Rwanda is setting up a government AI agency to help Korean technology companies test and expand their products in the country before taking them to other African markets, Minister of State for ICT and Innovation Yves Iradukunda told The Korea Herald.
During his first visit to South Korea, Iradukunda visited the Rwandan Embassy in Seoul and met with South Korean officials and technology companies to discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and smart cities.
He also explored potential Korean investment in data centres, suggesting that countries pool resources to build facilities serving regional needs.
The agency, being brought into operation through 2026, will act as a one-stop centre for private-sector cooperation, coordinating access to data, computing resources, specialist training and AI safety testing. Its technical unit, known as the AI Factory, will build and test applications with companies.
Rwanda is exploring AI tools in healthcare, including systems to help medical professionals assess patients’ needs and monitor fetal development during pregnancy.
Iradukunda said agriculture, education and financial technology were other potential areas.
“We think Rwanda is a good entry point for Korean companies,” he said, adding that the aim was to help them expand into other African markets.
The government plans to fund the agency initially with support from development partners, then recover some costs through paid AI development, training, advisory services and computing access.
