Employees of Umurenge SACCOs from across the country are to undergo basic computer training to sharpen their skills to enhance service delivery.

The training, conducted by Business Development Fund (BDF) and International Computers Driver’s Licence (ICDL), also aims at digitalising microfinance sector, particularly Umurenge SACCOs. Under the Smart Rwanda initiative, the country promotes digital life where all segments of the economy are supposed to embrace ICTs to ease operations, improve service delivery, and drive growth.

Jones Kizihira, the BDF information technology manager, said ICT skills are essential to improve operations of SACCOs.

He said the organisation will also create a central digital network that will link all SACCOs in the country.

"Everyone is going digital, and the necessary infrastructure has already been put in place to computerise operations in the country. So, the basic computer skills training will enable SACCO personnel to move at the same pace as the rest of the financial industry,” he said.

The training was launched in Kamonyi District where managers from 12 SACCOs received basic computer skills; and it focuses on working with spreadsheets, communicating and collaborating efficiently using technology, among others.

Seamus McGinley, the general manager of ICDL Africa, said the initiative aims at ensuring proficient use of ICTs in the sector, adding that without computer skills, SACCO employees and others in the banking and financial sector are bound to meet a lot of limitations doing their work.

ICTL is an internationally recognised certification programme. It offers capacity building in terms of computer literacy and delivers the ICDL certification programme- the global standard in end-user computer skills.