Rwanda Targets Data-Driven Governance by 2030, Says Minister Ingabire

Kigali, 15 March 2026 - Rwanda is aiming to become a fully data-driven government by 2030, with technology and innovation at the core of decision-making across all sectors, Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire has said. Speaking in a recent media interview, Ingabire outlined the country’s ambition to ensure that every government action is based on real-time data and evidence, positioning Rwanda among global leaders in digital transformation. “We want to be a government where every decision is based on information and evidence,” she said, emphasizing that technology is central to solving national challenges. Empowering Youth as Innovators The Minister stressed the importance of transforming Rwanda’s youth from technology users into creators, noting that young people must be given opportunities to develop solutions rather than simply consume digital tools. To address barriers, the government has introduced reforms in public procurement, allowing tenders to be framed around problems rather than predefined solutions. This approach enables start-ups and young innovators to propose creative responses and compete alongside established companies. “We have tested this approach and seen a wealth of ideas from young innovators,” Ingabire noted, adding that local entrepreneurs often have a deeper understanding of community challenges. Expanding Opportunities in Public Markets Public procurement remains a significant economic driver, with contracts valued at over 1,000 billion Rwandan francs annually in recent years. The reforms are expected to increase access for local businesses and youth-led enterprises, unlocking new opportunities in government projects. Scaling Artificial Intelligence Rwanda is also accelerating the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. The AI Scaling Hub, hosted at the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in partnership with the Gates Foundation, is spearheading these efforts. The initiative focuses on: Raising public awareness about AI, including its benefits and risks Building local expertise to develop homegrown AI solutions tailored to Rwanda’s needs Bridging the Digital Access Gap Despite 95% internet coverage, the Minister acknowledged that access alone is not enough. Many citizens still lack the devices needed to fully benefit from digital services. To address this, the government, with support from the World Bank, is identifying vulnerable groups and developing financing solutions to help them acquire essential technology such as smartphones. “These efforts will ensure that no one is left behind as Rwanda advances toward a digital and inclusive economy,” Ingabire said.