In an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving global business environment, the bridge between academic theory and industry practice has never been more critical, according to the University of Kigali (UoK).

Recognising this urgent need, UoK says it is rising to the challenge through its School of Professional and Executive Programs (SPEP), offering a suite of world-class professional certifications designed to equip individuals and organisations with the elite skills required to thrive.

SPEP offers a comprehensive range of industry-aligned programs that cater to various sectors, including finance, procurement, and project management. These programmes are not just academic milestones but are practical toolkits for professional success. Key offerings include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): A rigorous course that masters the 12 principles and 8 performance domains of project management, enabling professionals to handle complex projects with precision.
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and CPSP-K: These programmes empower supply chain professionals to move from operational roles to strategic leadership, covering essential areas like ethical sourcing, risk management, and global logistics.
• ACCA, CPAK and CPAR: For aspiring financial leaders, these qualifications provide a global passport to the world of finance, building technical competency in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting.
• Foundation Programs (FIA, ATD & CATR): Designed as the perfect entry point for those new to accounting, ensuring no talent is left behind due to a lack of prior formal qualifications.

For corporations, the university observed, the relevance of these programmes is clear: they cultivate a workforce that operates with integrity, makes sound and informed business decisions, and delivers innovative solutions to complex organisational challenges. By investing in these certifications, companies gain trusted business advisers capable of upholding ethical standards and effectively navigating the complexities of the modern marketplace.

Addressing shortage of professionally qualified accountants

In Rwanda, the university indicated the government has identified a national demand for approximately 8,000 professionally qualified accountants. However, as of February 2026, only about 1,200 accountants have attained full professional qualification.

In response to this gap, the University of Kigali, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, has been offering Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) training to government accountants and internal auditors. From August 2016 to date, the programme has attracted over 4,000 government staff who have undertaken tuition classes through the University of Kigali, as per data from the higher learning institution.

Beyond professional certification, it has been evident that staff who have undergone this training have demonstrated significant improvement in their professional competence, ethical standards, and work performance, the university observed. As a result, it stated, both public institutions and the country at large continue to benefit from the impact of these professional accountancy tuition programmes.

Charles Kombo Omanyo, the Director of SPEP, underscored the unique value proposition that the University offers to its students.

"All professional programmes offered at our campus are industry-focused. What makes UoK unique is our ability to provide flexible learning options, offering programmes during the day, evening, or weekends, to ensure that working professionals can advance their careers without disruption," he said.

He further highlights the impact on student success: "To graduate academically strong students, we require most of our graduates to have additional training beyond their prescribed curriculum. This commitment to excellence has allowed UoK to consistently deliver pass rates above the national average, producing a significant percentage of the country’s qualified professionals, including over 21 per cent of Rwanda's CPA finalists."

Beyond the classroom, UoK stated it provides a collaborative environment with experienced faculty who bring real-world insights into every session. With a student body representing over 35 nationalities, the school offers an invaluable networking platform for career advancement and the exchange of global best practices.

As Rwanda moves toward its Vision 2050, the University of Kigali affirmed it remains a steadfast partner in capacity-building, ensuring that the nation's professionals are ready to lead on both a regional and global stage.

For more information on enrollment and programme details, visit the University of Kigali website at uok.ac.rw.