As Rwanda accelerates its digital transformation agenda, concerns over rising cybercrime and online scams have prompted local technology organizations to launch a nationwide online trust and safety program targeting women entrepreneurs and refugees.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter in partnership with Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance, seeks to equip more than 500 participants with practical digital safety skills to help them navigate the internet securely and responsibly.
The program comes amid growing concerns over cyber threats in Rwanda and across Africa, where increasing digital connectivity has exposed citizens and businesses to fraud, phishing, misinformation, and privacy breaches.
During the 2023 Africa Cyber Defense Forum held in Kigali, experts identified low public awareness on cyber safety and security as one of the continent’s biggest vulnerabilities in addressing the growing wave of cyberattacks.
Recent reports indicate that nearly 90 percent of African businesses operate without cybersecurity protection, while some African countries have recorded a 76 percent rise in cybercrime incidents.
In Rwanda, where digital literacy has reached 75 percent and digital services continue to expand rapidly, cybercrime cases are also on the rise.
Latest cybersecurity findings for 2025-2026 show that nearly 60 percent of Rwandans have been targeted by online scams through email, SMS, phone calls, or online platforms, while 9 percent reported falling victim.
Common forms of fraud include phishing, vishing, fake investment schemes, and mobile money scams.
According to the organizers, the training program aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to become a middle-income economy driven by digital connectivity and smart employment opportunities by 2030.
The initiative aims to strengthen digital resilience among vulnerable communities by building practical skills in device protection, password security, online account safety, data privacy, responsible social media use, misinformation detection, and fraud prevention.
A key component of the project is a Training of Trainers (ToT) model, where 10 digital experts from across the country, including refugees, completed intensive training on May 15, 2026. These trainers will now conduct community-based sessions in Kigali, Karongi District, and Mahama Refugee Camp.
The project also focuses on mentorship and follow-up support to ensure participants apply safe online practices in their daily lives and business activities.
Speaking after the training, Eliezer Kwizera, a Burundian refugee living in Rwanda since 2015, said refugees are among the most vulnerable groups online because they heavily rely on digital services to communicate with families and access opportunities.
Through the Community Engaged for Development (CED), Kwizera has been training fellow refugees from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan on digital awareness.
He noted that many refugees have fallen victim to fake scholarship offers, fraudulent funding opportunities, and phishing scams designed to steal personal information and mobile money credentials.
“Many refugees get trapped because of vulnerability and lack of knowledge to verify the authenticity of digital services that often come with requests for passwords, emails, or mobile money details,” Kwizera said.
He added that the new training has equipped him with advanced skills to verify suspicious links and educate others on how to prevent cybercrime.
With Rwanda now counting more than 12.5 million active mobile phone users and nearly five million internet users, online platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X have become central to communication and commerce.
However, experts warn that the rapid adoption of digital financial services has also increased exposure to scams, particularly through mobile money and WhatsApp-linked accounts.
Rosine Muhire, a digital ambassador based in Kigali, said online fraud remains widespread even among urban residents who are generally perceived to be technologically savvy.
She stressed the importance of youth-led digital awareness campaigns through social media platforms to improve public understanding of cyber risks.
The Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, said the project was informed by findings from a pilot phase conducted in Nyagatare District in 2025.
“The pilot phase showed that online safety for women and refugees is a serious concern, especially among small business owners who lack basic skills in password protection and digital security,” Mfitumukiza said.
He explained that women entrepreneurs are particularly vulnerable because many balance business and family responsibilities, leaving little time to verify information or identify suspicious digital transactions.
“With basic online safety skills, women using digital payment systems like mobile money will be better equipped to protect their personal and client information,” he said.
Mfitumukiza also highlighted the growing risks associated with “sharenting,” where parents or business owners unknowingly expose sensitive personal information online.
On the refugee component, he said digital safety has become essential because refugees increasingly depend on online platforms for communication, support services, and business transactions.
“Refugees leave a large digital footprint because their lives depend heavily on online communication and digital services. It is important to help them understand how to manage and protect that information,” he added.
The project’s broader goal is to foster a culture of safe and responsible digital behavior while strengthening local training capacity to sustain online safety initiatives within communities.
Organizers say the program remains open to partnerships and collaboration from institutions interested in supporting digital inclusion, online safety awareness, and community resilience against cyber threats.
