As Rwanda’s technology sector continues to expand its footprint in regional and global markets, industry players say the newly introduced Digital Trust Seal (DTS) could enhance the credibility and competitiveness of locally developed digital solutions. Developed by Rwanda ICT Chamber, the Digital Trust Seal is a certification designed to assure compliance with established standards and build customer confidence. While companies are not required to hold the seal to operate in Rwanda, officials say it offers an added layer of trust for users, investors, and partners. The DTS was officially launched on Friday, January 16, during the Digital Business Summit, which concluded the Digital Transformation Week 2025 held under the theme “Taking Stock, Plotting Future.” ALSO READ: Rwanda receives global recognition for advancing digital inclusion Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) will be responsible for issuing the seal, while Rwanda ICT Chamber will oversee its management. The certification currently covers four fields within the digital ecosystem, including fintech, edtech, e-commerce, and health technology. Officials noted that the seal is valid for one year and renewable upon continued compliance with the requirements. While there is a fee associated with acquiring the seal, members of Rwanda ICT Chamber are covered under their existing membership subscription. Building trust and competitiveness Presenting the launch of DTS, the President of Rwanda Software Testing Qualifications Board, Robert Ford Nkusi, said the DTS enables companies to demonstrate their commitment to meeting both local and international standards. “The Digital Trust Seal inspires confidence in consumers by assuring them that the product offered is authentic and of quality,” Nkusi said, adding that it also improves companies’ chances of winning public and private tenders. “It builds trust and enables corporate procurement from verified Rwandan tech companies,” he added. Nkusi noted that demand for Rwandan-developed digital solutions has been growing internationally, and the seal strengthens companies’ eligibility to compete beyond local markets. “It is strong branding for both the country and the companies. The requirements have been aligned with international standards, meaning that compliance at the local level automatically positions a company for global markets,” he said. Alex Ntale, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda ICT Chamber, said that the introduction of the DTS establishes standards that will help Rwanda-made digital products scale regionally and globally. ALSO READ: Creators hopeful as Rwanda moves to unlock digital earnings He added that the seal enhances interoperability and simplifies due diligence processes for investors and other key players. “With the seal, there will be fewer trust barriers. It introduces a globally recognised standard for vetting companies, which improves transparency and speeds up decision-making,” Ntale said. “This eases the work of regulators, consumers, investors, and anyone looking to engage with Rwanda’s digital ecosystem.” Gerard Ndayishimiye, the sales and marketing manager at Afri-Farmers Market, an e-commerce platform among the first to receive the DTS, said the certification has already made a noticeable difference. “When users see the seal on our platform, they are more confident that the service is legitimate and not a scam,” he said, adding that fraud and online scams remain a challenge in the digital marketplace, and the DTS helps address these concerns by assuring users that certified platforms meet defined standards. ALSO READ: Rwandans most vulnerable to online fraud when creating accounts, report finds Since acquiring the seal, Ndayishimiye said the company has recorded an increase in online payments and transactions, highlighting the seal’s impact on consumer trust. Officials at the summit underscored that the DTS framework is expected to support cross-border digital trade and interoperability, attract investment and partnerships, promote participation in a regulated digital ecosystem, and encourage innovation and differentiation among tech companies. How companies acquire the Digital Trust Seal The process of acquiring a DTS is conducted online and begins with a self-assessment, during which a company reviews the criteria and submits information aligned with its operational structure. This is followed by a scorecard assessment, which rates the company’s level of compliance in percentage terms. Companies that meet the required threshold proceed to the verification stage, which involves a physical inspection to validate the submitted information. Once verified, Rwanda Standards Board conducts the approval process and issues the seal to qualifying companies. Officials emphasized that certification is not a one-off exercise, as continuous audits are conducted to ensure companies maintain compliance and consistently deliver high-quality digital products and services.
