Unlocking ICT success through public-private partnerships in Rwanda

Rwanda is making significant strides in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. The country's Minister for Information and Communications Technology and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, highlighted the importance of these collaborations during an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa at the Connected Africa Summit 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. Ingabire emphasized that public-private partnerships have been instrumental in driving Rwanda's ICT goals, dating back over 20 years. One of the key investments supported by partnerships was the construction of a 2,300-kilometre fibre optic backbone, made possible with the assistance of the World Bank. Additionally, partnerships with Korea Telecom facilitated the roll-out of 4G infrastructure, demonstrating the success of collaborative initiatives in infrastructure development. Rwanda's focus on service digitization and the creation of Irembo, a platform for digitizing government services, stemmed from a partnership with Crimson Logic from Singapore. The Minister highlighted the critical role of both international and local partners in Rwanda's journey towards digital transformation, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to achieve the country's ICT ambitions. While Rwanda has made significant progress in ICT infrastructure development, the focus is now on expanding broadband access and usage throughout the country. The government's plans include laying out additional fibre infrastructure and investing in over 800 towers to achieve a population coverage of close to 95%. Moreover, efforts are underway to address issues of affordability, digital skills, and ensure meaningful access for all citizens. Rwanda's dedication to bridging the digital divide extends to initiatives such as digital literacy programs, workforce digital skilling, and partnerships with operators to enhance accessibility and affordability of ICT services. Data privacy and protection are paramount in Rwanda's digitalization journey, with the implementation of a comprehensive data protection and privacy law two years ago. The law aims to safeguard citizens' privacy while promoting innovation in the data economy, striking a balance between data utilization and privacy protection. As Rwanda participates in the Connected Africa Summit and other similar platforms, the focus remains on knowledge sharing and collaboration to accelerate digitalization in the region. The summit has sparked discussions on harmonizing regulations, addressing emerging technologies like AI, and fostering industry commitments to prioritize equitable access and cybersecurity. The emphasis on creating an enabling regulatory environment for AI and balancing profit motives with social impact reflects Rwanda's commitment to sustainable ICT development. Looking ahead, Rwanda aims to leverage the insights and commitments from such summits to inform policy decisions and drive continued progress in the ICT sector, culminating in events like Transform Africa in August. By fostering partnerships, embracing innovation, and prioritizing inclusivity, Rwanda stands as a model of ICT success through public-private collaborations, setting a benchmark for digital transformation in Africa.