Burundian refugee codes his way to a brighter future through education

In a modest room on the outskirts of Kigali, a young man sits quietly in front of his laptop, his fingers dancing across the keyboard. Every keystroke echoes his determination, each line of code a step closer to the future he envisions.

This is Jean*, a Burundian refugee and passionate coder who is currently working on an app which helps car owners earn extra income by displaying ads on their vehicles. The app also gives small businesses a low-cost way to advertise – by placing their ads on private cars through the platform.

The 27-year-old Burundian refugee, who has turned adversity into opportunity, is also developing other digital tools to empower local communities and support small businesses across Africa. His work reflects a larger goal: using technology to create opportunity and drive inclusive growth.

“There is a huge untapped potential across Africa,” he says. “Technology can bridge gaps where traditional systems fall short.”

Jean’s innovations recently earned him a place at Norrsken House Kigali, a dynamic co-working space that nurtures entrepreneurs focused on social impact and innovation.

His passion for technology is now taking him even further. After facing persistent cyberattacks during his early coding projects, Jean developed a keen interest in cybersecurity.

“When I launched my first app, it was hacked repeatedly within the first week,” he recalls. “I’d check my database and see it had been breached. That experience made me realize how crucial cybersecurity is.”

Motivated by the desire to make digital spaces safer, Jean applied for a DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship and was accepted. He is now in Germany, preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in cybersecurity.

“This scholarship is life-changing,” he reflects. “You struggle on your own for so long, and then suddenly, you get a chance to prove yourself on a global stage. That’s something incredible.”

Jean’s journey has been far from easy. Forced to flee Burundi in 2018, he arrived in Rwanda alone in his early twenties, facing an uncertain future. To make ends meet, he worked as a taxi driver while trying to rebuild his life from scratch.

“Being away from family was one of the hardest parts,” he says. “I didn’t know anyone here. It was difficult—and often deeply isolating.”

Despite these challenges, Jean pursued his education with unwavering resolve. With support from the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship, he earned a degree in computer science.

Now in Germany, he is focused on the next chapter—equipping himself with advanced skills in a supportive academic environment. But Jean’s aspirations extend beyond personal success. He dreams of launching a cybersecurity firm to offer robust digital protection services, and more importantly, of founding a coding school for vulnerable children—especially refugees and those from underserved communities.

“Education is the key,” he says. “I want to reach out to young people who lack access to learning materials or proper guidance—especially those growing up in difficult circumstances. If we can start early, we can unlock so much potential.”

By sharing the knowledge he’s gained, Jean hopes to inspire the next generation of changemakers—to help others find hope, dignity, and direction through technology.

His message to fellow refugees is powerful and direct:

“Do not let your situation define you. Keep moving forward. Keep growing.”

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Names changed for protection purposes