Rwanda Coding Academy (RCA) continues to showcase its rising talent on the international stage as a team of its students emerged finalists in the 15th e-ICON World Contest, held in South Korea. This achievement highlights the academy’s commitment to nurturing young innovators equipped with cutting-edge skills to address pressing global challenges.
The e-ICON World Contest is an annual software development competition that brings together students and teachers from Korea and partner countries around the world. Its primary goal is to inspire global collaboration in creating innovative applications that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By combining creativity, teamwork, and technology, participants are challenged to design practical solutions with meaningful social impact.
This year’s contest saw participation from dozens of teams across various continents, with each group tasked to develop digital tools addressing issues such as climate change, quality education, health, and reduced inequalities. RCA’s students joined forces with peers from South Korea to form a global team, symbolizing the spirit of unity and collaboration that the competition fosters.
Reaching the finalist stage is a remarkable milestone for RCA, given the academy’s relatively young history. Established to serve as a center of excellence in software engineering, electronics, and artificial intelligence, RCA has already demonstrated its ability to compete with some of the best institutions worldwide. This recognition validates not only the students’ technical skills but also their ability to innovate with purpose.
The RCA students’ project focused on leveraging technology to tackle real-world challenges aligned with the SDGs. Their solution impressed the judges with its creativity, functionality, and potential for real-world application. Beyond the technical aspects, the team showcased strong communication and teamwork, essential skills in building globally relevant solutions.
Participation in such contests also provides RCA students with invaluable exposure to global networks and opportunities. Working side by side with international peers allows them to exchange knowledge, learn new perspectives, and gain confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the global tech ecosystem.
As the finalists, RCA’s achievement at the 15th e-ICON World Contest serves as a source of pride not only for the academy but for Rwanda as a whole. It reflects the country’s growing investment in ICT education and the potential of its youth to take part in shaping innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Looking ahead, RCA remains committed to empowering its students to excel in both national and international arenas. With such achievements, the academy is steadily building a reputation as a hub of technological excellence and innovation in Africa, inspiring many more young Rwandans to pursue careers in science and technology.
