Katuruza takes digital learning to underserved schools
For learners in rural and under-resourced schools, access to technology can determine how far their education can go. It was this reality that inspired Jeffrey Katuruza to explore practical ways of bringing digital learning closer to communities that have historically had limited access to it.
Katuruza is the founder and director of RuraTech, an education-technology social enterprise operating in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
He is a semi-finalist under the Emerging Technologies Impact Award category at The List Awards 2026.
His journey began with a simple question: why should learners be excluded from digital learning because their schools lack computers, libraries or reliable internet?
In a conversation with The List Awards by Identities Media, Katuruza explained that this question became the foundation for RuraTech’s work, leading to the development of Mobile Digital Libraries and solar-powered computer laboratories.
“RuraTech began with a simple question: why should a learner in a rural or under-resourced school be excluded from digital learning?” he says.
Through RuraTech, Katuruza has helped deliver digital learning infrastructure to underserved schools in South Africa. The organisation has partnered with Astron Energy, Transnet, Kumba Iron Ore, Summits with a Purpose and Vumatel to deploy 19 Mobile Digital Libraries.
The initiative has also equipped schools with tablet-based digital libraries and provided training for educators and learners, reaching thousands of beneficiaries. Its work includes offline educational content, STEM and coding resources, educator support, ICT assistance and impact reporting.
Katuruza’s background spans Human Resources Management, entrepreneurship and occupational health and safety, including the NEBOSH International General Certificate. His experience has also helped him build partnerships with corporates and education stakeholders to expand digital access.
For Katuruza, being recognised by The List Awards is an opportunity to tell the story of learners and schools affected by the digital divide and to highlight the importance of developing African solutions for African challenges.
“Being a finalist in The List Awards is meaningful because it provides recognition for a journey that has been built around service, innovation and expanding opportunity through technology,” he says.
Whether he wins or not, Katuruza plans to continue building partnerships, deploying Mobile Digital Libraries and supporting educators and learners. His focus remains on using practical technology to make digital education more accessible across Southern Africa.