UAIT Named Host Institution for Smart Ibiruhuko 2026 — Rwanda's National Holiday Digital Skills Programme

KIGALI, RWANDA — On 23rd June 2026, a representative from the Rwanda ICT Chamber, acting under the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), visited the United African Institute of Technology to formalise UAIT's participation as an official host institution for Smart Ibiruhuko 2026 — a national programme designed to turn school holiday periods into productive digital learning opportunities for Rwandan students.

The visit, which included a formal meeting with UAIT's Deputy Vice Chancellor and staff members, marked a significant step in UAIT's growing role as a recognised centre for technology education in Rwanda. The two parties agreed on the framework for hosting Smart Ibiruhuko sessions at UAIT's Kimihurura Campus, giving students access to guided, hands-on training in emerging technologies during the holiday period.

What Is Smart Ibiruhuko?

Ibiruhuko is the Kinyarwanda word for holidays. Smart Ibiruhuko is a nationally coordinated programme launched by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and implemented through the Rwanda ICT Chamber — the country's leading technology industry association representing hundreds of tech companies and professionals.

The programme's core premise is straightforward: rather than let school holiday periods go to waste, Smart Ibiruhuko activates a network of approved institutions across Rwanda to provide students — from secondary level to tertiary and higher institutions — with structured access to online learning platforms and hands-on digital skills training. Host institutions open their facilities, provide supervision, and facilitate guided sessions using curated digital content aligned with Rwanda's development priorities.

Technology Focus Areas at UAIT

As a host institution, UAIT will provide students with access to training content spanning the most critical technology fields in Rwanda's digital transformation agenda:

Why UAIT as a Host?

UAIT's selection as a Smart Ibiruhuko host institution reflects the institution's growing reputation as a practical, industry-focused technology education centre in Kigali. With a dedicated computer lab, experienced faculty in AI and digital technologies, and a campus infrastructure built for hands-on learning, UAIT is well-positioned to deliver the kind of engaged, supervised learning environment the programme requires.

It also deepens the alignment between UAIT's own academic mission and Rwanda's national digital strategy. The students who come through Smart Ibiruhuko sessions at UAIT will not only benefit from the programme's content, but will also be introduced to the certificate programmes that UAIT offers — a natural bridge for those who want to take their digital skills to a professional level.

The ICT Chamber Visit

During the June 23rd visit, the ICT Chamber representative met directly with UAIT's Deputy Vice Chancellor and staff to outline the programme's structure, confirm the host institution requirements, and align on scheduling for the 2026 holiday period. The meeting concluded with a formal handshake agreement to move forward with UAIT's participation — captured in the photos below.

Photo Gallery