Digital cooperation is a catalyst for modern diplomacy and partnership

In an increasingly interconnected world, diplomacy is evolving beyond traditional negotiations to include the exchange of technology and knowledge. Rwanda’s experience in exporting its home-grown digital solutions to other developing countries illustrates how digital cooperation can serve as a practical bridge for modern diplomacy and partnership. Through the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI), the country has, since 2018, supported nations such as Chad, Eswatini, Guinea, and Kenya in adopting digital systems that improve governance and service delivery. ALSO READ: How Rwanda contributes to South-South cooperation through knowledge sharing These include electronic billing systems, financial management platforms, and e-procurement tools. More than technical exports, these projects reflect a new model of collaboration, one based on shared learning, adaptability, and mutual respect. In Chad, Rwanda’s Electronic Billing Machine has strengthened domestic tax collection, while the Integrated Financial Management Information System is improving transparency and accountability. In Eswatini, the Umsebe IFMIS—co-designed with Rwandan experts embodies local ownership and cultural relevance. Such examples show how technology can become a medium for dialogue and trust-building between states. ALSO READ: Rwanda's High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria tasked to expand digital projects Patricie Uwase, RCI’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasises that these partnerships blend “technology, culture, and diplomacy.” Rwanda’s approach promotes co-creation rather than prescription, ensuring that each solution fits its national context. The emphasis on cultural integration and capacity development helps make these partnerships more sustainable. Beyond systems development, Rwanda facilitates mutual learning through study visits, policy advisory programmes, and training workshops. Over 7,600 visitors from 70 countries have engaged with Rwanda’s digital and governance practices, making cooperation a two-way exchange rather than a one-sided transfer. This form of digital diplomacy aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030) and demonstrates how countries of the Global South can collaborate to close the digital divide. By exporting not only technology but also approaches rooted in collaboration and accountability, Rwanda’s digital initiatives highlight a growing trend: diplomacy today increasingly flows through digital channels, where shared innovation becomes the language of cooperation.

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Digital cooperation is a catalyst for modern diplomacy and partnership