Rwanda’s Parliament has approved a €17 million (about Rwf24 billion) loan from the International Development Association (IDA) to finance the country’s efforts to accelerate digital public services.
The financing will support the implementation of the Digital Acceleration Project, which is aimed at improving government services delivered through technology, promoting digital innovation and strengthening cybersecurity and data protection.
The project is part of Rwanda’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to expand access to digital public services while strengthening the systems and infrastructure supporting them.
The existing Digital Acceleration Project focuses on digital public service delivery, innovation and entrepreneurship, broadband access, cybersecurity and data protection.
Minister of State for National Treasury Godfrey Kabera said the financing is important for strengthening Rwanda’s capacity to use technology to deliver better services while maintaining sound management of public resources.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that financing is directed towards priorities that strengthen institutions, improve service delivery and support inclusive economic transformation,” Kabera said.
The approved loan will help government institutions improve the delivery of e-services, while also supporting the development of new technology-based solutions and innovations.
Part of the financing will also go towards cybersecurity and data protection, areas that have become increasingly important as more government services move online. Rwanda’s digital acceleration programme includes measures to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats and protect digital infrastructure and data.
The project also seeks to strengthen Rwanda’s digital innovation ecosystem by supporting technology entrepreneurs and expanding the country’s capacity to develop locally driven digital solutions.
The World Bank’s Digital Acceleration Project was designed to increase digital inclusion, improve the efficiency of public service delivery and strengthen Rwanda’s digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The €17 million loan therefore adds fresh financing to Rwanda’s push to make public services more digital, secure and accessible, while supporting the growth of the country’s technology sector.
