Digital Literacy Day 2025: Celebrating Rwanda’s journey toward Universal Digital Empowerment
This October 17th, Rwanda celebrated Digital Literacy Day 2025 in a spirit of leaving no one behind. The event took place at Intare Conference Arena, where more than 2,000 Digital Ambassadors, supervisors, partners, and community representatives gathered under the theme “Digitale Ntigusige” (Don’t Get Left Behind). The celebration reflected on the nation’s remarkable progress in digital inclusion and honored the growing impact of Rwanda’s flagship Digital Ambassadors Program (DAP); a community driven initiative that continues to transform lives across every district of the country.
Since its inception in 2017, the Digital Ambassadors Program has evolved from a small pilot team into a nationwide network of over 2,000 Ambassadors and 60 Supervisors, collectively training more than 4.5 million Rwandans. Their work has enabled citizens to access government services online, embrace digital payments, and explore new business opportunities. This grassroots movement has helped raise Rwanda’s basic digital literacy rate from just 8.9% in 2017 to over 75% today; laying a strong foundation for achieving universal digital literacy by 2029.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of RISA, Mr. Antoine Sebera, applauded the Digital Ambassadors for their role as changemakers, connectors, and catalysts of transformation. He emphasized that digital literacy is not only about technology but about empowerment, helping every Rwandan participate fully in the country’s digital economy.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) echoed this call, urging all sectors to work together to make digital platforms inclusive, affordable, and accessible to every citizen. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind as Rwanda advances toward Vision 2050.
The celebration also featured an inspiring testimony from Appolonie Mukankusi, a citizen from Gatsibo District, who shared how digital training from a Digital Ambassador transformed her life. Through newfound digital skills, she learned to access services online and saved time and money she spent while seeking such services, a powerful reminder that digital literacy is not an abstract policy goal but a real instrument of transformation in everyday life.
Partners who have played a crucial role in the success of DAP were also recognized during the ceremony. KOICA and the World Bank were honored for their sustained technical and financial support, which have strengthened capacity building, expanded digital training nationwide, and fostered the integration of digital tools in community development. In addition, 35 outstanding Digital Ambassadors and Supervisors received awards and smart devices for their exceptional service, innovation, and dedication to empowering others through digital literacy.
The event also featured a panel discussion on “Empowering Communities Through Digital Literacy’’, bringing together the CEO of Irembo, the Permanent Secretary of MINALOC, and a citizen from Gatsibo District. The conversation underscored the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector, and local communities to deepen digital inclusion and ensure that digital skills continue to create opportunities for all Rwandans. The lively discussions, entertainment, and artistic performances reflected the vibrant spirit of the #DigitaleNtigusige campaign an ongoing reminder that Rwanda’s digital transformation is a shared national journey.
Looking ahead, RISA and MINICT reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up the Digital Ambassadors Program, strengthening Service Access Points, and enhancing collaboration with partners to sustain progress toward universal digital literacy by 2029. With continued support from stakeholders, Rwanda’s vision of an inclusive, knowledge-based society is steadily becoming a reality.
Digital Literacy Day 2025 was more than a celebration it was a powerful demonstration of how community-driven initiatives, visionary leadership, and strong partnerships can build a digitally empowered nation, where every citizen has the skills and confidence to thrive in the digital age.