Kigali, Rwanda: The University of Rwanda has been recognized among five leading higher education institutions in Africa for its outstanding contribution to transforming education, advancing innovation, and creating greater opportunities for young people across the continent.
The recognition comes through the inaugural Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, an initiative launched by the Mastercard Foundation to support universities that are implementing impactful and sustainable changes in higher education.
“For twenty years we have seen African institutions rethink what higher education can deliver. The AHEFT Prize turns that proof into momentum: we are backing homegrown excellence with a decade-long commitment, so that universities across the continent become engines of opportunity for millions of young people,” said Sewit Ahderom, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation.
The award programme is supported by a USD 500 million commitment over the next decade and aims to strengthen African universities as centres of knowledge, innovation, skills development, and economic growth.
The first group of institutions selected for the AHEFT Prize includes the University of Rwanda, Addis Ababa University of Ethiopia, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering of Burkina Faso, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology of Ghana, and Muni University of Uganda.
Each institution will receive USD 3 million to strengthen programmes and initiatives that contribute to improving education systems and expanding opportunities for Africa’s growing youth population.
University of Rwanda Recognized for Strengthening Health Systems
The University of Rwanda received the award under the Excellence in Health category in recognition of its major role in developing Rwanda’s healthcare workforce and supporting improvements in the national health system.
Over the years, the university has trained more than 26,000 health professionals who continue to contribute to healthcare delivery in Rwanda and beyond. Through its community-based training approach, the institution has also supported healthcare outreach and clinical learning programmes that have benefited nearly 500,000 people.
The university’s work extends beyond medical training, with growing contributions in areas such as digital health, biomedical engineering, vaccinology, and health systems innovation.
The achievement reflects Rwanda’s continued investment in strengthening human capital and developing solutions that respond to emerging healthcare needs.
African Universities Recognized for Innovation and Impact
Other institutions were honoured for their achievements in different areas of higher education development.
In Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University was recognized for its excellence in research and innovation, particularly its ability to connect scientific research with national development priorities and public services.
Burkina Faso’s International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) received recognition for its practical approach to teaching and technical education, preparing graduates with skills relevant to sectors such as climate, water management, energy, and infrastructure.
In Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was celebrated for creating strong links between research, entrepreneurship, and industry through innovation centres and business development programmes.
Meanwhile, Muni University in Uganda was recognized for supporting young people, including refugees and underserved communities, by creating pathways that help graduates transition from education into employment.
Supporting Africa’s Future Through Higher Education
The AHEFT Prize focuses on institutions making significant progress in areas such as teaching and learning, employment opportunities, research, entrepreneurship, climate and environmental solutions, agriculture, health, and digital innovation.
The initiative plans to recognize and support at least 150 higher education institutions across Africa over the next ten years, encouraging universities to become stronger contributors to economic development and social progress.
“This is the moment to reimagine what higher education institutions can do as engines of human capital development – not only as a place of learning, but as a direct route to work, to economic participation, and to a better future for young people across Africa’’– Dr. John Nkengasong, Executive Director, Higher Education Initiatives, Mastercard Foundation.
The winning institutions will receive their awards during the Higher Education Transformation Convening, scheduled for September 22, 2026, in Accra, Ghana.
The recognition represents a significant milestone for Africa’s education sector, highlighting how universities are increasingly becoming drivers of innovation, healthcare improvement, research advancement, and sustainable development.
