Kigali, Rwanda – The Government of Rwanda has extended the deadline for the mandatory artificial intelligence (AI) training for all public servants, following challenges that prevented full compliance within the initial timeframe set for the end of 2025.
The extension was confirmed in an official letter issued by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) on December 30, 2025, addressed to all ministers, chief executive officers, and cabinet members.
The directive follows an earlier communication dated December 2, 2025, which had required all public servants to complete foundational AI training courses by December 31, 2025.
According to the letter signed by Minister of Public Service and Labour, Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka, some public servants were unable to complete the mandatory training within the initially prescribed period due to various operational and logistical constraints.
In response, the government has granted an additional two weeks, setting a new deadline of January 15, 2026, for completion of the course.
The ministry emphasized that the extension is intended to give all affected public servants adequate time to finalize the training and fully comply with the national requirement. However, the letter also makes it clear that failure to meet the new deadline will not be taken lightly.
Public servants who do not complete the training by January 15, 2026, will be considered non-compliant, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be applied in line with the public service regulatory framework.
Public institutions have also been reminded of critical administrative obligations where all public servants are required to upload their AI training certificates to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for verification and official record-keeping.
In addition, institutions must compile and submit a consolidated list of staff members who have completed the training to the National Public Service Commission (NPSC), with copies shared with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and MIFOTRA not later than January 30, 2026.
The mandatory AI training is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to modernize public service delivery and strengthen digital skills across government institutions.
As the country positions itself as a regional leader in digital transformation and innovation, equipping public servants with foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence is seen as essential for improving efficiency, policy design, and service responsiveness.
Rwanda has in recent years invested heavily in digital governance, smart public services, and emerging technologies, with AI expected to play a growing role in areas such as data-driven decision-making, service automation, and citizen engagement.
Ensuring that public servants understand both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with AI is viewed as a critical step toward sustainable and ethical adoption.
