining in Rwanda,” he said.

Since its establishment in 2022, German Language Academy has played a growing role in expanding German language skills among Rwandans. According to Murisa, the institution has trained more than 1,000 learners in German, with tangible outcomes already visible in migration, employment, and education pathways.

“We are proud of the impact we have made so far. More than 200 of our learners have already obtained visas, and many others are working in German-funded institutions and at the German Embassy here in Rwanda,” he noted.

Beyond language training for individuals aspiring to study abroad, Murisa explained that the academy also supports Rwandans employed in international organizations linked to Germany, equipping them with practical language skills required in their daily professional work. He added that the academy has established partnerships with several secondary schools across the country, where German is taught through specialized language clubs.

“Through these clubs, young people are introduced to German at an early age. It helps them build confidence and interest in the language long before they reach higher education,” he said.

Although the academy has been operating for three years, Murisa clarified that it is only now officially authorized to administer examinations leading to an internationally recognized certificate. The first ECL examinations in Rwanda are scheduled to take place in February 2026.

One of the beneficiaries of the academy’s programs is Munezero Marie, a former student who is now a staff member at the institution. She described her journey as life-changing, crediting the academy’s teaching approach for her rapid progress in the language.

“I joined the academy with a basic level of German, but the teaching methods here are intensive and effective. In a short time, I gained confidence in my abilities,” she said.

Munezero explained that within seven to eight months, she progressed from level A1 to B2, a leap she attributes to personal commitment and structured learning.

“I studied with full dedication. Moving from A1 to B2 in such a short time made me believe that passing an international exam is possible,” she added.

She said she arrived in Rwanda in April 2025 and immediately enrolled at the academy, where she later began supporting other learners as part of the teaching team. Munezero urged Rwandan youth to take foreign language learning seriously, particularly German, which she described as a gateway to well-paying opportunities abroad.

“Knowing multiple languages is a real advantage today. With German, there are opportunities to study and work in Germany at the same time, and in some programs learners can earn up to 1,250 euros per month,” she said.

She emphasized that while English remains a dominant global language, German offers distinct and growing opportunities for those who master it.

The ECL certificate, issued by the European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages, certifies language proficiency according to internationally recognized standards. It is widely used in applications for higher education, employment, and visas particularly within Europe and confirms a candidate’s ability to read, write, listen, and speak a foreign language at a professional level.

Rwanda becomes one of only five African countries where the ECL certification is offered, alongside Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and the Republic of Congo. Education stakeholders say this positions the country as a regional hub for internationally accredited language training, while opening new horizons for Rwandan learners in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Mwizerwa Murisa, Director of the German Language Academy, speaks during the press briefing announcing the launch of the international ECL German language examination in Rwanda.

Munezero Marie, a former student and now a staff member at the German Language Academy, says the training she received enabled her to progress from A1 to B2 German proficiency within a short period

Students attend a German language class at the German Language Academy as the institution prepares learners for the first ECL international examinations scheduled for 2026

Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda was born in Masisi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1948, in what was then known as Zaire. His passion for education began early, as he started teaching at various universities in the DRC from 1974. He says that from a young age, he dreamed of doing something that would help people become self-reliant, aspiring to become a teacher in order to help others acquire lasting value.
“I wanted to do something that would help people help themselves, to gain a form of wealth that is not cattle, not land, nor any other wealth that fades away,” he says.

In 1994, Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda was appointed to a permanent teaching position at the National University of Rwanda in Butare, through a letter dated 09 December 1994. Although he had reached the level of teaching at the country’s public university, his vision went far beyond personal career achievement.

On 15 March 1996, Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda founded the Kigali Independent University (ULK). He says ULK was not conceived as a business venture, but as a project inspired by God.

“ULK is a project of God. I chose to invest my capacity in education rather than in anything else. I pray to the living God who hears and answers prayers. When a person has faith rooted in God, God gives them direction and the strength to do many things for His glory, not for personal enrichment, but to serve God and people,” he explains.

