Rwanda and Japan signed a long-term financing agreement worth 14 billion Japanese Yen (approximately Frw 118 billion) on March 5, 2024, to support the transformation of the education sector.
The agreement, in the form of aconcessional loan, marks a pivotal step towards driving digital transformation within education, enhancing operational efficiency across primary and secondary levels, and fostering an enriched learning environment within technical colleges. The overarching objective is to ensure equitable access to quality education for all.
It was signed between the Rwanda Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana, and Minako Shiotsuka, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, said: “The Government places paramount importance on a robust education sector, recognizing it as a fundamental catalyst for Rwanda’s future development endeavors. This financing agreement exemplifies the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Rwanda, aligned with Rwanda’s development vision.”
Isao Fukushima, the Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, said he hopes this loan will further create a synergy effect with other projects, contributing to making Rwanda a country where all people have access to quality education.
“It is Japan’s hope that this loan will commit to addressing the gaps in educational opportunity between the rich and the poor, or those living in Kigali and rural areas.”
Bilateral cooperation between Japan and Rwanda has, among other things, supported the Water and Sanitation, Agriculture, Energy, Transport, and Education sectors mainly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).