registered non-profit learning organizations. Rwanda can greatly increase ICT penetration and
utilization through such initiatives.
Convergence: Technological innovation and market demand are driving the ICT sector toward
convergence. This trend is lowering barriers-to-entry; allowing service providers to try new
business models; promoting competition; reducing costs for service providers and users, and
broadening the range of services and technologies available to users. The growing use of Internet
protocol (IP)-based packet-switched data transmissions has made it possible for various devices
and applications to use any one of several networks, and interconnect previously separated
networks. Service providers around the world are embracing convergence through investment in
all-IP networks – estimated to reach a cumulative total of $200 billion in 2015 – and in
converged business models.8 Rwandan telecom companies are also following this trend by
converging voice and data network infrastructure.
In order to compete in an increasingly globalized market place, developing economies need to
not only use ICT, but also ensure the availability of ICT to all sectors of the economy. This
requires a significant investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and a policy environment
that fosters innovation and growth. Rwanda, through the NICI process, has created an enabling
environment and deployed critical infrastructure for ICT growth and development. NICI III aims
to capitalize on this to accelerate services development through ICT by running efficient
government services and improving business efficiency and productivity, thereby facilitating
sustainable economic competitiveness for Rwanda.
1.2.
Vision
Adopted in 2000, Vision 2020 provides a set of overarching goals that aim to transform Rwanda
from an agrarian to knowledge-based economy and achieve middle-income status by 2020. It is
the blueprint for the country’s economic development strategies that has the following six pillars
and three crosscutting areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Good governance and a capable state
Human resource development and a knowledge based economy
A private sector-led development
Productive and market oriented agriculture
Infrastructure development
Regional and international economic integration and cooperation
Crosscutting areas:
1. Gender equality
2. Protection of environment and sustainable natural resource management
3. Science and technology, including ICT
GoR has adopted the following strategies to fast track the achievement of Vision 2020 in three
priority clusters including economic, social and governance.
8
World Bank, 2009, Information and communication for development : Extending reach and increasing impact
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