Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, has unveiled the national digital priorities for the next five years, aligning with the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). This strategic roadmap is designed to accelerate digital transformation, boost innovation, and foster inclusive digital growth across the country.
Building on NST1’s successes, Rwanda’s government is committed to using technology as a catalyst for economic development, social inclusion, and smart infrastructure. NST1 laid the groundwork by significantly increasing mobile and internet penetration, digitizing public services, and expanding ICT infrastructure nationwide.
NST2 Goals: Driving Rwanda’s Vision for a Digital Economy
Approved in 2024, NST2 focuses on five national priorities:
- Creating decent and productive jobs
- Increasing exports
- Improving public service delivery
- Enhancing education quality
- Reducing stunting and malnutrition
The ICT Ministry will drive these goals by expanding Rwanda’s digital capabilities and promoting innovation.
1. Expanding Last Mile Connectivity Nationwide
A major priority is to ensure universal internet access. Minister Ingabire emphasized the government’s plan to connect every Rwandan household to the Internet and enable full participation in the digital economy.
“We are working with telecom companies to deploy 840 new connectivity towers within the next three years to expand internet coverage from the current 75% to 97%,” she stated during a parliamentary session on March 13, 2025.
This nationwide push will help close the digital divide and support access to online education, e-government services, and remote work.
2. Leveraging Data and Digital Government
With all government services now digitized, Rwanda is harnessing the power of data analytics to inform policymaking and support private sector growth.
“We are using datasets from digital government platforms to shape decisions and optimize public service delivery,” said Ingabire.
This data-driven approach will improve transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in both public and private sectors.
3. Strengthening National Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Rwanda’s commitment to cybersecurity remains strong. In 2023, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recognized the country as a global role model in cybersecurity.
The ICT Ministry plans to launch a National Cybersecurity Academy in 2025 in partnership with international stakeholders. The academy will build local expertise and enhance resilience against cyber threats in a rapidly digitizing world.
4. Embracing Emerging Technologies: AI, Blockchain, and IoT
Rwanda aims to benefit from transformative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations will boost efficiency in agriculture, health, finance, and other sectors.
“We’re building an ecosystem where these technologies can be tested, proven, and scaled,” Ingabire noted.
5. Promoting Smart Cities and Green Technologies
Innovative urban development is another focal point. Rwanda aims to lead Africa in green, tech-enabled cities that tackle congestion, pollution, and infrastructure stress.
Kigali, which was ranked Africa’s #1 smart city in the 2023 Africa Smart City Index, will continue to be a testing ground for smart communities and sustainable innovation.
6. Developing Local Tech Talent and Innovation
Human capital is at the heart of Rwanda’s innovation agenda. The ICT Ministry will prioritize skills development, particularly in digital and emerging technologies.
“We want Rwanda to remain a proof-of-concept country—a place where global tech solutions are born and scaled across Africa and beyond,” said Ingabire.
Rwanda aims to become a regional innovation powerhouse by investing in young talent and tech entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Rwanda’s digital future is ambitious and inclusive. The country is positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation in Africa through strategic investments in connectivity, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and talent development. Minister Paula Ingabire’s five-year roadmap reflects a bold commitment to leveraging technology for national progress and global competitiveness.
For more tech news and insights, visit Rwanda Tech News, and explore similar topics and trends in the world of technology.
