The second season of TechUpSkill for All in 2026 is underway, continuing its mission to equip young people and underserved communities in Rwanda with practical digital and technical skills that can open pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

The programme is part of the wider collaboration between Rwanda ICT Chamber and the German IT association BITMi, implemented through a consortium of Rwanda ICT Chamber’s affiliated institutions, including Digital Business Institute (DBI), FabLab Rwanda and kLab. The programme focuses on inclusive skills development, particularly for people who face barriers to accessing opportunities in the digital economy.

Building on the progress of the previous season, this year’s programme is bringing training closer to different communities and providing participants with skills that respond to real opportunities in Rwanda’s growing digital economy.

Different Skills, One Goal

DBI: Building Digital and Business Skills for 150 Participants

Through the Digital Business Institute (DBI), 150 participants are taking part in a three-month Digital Literacy programme in Muhanga, Karongi, Rubavu and Nyagatare. The training targets youth, women and persons with disabilities aged between 18 and 35.

Participants are developing their knowledge in ICT, business and life skills, giving them a combination of digital knowledge and practical skills needed to participate in the workplace or start their own businesses. The expected impact goes beyond completing the training, with participants being prepared to pursue decent employment and develop new income-generating businesses. DBI is the capacity-building and certification arm of the Rwanda ICT Chamber.

FabLab Rwanda: Turning Skills into Practical Innovation

At FabLab Rwanda, 50 participants are developing practical skills through hands-on technical training. In Nyagatare, 30 participants are learning digital fabrication, including areas such as laser cutting, CNC machining and 2D and 3D design. In Kigali, 20 female participants are exploring textile and scaffold technology, combining creative textile techniques with emerging technologies.

The practical nature of the training gives participants the opportunity to create, experiment and develop solutions that can potentially become products, businesses or professional skills. FabLab’s Tech Upskill programme is designed to combine hands-on training with mentorship and pathways to internships, employment and incubation opportunities.

kLab: Preparing 65 Participants for Software Development

The programme is also expanding access to software development training through kLab, with 30 participants from Nyabiheke Camp and 35 participants in Kigali planned for the programme.

Through practical software development training, participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their programming, problem solving and project development skills. These competencies can help them build portfolios, pursue employment opportunities and develop digital solutions of their own. kLab has previously supported young people through software development, coding, entrepreneurship and other technology programmes.

Ultimately

As the training continues, the focus remains on more than simply teaching technology. It is about helping people gain the confidence, practical skills and experience they need to create jobs, find employment and participate meaningfully in Rwanda’s digital economy.