UR partners with MTN Rwanda to bridge the gap between education and employment

UR has entered strategic partnerships with MTN Rwanda cell to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, equipping the youth with market-relevant skills, enhancing graduate employability, and supporting the country’s workforce development agenda.

As Rwanda continues its journey towards a digital and knowledge-based economy, the need for graduates who possess both academic knowledge and practical workplace experience has never been greater. Through these partnerships, MTN Rwanda is reaffirming its commitment to developing future-ready talent by creating pathways that connect learning with meaningful career opportunities.

The partnership agreement was signed by DVC Dr. Raymond Ndikumana and CEO Monzer Ali, on behalf of respective institutions

The partnerships establish a framework for cooperation focused on career readiness, workplace learning opportunities, talent development, and skills enhancement. Through this collaboration, students and graduates from the University of Rwanda will gain increased exposure to industry experiences while MTN Rwanda supports young people with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to contribute to Rwanda’s digital and economic transformation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Dr Raymond Ndikumana noted that UR has joined this partnership due to its commitment to produce graduates who are not only academically competent but also equipped with the practical skills required by today’s labour market.

“Our partnership with MTN Rwanda provides an important platform for students to gain industry exposure, strengthen their professional capabilities, and better position themselves for success in Rwanda’s growing digital economy,” said Ndikumana, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Rwanda Monzer Ali stated that partnership is part of MTN belief that Rwanda’s future depends on investing in its young people. According to him the These partnerships with the University of Rwanda and reflects MNT’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals by creating meaningful pathways from education into the workplace.

Participants engaged in discussions following the partnership signing ceremony, exploring opportunities for future collaboration

“We aim to equip young talent with the practical skills and experiences needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy through initiatives such as internships, mentorship, industry engagements, and our Global Graduate Programme a Group-wide initiative designed to accelerate the development of high-potential young professionals through structured rotations, mentorship, and hands-on exposure across different business functions,” Monzer noted.

Under these agreements, both institutions will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including career readiness programmes, guest lectures, mentorship sessions, workplace exposure opportunities, internships, industrial attachments, graduate placements, and targeted skills development interventions. The partnerships will also facilitate the sharing of labour market insights to help ensure academic programmes remain responsive to industry needs and evolving workforce demands.

The event also featured the signing of a separate partnership agreement between MTN and African Leadership University