Rwanda is making significant strides in the field of emerging technologies, with an ambitious plan to develop 50 artificial intelligence (AI) applications across various sectors in four years. This initiative is part of the country's broader strategy to leverage AI for innovation, enhance public services, and drive economic growth, according to David Byabagamba, a planning specialist at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT). ALSO READ: Experts say data science, collaboration key to driving AI adoption in Africa “The AI applications will target key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and public administration” Byabagamba said. “These solutions aim to tackle pressing local challenges in order to improve healthcare delivery, optimize agricultural productivity, enhance financial inclusion, as well as streamline government operations through automation and data-driven decision-making,” he added. ALSO READ: Davos: Minister Ingabire urges leaders to help bridge gaps in AI access National AI research and development hub A dedicated National AI Research and Development Hub will be established to foster collaboration between the government, private sector, and academic institutions, the official said. This hub will serve as a central platform providing AI resources, access to data, and technical expertise to support the development of scalable AI solutions. The Rwandan government plans to strengthen collaborations between local startups, international tech firms, and research institutions. By encouraging knowledge exchange and resource-sharing, these partnerships will drive the creation of AI solutions tailored to Rwanda’s unique needs. ALSO READ: INES-Ruhengeri unveils new Health Science programme to bolster healthcare workforce To ensure sustainability, the government will invest in training of AI and data science professionals. Efforts will be directed at enhancing the capabilities of students, professionals, and government officials, ensuring a skilled workforce that can develop and maintain AI technologies. Support for AI startups and innovation Rwanda is committed to fostering a thriving AI ecosystem by providing incentives such as funding, mentorship, and access to testing environments for startups. Additionally, regulatory barriers will be minimized to encourage local entrepreneurs to contribute to AI advancements. ALSO READ: UNESCO’s 10 ethics on Artificial Intelligence (AI) use Ethical AI standards Recognizing the importance of responsible AI deployment, Rwanda will establish ethical guidelines to ensure transparency, fairness, and data privacy in AI applications. These standards will guarantee that AI-driven solutions align with ethical principles and serve the public good. “The development of 50 AI applications underscores Rwanda’s commitment to becoming a leader in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. As these efforts progress, the nation is poised to harness AI’s transformative power to accelerate innovation, improve service delivery, and create new economic opportunities,” Byagabanga said. ALSO READ: It’s real: Rwandan-designed AI app, space technology to transform land use “Advanced technology will enable real-time detection of unauthorized constructions, improving enforcement. The initiative aims to boost compliance from 25 per cent to at least 65 per cent, aligning with the NST2 development goals” he added. MINICT outlined key digital skills initiatives, including the Digital Talent Program, set to train 20,000 youth in two years, and The Gym at University, an intensive software development program aiming to train 1,000 students annually until 2030. Additionally, the Digital Literacy Program, launched with Big Win, will train 100,000 teachers and students, while the 1 Million Coders Platform is now live and accessible online. Current AI adoption across sectors AI is gradually making inroads into Rwanda’s healthcare sector, particularly in diagnostics. For instance, radiology tools assist doctors in interpreting images and detecting diseases. Globally, AI is streamlining processes cutting wait times significantly. ALSO READ: AI in courts: What to consider before roll out In customer service, AI implementation in Rwanda remains limited, often yielding vague responses. Experts stress the need for better natural language processing models, improved data collection, and stronger regulations to enhance AI-driven support systems. Education has seen significant AI integration, with Rwanda pioneering a National AI Policy in April 2023. According to Diane Sengati from REB, the government is investing in AI education and research, ensuring young learners gain globally competitive STEM skills. Initiatives like the AI Hackathon highlight growing student interest. ALSO READ: Upcountry schools shine at national robotics, AI competition The justice sector is exploring ethical AI adoption to improve fairness, rights protection, and regional equity. At the 2025 Paris AI Action Summit, Minister of ICT Paula Ingabire reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to AI in healthcare, agriculture, and public services. Collaborations with startups have significantly improved Kinyarwanda language models, boosting AI accessibility. AI is also being leveraged for agriculture through early warning systems and soil data analysis to support farmers.
