The Government of Rwanda has embarked on an ambitious project to connect all schools across the country to high-speed 5G internet through the “Smart Education Project” under the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC).

While this initiative is being hailed as a major step toward digital learning, some teachers fear it could eventually cost them their jobs.

Their concern stems from the fact that, with 5G connectivity, students in different schools can simultaneously attend lessons taught by a single instructor through live video streaming—potentially reducing the need for large numbers of teachers.

In the first phase, 1,500 schools across Rwanda have already been connected to the internet through a USD 30 million loan (about RWF 42 billion) from China’s Exim Bank.

According to Bella Rwigamba, Head of ICT in Education at MINEDUC, the project is being implemented in partnership with Huawei Technologies and will progressively extend to all schools in the country as capacity allows.

The 5G-powered classrooms are equipped with large smart TV screens that enable real-time audio-visual lessons linking multiple schools at once. In these sessions, a single expert teacher leads the class while other teachers act as facilitators for students at their respective schools.

Education Minister and Students interact with remote peers

A live demonstration of this new system was conducted on Friday, October 3, 2025, in front of Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana at Kagarama Secondary School in Kicukiro District. Students from Kagarama were connected to peers at College Saint André (Nyamirambo), GS Mère du Verbe (Kibeho), GS Rwimiyaga (Nyagatare), and GS Gihundwe (Rusizi).

However, not everyone is enthusiastic. One teacher who spoke to KIGALIINFO expressed concern:

“If this system expands everywhere, it could mean fewer teaching opportunities. A single teacher could handle multiple classes across the country, leaving others redundant. I fear this could eventually lead to staff reductions.”

In response, Rwigamba dismissed these fears, explaining that the technology is not meant to replace teachers but to strengthen their skills and collaboration.

“The teachers who conduct these joint lessons are specialists who help others improve their delivery of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) and peer training. Local teachers will remain in their classrooms to assist and guide students during the sessions,” she said.

The CBC approach emphasizes interaction between teacher and student, making learning more participatory and effective. Rwigamba added that the system will allow teachers and students across the country to learn from one another, helping all learners progress together.

During the launch of the Smart Education Project and its mobile ICT classrooms—containerized computer labs mounted on trucks—Jin Jiqing, Huawei Technologies’ Country Director in Rwanda, announced that over one million students have already been connected via 4G and 5G networks.

China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, revealed that the second phase will extend the program to 2,500 more schools, along with additional mobile ICT labs to reach remote areas not yet covered by the internet.

China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Wellars Gasamagera and Minister of Education on Smart Education in Rwanda

Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana said the initiative positions Rwanda to compete globally in the knowledge-based economy. He added that within the next five years, mobile computer labs will reach all districts, enabling more than 5,000 young people to gain hands-on digital skills.