Rwanda Olympiad Program empowers youth to drive Rwanda’s growth through STEM competitions

The Rwanda Olympiad Program and the University of Rwanda (UR) have reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that mathematics remains a key driver of Rwanda’s economic and technological transformation. This pledge was emphasized on November 1, 2025, during the celebration of Rwanda’s 2024–2025 Olympiad achievements held in Kigali.

The Rwanda Olympiad Program, launched in 2018 by AIMS Rwanda in partnership with several stakeholders including the University of Rwanda, identifies and develops exceptional students in mathematics and other disciplines. Through intensive training and summer camps, these students are prepared to represent Rwanda in international competitions.

Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, Rwandan students have excelled in both national and international contests such as the Rwanda Mathematics Competition, the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO), the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), and the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI).

Dr. Celestin Kurujyibwami, Head of the Department of Mathematics at UR-CSTE, commended the students’ remarkable achievements, attributing their success to hard work, mentorship, and a strong support ecosystem involving UR, AIMS, MINEDUC, and other partners.

He encouraged students to keep pushing boundaries, reminding them that their journey in mathematics is only beginning.

Dr. Kurujyibwami also pointed out existing challenges such as limited funding for training, prizes, and logistics, as well as the need for more teacher training in problem-solving techniques and greater access to rural schools.

“Challenges are opportunities in disguise. With the support of our partners, we will continue to grow and improve. Together, we will build a Rwanda where mathematics opens doors, solves problems, and inspires generations,” he reaffirmed. “We will continue to nurture young talent to ensure that mathematics drives Rwanda’s economic and technological transformation.”

At PAMO 2025, held in Gaborone, Botswana, Rwanda achieved a historic milestone for the first time, all six contestants won medals, securing four silver and two bronze medals.

At the International Mathematics Olympiad in Brisbane, Australia, Rwanda’s team of six contestants earned two Honorable Mentions, while at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in Beijing, China, Rwandan participants brought home one Honorable Mention.

Keza Ange Darlene, a student from Maranyundo Girls’ School who took part in the AI Olympiad in China, reflected on the value of the experience:

“We had the opportunity to train with other students, exchange experiences in AI, and compete over three days. This experience gave me a lasting thirst for knowledge. What we learned goes beyond the classroom, it’s knowledge that will help us in real life.”

Her thoughts were echoed by Abeza Happiness Mary Reply from Hope Haven Secondary School, who represented Rwanda at the Mathematics Olympiad in Australia: “When we participate in international competitions, we learn new approaches and see how others solve problems. Competing with countries like China, the U.S., and India built our confidence; it showed us that we too can achieve great things if we work hard.”

Abeza emphasized the importance of continuous effort to bridge the knowledge gap between Rwandan students and their international peers.

According to Obed Nsanzimfura, Program Manager of the Rwanda Olympiad Program, participation in international Olympiads remains one of the program’s most impactful elements, giving students invaluable exposure while benchmarking Rwanda’s progress globally.

“We are proud of how far we’ve come, from the growing number of students involved to the scale of participation. The number continues to grow every year, and it’s something we’re very proud of,” he said.

The Rwanda Olympiad Program now has a team of over 50 coaches training students across four disciplines. During the celebration, outstanding students, teachers, coaches, and institutions were recognized for their exceptional accomplishments in science and mathematics Olympiads.

These achievements reflect Rwanda’s significant progress in STEM education and the collective efforts to nurture the next generation of innovators and problem solvers who will drive the nation’s future growth.