TeKnowledge and Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing AI-ready leaders and future talent, equipping both current and future generations with the capabilities needed to thrive in an AI-enabled world. The partnership was launched through the two-day Executive AI Academy held on October 16–17, 2026 at ASYV, which brought together senior business leaders for an immersive experience focused on AI, leadership and organisational transformation. Built on a shared commitment to leadership development, workforce capability and long-term societal impact, the partnership brings together TeKnowledge's expertise in AI transformation and capability-building with ASYV's mission of developing young people into leaders who drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Through practical AI insights, peer learning and leadership discussions, the Executive AI Academy helped executives build the understanding and confidence needed to turn AI ambition into measurable outcomes. Rwanda needs an AI leadership pipeline that prepares both the leaders making decisions today and the young people who will shape the economy tomorrow. What makes this initiative different is its focus on leadership as the starting point for AI transformation. Countries investing seriously in AI are increasingly recognising that technology alone is not enough; people must be prepared to understand it, use it and lead through the change it brings. Qatar, for example, has combined investment in AI with deliberate efforts to build capability among senior leaders and across its workforce, an approach that is already contributing to measurable gains in AI adoption and productivity. The Executive AI Academy brings this leadership-first mindset to Rwanda through a new kind of executive AI learning experience, combining practical AI application, leadership development, peer learning and immersion in the Village. At the same time, the ASYV Future Skills Hub will build the other end of that pipeline by preparing young people with the skills, confidence and real-world exposure to participate in and lead Rwanda's emerging digital economy. From the boardroom to the classroom, the partnership is built around a simple idea: Rwanda's AI future will depend as much on the people prepared to lead it as on the technology itself. Beyond the executive program, the partnership establishes the foundation for the ASYV Future Skills Hub, an initiative focused on developing the capabilities, confidence and leadership mindset young people need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. By combining practical technology experience, hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving, the initiative aims to prepare the next generation to participate in, shape and lead the future digital economy. The future of AI will be shaped not only by the technologies we build, but by the people who lead and use them. Through this partnership, we are creating opportunities for executives to lead AI transformation with confidence while helping young people develop the skills, capabilities and mindset needed to thrive in the digital economy, said Aileen Allkins, President & CEO, TeKnowledge. At ASYV, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential. This partnership strengthens our ability to prepare young people for the future by combining leadership development, technology education and real-world learning experiences. Through initiatives like the ASYV Future Skills Hub, we are creating new pathways for students to develop the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to shape their own futures and contribute to Rwanda's continued growth, said Jean Claude Nkulikiyimfura, Chief Executive Officer, ASYV. The Executive AI Academy marks the first initiative under the partnership, with additional executive learning opportunities, future talent initiatives and capability-building programs planned as part of the ongoing collaboration. Together, TeKnowledge and ASYV are creating a model that connects leadership development, workforce capability and future talent development, helping today's leaders and tomorrow's workforce turn the opportunities of AI into meaningful impact for organisations, communities and society. About TeKnowledge TeKnowledge is an AI execution partner helping organisations and governments turn AI ambition into measurable outcomes. Combining expertise across strategy, workforce transformation, governance, trust, technology and operations, TeKnowledge helps customers build capability, establish trust, deliver transformation and drive adoption at scale through every stage of their AI journey. About ASYV Rwanda Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) empowers young people through education, leadership development and community-building, equipping them with the skills, confidence and values needed to become future leaders and positive agents of change.
