- Emmanuel Mutabazi is a digital skills advocate in Rwanda committed to reducing the digital divide. Through his foundation, he offers inclusive digital skills training programmes for communities that lack access to digital resources.
- With a background in ICT and youth empowerment, Emmanuel strives to close the digital skills gap and promote digital equality for young people and women in Rwanda.
- He participated in the UNITAR “Developing Essential Digital Skills for Women and Youth in Africa” programme, where he further developed his skills to realize his goals.
UNITAR
27 November 2024, Hiroshima, Japan - Emmanuel Mutabazi is a Rwandan innovator who offers inclusive training programmes, especially for women and youth in communities that lack access to digital resources. A UNITAR digital skills training programme expanded his capacity to work towards his goal to make sure technology empowers everyone.
Overcoming Digital Access Challenges in Rural Rwanda
UNITAR
Rwanda is progressing in digital transformation, but limited resources and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, still bar many from accessing digital resources. Emmanuel knows from personal experience how the lack of educational resources in the community can make it difficult for youth to get quality education. Yet, communities often do not see the importance of digital skills and do not consider digital learning as a priority.
Emmanuel wants to break down these barriers and ensure that young people and women receive the training they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. In 2019, he started a project that uses digital platforms and educational toys to help youth develop essential skills while having fun.
He also founded a non-profit organization that trains people, especially underserved groups such as youth and women. To date, the foundation has trained over 1,000 women in rural Rwanda in digital skills so they can use technology to achieve economic independence. He also teaches youth advanced skills in AI, generative AI, design thinking and UX.
Observing how digital skills transform lives is truly impactful. Women are not only learning to use computers, but they are also gaining confidence and independence.” —Emmanuel Mutabazi, founder of a digital training foundation and digital skills advocate, Rwanda
How UNITAR Empowered Emmanuel’s Digital Advocacy
UNITAR
A critical moment in Emmanuel’s journey was his participation in the UNITAR “Developing Essential Digital Skills for Women and Youth in Africa” programme. Run from November 2023 to February 2024 in three phases, the programme aimed to enhance the employability and competitiveness of African women and youth with digital skills for a digital-driven world. It was offered free thanks to the support of the Government and People of Japan. Emmanuel quickly saw the programme’s potential to enhance his approach to digital transformation and expand his network across Africa and applied.
In the programme, participants chose a track with Microsoft or IBM and completed self-paced learning, a self-led project, a boot camp, webinar or hackathon and a community and sustainability workshop. Emmanuel chose the Microsoft track, which focused on using cloud-based tools to improve digital skills.
After the online training phase, Emmanuel applied what he learned by organizing a digital literacy bootcamp for his community. He also developed his concept for an app that would facilitate responsible resale of second-hand electronics. It would reduce digital waste and foster sustainability, community engagement and digital inclusion.
Emmanuel valued the UNITAR programme’s emphasis on combining creativity and technical skills to inspire positive change and plans to apply these lessons so his digital literacy programmes. He also enjoyed working and networking with participants from over 20 countries across the continent, an experience that broadened his view of Africa’s innovation landscape and opened new collaboration opportunities.
The UNITAR programme taught me that digital innovation encompasses more than technology. It focuses on developing sustainable solutions that benefit communities.” —Emmanuel Mutabazi, founder of a digital training foundation and digital skills advocate, Rwanda
Training Rwanda’s Youth and Women for a Digital Future
Emmanuel uses challenges as motivation to find creative ways to bring digital education to the communities that need it most. He believes that digital education and innovation can change lives, especially in underserved communities, and that all young people should have access to digital skills to help them succeed.
He wants to be a regional leader in developing digital skills and plans to partner with governments, NGOs and international organizations to help build a skilled and financially secure Africa.
The future of Africa relies on its youth. Equipping them with the right digital skills can create numerous opportunities for our continent.” – Emmanuel Mutabazi, founder of a digital training foundation and digital skills advocate, Rwanda
United Nations Online Volunteer Namita Das contributed to this article.
ABOUT UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2023, UNITAR trained over 540,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world. Find out more at https://unitar.org.