Digital Ambassadors: How Rwanda trained 3 million people in tech skills—and won international praise 🏆

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On July 7, 2025, in Geneva, Rwanda was once again recognized for its leadership in digital inclusion. During the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) awarded the country a WSIS Prize Champion title. The award spotlights the Digital Ambassador Program (DAP)—a national initiative launched in 2017 to close the digital skills gap across the population.

A bold, nationwide strategy for tech skills 💡

Developed by the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), the DAP aligns with the country’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST-1). When the program began, fewer than 10% of Rwandans had basic digital skills. Fast forward to October 2024, and that figure had skyrocketed to over 75%.

That progress is largely thanks to the Digital Ambassadors themselves: young people trained to spread digital literacy across the country.

Risa

Tech ambassadors embedded in communities 🌍

These ambassadors don’t just teach people how to use the internet or operate a smartphone. They work on the ground—in cities and remote villages alike—to help citizens navigate government platforms, make secure digital transactions, and stay safe online. It’s a boots-on-the-ground approach that’s fostering digital independence and embedding tech into everyday life.

A real-world impact on society and the economy 🚀

To date, the program has trained more than 3.2 million Rwandans. And the outcomes go far beyond theory: smartphones, laptops, and online services are becoming everyday tools for economic opportunity. That shift is especially transformative in rural areas, where access to technology can now unlock everything from small business growth to digital payments.

Beyond its international recognition, the program reflects Rwanda’s long-term vision for inclusive digital governance. It’s not just a tech project—it’s a nation-building effort rooted in equity, modernization, and openness to the world.

Now, other African countries are eyeing the model. With this award, Rwanda is proving that digital tools—when combined with community-driven education—can be powerful engines for sustainable development.

👉🏾 Do you think a program like this could work in your country to help close the digital divide?