Key Highlights:
- Anthropic has partnered with the Rwanda government and ALX to launch Chidi, a Claude-powered AI tool that will train hundreds and thousands of learners across Africa.
- 2,000 Rwandan teachers and civil servants will be trained to integrate Chidi for lesson planning and day-to-day support.
- ALX will help around 200,000 students and young professionals across Africa to train on data, cloud computing, and coding using Chidi.
As the use of AI is growing day by day across the globe, it has become more important than ever for AI companies to ensure that people learn more about AI. OpenAI, Microsoft, and other companies have already launched different initiatives in multiple countries to educate people about AI.
Now, Anthropic has jumped into the scene. The company has announced a major partnership with the Government of Rwanda and African tech training provider ALX to educate hundreds of thousands of learners across the continent. The initiative, dubbed Chidi, is a “learning companion” powered by Anthropic’s Claude AI, and is being integrated into Rwanda’s national education system and ALX training programs.
Training teachers, students, and young professionals across Africa
As Anthropic notes in the announcement post, Chidi will also help university graduates and young professionals across the continent to learn practical skills, including data and cloud computing and coding. Teachers in Rwanda will also benefit from this tool, as it will help them plan their lessons, support their students, and integrate AI into their classroom activities.
As part of this program, the government of Rwanda will train up to 2,000 teachers and selected civil servants to integrate AI into teaching practices. What’s interesting is that graduates of the Rwanda pilot program will also have access to a full year of Claude Pro for individuals, Claude Code for developer teams, and Claude for Education for university instructors. By doing this, Anthropic and Rwanda’s government want to ensure that AI literacy is achieved during the course of the program.
Do note that this partnership is one of the largest AI-for-education initiative in Africa. The move is a part of Anthropic’s vision for responsible AI and Rwanda’s Vision 2050 strategy, which aims to create an AI-ready workforce and boost digital transformation across the country.
Rwanda’s Vision 2050 places youth and technology at the core of national progress, and 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. These areas remain under review, and by beginning capacity building for civil servants, we ensure our workforce gains the foundational skills to engage with emerging technologies responsibly.
– Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT & Innovation in Rwanda
Also read: Anthropic to Invest $50 Billion to Build AI Data Centers in the US
Expanding access through ALX & positive test reports
Besides the Rwanda government, ALX will roll out Chidi throughout its technology programs, which will cover 200,000 students and young professionals. Anthropic mentions that Chidi acts as a “Socratic mentor” that guides learners through questions instead of simply giving answers. This method will increase problem-solving skills and boost collaboration within a group.
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.
– Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of ALX
Anthropic further says that the early results have shown promising results. Ever since the roll out of Chidi, nearly 1100 students have participated in conversations and 4,000 learning sessions. Moreover, the company also mentions that nine out of ten users have reported positive experiences, hinting at a good start of the initiative.
