Students at the University of Kigali (UoK) are set to benefit from affordable internet access, digital learning tools, and industry-driven training following a landmark partnership between the University and Airtel Rwanda.

The collaboration, officially announced during a signing ceremony held at the University premises on March 5, aims to strengthen the digital learning environment while equipping students with skills needed to thrive in Rwanda’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The partnership is anchored in the Airtel FuturePath Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to provide students with AI literacy, digital skills training, mentorship opportunities, and career-readiness support.

Through the programme, students will participate in bootcamps, innovation challenges, hackathons, and career mentorship sessions, giving them practical exposure to emerging technologies and industry practices.

In addition to training opportunities, the agreement will significantly improve digital access for students.

Airtel Rwanda will support the University’s digital transformation by providing enhanced campus connectivity, Wi-Fi infrastructure, and affordable data packages tailored specifically for students.

The telecom company will also facilitate access to digital devices and learning platforms, ensuring students can fully engage with modern academic tools and online resources.

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Under the partnership, Airtel will support the university’s digital transformation efforts by providing improved campus connectivity through Wi-Fi infrastructure, data packages tailored for students, and access to digital devices that support learning.

George Kimathi, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said the collaboration aligns with the institution’s ambition to strengthen its global outlook while equipping students with tools needed for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

"Airtel will also support our students in accessing devices and subsidised data packages, which will go a long way in helping them meet the academic demands of today’s digital learning environment.” said Kimathi.

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The university noted that improved connectivity will allow students to engage more deeply with modern academic resources and digital tools required in today’s learning environment.

"This is going to go a long way in helping them meet the digital requirements of their studies,” he said.

The collaboration will also allow students to work with real-world digital data from the telecommunications sector as part of their academic training.

"Instead of discussing theoretical examples, students will be able to interact with real data from the field to understand how the digital world is evolving through training at Airtel.”

Beyond connectivity, the partnership will also explore opportunities for joint research, innovation, and skills development.

University officials said collaboration between Airtel’s technical teams and the institution’s researchers could help identify and solve real-world problems in the digital and telecommunications sectors.

"We have many researchers here and Airtel also has very competent professionals, working together will allow us to identify challenges and accelerate research that can deliver practical solutions.”

The partnership is also expected to create a talent pipeline, giving students opportunities to develop skills that match industry needs.

For Airtel, the partnership is part of a broader strategy to expand digital inclusion among young people and university communities.

Sujay Chakrabarti, the Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, said the telecom operator is building a stronger presence on campuses to ensure students have access to reliable connectivity and affordable services.

"We are trying to play our role in enhancing the digital ecosystem of the country, especially on campuses where the youth and students are. We are building a presence inside campuses where our routers and connectivity services will be available to students,” he said.

"Our network has been specially built to carry large volumes of data, which is essential in building a strong digital ecosystem. We are also integrating advanced technologies into our services.”

Airtel is also incorporating artificial intelligence into the network, including systems designed to manage spam and improve network performance.

"Through this collaboration, we hope to remain in close contact with universities, tap into young talent, and receive valuable feedback that will help us continue improving our services.”

Student-friendly data packages, financial services

The company is also introducing student-friendly voice and data packages.

According to Airtel officials, one of the packages includes a Rwf10,000 Wi-Fi plan, capable of connecting up to 10 users. And an introductory offer of 60GB of data per month at Rwf5,000.

Students using smartphones can also subscribe to a Rwf3,000 monthly plan that offers 1GB of data per day on 4G networks, along with voice calling across all networks.

"These offers are designed to provide value for money. Our research showed that many students spend between Rwf5,000 and Rwf10,000 monthly on data, so we are providing packages that combine both data and voice services.”

The partnership will also promote the use of Airtel’s mobile financial services among students.

Through Airtel Money, students will be able to transfer funds across banks and mobile networks, pay merchants around campus, and send money without additional charges once the funds are in their accounts.

Airtel officials indicated that the collaboration with the University of Kigali is part of a wider campus outreach programme targeting universities across the country.

Strengthening Rwanda’s Digital Future

The partnership between the University of Kigali and Airtel Rwanda represents a significant step toward building a stronger digital ecosystem in Rwanda. By combining academic expertise with industry innovation, the initiative will help equip students with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities necessary to succeed in a technology-driven global economy.

The Memorandum of Understanding establishing the partnership will remain in effect for three years, during which both institutions will collaborate on student training, innovation challenges, research partnerships, and industry engagement initiatives designed to create meaningful impact for students and the wider community.

Through this partnership, the University of Kigali continues to strengthen its commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and industry collaboration, ensuring its graduates remain competitive and prepared for the opportunities of Rwanda’s digital future.