Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire, has announced an ambitious plan to train 4.5 million citizens in digital literacy under the country’s Digital Service Programme, positioning Rwanda as a continental leader in inclusive digital transformation.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Africa 2025 in Kigali, themed “Converge, Connect, Create”, the minister outlined how Rwanda’s strategy goes beyond building digital infrastructure to developing human capital that can innovate, compete, and thrive in the global digital economy.
“Our vision is to create a competitive, inclusive broadband ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”
she declared. “Through the Digital Service Programme, we will equip 4.5 million citizens with the digital skills needed to navigate and shape the future of technology.”
Hon. Ingabire highlighted that Rwanda’s digital journey has accelerated rapidly in recent years. In 2023, the country had just half a million active businesses online. But by June 2025, the number had grown tenfold to over five million 4G users, reflecting the success of reforms to open competition, lower internet costs, and expand coverage.
She cited the launch of 5G services by MTN Rwanda and the government’s acquisition of 60 gigabytes of bulk Internet capacity as major milestones ensuring that “the promise of connectivity reaches everyone.”
Beyond connectivity, Rwanda has also linked nearly 1,000 health facilities and 4,000 schools to broadband infrastructure—a foundation the minister says will fuel innovation, digital inclusion, and access to essential services.
According to Hon. Ingabire, the government’s focus is now shifting from providing access to empowering citizens to make the most of that access.
“This is how we transform connectivity from an infrastructure challenge into a human capital opportunity.”
she noted. “With our $1 million digital innovation fund launched last year, we are nurturing a generation ready to build Africa’s digital products for the future.”
With over 4,000 delegates from 109 countries attending MWC Africa 2025, the minister emphasised that the future of mobile in Africa will depend on collaboration among governments, industries, and innovators.
“We must converge across sectors, connect people and ideas, and create solutions that are designed in Africa, built for Africa, and scaled to the world.”
she said, stressing that partnerships remain the cornerstone of Rwanda’s success story.
Hon. Ingabire concluded by urging African nations to see themselves not merely as consumers of global technology, but as drivers of digital transformation.
“Rwanda’s story shows that when vision meets partnership, progress follows,” she said. “Our mission now is to make Africa not just a market for innovation but a home of digital leadership and product excellence.”
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