Eight Rwandan education technology companies have been selected for the first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Rwanda, an initiative designed to strengthen the country’s education system through innovation. By supporting local companies with funding, technical assistance and business development, the programme aims to expand access to quality education and reach at least 40,000 learners, particularly those in underserved communities.
Implemented by the Rwanda ICT Chamber in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the six-month, equity-free acceleration programme is focused on helping promising EdTech companies scale their solutions and build sustainable businesses. It also seeks to strengthen Rwanda’s broader education technology ecosystem by encouraging partnerships between the private sector, government and education stakeholders.
The programme comes at a time when Rwanda is working to address key challenges in education, including overcrowded classrooms, limited learning resources, gaps in teacher training, unequal access for refugees and learners with disabilities and the need to improve school-to-work transitions. The Fellowship prioritises companies that are designing solutions for real classroom environments, including low-connectivity and under-resourced settings.
Building Solutions for Rwanda’s Education Challenges
The first cohort brings together companies that are tackling different aspects of the education system through technology and innovation.
Shadrach Munyeshyaka, Founder and CEO of Nyereka Tech, is working to make advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things more accessible to young people and educators. Since 2021, the company has provided affordable training, tools and support and serves as an official reseller of Raspberry Pi, Arduino boards and Creality 3D printers.
Joseph Semafara, Founder of Soma Foundation Rwanda (SOMABOX), is using technology to improve access to education for underserved communities. Through SOMABOX, the organisation provides offline digital libraries filled with educational content, while its TechAssistive project equips people with disabilities with assistive technologies and digital skills training.
Aurore Hirwa, CEO of EdTech Solutions, is helping build digital skills among young people and job seekers through ICT training programmes that improve employability and support Rwanda’s digital transformation agenda.
Rosebella Nsita, CEO of Creativity Lab, is developing locally made teaching materials and robotics kits that support practical STEM learning in schools. The company works closely with teachers and is piloting robotics kits in the national curriculum for Primary Four and Five learners to encourage problem-solving and innovation from an early age.
Creating Long-Term Impact Through Technology
Vivens Uwizeyimana, CEO and Founder of Competence by Jobra, has developed an AI-powered workforce platform that helps organisations recruit and manage talent. Through the Jobra Talent Cloud, the company has built a network of skilled professionals in technology, data, digital marketing and business operations, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
Eseosa Kay-Uwagboe, CEO and Co-Founder of Brain Ink, is addressing one of the biggest challenges facing teachers in African classrooms through an AI-powered grading and assessment platform. The company can assess handwritten STEM assignments and provide detailed feedback in under a minute. Brain Ink has already graded more than 10,000 assignments across several schools and has been recognised as one of Africa’s leading EdTech innovations.
Ian Berulo Cyusa, CEO and Founder of Berulo Foundation (Berulo App), is combining education, humanitarian support and community development to assist vulnerable children and families. Through its programmes, the foundation seeks to fight poverty and improve access to education while helping young people become self-reliant.
Benjamin Karenzi, CEO and Founder of Zora Robotics Ltd, leads a Kigali-based robotics company that serves as the African gateway for Belgian robotics company ZoraBots. The company deploys humanoid robots and smart software solutions across education, healthcare and industry, helping accelerate the adoption of robotics and artificial intelligence technologies.
Launched in 2019 by the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship supports high-impact African companies that are using technology to improve education. By investing in local innovators and building stronger partnerships across the education ecosystem, the initiative is expected to play an important role in making quality and inclusive education more accessible to thousands of learners across Rwanda.
