Education is of fundamental importance to Rwanda’s economy; and the country has high policy priorities in providing access across the country. Primary and secondary education are free but there are other costs such as contributions to the school feeding programmes, books, etc.

The education sector faces various challenges including low transitions, high repetition and dropout rates, low enrolment rates for voluntary education and high attrition rates and absenteeism of teachers. The Ministry of Education’s current priorities include increasing the number of trained teachers and improving teacher training in schools. The allocation of funds to the higher education quality assurance program and efforts to expand Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolment and STEM-related programs are also underway.

As part of the Rwanda Economy Digitalisation Programme, we have conducted an analysis of the education sector, focusing on its policy priorities and its contribution to the overall economy.

The growth of digital payments usage in the education sector is becoming increasingly prominent:

• Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and online platforms are creating the option for digital payments to help parents and schools have full control over the payment of school-related costs.
• Since basic education in Rwanda is constitutionally free, school expenses such as school clothes or feeding programmes are the main digital payments use case.
• Teachers who reside far from a SACCO branch, receive salaries via mobile money.

If you are interested in working with us on payments digitalisation or evidence-based decision making you can contact Arlette Rwakazina.