Digital Transformation Center Rwanda

The work of the Digital Transformation Center Rwanda is closely aligned with regional digital policy needs and the Rwandan development agenda. Aiming to connect public and private stakeholders as well as to promote digital participation, the DTC cooperates with numerous partners and at the same time advises the government on digital policy issues.

At a glance

Rwanda’s national development agenda aims to move the country from a subsistence economy to a knowledge- and service-oriented society. The increased use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is seen as a prerequisite for achieving the national development goals.

Rwanda has succeeded in translating the expansion of ICT infrastructure and digital capacity building into strategies that build on one another. Rwanda has developed a detailed strategic plan with ambitious targets to advance its information and communication technology sector. This includes initiatives led by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT) to drive digital transformation, innovation, and economic growth.

Rwanda has successfully built on ICT infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives to support its ambitious strategic plan for the sector, led by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT). While Kigali boasts robust infrastructure supporting the innovation and start-up ecosystem, the broader potential remains untapped. Specific programs empower women and girls, though disparities still exist, particularly between urban and rural populations: 49% of rural residents live below the poverty line compared to 22% in urban areas.

In response to these challenges, the Digital Transformation Center Rwanda was established in May 2019, inaugurated by Günter Nooke, the former Personal Representative for Africa of the German Chancellor at BMZ, and Rwanda’s ICT Minister Paula Ingabire. The Center’s priorities align closely with Rwanda’s development agenda, addressing the most pressing digital policy needs.

Our approach

The Digital Transformation Center Rwanda advises the Rwandan government on developing digital solutions tailored to regional needs. It integrates initiatives like:

• Smart Cities Initiative: A collaborative platform where public, private, and development sectors work together to empower SME digitalization, co-design solutions to urban challenges, and improve lives in Rwandan cities through technology and innovation.
• FAIR Forward Project for Artificial Intelligence: Focuses on AI advancement and integration into local contexts.
• National Robotics Program: Integrated into schools nationwide, equipping students with essential skills for future success.

The Digital Transformation Center also collaborates with Smart Africa, an alliance of 30 African heads of state and government, committed to creating a unified African digital single market.

Our goal

The Digital Transformation Center Rwanda focuses on 3 objectives:

1. Strengthening collaboration between public and private actors for digital transformation.
2. Developing digital participation initiatives in collaboration between public and private actors.
3. Strengthening the capacity of public and private actors for service delivery in the context of Rwanda’s digital transformation.

Success stories

• Innovative Solutions for Disaster Prevention and Public Services: in collaboration with the Government DTC has developed digital solutions for disaster prevention and optimized public transportation, alongside a cost-effective, digitalized system tailored to demand-driven services.
• Empowering Voice Assistance with Local Language: In collaboration with FAIR Forward, the Center created a comprehensive language dataset in Kinyarwanda, forming the foundation for voice assistance systems and promoting the integration of local languages in technology.
• Streamlined Government Services: A prototype for a user-friendly and standardized government website was developed, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for citizens engaging with public services.
• Enhancing Health System Capacity: The development of an integrated blood bank management system aims to strengthen the capacity of Rwanda’s health sector, ensuring efficient and continuous improvements in blood supply management.
• Reliable COVID-19 Information through AI: In response to the pandemic, GIZ and the Digital Transformation Center Rwanda collaborated with a consortium of partners to create Mbaza, an AI-powered chatbot that provides accurate and up-to-date COVID-19 information across the country.
• Capacity Building in Emerging Technologies: The Center regularly conducts intensive training courses on the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning. Over several hundred participants have expanded their knowledge through these immersive 4-day deep dive sessions, equipping them with skills to drive technological innovation.

These milestones reflect the Digital Transformation Center Rwanda’s commitment to fostering impactful digital solutions, enhancing public services, and building local capacities in key technological areas.