KIGALI — Rwanda is harnessing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) as integral components of its socio-economic development strategy, three decades after the 1994 genocide. The country is actively participating in a global network of 19 centers focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, aiming to integrate local insights into global technological advancements.
According to Africa News Agency, Rwandan Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Rwanda has been pivotal in fostering collaborations across government, private sector, civil society, and academia. These collaborations are essential for designing, testing, and refining strategic frameworks and governance protocols that maximize the benefits of these emerging technologies.
The center has been particularly focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and data to meet the country’s strategic technology priorities while ensuring the responsible use of these technologies. One notable collaboration involves Insightiv, a startup at the HealthTech Hub, which is working with the Rwanda Biomedical Center to validate an AI-based radiology solution, supported by a data-sharing framework designed for this purpose.
The center’s lead stated that their support primarily revolves around providing policy advice and piloting data governance frameworks to ensure secure and reliable data access. This initiative reflects Rwanda’s significant growth through the adoption of innovative technologies, enhancing the country’s appeal to investors.
Through targeted investments and policy development, the Rwandan government is leveraging artificial intelligence to address challenges faced by underserved communities. Since 2016, Rwanda has utilized drones equipped with AI to deliver blood supplies to remote health centers, showcasing the practical application of these technologies in critical healthcare logistics.
Alain Ndayishimiye, project lead at the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Rwanda, emphasized the strategic focus on promoting these technologies to maximize their potential benefits. He highlighted the drone project as a prime example of how Rwanda is developing technology governance and policy protocols that enhance the benefits of adopting emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The National Artificial Intelligence Policy in Rwanda serves as a roadmap to enable the country to harness the benefits of AI and mitigate its associated risks.