About the Ministry
The general mission of the Ministry of Education is to transform the Rwandan citizen into skilled human capital for socio-economic development of the country by ensuring equitable access to quality education focusing on combating illiteracy, promotion of science and technology, critical thinking and positive values.
The vision of the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) is to provide the citizens of Rwanda with equal opportunities to high quality education through world class learning facilities and renowned learning institutions.
The general mission of the Ministry of Education shall be to transform the Rwandan citizen into skilled human capital for socio-economic development of the country by ensuring equitable access to quality education focusing on combating illiteracy, promotion of science and technology, critical thinking and positive values.
1º ensuring that Rwandan citizens have sufficient and appropriate skills, competencies, knowledge and attitudes to drive the continued social and economic transformation of the country and to be competitive in the global market
2º enacting laws and adopting regulations and guidelines for the promotion of education in line with national education policy through:
a. drafting up laws, regulations and guidelines for the promotion of education;
b. setting up and disseminating standard norms applicable to education sector;
3º developing and managing Education Monitoring and Evaluation systems trough:
a. monitoring and evaluation of education policies, strategies and programs;
b. monitoring the education indicators and consolidate the data handled by decentralized entities;
c. reporting periodically and annually to the Cabinet on the impact of the education programs, strategies and programs on the development of the education sector;
4º developing strategies for resource mobilization and efficient utilization through:
a. mobilizing resources and supervision of its use to ensure rational utilization for the development of education;
b. promoting partnership with private investment in the development of education.
5º promoting the teaching, learning, and the good use of Information and Communication in Education through:
a. promoting information and technologies in the area of education;
b. promoting information and communication technology as a tool for learning and teaching;
6ºdeveloping, reviewing and guiding education sector for institutional development and capacity
building through:
a. overseeing the programs of school construction and equipment;
b. overseeing formal education and continuing training of teaching staff and other staff of the Ministry and its agencies.
Directorates
1.Education Communication
Directorate General
2.Directorate General of
Digitalization
3.Directorate General of
Corporate Services
Departments
1.Education Policy Department
2.Education Sector Planning &
M&E Department
3.School Health and
Wellness Directorate
General
Single Project Implementation Unity Projects
1. Rwanda Quality Basic Education for Human Capital Development Project
2. Rwanda Priority Skills for Growth and Youth Employment (PSGYE)
3. National Plan for Teaching and learning of French in Rwanda (NPFR) project
4. Rwanda System Transformation Grant (STG) Project
5. Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) Project
Minister
Joseph Nsengimana
Minister of Education
Hon. Joseph Nsengimana is the current Minister of Education. He is an experienced and forward-thinking leader with a track record of success results in collaborating with governments, regulatory and multinational development agencies, philanthropic foundations, education organizations, and institutions both at domestic, regional, and international levels. Extensive experience working Tech Hubs, EdTech entrepreneurs, and the broad EdTech ecosystem at the local and continental levels in the use of technology to strengthen education systems. Expertise that spans various fields, including higher education, education technology, diversity and inclusion, policy and government affairs, coalition building. Proven ability to build and lead cross-cultural and multi-countries-based teams, drive consensus, and achieve results. Self-starter and team player, passionate about youth education and empowerment as a foundation for sustainable development.
Minister of State
Claudette Irere
Minister of State for Education
Hon. Claudette Irere is the current Minister of State for Education. Prior to her appointment, Minister Irere has been the Minister of State in charge of ICT and TVET since February 2020, following her service as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation from 2018.
Hon. Irere, who co-founded FabLab Rwanda and served as its general-manager, previously also served as project manager at PSF-ICT Chamber, general-manager at kLab and CR Manager at RwandaOnline (Current Irembo Ltd). Hon. Claudette Irere acquired her master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Oklahoma Christian University in 2013 a year after graduating from the former National University of Rwanda with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science in 2012.
Permanent Secretary
Charles Karakye
Permanent Secretary
Charles Karakye, the incumbent Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, boasts over 18 years of experience in economics and government administration. Holding both bachelor's and master's degrees in economics, his expertise spans across government policy analysis, economic planning, and project management.
