MTN Rwandacell PLC has entered "strategic" partnerships with the University of Rwanda and Kepler College to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, equipping the youth with market-relevant skills, enhancing graduate employability, and supporting the country's workforce development agenda.
As Rwanda continues its journey towards a digital and knowledge-based economy, the need for graduates who possess both academic knowledge and practical workplace experience has never been greater.
Through these partnerships, MTN Rwanda stated, it is reaffirming its commitment to developing future-ready talent by creating pathways that connect learning with meaningful career opportunities.
The partnerships establish a framework for cooperation focused on career readiness, workplace learning opportunities, talent development, and skills enhancement.
With this collaboration, students and graduates from the University of Rwanda and Kepler College will gain increased exposure to industry experiences while MTN Rwanda supports young people with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to contribute to Rwanda’s digital and economic transformation.
"At MTN, we believe that Rwanda's future depends on investing in its young people. These partnerships with the University of Rwanda and Kepler College reflect our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals by creating meaningful pathways from education into the workplace,” stated Monzer Ali, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Rwanda.
"We aim to equip young talent with the practical skills and experiences needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy and this may be done through internships, mentorship programmes, industry engagements, and mainly through our Global Graduate Programme, which is a Group-wide initiative designed to accelerate the development of high-potential young professionals through structured rotations, mentorship, and hands-on exposure across different business functions.”
Under the agreements, the institutions will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including career readiness programmes, guest lectures, mentorship sessions, workplace exposure opportunities, internships, industrial attachments, graduate placements, and targeted skills development interventions.
The partnerships will also facilitate the sharing of labour market insights to help ensure academic programmes remain responsive to industry needs and evolving workforce demands.
Speaking on behalf of the University of Rwanda, Dr. Ndikumana Raymond, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration, said "the University of Rwanda is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also equipped with the practical skills required by today’s labour market.”
"Our partnership with MTN Rwanda provides an important platform for students to gain industry exposure, strengthen their professional capabilities, and better position themselves for success in Rwanda’s growing digital economy. Together, we are helping to build a workforce that can drive innovation and national development.”
The partnerships have been designed to also support MTN Rwanda's commitment to talent inclusion by creating equitable opportunities for young women and persons with disabilities to access workplace learning, mentorship, internships, and career development programmes.
By intentionally promoting diverse participation and reducing barriers to employment, the collaboration seeks to contribute to a more inclusive workforce that reflects Rwanda's diversity and unlocks the full potential of its talent pool.