He notes that he never aspired to go into business, although he supports it, emphasizing that every decision a person makes depends on the vision they give to their life.

“Work comes fourth. First is thinking, second is planning, and third is organization. That is why I chose to establish ULK based on faith, without money, walking on foot, yet within me I felt it would become a very big institution,” he adds.

The early days of ULK were far from easy. Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda recalls renting two classrooms at Saint Paul, near Saint Famille, while setting up his office in a corridor. At the time, he was a volunteer, earning no salary, trusting that the small fees paid by a few students would cover rent and teachers’ salaries.

“I started believing that the little the students paid would help us pay rent and teachers. I earned no salary myself. But I was convinced that this initiative would grow into a giant university,” he recalls.

In its first year alone, ULK enrolled 204 students. Over the years, student numbers continued to grow, and ULK became a center of knowledge, making a tangible contribution to national development.

Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda says he does not like the term “capital”, because in his view, a true entrepreneur starts from zero.

“I don’t like the word capital. If you start with capital, you fail. A real entrepreneur is one who starts from zero. Even in the courses we teach here, there is a strong component of entrepreneurship,” he emphasizes.

His humanity was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when ULK chose not to abandon its staff. At a time when many institutions were shutting down, ULK had nearly 300 employees, and Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda made a bold decision to care for them.

“I said that no employee would starve. Those earning above one million francs had their salaries reduced by half, but those earning below 500,000 francs continued to receive their full pay. When the money ran out, I went to seek a bank loan, even though we did not know when COVID would end,” he says.

He adds, “I could not eat potatoes, sweet potatoes, or drink milk knowing that my employee had nothing. I am their parent. What I have, I share with others.”

Beyond education, ULK plays a significant role in social welfare through the ULK Foundation, established by Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda. Through this foundation, more than 2,000 underprivileged students have had their education financed, both in Rwanda and abroad.

Economically, ULK contributes at least 150 million Rwandan francs in taxes every month. Today, ULK has over 10,000 students, more than 4,000 of whom are international students, highlighting its role in international education and national development.

The story of Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda is a powerful lesson in how faith, vision, and perseverance can build a strong institution that benefits both the nation and its people. It is the story of a leader who believes that sustainable development is built on people, not on wealth that fades away.

 Seated in his office, Prof. Dr Rwigamba Balinda reflects on nearly three decades of building the Kigali Independent University (ULK) from vision and faith

Kigali Independent University (ULK), founded in 1996, now hosts more than 10,000 students from Rwanda and across the world.

Awards and trophies earned by ULK, symbolizing years of contribution to higher education, leadership, and national development

Mukangango Delice, widely known as Furaha, has been working as a tailor for 20 years. She said receiving this certificate marks the beginning of a new chapter in her professional journey.

“I’m very happy to have received this certificate. It will help me go further, I’m planning to establish a tailoring school and collaborate with other entrepreneurs in Rwanda and abroad who do similar work. I now see greater opportunities to reach new markets,”. She said.

Theopiste Mukamurenzi, a tailor from Muhanga District, was also among those certified. She previously worked in government institutions but later realized her true calling was in tailoring.

“I used to ask myself, ‘How can someone work with their hands for years and make a living, but not be officially recognized?’ Today I’m proud because RPL has shown me that practical skills have value. I plan to establish my own company that operates legally and professionally, I’m no longer afraid,”. Theopiste Mukamurenzi Said

Daniel Nshimiyimana, Chairperson of the Rwanda Tailors Association (RTA), said the program is a major step toward restoring the dignity of skills acquired through practical experience.

“For a long time, many people with talent and vocational skills were not valued because they lacked formal certificates. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program is helping us address that challenge. Anyone with practical knowledge can now prove their competence in an official way, which opens doors for job creation and professional growth,”. Daniel Nshimiyimana, RTA Chairperson said

Williams Buningwire, Spokesperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), emphasized that such training programs inject fresh energy and innovation into Rwanda’s private sector.

