When Gabriel Baziramwabo returned from Japan, he didn’t just bring a tech degree; he brought a new way of thinking. Now, he is applying the discipline, precision, and culture of innovation he experienced in Japan to reshape how robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are taught in Rwandan classrooms—making learning more practical, structured, and accessible. Baziramwabo, an instructor of embedded systems, robotics, IoT, and AI at Rwanda Coding Academy, is an alumnus of the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative). The programme, run by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), combines master’s studies in Japan with internships in Japanese companies. It exposes participants to Japanese technology, business culture, and work practices, preparing them to support Rwandan institutions and build links with Japanese industry. He participated in the programme from 2016 to 2018, earning a Master of Science in Information Systems from Kobe Institute of Computing, with a focus on educational robotics. During his time in Japan, he interned at Sakura-Sha K.K, a Tokyo-based company, where he gained practical experience in designing, managing, and implementing ICT projects for education. Baziramwabo, who also founded Benax Technologies, describes the initiative as transformative, both academically and professionally, noting that it exposed him to advanced technologies and a strong culture of research, discipline, and innovation. “I joined the programme through a competitive selection process that considers academic background, professional experience, and the potential to contribute to national development,” he said. “I returned to Rwanda at the end of 2018 after completing the programme. Since then, I have been teaching at Rwanda Coding Academy and leading various technology initiatives through Benax Technologies, with a strong focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, and IoT education.” He has since introduced coding, robotics, drone technology, and AI in schools including New Generation Academy, Agasaro International Academy, and École Sainte-Anne de Kigali. Baziramwabo also collaborates with the Rwanda TVET Board to develop and implement curricula in robotics, AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies, supporting the advancement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). “With the support of JICA, I am now introducing the Japanese storytelling style known as ‘Manga’ to support the teaching of challenging subjects like mathematics,” he said. “This approach is especially helpful for young learners who face barriers with the English language, as it makes learning more visual, engaging, and easier to understand.” He said his time in Japan shaped his work ethic—instilling discipline, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality—while also making his approach more structured and focused on developing practical, user-ready solutions. Shaping Rwanda’s innovators: the power of the ABE initiative The ABE Initiative has contributed to Rwanda–Japan cooperation since its launch in 2013 at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). This aims to develop “bridge talent”—young professionals who can connect Rwanda and Japan in technology, industry, and business. Rwanda’s development strategy emphasises skilled human capital, innovation, and a strong private sector. The government encourages domestic and international firms to submit projects under the Rwanda Private Sector-Led Programme, which promotes skills development, technology adoption, and industrial capacity. JICA supports these national priorities, said Nadine Uwase, a private sector partnership programme coordinator at JICA. JICA collaborates with Japanese enterprises through SDGs Business Supporting Surveys, leveraging technology and managerial expertise to address social and economic needs. These efforts complement the “bridge talent” provided by ABE alumni. Uwase noted that while media coverage often highlights infrastructure and diplomacy, the contributions of people working behind the scenes – such as ABE graduates advancing technology transfer, institutional development, local partnerships, and entrepreneurship - are less visible. In Rwanda, alumni apply knowledge gained in Japan to local challenges to local challenges linking institutions with Japanese firms. Gabriel himself embodied this “bridge talent”. The Sakura-sha K.K, the company where he interned, piloted its “Verification Survey for Utilization of ICT to Improve the Quality of Primary Mathematics Education” business in Rwanda from September 2018 to September 2022, laying the foundation for future expansion. His involvement helped transform an exploratory idea into an actual market engagement. It was one more example of how the ABE Initiative is not only developing talent, but drawing business to Rwanda. How JICA ensures stronger impact through the ABE alumni network According to Uwase, progress is tracked through quarterly follow-ups, including both physical and online workshops, allowing alumni to continue sharing experiences after completing the programme. These engagements help JICA assess its contribution to Rwanda’s economic development across sectors. For those in business, site visits are also organised to support practical learning and networking. Alumni networks foster new opportunities and partnerships between Rwanda and Japan. Through quarterly workshops, Japanese companies—especially those already working with ABE alumni—are invited to connect and explore further collaboration. “We invite many Japanese companies to join us, either online or in person, and connect them with partners based on their areas of interest. We also organise visits to Japanese companies in Rwanda and other African countries, where they can exchange experiences and discover potential collaborations,” she said. “These efforts help us promote Rwanda through ABE alumni and encourage more Japanese companies to consider doing business in the country.” For programme graduates, JICA encourages business creation to generate opportunities for other young people in Rwanda. She noted that a recent initiative allows alumni to submit business proposals and connect with Japanese companies for potential collaboration, including investment and support through JICA schemes. Opportunities for young aspiring entrepreneurs to join the programme are shared annually—typically around August through JICA Rwanda’s engagement with relevant public institutions and the Private Sector Federation (PSF).
