ICT Policy Africa

	
  
The just concluded second plan, NICI II (NICI-2010 Plan), focused on providing world-class
communications infrastructure that will serve as the backbone for current and future
communications requirements. Today, Rwanda enjoys increased nationwide coverage of
telecommunication networks, has deployed a versatile and high capacity national optic fiber
backbone network, and a national data center. Rwanda is now well positioned to become a
regional ICT hub that can offer a wide range of competitive ICT products and services.	
  	
  	
  
The third plan, NICI III (NICI-2015 Plan), will focus on the development of services by
leveraging ICTs to improve service delivery to citizens, as Rwanda approaches the fourth and
final phase of the NICI process that will propel Rwanda to achieve Vision 2020 goals. Lessons
learned (Appendix 1) during NICI II implementation have been widely considered in the
development of NICIII. In this phase, emphasis will be placed on the development of services
in the following five focus areas:
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Skills development aims to develop a high quality skill and knowledge base leveraging
ICT
Private Sector Development aims to develop a vibrant, competitive, and innovative ICT
sector/ ICT enabled private sector
Community Development aims to empower and transform communities through
improved access to information and services
E-Government (e-GOV) aims to improve government operational efficiency and service
delivery
Cyber Security (CS) aims to secure Rwanda’s cyberspace and information assets

These focus areas will accelerate services development and fuel continued growth.
This document is divided into the following four parts:
Part 1 sets out the overview of the NICI process since its inception in 2000. It also provides a
background of Rwanda’s current ICT status in relation to the global context: national
development strategies, ICT vision, achievements, challenges and opportunities.
Part 2 highlights the methodology employed in NICI III formulation and provides the rationale,
description, mission and objectives for each of the five focus areas.
Part 3 elaborates each NICI III project by outlining its purpose, description, activities, expected
outcomes and outcome indicators. The projects defined will be implemented in the first two
years of the NICI III plan (FY 2011 and FY 2012).
Part 4 describes the institutional and implementation framework for NICI III, including specific
roles and responsibilities, and the framework that will guide the development of projects in the
second phase of NICI III i.e. FY2013 - 2015.
Part 5 is the conclusion.
Implementation of NICI III projects will commence in July 2011 and have annual/biennial
project cycles. NICI II evaluation revealed that lack of ownership, inadequate project planning
and coordination, and monitoring and evaluation were major shortcomings. As such, NICI III
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mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise - without the permission of Rwanda Ministry in charge of ICT in the Office of the
President.