The Rwandan government on Monday launched a drive to transform the social and economic development of the country using the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The plan dubbed “Smart Rwanda Days” is a citizen-centered business-friendly, accessible and sustainable information and service delivery chain that will be realized through strong partnership between public and the private sector.
Through the initiative, the small central African country will strategically use the power of technology to transform the economy and enhance the well-being of individuals and the community.
In order to realize Smart Rwanda Days, the government in partnership with the World Bank on Monday hosted a high-level event in Kigali, designed to help stakeholders develop a shared vision for Smart Rwanda.
The two-day forum brought together global experts in ICT and economy from Africa and beyond to identify possible “Smart” solutions.
Jean Philibert Nsengimana, Rwanda’s minister of youth and ICT, said the initiative seeks to build on the great work presently taking place in Rwanda in terms of ICT growth.
“Key to the success of smart Rwanda is sustainability of all our interventions. Our strategy will be to rely on the much needed private sector resources and capabilities.”
“Smart Rwanda aims at looking at all innovative ways ICT can drive to achieve socio-economic transformation agenda of our country,” the official added.
The minister said the scheme will increase the productivity of all sectors of the economy using ICT, contribute to off-farm job creation, improve service delivery and promote rural development.
According to the government, the plan will specifically focus on achieving Smart healthcare, governance, business, agriculture, environment, job creation and infrastructure among others.
Carolyn Turk, World Bank country manager for Rwanda, said the agenda is extremely exciting since it aims at generating solutions to create sustainable change.
“I appreciate Rwanda’s extra-ordinary achievements registered in the ICT sector over the past few years. When you look at mobile penetration and connectivity by broadband, it’s quite outstanding, “ she noted.
According to available statistics from the Rwanda Utility and Regulatory Agency, mobile phone subscribers number 6,272,692, or 59.5 percent of the Rwandan population.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranked Rwanda among top 10 countries in Africa with active mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
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Quelle/Source: Coastweek, 21.06.2013
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