Rwanda’s rapid transformation into one of Africa’s most trusted justice systems took center stage this week at the 16th Advocates Africa Conference, held from August 13–15 at the Kigali Convention Center.
The annual gathering has drawn legal professionals from across the continent and beyond to discuss advancements in the profession.
Representing the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Michael Butera, Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Justice, told delegates that Rwanda’s justice sector has risen “from near collapse to one of Africa’s most modern and trusted,” crediting both the resilience of Rwandans and the reforms spearheaded over the past two decades.
“Today, the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index ranks Rwanda number one in Africa,” Butera noted. “This is a remarkable testament to our journey from the dark days, driven by visionary leadership, reforms, capacity building, and—most significantly in the past decade—innovation through technology.”
Central to this transformation is the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), launched in 2016 as a nationwide, one-stop digital platform that has streamlined all judicial processes. Earlier this year, an updated version introduced enhanced, user-friendly features to make justice “truly citizen-centred.”
Another flagship project is the Amategeko portal, a centralised online repository for Rwanda’s Constitution, laws, regulations, and court judgments.
A forthcoming mobile application will expand access, and upcoming AI-powered features will offer case analysis, virtual legal assistance, and interactive explanations of legal provisions in plain language.
“Our goal is not technology for its own sake,” Butera emphasised. “Every upgrade or reform is tested against a simple question: does it make justice easier to access and more effective for the people we serve?”
The conference, which runs until Friday, is spotlighting how legal innovation can drive a stronger rule of law across Africa. Rwanda’s example, participants say, is proof that strategic reforms and technology can rebuild public trust and deliver justice more efficiently.
