Rwanda embraces global learning benchmark with launch of PISA 2025

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Rwanda has officially launched its participation in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to evaluate and strengthen the quality of its education system.

PISA is a global study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that assesses the competencies of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science. The goal is to measure how effectively students can apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Rwanda joins 91 countries—including just five from Africa—in this round of the assessment. Over 7,400 students from 213 schools across the country are set to take part.

Speaking at the official launch held on Monday, Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s involvement in the global benchmark.

“Our participation in PISA 2025 reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to improving learning outcomes,” he said. “The insights gained from this assessment will be critical in identifying strengths and areas for improvement within our education system.”

Jean de Dieu Niyonsenga, Head Teacher at Camp Kigali School—one of the participating institutions—welcomed the initiative, thanking the Ministry of Education for selecting their school.

“Our students are well-prepared and motivated,” he said. “Their involvement in past evaluations has shown promising results, and we’re confident they will rise to this challenge.”

PISA is conducted every three years and is recognized globally for offering data-driven insights that inform educational policy. Rwanda’s involvement is seen as a strategic move to align with international standards and drive evidence-based improvements.

With PISA 2025 underway, Rwanda positions itself among nations committed to building resilient, globally competitive education systems through rigorous self-assessment and reform.