“When people are trained like this in any profession, they become a new force within the private sector. It’s new knowledge and expertise that the country gains, which is essential for economic growth. These individuals are like fresh blood in business, bringing creativity and renewed passion to their work,”. Buningwire Williams said

In this latest round, all 193 tailors who sat for the RPL assessment passed and were awarded certificates recognized by the government.
In the first phase, conducted in 2024, 800 tailors took part and 763 passed.
This means that across the two cohorts, a total of 956 tailors have now been certified under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

The RPL program continues to demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to valuing practical knowledge and work-based skills. For beneficiaries like these tailors, it represents a new path toward professional recognition, self-confidence, and broader career opportunities.

Tailors from across Rwanda proudly display their certificates after completing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment, officially joining the ranks of certified professionals

After 20 years in the tailoring profession, Mukangango Delice known as “Furaha” says her new RPL certificate will help her open a tailoring school and reach international markets.

Daniel Nshimiyimana, Chairperson of the Rwanda Tailors Association, says RPL restores dignity to hands-on skills and creates new opportunities for job creation

Speaking as Guest of Honour, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva commended the graduates for their resilience and contribution to Rwanda’s development vision.

“Today is not just your graduation day, it’s your launch day. The moment you step boldly into the future you’ve been building towards,” he said. “You’ve overcome challenges, stayed focused, and worked hard to reach this point. You made it, and you’ve earned every bit of this celebration.”

The Prime Minister also thanked the families, lecturers, and communities who stood by the graduates through their academic journeys, describing them as “a village of quiet champions.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the University of Rwanda in its mission to become a world-class institution that produces skilled, innovative, and work-ready graduates.

“Rwanda’s journey to transformation is powered by our people. Our vision is to become a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, creativity, and skill,” he added. “Research must be purposeful, and innovation must be practical. Ideas must become solutions that create value for our communities.”

In his address, Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance, while emphasizing the importance of adaptability in today’s world.

“We now live in a pivotal era where artificial intelligence and technological innovation are transforming every aspect of life and work,” he said. “Continuous learning is your greatest tool for staying relevant. Keep updating your skills and use technology ethically and responsibly.”

Prof. Muganga also thanked parents, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support, describing their contribution as the foundation of the university’s success.

This year’s cohort of 9,526 graduates included 4,204 women and 5,322 men, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to gender balance in higher

For many, the day was filled with deep emotion and reflection on their academic journeys.

“Graduating from the University of Rwanda is a dream come true,” said Ange Uwase, a graduate from the College of Business and Economics. “It has been a journey of hard work, friendship, and growth. I now feel ready to contribute to Rwanda’s development in the private sector.”

“I joined UR with curiosity and leave with confidence,” added Jean Bosco Ndayisaba, a graduate from the College of Science and Technology. “The exposure we got through research and innovation will help us solve real problems our country faces.”

As the graduates tossed their caps into the air, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and national pride. The ceremony not only celebrated individual success but also reflected Rwanda’s continued investment in education as a cornerstone of its transformation agenda.

This year’s graduating class reflected the University of Rwanda’s diverse academic landscape, drawing students from all seven of its colleges. The College of Education produced the largest number of graduates with 2,554, followed by the College of Business and Economics with 2,005, and the College of Science and Technology with 1,688. The College of Medicine and Health Sciences awarded 1,136 degrees, while the College of Arts, Language and Social Sciences had 1,006 graduates. Meanwhile, 981 students completed their studies from the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, and 156 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, all together showcasing the university’s commitment to producing skilled professionals across a wide range of disciplines.

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva urges graduates to be changemakers and innovators driving Rwanda’s transformation

Vice Chancellor Prof. Didas Muganga challenges graduates to embrace lifelong learning and ethical use of technology in the age of AI

Leaders from various institutions attended the ceremony.

From classrooms to communities: UR Class of 2025 is ready to turn knowledge into solutions that shape Rwanda’s future.

