Higher Education Council (HEC) Director General Edward Kadozi says the next five years will lay the foundation for a fundamental transformation of Rwanda’s higher education sector.

Under the Higher Education Sector Strategic Plan 2 (HESSP2) 2025–2030, the government of Rwanda is positioning universities and other higher learning institutions (HLIs) as engines of socio-economic transformation, research excellence, and innovation-driven growth.

The strategy outlines reforms to expand access, improve quality, strengthen regulation, deepen research, and advance Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional education hub.

"For me, the next five years are about setting foundations for change,” Kadozi said in an exclusive interview. "We are focusing on areas that will enable a fundamental transformation of higher education.”

It includes aspects related to improving how universities teach, conduct research, and bridge the long-standing gap between academia and industry. Kadozi acknowledged that higher education has often been perceived as an "ivory tower,” disconnected from market realities.

"That mindset must change,” he said. "Higher education must produce talent relevant to the labour market, contribute to economic development, and drive innovation necessary for industrial growth.”

The strategy therefore emphasises a stronger "social connection”, linking universities more closely with industry, professional bodies, and the broader community to ensure that graduates are equipped with practical, market-relevant skills.

Reforming curricula to match labour market needs

One of the key reform areas is curriculum design. The plan calls for programmes that are fit for purpose and responsive to contemporary labour market demands.

To achieve this, HEC is working with private sector representatives and professional bodies from the early stages of programme development.

From curriculum design and accreditation to monitoring delivery, industry stakeholders will be involved throughout the process.

"For example, when accrediting a medical programme, we involve professional bodies in the medical field to assess whether the programme is relevant and evolving according to market needs,” Kadozi explained.

Sector-wide dialogue and the ‘triple helix’ model

HEC officials say the plan seeks to promote structured dialogue among government, academia, and industry, often referred to as the "triple helix” model.

Sector-wide working groups have already been established to facilitate collaboration and joint problem-solving.

"These platforms allow stakeholders to meet regularly, discuss emerging challenges, and coordinate responses,” Kadozi noted. Indicators have been set to monitor the effectiveness of these collaborations.

Expanding access: From 9% to 27%

Currently, Rwanda’s higher education enrolment rate stands at about 9 per cent, a figure Kadozi describes as low for a country aspiring to become a knowledge-based economy. The strategy sets an ambitious target: increasing enrolment to 27 per cent within five years.

The main barrier, he says, is financing.

"The socioeconomic status of many Rwandans limits access,” Kadozi explained. "An average annual tuition of around $2,000 is beyond the reach of many families.”

Traditionally, students have relied heavily on government loans and bursaries. However, limited public resources mean only a fraction of eligible students can be supported. HESSP2 proposes diversifying student financing models, drawing on international best practices.

This includes exploring alternative loan schemes, engaging private sector actors and philanthropists, and introducing frameworks where private companies can sponsor students who later repay through structured arrangements.

"Diversifying funding sources is critical to expanding access,” Kadozi said.

Infrastructure and public-private partnerships

HEC officials acknowledge that universities face limitations in infrastructure, faculty numbers, and accommodation facilities.

"For instance, allowing one faculty to teach over 160 students jeopardises quality,” Kadozi emphasised.

To address these challenges, the strategy encourages public-private partnerships. For instance, private investors could collaborate with the government to develop student accommodation or academic infrastructure, enabling universities to expand enrolment without compromising standards.

Strengthening research and innovation

Another pillar of the strategy is boosting research and innovation. Rwanda currently invests about 0.79 per cent of GDP in research and development, progress, but still below global benchmarks.

"Globally, higher education drives research and innovation. In our context, universities have not fully taken up that role,” Kadozi said.

"When teaching is disconnected from research, materials become outdated. But when faculty engage in research and innovation, it enriches teaching and strengthens relevance to the market,” he added.

The strategy calls for increased funding for research, including greater private sector participation. Businesses that benefit from innovation are encouraged to co-finance research initiatives, while the government will continue supporting strategic areas that may not attract private investment.

Universities are also urged to adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset in designing research projects and engaging industry partners.

Internationalisation and Rwanda as an education hub

HESSP2 further aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional education hub. HEC officials note that achieving the goal requires world-class programmes, robust infrastructure, strong faculty, and internationally recognised accreditation.

HEC wants to strengthen regulations to create an enabling environment that attracts reputable foreign institutions. International collaboration agreements are being encouraged to enhance capacity building, joint research, and student and faculty mobility.

The strategy also proposes establishing a dedicated agency focused on internationalisation and promotion, allowing HEC to concentrate on regulation and quality assurance.

"If we want Rwanda to be an education hub, we must ensure our institutions are prepared to attract international students and faculty,” Kadozi said.