Members of Parliament approved an additional €17 million loan (approx. Rwf28 billion) to help Rwanda complete key activities under its digital technology adoption project, including the rollout of a single digital ID and strengthening of cybersecurity.

All 78 MPs present in the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, October 8, unanimously voted in favour of a bill authorising the ratification of the loan agreement between Rwanda and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

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The agreement, signed in Kigali on July 11, provides additional financing for the Accelerating Digital Technology Adoption Project.

Godfrey Kabera, State Minister for National Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, said the loan will help fill a financing gap and enable the government to complete activities that had been delayed by limited resources.

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The project had initially secured €173 million, including €86.5 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Kabera said €18.2 million was later reduced from the project in 2025.

The loan will be repaid over 40 years after an 11-year grace period, at zero per cent interest, Kabera told MPs.

The project focuses on expanding access to affordable internet and digital equipment, improving digital public services, developing technology skills and supporting innovation.

Why was project financing reduced?

MP Germaine Mukabalisa asked why part of the project’s financing had been reduced and also sought an explanation for delays in implementing some of the planned activities.

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Minister Kabera said part of the initial financing had been repurposed for general budget support under an agreement with the World Bank.

"Part of the initial financing was reduced and the funds were repurposed to support the national budget, in line with agreements with the World Bank,” he said.

"Some activities took longer because the studies and procurement processes required more time than anticipated. However, many of them are now progressing well, and we are taking measures to accelerate implementation,” Kabera said.

He told MPs that the project is supporting the single digital ID, where citizen participation in registration is at 76 per cent. "It is also supporting the digitisation of civil registration, which is now at 89 per cent,” Kabera said.

The additional financing will also support data hubs and help build Rwanda’s capacity in artificial intelligence.

It will further support digital systems for public safety and emergency response management, alongside efforts to strengthen cybersecurity.

The project is also intended to improve the protection and sharing of government information and expand digital services in key public institutions.

Skills and technology innovation

Another component focuses on developing advanced technology skills among young people and supporting innovation and job creation.

Kabera said training and capacity building will involve TVET schools, higher learning institutions, universities and specialised programmes.

The project also seeks to strengthen Rwanda’s position as a regional technology and innovation hub.

Project extended to 2028

The project’s implementation period will be extended by 12 months, pushing its completion to 2028.

MP Jeniffer Wibabara raised concerns about the maintenance management of waste from equipment acquired under the project.

Kabera said e-waste management had been incorporated into the project through an e-waste strategy.

"There is an e-waste strategy as part of the project, which will help us collect and manage electronic waste,” he said.