RWANDA: AN AFRICAN
TECH LEADER
R
wanda is close to become Africa’s digital centre
by investing profoundly in ICT infrastructure.
The government has for the past few years
embarked on a journey to encourage Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs) as an enabler for
fast-tracking the country’s economic development and
transformation.
President Paul Kagame has headed development
initiatives, making the nation an early adopter of
innovative technology. He has done that very well,
promoting both smart ICT policies and, in general,
supporting a more business-friendly environment.
Rwanda continues to be one of the fastest growing
African countries in ICT and there are numerous avenues
for growth for the ICT sector – from e-commerce
and e-services, mobile technologies, applications
development and automation to becoming a regional
centre for the training of ICT professionals and research.
The government has installed over 5,000 kilometers
of fi ber optic cable throughout Rwanda, with regional
links to neighbouring countries. Rwanda is also one of
the few countries in Africa to have launched a high-speed
4G LTE wireless broadband network in Kigali.
ICT is an essential engine to driving Rwanda’s
transformation to a knowledge-based economy, a fact
Rwanda has accredited by allocating a budget to ICT –
as a percentage of its GDP – that is at par with OECD
countries.
This sector is likely to lead the list of the top
attractive investment sectors in the country if current
trends are maintained, investors and experts predict.
The sector which was formerly accredited for its role
in encouraging the national business environment
and improving convenience, also habours numerous
investment opportunities.
The key ICT project is an ICT Park supporting the
growth of:
• Energy
• Internet and mobile communications
• Knowledge (working with local universities)
• E-government
• Financial
• ICT services
Rwanda’s ICT competitive advantage
1. Cheap labour compared to other countries in the
region
2. Young and dynamic workforce
3. The most favourable business environment in
the EAC
4. Least bribery prone in Af