The meeting, taking place on February 23–24, 2026, in Kigali, focuses on unpacking the objectives of PISA 2025, clarifying why Rwanda chose to participate for the first time, and gathering input that will guide the preparation of the national analysis and country report.
The forum convened school leaders, parents’ representatives, Deputy Mayors in charge of Social Affairs, District Education Officers, and senior officials from national institutions involved in education and statistics.
The discussions come after Rwanda’s inaugural participation in PISA in 2025, an international assessment conducted among 15-year-old students to evaluate how effectively education systems prepare learners for real-life challenges.
PISA assesses students’ competencies in reading, mathematics, and science, with emphasis on their ability to apply knowledge in practical situations and solve problems encountered in everyday life.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Bernard Bahati, Director General of NESA, underscored the importance of collective reflection and ownership of the PISA process.
He said the initiative marks an important milestone in benchmarking the quality of Rwanda’s education against international standards.
“Beyond the assessment scores, PISA gathers critical information on students’ learning environments, aspirations, and perceptions. These insights can inform evidence-based decisions to improve the education system,” he noted.
He added that the consultative approach ensures stakeholders clearly understand the purpose and expected outcomes of PISA 2025, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the analysis and interpretation of results and to help Rwanda determine its standing globally.
PISA is administered by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and is conducted every three years in more than 90 countries worldwide.
By participating in PISA 2025, Rwanda has joined a global platform that compares education systems based on measurable student competencies rather than curriculum coverage alone.
The official results of PISA 2025 are expected to be released on September 8, 2026.
They are anticipated to provide a valuable benchmark for Rwanda’s education system and to inform future policy directions, including possible adjustments in education policies aimed at strengthening learning outcomes across the country.