“Previously, conducting research was challenging; we relied only on textbooks in the library. Now, we can access knowledge from all over the world within moments, which inspires me to dream big and become an expert in many fields.”

Isingoma Elijah echoed the sentiment, noting that before technology arrived at their school, learning was limited. Now, they can leverage digital tools for research and other critical tasks:

“Before the arrival of technology, our learning was limited because we couldn’t access advanced information. The new Smart Classroom has given us the ability to learn more efficiently and in less time.”

Teachers have also welcomed the change, saying it has simplified their work. Didas Tuyishime, a teacher of entrepreneurship at Kagarama Secondary School, explained:

“We constantly struggled with outdated textbooks, but now I can prepare up-to-date lessons digitally and share them with students quickly.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, emphasized that the first phase of the project marks a significant step toward technology-driven education:

“1,500 schools across the country now have high-speed internet, and two advanced Data Centers have been established. This forms the foundation for a nationwide education network that supports teaching and learning through technology.”

He further highlighted the project’s alignment with national development goals:

“This achievement contributes significantly to Rwanda’s 2050 vision and the Government’s five-year development plan (NST2). We are positioning our country to compete globally in a knowledge-based economy.”

The second phase of the project will expand internet access to an additional 2,500 schools and establish 100 smart classrooms, further strengthening digital learning infrastructure.

In addition to expanding digital access in schools, the Government, through the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) in partnership with Huawei, has launched the DigiTruck Project. This is a mobile solar-powered classroom equipped with computers, internet connectivity, and educational technology resources.

The DigiTruck will travel across all 30 districts of Rwanda, providing specialized and free digital skills training to underserved populations, including out-of-school youth.

Aligned with the NST2 objectives of equipping 1 million Rwandans with ICT skills, the DigiTruck project is expected to directly benefit over 5,000 people within three years, helping citizens gain basic digital literacy and tools to improve their livelihoods.

Minister of Education leads the way Dr Joseph Nsengimana said that 1,500 schools already online, as Rwanda prepares to connect 2,500 more.

Learners across Rwanda are the real winners: from faster internet to smart classrooms, Rindiro Shami Belyne, a student

The Minister of Education is being presented with the achievements of the first phase of this project.

Inside the mobile classroom powered by solar energy

Neema Mukeshimana, a young lady working in Kigali, says that the fact that youth have access to technology tools that facilitate their projects is an extraordinary opportunity in today’s competitive world of work.
She says: “When you use artificial intelligence properly, life becomes easier and it gives you time to think more about the development of your project rather than struggling with it.”

Bernard Manzi says that those who see AI as a threat are mistaken because it helps them work faster and provide better services.
“As someone building a sustainable business, AI helps us reduce costs and deliver services quickly. Anyone who sees it as an enemy is simply mistaken.”

Joseph Uwineza, a technology lecturer at Rwanda Polytechnic’s Musanze campus, believes the issue is not AI itself but the limited knowledge people have about how to use it.
“AI is not here to replace people, it is a tool that helps them. If you don’t understand it, that’s when it replaces you, but when you do, you embrace it as a partner in your activities,” he explains.

Joseph Uwineza, a technology lecturer at Rwanda Polytechnic’s Musanze campus

Uwineza also urged young people to learn how to use AI because that will help them cope with change. He said: “We want our youth to deeply understand that all these AI-based systems are not here to replace us; rather, we should know what we want to ask from AI and how we want it to help us in short, we should use it instead of letting it use us.”

A 2023 survey by the International Labor Organization (ILO) found that 60% of jobs in developing countries are susceptible to being impacted by AI. Meanwhile, a McKinsey Global Institute report titled “The State of AI” showed that as AI use increases, it will create up to 97 million new job opportunities worldwide by 2030.

In Rwanda, MasterCard Foundation’s 2024 figures reveal that 72% of youth want to create jobs using AI in the next five years, yet fewer than 35% have adequate knowledge of AI.