Launch of the Digital Talent Program

February 26, 2025, Kigali: IHS Rwanda, part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has today announced a partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) to launch the Digital Talent Program (DTP), a key component of the Government of Rwanda’s One Million Coders (OMC) initiative. The program was officially launched on February 26 at Club Rafiki, Nyarugenge District.

DTP is a youth-focused training initiative that aims to develop a digitally adept, young workforce capable of navigating the evolving job market and meeting the demands of Rwanda’s digital economy. In line with the One Million Coders initiative, DTP will help contribute to the Government of Rwanda’s goal of equipping 1,000,000 Rwandans with critical digital skills, and 500,000 professionals with advanced ICT skills over the next five years, empowering youth and reducing the digital skills gap in Rwanda.

DTP’s mission is to help create a sustainable digital talent pool that will propel Rwanda towards its vision of becoming a tech-driven economy. The program focuses on providing the next generation with the technical expertise needed to compete in an increasingly digital global marketplace, positioning Rwanda as a regional leader in digital innovation.

The DTP will train 20,000 youth nationwide over the next two years through 15 learning centers. These learning centers will provide training on various digital skills, including coding, web development, and digital marketing. The implementation will be phased, with five learning centers launched in the first phase, located in Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Rusizi, Nyagatare, and Huye.

Yves Iradukunda, Permanent Secretary of MINICT, emphasized the significance of the program, "Rwanda has an ambitious program, the One Million Coders initiative, aimed at equipping its youth with cutting-edge digital skills to foster a generation of innovators and problem-solvers. The launch of the Digital Talent Program marks a pivotal step in this vision, empowering young Rwandans with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age, building a robust workforce for the future. By doing so, it will help drive Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation and position the country as a regional leader in the digital economy.”

Kunle Iluyemi, Head of Sub Sahara Africa, IHS Towers, commented, “At IHS Rwanda, we believe that digital skills are fundamental to unlocking opportunities and driving sustainable economic growth. Through the Digital Talent Program, we are investing in the future of Rwanda by equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering innovation, bridging the digital divide, and supporting Rwanda’s vision of becoming a regional leader in technology and digital transformation. We are proud to partner with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation to help empower the next generation of Rwandan digital leaders.”

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About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The Company has over 39,000 towers across its nine markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia. For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com.

Media Contact:
Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT)
Grace Niwemukiza
Email: gniwemukiza@minict.gov.rw
Phone: +250 780 644 575