The University of Kigali (UoK) is set to open registration for certification programmes at its newly launched Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity Training Centre on Monday, November 16, 2026. The programme will offer students, graduates and working professionals an opportunity to acquire practical, industry-relevant skills in two rapidly evolving fields.
Four certification pathways will cater to learners at different stages of their academic and professional journeys, from beginners seeking foundational digital skills to experienced practitioners and technical leaders seeking advanced expertise.
The Centre was officially launched on November 6, 2026 at the University’s Main Campus in Kacyiru, Kigali. Established in partnership with Kenya-based CyberPro Global, it brings together academic expertise and industry experience to respond to growing demand for practical digital skills.
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At the launch, Antoine Sebera, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), who represented the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, joined Philibert Afrika, Chairman of the University of Kigali Governing Body, in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Speaking at the launch, Afrika said the initiative reflected the University’s determination to remain relevant in Rwanda’s rapidly evolving digital landscape and prepare graduates and professionals for greater responsibilities in the technology sector.
"This Centre reflects the Governing Body’s commitment to keeping the University of Kigali at the forefront of Rwanda’s digital transformation,” said Afrika. "We want the graduates and professionals we train not only to use technology, but to secure it and lead it.”
Responding to growing demand for digital skills
The Centre was established following findings from the University’s 2025 Labour Market Study, involving 5,923 participants, which highlighted demand for specialised skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data management.
According to Dr. Wilson Musoni, Dean of the School of Computing and Information Technology and Centre Lead, 71 per cent of employers surveyed reported high demand for these skills, while 90.9 per cent of alumni respondents preferred practical, hands-on learning.
The findings informed a training model that goes beyond conventional classroom instruction. Learners will undertake laboratory sessions, industry case studies, practical assignments and continuous assessment, culminating in an applied project demonstrating the skills acquired.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. George Kimathi said the Centre was designed to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace demands.
"Employers told us clearly what skills they need, and our alumni told us how they learn best. This Centre answers both,” said Prof. Kimathi. "Learners will leave with practical, hands-on skills they can apply at work from the first day.”
As government services, banking and business operations increasingly move online, organisations face new cybersecurity risks while also gaining opportunities to use AI to improve efficiency and innovation. Integrating both disciplines into the same training programmes will help learners develop intelligent technologies and understand how to protect the systems on which they depend.
Dr. Musoni noted that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting AI to make attacks more sophisticated, reinforcing the importance of training professionals who understand both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.
"Attackers are already using AI to automate phishing and find weaknesses in systems faster than before,” he said. "Our learners work on both sides: they build and deploy machine learning models, and they learn to test, monitor and defend the networks and cloud systems those models run on. Every pathway is assessed through hands-on lab work, not just written exams.”
Four certification pathways
The Centre offers four certification pathways, allowing applicants to progress from foundational knowledge to advanced technical and leadership capabilities.
1. Foundation: Certificate in Cybersecurity and AI (CCAI)
The one-month Foundation programme comprises 80 hours of training and introduces learners to digital safety, phishing, networking fundamentals and the responsible use of generative AI. It is open to applicants who have completed Senior Six, are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or hold a bachelor’s degree in any field.
2. Intermediate: Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity and AI (ACCAI)
Delivered over three months, with 240 hours of training, the Intermediate pathway covers vulnerability assessment, incident response, cloud security and machine learning. Applicants must have completed the Foundation certification or be pursuing a degree in ICT or computer science at a recognised institution.
3. Advanced: Specialist Certificate in Cybersecurity and AI (SCCAI).
The six-month Specialist Certificate comprises 480 hours of training in penetration testing, digital forensics, threat intelligence and deep learning. It is designed for learners seeking more complex technical responsibilities. Admission requires Intermediate certification and at least two years of relevant work experience.
4. Professional: Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity and AI (PCCAI)
The 12-month Professional pathway comprises 720 hours of training and targets senior specialists, managers and technical leaders. It covers security architecture, Zero Trust, large language models and enterprise AI governance. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Centre to confirm entry requirements.
Building stronger industry partnerships
Beyond individual certifications, the Centre plans to work with public institutions, private companies and non-governmental organisations to develop customised training programmes tailored to their technology and cybersecurity needs.
It also intends to support applied research and collaborative projects involving students, lecturers and industry partners, helping translate academic knowledge into practical solutions.
During the launch, Sebera encouraged employers to offer internships and support student projects and research. He also emphasised the importance of AI tools that accommodate local languages and respond to community needs.
The Centre opened with 50 workstations, and CyberPro Global has pledged to expand its capacity to approximately 200 workstations to accommodate more learners and strengthen practical training.
How to register
Registration for all four certification pathways open on Monday, 16 November 2026. Interested applicants can scan the QR code on the accompanying programme flyer to access the online registration form.
For further information on the programmes, admission requirements and registration, contact Dr. Wilson Musoni on +250 784 186 370 or email wmusoni@uok.ac.rw or info@uok.ac.rw.