The Ministry of Youth, and Information Communications and Technology (ICT), together with industry players, recently took part in an ICT Backward Joint Sector Review 2014/15.
"When I reflect on what we've achieved over the last one year or so, putting it in broad categories it is access, capacity and services. "I think we have moved quite a bit," Jean Philbert Nsengimana, the Minister of Youth and ICT said.
The government is set to create a new agency to spearhead the implementation of the recently adopted Smart Rwanda Master Plan.
The master plan, adopted by Cabinet earlier this month, outlines a five-year plan for the ICT sector in the country and takes effect beginning 2016. It focuses on digitising the economy and positioning ICT as one of the key exports of the country.
Read more: RW: Govt to Create New Agency to Spearhead Implementation of ICT Master Plan
Digital innovations for development appear to be the theme of the 2015 Transform Africa event in Rwanda, among them is an online platform created to establish connectivity between Rwanda's government and its citizens for access to government services.
According to the website, Irembo is the "one-stop portal for e-Government services", a platform for the provision of government services online.
"We already are live, we have five government services online and we will be having about 30 services by end of this year," said Clement Uwajeneza, CEO of Rwanda Online Platform Limited.
At least 581 village heads in Bugesera District gathered in Nyamata town on Tuesday to learn about Irembo; a one-stop portal for e-Government services.
The session, the first in a three-month long countrywide tour, allowed local leaders and members of the public to familiarise themselves with the e-Government platform and how it would provide government services online with efficiency and reliability.
Read more: Rwandaonline Commences Nationwide Sensitisation Drive
Tigo Rwanda makes five years of operations this year. The telecom firm that has been dominant in the data and mobile money transfer services looks to strengthen its presence going forward. Last month, for instance, it unveiled a new brand tagline: "Live it. Love it". The telecom firm also launched a new campaign that aims at promoting Internet penetration in Rwanda and the use of mobile financial services, enabling clients to live 'a digital lifestyle'. Business Times' Ben Gasore caught up with Tongai Maramba, the Tigo Rwanda general manager, who spoke about the local telecom market, and how the new campaign will help address some of the challenges the sector faces, among other. Excerpts:
Q: Tell us about the new campaign and the Tigo's digital push.
As a brand for ambitious young people who believe in dreaming big, working hard, and in so doing achieving great things, we are committing ourselves to take their ambitions to another level by easing access to the Internet. Our product portfolio will be focused on this group, while our sales channels and support will be designed purposely for them, and the entire system will be reoriented toward this new and exciting emerging digital class.
Read more: RW: Tigo in New Push to Ease Access to Internet Services Across Country