Rwanda to benefit from Google’s expertise in six key areas to accelerate its digital transformation
November 22nd 2021
In recent years, the government of Rwanda has forged various partnerships with international technology companies. The country which aims to make digital technology a pillar of its socioeconomic growth now has a renowned partner by its side.
The Republic of Rwanda, through its Ministry of ICT and Innovation, has announced its collaboration with the American company Google to accelerate its digital transformation. Six key areas have been identified. These are the development of digital literacy, basic digital skills, by training digital ambassadors; improving the skills of 500 developers or even running a fintech incubation program for start-up fintech companies.
It is also expected to accelerate the growth of e-commerce by helping 3,000 small and medium-sized businesses get online and equip 1,000 internet workers; improve digital maps of Rwanda’s main urban centers using Google Street View to make the country better known to the world; improving access to Rwanda’s cultural heritage through digital technology in collaboration with national museums. Added to this is support for a policy framework that will contribute to an open digital payment ecosystem through the Mojaloop platform.
According to Paula Ingabire, Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation, the growth of the digital economy that will be supported by Google ” is essential and will continue to stimulate national economic transformation in line with the country’s vision to become a driven economy on knowledge ”.
The expertise that Google will bring to Rwanda is a component of the vast program to support Africa’s digital transformation unveiled by the American company last October. A program that provides for an investment of $ 1 billion over 5 years to improve access to the Internet and digital products, support start-ups, empower businesses and support non-profit associations .
With the support of Google, Rwanda is strengthening the capacities of its youth to undertake digitally, to create jobs and wealth with ICTs, to sell the destination Rwanda to the world. Actions that will help attract more investment to the country and support national economic growth. According to the government, this collaboration reflects the government’s ambition to make technology a factor of inclusive economic development.
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