Nadia Ndayambaje

Rwandan educator pioneering digital learning for marginalized children in East Africa

Nadia Ndayambaje is the founder of EzaLearn, a Rwandan-based social enterprise that has transformed education access across East Africa since its 2020 launch. Her flagship product, the 'EzaBox' - a solar-powered portable server containing over 10,000 educational resources - has enabled 45,000+ students in remote areas to continue learning during the pandemic and beyond. The device operates offline and can be used by up to 50 students simultaneously, addressing the digital divide affecting 80% of rural African schools.

Nadia's approach combines technology and community engagement. She developed a teacher training program (Teachers4All) that has certified 3,000 educators in interactive digital teaching methods. Her 'Pay-It-Forward' model allows schools in urban areas to sponsor devices for rural counterparts, creating a sustainable funding ecosystem.

Recognized as a TED Fellow in 2022, Nadia's work has been featured in Nature magazine and inspired similar initiatives in Ethiopia and Uganda. In 2023, her organization partnered with UNESCO to integrate AI-driven adaptive learning software into the EzaBox system, personalizing education for children with diverse learning needs.

Notable achievements include reducing school dropout rates by 40% in partnered communities and achieving 98% device uptime through her innovative solar charging stations. Nadia's vision of 'Education Without Borders' has positioned her as a leading voice in 21st century education equity movements.