Change-makers in focus

Transforming tourism & hospitality in Rwanda

How we help:

In a three-way partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and the Mastercard Foundation, Hult EF Corporate Education designed and delivered a nationwide English communication and hospitality skills training in Rwanda. This initiative aimed to upskill 30,000 young workers in the tourism and hospitality industry and create the change-makers of the future.

Rwanda changed its national language from French to English in 2008 in a bid to drive growth, innovation, and international cooperation.

As a result, developing English language proficiency and communication skills remains an urgent priority, and a major milestone to make the country’s Vision 2050 a reality.

“Human capital development is a cornerstone for Rwanda’s Vision 2050. Upskilling young workers will greatly contribute to the level of service provision, not only in the service industry, but to the rest of the economy.”

Claire Akamanzi, CEO, Rwanda Development Board

The Challenge

The tourism and hospitality sector forms a key pillar in Rwanda’s Vision 2050, plays a crucial role in job creation, and is the top foreign exchange earner.

Positioned as a high value, low volume destination, Rwanda is determined to deliver world-class service, but the language gap remains a key challenge in achieving this. The training program’s aim is to raise employability skills, create improved career opportunities, and boost the sector overall.

In this case study, we explore how driving English Language proficiency in Rwanda is getting the country closer to achieving Vision 2050.

Supporting a nation through language learning

Our impact

Due to the urgent need to improve English proficiency in Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality sector, we set an ambitious stretch target of three EF levels (one CEFR level) to reach B2 proficiency, instead of the standard one EF Level in 12 months. Most of the participants achieved and exceeded this target, investing on average more than 70 study hours per person, completing 123,546 English lessons, and showing continuity across the 12-month program. Teacher-led classes translated into increased confidence and significant speaking and writing skills gains. An impressive 11,000+ international group classes and private classes formed, and more than 21,000 writing tasks completed. Looking closely at the impact of the content offered in the training program, the business and industry classes helped learners to build critical and transferable employability skills to contribute to the level of service provision in the wider economy. The Destination Rwanda courses enhanced knowledge on the attractiveness and uniqueness of Rwanda, culminating into more than 40,000 study hours and 6,500+ course completions. This further reinforced Rwanda’s perception as a desirable travel destination.

High learner satisfaction

Participants report better self-confidence, increased revenues, and enhanced English communication skills across a range of tourism and hospitality roles and organizations.

Impact beyond the service industry

Senior leaders realized the positive economic impact of upskilling young workers in and beyond the service industry, influencing organizational buy-in and learner uptake.

Exceeded expectations

Learners exceeded standard English proficiency stretch targets, demonstrating a keen and collaborative drive to achieve Rwanda’s Vision 2050.