For nearly three decades, innovation and technology have been at the heart of Rwanda’s development journey and, according to Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, this was more than a choice but a must, given the "Rwandan context”.
The premier made the remarks while addressing the 10th edition of World Government Summit, underway in Dubai.
The city is hosting over 10,000 government officials including 20 Heads of State, as well as global business pioneers such as Elon Musk, International Monetary Fund boss Kristalina Georgieva, World Economic Fund leaders among others.
Also present at the summit are thought leaders, global experts and decision makers who are expected to discuss ideas and strategies towards shaping a better future for humanity mainly through international cooperation and joint efforts.
For Ngirente, the theme "Shaping the Future of Governments” highlights the importance of clear leadership, in building systems that respond to current and future challenges.
While sharing Rwanda’s experience, he said that the government had predominantly channeled its efforts in technology and innovation for the country’s sustainable development journey.
"First, is significant focus on digital technology over the last twenty years, with the understanding of its role as an important enabler of economic growth. Our long-term Vision was therefore implemented in parallel with our long-term strategy for National Information and Communications Infrastructure,” Ngirente told a packed audience in Dubai.
From 2008, he pointed out, Rwanda deployed country-wide fiber optic, and has now achieved 95 percent 4G LTE broadband coverage.
This, Ngirente added, ensures accessible, affordable and secure digital services for both public and private sector.
"What was done in the process of digital transformation focused mainly on putting in place the foundational legal and regulatory framework to allow the liberalization of the telecommunication sector and attract private sector investments, accelerating infrastructure rollout to connect the people through increased coverage of telecommunication networks and licensing of more operators.”
"As a result, today over 90 percent of our government services can be accessed online, and we continue working to have all services digitized by 2024. This has reduced transaction costs, improved service delivery and empowered citizens.”
Infrastructure dev’t is key
Equally important, the premier highlighted, is infrastructure development to provide new opportunities, lower the cost of doing business, and attract domestic and foreign investment.
For example, he said, Rwanda continues to invest heavily in national road connectivity and with neighboring countries, as well as air connectivity with the national airline.
As a result, in terms of road quality, the World Economic Forum ranks Rwanda 39th globally and third in Africa.
"To support a growing tourism and business events sector, the Government has also invested in new hospitality, meeting and sports facilities that are drawing in more visitors and events all year long.”
In line with Rwanda&039;s Vision 2050 development strategy, Ngirente said, the government is investing in the modernization of agriculture and livestock to ensure food security, and increase exports.
"To this end, we found that De-risking agriculture sector must be a priority to make it more profitable and attractive, especially to the youth. This is done by initiating several schemes such as the Agricultural Insurance scheme, single digit interest rate in agriculture.”
"We have also established a strong post-harvest handling system to limit food losses and waste, we are promoting smart farming techniques, such as increasing irrigation coverage to mitigate the negative effects of climate change as well as the use of agriculture ICT systems. We have made good progress in plant breeding research, which today produces locally most of the improved seeds in use.”
More investments in quality education
Rwanda’s population is majority young people and time is now to make human capital development our biggest priority, according to Ngirente.
It is also a key driver of high-income growth and foundation for sustainable prosperity, he added.
|We are making concerted efforts to invest in quality education at all levels, with a particular emphasis on skills development in science and Technology, as well as in Technical and Vocational Training (TVET).”
For instance, he said, Rwanda has been partnering with world-class education institutions, including the Carnegie Mellon University-Africa (CMU), and the African Leadership University (ALU), which are now based in Kigali.
"We are beginning to see some tangible results from these initiatives. For example, from the year 2000, Rwanda has sustained its annual economic growth at an average exceeding 7 percent.”.
Rwanda’s GDP has more than tripled, and life expectancy has increased from 49 years to slightly over 69 years in 2022.
The country’s ability to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) has also increased, and this Ngirente said, reflects the work being done to improve the Ease of Doing Business, where Rwanda has consistently been highly ranked.
"In turn, this has helped to promote local production with the private sector at the core of business expansion.”
On the post Covid-19 front, the country’s economic recovery plan targets incentives to fast-track private sector investment in key sectors, with a focus on manufacturing.
"We also look forward to welcoming and facilitating more investment in all sectors. There is no doubt that the present and future of humanity is being shaped by technology and innovation. Rwanda is making this reality the focus of our journey towards economic development and transformation,” Ngirente asserted.
During this year’s summit, speakers will discuss their governments’ experiences, the prospects for international cooperation to build a better future for countries and peoples, in addition to a number of topics, including the challenges facing sustainable development, climate issues, global financial policies, the prospects of the global economy, and the future of healthcare.
The New Times understands that Ngirente will also grace the signing of several Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) at the summit. Details of the agreements were not shared by time of publication.