Rwanda hosted the third edition of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) bootcamp, bringing together 120 high-performing schoolgirls, including participants with disabilities, for training in coding, robotics and gender equality.
The programme was organised by UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF).
This year’s camp marked the largest intake so far, compared to 50 participants in 2023 and 75 in 2024. Officials said the expansion reflects the growing role of AGCCI in Rwanda’s digital agenda, aligning with the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the One Million Coders Initiative, which aims to train one million Rwandan technology professionals by 2029.
All participants were chosen for their strong results in national examinations. Organisers said the training is designed not only to build technical expertise but also to encourage more girls to enter fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
For several participants, the bootcamp provided their first opportunity to travel to Kigali and experience new learning environments. Two students in particular, Emelyn Iragena and Dushimimana Angel, highlighted the impact of the camp in shaping their ambitions.
Officials said the AGCCI bootcamp is intended to prepare girls for careers in digital sectors while addressing gender gaps in technology. By including students with disabilities and those from different regions of Rwanda, the programme also seeks to ensure inclusivity in the country’s technology pipeline.
Organisers highlighted that participants not only gained practical coding and robotics skills but also training in responsible digital citizenship and leadership.
The 2025 edition is part of a wider push to position Rwanda as a regional hub for digital skills development. The government has committed to scaling up training through partnerships with universities and innovation centres.
The AGCCI initiative was launched by UN Women and partners to train African girls in digital skills, with Rwanda among the first countries to host large-scale national bootcamps.
