Efekta expands Rwanda AI teacher training program to more than 90,000 participants

The government-backed English proficiency initiative has grown from 16,000 teachers since July 2025, with plans to reach up to 150,000 beneficiaries nationwide

Efekta Education has expanded its AI-powered English teacher training program in Rwanda to more than 90,000 participants, with plans to reach up to 150,000 beneficiaries.

Efekta Education has expanded its AI-powered English teacher training program in Rwanda to more than 90,000 participants, up from an initial cohort of 16,000 when the initiative launched in July 2025.

The expansion is being delivered in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education and Rwanda Basic Education Board, as the government works to strengthen English proficiency among teachers across the national education system.

Funded by the Mastercard Foundation and World Bank through Rwanda’s Quality Basic Education for Human Capital Development (QBE) program, the two-year initiative forms part of the country’s National Strategy for Transformation, which includes improving educational quality and developing human capital.

English is the language of instruction in Rwanda, making teacher proficiency a central part of the government’s education strategy.

Joseph Nsengimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, says: “English is not just a subject we teach; it's our language of instruction. Strengthening our proficiency in English is therefore essential to improving the quality of teaching and unlocking better learning outcomes for all our students.”

First cohort shows English proficiency gains

Efekta says progress data from the first group of participating teachers shows improvement across all four language skills, with learners advancing from an initial A2 level to strong B1 proficiency.

Some participants have progressed further, reaching B2 and C1 levels on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), according to the company.

B2 is the national English proficiency benchmark for teachers in Rwanda, making the reported progression particularly relevant to the program’s objectives.

AI-powered training combines digital learning with school-based support

The program uses an AI-supported learning model developed by Efekta for the Rwandan education system, combining independent digital study with live instruction and in-person teacher collaboration.

Participants receive structured self-study materials, AI-powered tutoring, live group lessons and access to school-based Communities of Practice, where teachers can work with colleagues.

Efekta says its platform uses more than 40 learning metrics to personalize instruction, track progress and provide feedback on written and spoken English. The system also includes multilingual support and monitoring dashboards that allow progress to be reviewed at individual, school and education-system levels.

Stephen Hodges, CEO of Efekta Education, says: “By integrating advanced AI into a customized, locally relevant learning model, we are enabling teachers and students to achieve measurable progress.”

The approach is intended to combine the reach of digital learning with practical support for teachers, rather than relying solely on independent online instruction.

The Mastercard Foundation is also supporting teacher development through its Leaders in Teaching initiative. Ivan Ntwali, the foundation’s Country Director, says this work includes strengthening the institutional capabilities of pre-service teacher training colleges alongside the development of practicing teachers.

Efekta targets further national expansion

The Rwanda expansion adds to Efekta’s work with governments on AI-supported English language education, including large-scale programs across Latin America.

The company was named Best Global Impact and EdTech Company of the Year (Global) at the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, where its international AI learning deployments and evidence of educational outcomes were recognized.

Efekta says its teaching platform is now used by more than five million active students and 250,000 teachers worldwide.

In Rwanda, the immediate focus is on extending the national training program beyond its current 90,000-plus participants, with the initiative aiming to reach as many as 150,000 beneficiaries.

ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.

Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time. 

Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.