AOA is a world-class high-school in Rwanda, training the top Math and Science talent on the continent.

The African Olympiad Academy builds on the success of the Rwanda Mathematics Olympiad (RwMO)—a program which in just five years has established itself amongst the top African countries at international math competitions, and whose graduates have enrolled and been awarded scholarships at prestigious universities globally.

Our Mission

The African Olympiad Academy aims to develop nascent Math and Science talent from Africa into engaged, globally-competitive problem solvers with a deep commitment to the continent.

1.

Select and train high-potential African students to be medal-winners at international Olympiads.

2.

Support students in developing personalised pathways to create meaningful impact in their communities.

3.

Create opportunities for graduates to secure scholarships at top universities around the world.

4.

Play a key role in developing sustainable Olympiad programs in countries across the continent.

We cultivate a deep connection to the rich cultural heritage and diverse talents of the continent, fostering pride and a strong sense of African identity.

African Roots, Global Reach

Through friendly competition and challenge-based learning, we cultivate a focus on mastery and proofs, nurturing students into deep thinkers and skilled problem-solvers.

Olympiad-Based Pedagogy

We offer a transformative education to a select group of learners, honing their abilities and preparing them to engage holistically with the world at the highest levels.

Academy of Holistic Experience

AOA Founding Team

Arun Shanmuganathan

  • Arun is the co-founder of Hence Technologies, an AI-driven Legal Tech startup that has raised ~$5 million & sold to Fortune 100 companies. He led the growth of a 20-person team based in Kigali. Arun also co-founded the Rwanda Mathematics Olympiad program and played a key role in expanding the Pan-African Math Olympiad from 9 to 31 countries. A former silver medalist at the International Mathematical Olympiad, Arun's career spans roles as a quant trader at UBS and Citadel Securities, and as a faculty member at the African Leadership University. He holds degrees in mathematics from Cambridge and machine learning from Oxford.

Dr. Gaidi Faraj

  • Gaidi Faraj is the Dean of Academics at the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, with previous leadership roles at African Leadership University, where he oversaw $15M campus development and managed pandemic-driven hybrid learning. He has raised over $6M in financing for projects as VP of Operations at Colom Investment and serves as an investor and board member across various sectors in Africa. Gaidi holds a PhD in African Diaspora Studies from UC Berkeley and has extensive international experience, working in Switzerland, Rwanda, Mauritius, Tanzania, and the US.

Dr. Sindi F. Gordon

  • Sindi is a passionate educator, researcher, and consultant dedicated to holistic and transformative learning. As Head of Holistic Learning and Engagement, she fosters inclusive, dynamic learning environments that embrace multiple knowledge systems, creativity, and well-being. A visiting scholar at the African Leadership University in Rwanda, she also teaches at SOAS, University of London, where she developed a degree program in African Diaspora Studies. She was a Research Fellow in the Centre of Teaching and Learning at the University of Sussex, working closely with teachers and students. Sindi founded Changing the Face of Consultancy at Sussex, redefining the intersection of social justice, education, and community impact. A former filmmaker, she produced Matters of Race (PBS) and was a producer for SABC, where she interviewed President Mandela. She holds a PhD in Education and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).TBD

Lofred Madzou

  • Lofred Madzou is a global expert on AI governance with 8+ years of experience across startups, international organizations, and government. He currently serves as Director of Strategy at Truera and formerly led AI initiatives at the World Economic Forum. Lofred has advised Fortune 500 companies on responsible AI, co-drafted France's National AI Strategy, and consulted for EU and Asia-Pacific governments on AI regulation. His academic background includes an M.Sc. in Data Science and Philosophy from Oxford, and he has lived and worked in five countries, building a robust network of African technologists.

Sabria Lagoun

  • Sabria Lagoun is the Co-founder and CEO of The Brainstorms Scientific, where she built a network of 3,000 neuroscientists across 54 countries and designed e-learning courses for 130K+ clients. With extensive experience in healthcare innovation, she managed a startup accelerator for global pharma partners and led AI-driven innovation projects at Merck. Sabria also has a strong academic foundation in neuroscience, with doctoral research published in high-impact journals. She holds M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in cognitive neuroscience from Aix-Marseille University.

George Joseph

  • George Joseph is a founding team member of the African Olympiad Academy and a former Design Director at IDEO, with over 12 years of experience as a designer and strategist across Asia, Europe, North America, and East Africa. He specializes in human-centered design and education, leading projects with organizations such as the Gates Foundation, Google, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Government of Singapore. His work spans designing financial literacy programs, high school curricula, and strategic initiatives for schools worldwide. George holds a B.Des. in Communication Design from the MIT Institute of Design and brings deep expertise in brand strategy and systems design.

Endorsements

  • “AOA is well-positioned to create an environment where young African mathematicians can thrive.”


    Josh Taylor
    President, Carina Initiatives

  • “The African Olympiad Academy is uniquely positioned to [....] advance African mathematics towards a new era of scholarship in science and engineering.”


    Ari Jacobovits
    Managing Director, MIT-Africa

  • “Our shared goal is to ensure that this initiative thrives, becoming a beacon of STEM education across Africa and contributing significantly to the continent's development”


    Prof. Sam Yala
    AIMS Rwanda Centre President

  • “The Academy’s mission is fully aligned with our goal to support the development of a vibrant and pan-African AI ecosystem of entrepreneurs, scientists, machine learning engineers and entrepreneurs."


    Crystal Rugege
    Managing Director, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Rwanda

  • “It is also really important to support the diversification of technology design and development [...] From this perspective, the establishment of more initiatives like the Africa Olympiad Academy (AOA) would not only be beneficial to Africa but to the AI field as a whole.”


    Victoria Nash
    Director at Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford

  • "The Ministry of Education expresses strong support for the African Olympiad Academy's launch of a STEM high school in Rwanda."

    Joseph Nsengimana
    Minister of Education, Republic of Rwanda

  • "The success of the AOA will not only transform Africa’s representation in global competitions but also strengthen its role in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges"


    Prof Nouzha El Yacoubi
    President, PAMO Commission of the African Mathematics Union

Stay in touch


Questions about AOA?
info@africanolympiadfoundation.org