In a groundbreaking collaboration, Anthropic has partnered with the Government of Rwanda and ALX, a prominent African tech training provider, to implement Chidi, an AI learning companion based on the Claude architecture. This initiative aims to bring AI education to hundreds of thousands of learners across Africa, integrating Chidi into Rwanda’s national education framework and ALX’s technology training programs.
Rwanda’s Vision 2050: A Commitment to AI Education
The initiative starts with AI training for up to 2,000 teachers and civil servants in Rwanda. Participants will learn to utilize Claude for various educational tasks, including lesson planning and daily productivity enhancements. The goal is to foster long-term AI literacy within public institutions rather than conduct temporary workshops.
Upon completing the pilot program, graduates will gain access to Claude tools, including Claude Pro for personal use and Claude Code for development teams in government. This access is designed to ensure ongoing application of AI skills in both educational settings and workplaces after formal training concludes.
Rwanda’s government positions this initiative as a key component of its Vision 2050, a strategy aimed at developing a knowledge-based economy. It offers students and graduates the opportunity to leverage AI skills to tackle local challenges, pursue careers in global companies, and even launch startups—though specific targets for outcomes and sectors remain unspecified.
Paula Ingabire, the Minister of ICT & Innovation in Rwanda, emphasizes the long-term workforce impact, stating, “Rwanda’s Vision 2050 places youth and technology at the core of national progress. Our goal is to build a workforce equipped for the opportunities of the 21st century. This collaboration allows us to explore innovative AI tools that could enhance learning, support educators, strengthen developer capabilities, and provide new forms of digital assistance across selected institutions.”
Anthropic’s Strategic Testing Ground
On Anthropic’s end, the project serves as a critical testbed for the large-scale deployment of AI within public systems, moving beyond short-term pilot projects. Elizabeth Kelly, Head of Beneficial Deployments at Anthropic, notes, “Rwanda’s comprehensive approach to embracing and integrating AI—training teachers, involving policymakers, and building a dedicated working group—creates the foundation for responsible AI deployment. By working with the government and ALX, we’re learning how to ensure AI serves local educational needs while reaching students at scale.”
Chidi’s Role in ALX Training Programs
In addition to its focus on Rwanda’s public sector, Chidi will play a central role in ALX’s EdTech training programs across Africa, granting all ALX learners access to Claude through this AI learning companion. Positioned as a “Socratic mentor,” Chidi aims to guide users through questioning and hints rather than supplying direct answers, thereby enhancing both problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
Since its launch on November 4, learners have engaged in over 1,100 conversations and nearly 4,000 learning sessions with Chidi, with 90% of users reporting positive experiences. Early applications include assistance with coding challenges, comprehension of data science concepts, and structured reasoning practice.
ALX’s approach emphasizes the connection between AI skills and career advancement. Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of ALX, asserts, “This is not just about bringing technology to Africa; it’s about co-creating the future of learning to unlock the continent’s full potential. Chidi transforms how our students build their capabilities, their confidence, and ultimately their careers. As they master AI-powered learning today, they become the architects of Africa’s technology-driven future tomorrow.”
The partnership between Anthropic, Rwanda, and ALX represents a significant step toward integrating AI education into broader workforce development strategies on the continent. By focusing on sustainable learning and long-term application, this initiative sets a precedent for how AI can support educational outcomes and economic growth across Africa.
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