Prior to his current position, he served as the Head of the Government Action Coordination Unit (GACU) for two years and as an Economic Policy Analyst at the Office of the Prime Minister for five years. His considerable experience also extends to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, where he made significant contributions as the Budget Execution Officer and later as a Budget Planning and Execution Expert. Beyond governmental roles, Mr. Karakye has worked with esteemed projects such as IFAD and OPEC, where he played pivotal roles in project procurement, finance, and development.
Chief Technical Advisor
Pascal Gatabazi
Chief Technical Advisor
Pascal Gatabazi is the Chief Technical Advisor at the Minisitry of Education
Ministry Officials
Rose Baguma
Head of Education Policy Department
Rose Baguma is the Head of Education Policy Department at the Ministry of Education. She holds a master’s degree in project management from Maastricht University of Netherlands and a master’s degree in Public Procurement for Sustainable Development from Turin University of Italy offered in partnership with the International Labor Organization .
Adia Umulisa
Head of Education Sector Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Department
Adia Umulisa
Head of Education Sector Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Department
Adia Umulisa, the current Head of the Education Sector Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Department at the Ministry of Education, brings a strong background in education policy, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making. She holds a double Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development, with a specialization in social protection and quantitative analysis.
Prior to her appointment to this role, Ms. Umulisa served as the Research and Policy Advisor at the Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA). In this capacity, she was embedded within the Ministry of Education, supporting both the Education Policy and Education Sector Planning Departments. Her work focused on bridging research and policy by facilitating the use of high-quality evidence in sector planning, reform design, and implementation.
She has also worked as a Programme Officer at the International Growth Centre (IGC) Rwanda, where she contributed to research and policy engagements in education and environmental sectors.
Ms. Umulisa’s professional interests lie in advancing education systems through robust planning, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks, with a particular emphasis on leveraging data and analytics to drive equity and quality in education service delivery.
Bella Rwigamba
Chief Digital Officer
Bella Rwigamba is the Chief Digital Officer for Education sector. Prior to joining the Ministry of Education, she has worked in the energy sector with Bboxx a UK based company where she worked as the Master Data Analyst and in the financial space where she grew the Business Intelligence unit at RSwitch the National e-payment switch of Rwanda.
Bella holds a Master’s Degree in Information Systems Development from HAN University in the Netherlands and a BBA in Information Management from the Adventist University of Central Africa.
Jean Claude Hashakineza
DG/Education Communications
Jean Claude Hashakineza is the Director General of Education Communications, bringing over 12 years of experience in strategic communications and public relations.
Prior to this role, he served at the Office of the Government Spokesperson (OGS), where he was instrumental in shaping and implementing government communication strategies. His public sector experience was further deepened through his work at the Ministry of Information.
Jean Claude’s extensive media background includes journalism, and management roles at leading outlets such as Kigali Today, and Radio Salus. As Executive Secretary of ADECCO, he oversaw operations at Izuba Community Radio, leading impactful community-focused projects aimed at fostering local development.
Jean Claude holds a Master’s in Politics and Mass Media from the University of Liverpool and a Bachelor’s in Communications from the National University of Rwanda.
He is actively involved in media capacity-building efforts and has a deep appreciation for traditional Rwandan culture.
Jean Damascene NSENGIYUMVA
Director General of School Health and Wellness
Jean Damascene NSENGIYUMVA is the Director General of School Health and Wellness at the Ministry of Education, bringing extensive experience in public service, community development, and sustainable livelihood programming.
He holds a Master of Science in Agribusiness from the University of Rwanda and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours in Rural Development and Agribusiness from the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
Mr. Nsengiyumva has over a decade of leadership experience in public administration and agricultural development, including serving as Deputy Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Kirehe District. In this role, he coordinated major multi-stakeholder development programmes, and led projects aimed at improving livelihoods and resilience among rural communities.
Diane Kamana
Director General of Corporate Services
The Director General of Corporate Services is a strategic and accomplished leader with extensive experience in corporate governance, operational efficiency, and organizational transformation. She has a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and overseeing key corporate functions, including finance, human resources, administration, procurement, ICT, and strategic planning, while collaborating effectively with government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders.
Kamana holds a Master’s degree in Public International Law and is certified Public Finance Management accountant (CPFA) with 17 years of experience in public service.
Idrissa NZABONIMPA
Human Resource to the Ministry of Education
