Kigali, Rwanda – In a significant step toward becoming a regional technology powerhouse, Rwanda has unveiled its national Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) strategy. The framework aims to create seamless data sharing across institutions, streamline public service delivery and lay the groundwork for advanced artificial intelligence applications while ensuring no citizen is left behind.
The strategy was officially introduced on March 9, 2026, during Rwanda’s inaugural DPI Day in Kigali. Organised by the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) in partnership with Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the event marked a milestone in the country’s digital journey. It also celebrated progress since the launch of the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure in February 2025.
Digital Public Infrastructure refers to foundational, interoperable systems that act as “public goods” – including digital identity platforms, payment rails and secure data exchange layers. These building blocks allow both government and private-sector players to develop scalable services without starting from scratch. Officials described DPI as the “roads and electricity” of the digital economy.
Antoine Sebera, CEO of RISA, explained the vision clearly: “Digital public infrastructure is about creating the shared foundation that allows services across government institutions to work together seamlessly. DPI is like roads and electricity for the digital economy. It allows services, innovation, and inclusion to move faster across the entire country.”
Over the past decade, Rwanda has digitised many public services through platforms such as Irembo and early fintech tools. However, many systems were built in isolation, leading to fragmentation. The new strategy directly tackles this by mandating interoperability, security and national alignment.
A core focus is enabling artificial intelligence. Sebera emphasised that stronger data exchange and interoperable platforms will give AI systems access to larger volumes of reliable, high-quality data across sectors – a critical requirement for Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional AI hub. “With stronger data exchange systems and interoperable platforms, AI technologies can access larger volumes of reliable and high-quality data from different sectors, making them more effective,” he said.
Jean Bosco Iyacu, CEO of Access to Finance Rwanda, highlighted the inclusion angle: “We are looking at shared technologies that are reusable, where innovators can build new services from where others have stopped.” He stressed DPI’s potential to expand financial inclusion for small businesses, rural communities and underserved populations.
Sharon Umunyana, Director of the Rwanda Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure, outlined immediate next steps. She pointed to the planned nationwide rollout of a unified digital identity system by June 2026 and the expansion of the interoperable payment platform e-Kash. “Technology is actually the easier part,” Umunyana noted. “The real question is how we build digital foundations that enable innovation, inclusivity, and economic growth through coordination and collaboration, while avoiding silos.”
State Minister for ICT and Innovation Yves Iradukunda warned that success depends on breaking down institutional barriers. “We must ensure that all stakeholders work together to remove silos that could lead to duplicated investments,” he said.
UNDP Resident Representative Fatmata Lovetta Sesay added a note of caution and ambition: “Digital public infrastructure is not an end in itself. It is a foundation for Rwanda’s future digital economy, including the adoption of artificial intelligence.” She called for built-in safeguards to protect women, rural communities and marginalised groups.
The DPI Day event featured panel discussions on implementation challenges and a technical training programme on DPI architecture, interoperable payments and data exchange. Participants received certificates, signalling the start of a national community of DPI practitioners.
The launch aligns with Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024–2029), which targets 100 percent end-to-end digital government services and universal digital identity coverage by 2030. By treating DPI as shared national infrastructure rather than isolated projects, Rwanda aims to accelerate economic growth, cut duplication and position itself as a model for the continent.
Analysts say the strategy could transform everyday life: faster government approvals, AI-powered personalised services in health and agriculture, and easier access to credit for small enterprises. For Africa, Rwanda’s approach offers a blueprint – open, inclusive and sovereign – that balances innovation with equity.
As one official summarised, DPI is the invisible foundation upon which Rwanda’s digital future – and its AI leadership – will be built. With collaboration now enshrined as policy, the country is moving from fragmented progress to integrated transformation.
