Rwanda is doubling down on its digital future. At this year’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Day, leaders from government, business and civil society gathered in Kigali to spotlight how shared digital systems are helping build a more connected and inclusive economy.
The event, organized by the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), brought together key stakeholders to explore how digital public infrastructure is transforming the way services are delivered across the country—from digital identity and payments to public service platforms.
Opening the event, RISA Chief Executive Officer Antoine Sebera described digital public infrastructure as the backbone of a modern digital economy. Like roads, electricity or water systems, he explained, these digital foundations allow innovation and services to grow.
“Digital public infrastructure provides the platforms that enable governments, businesses and citizens to interact efficiently,” Sebera said. “It creates the environment where digital services can scale and where innovation can thrive.”
Across Africa, governments are investing in similar systems as they work to expand digital access and build technology-driven economies. Rwanda has positioned itself as one of the continent’s leaders in digital governance, using technology to improve public services and accelerate financial inclusion.
A panel discussion titled “Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure and Rwanda’s Direction” explored the country’s progress in building secure and interoperable digital systems. Experts highlighted how these systems are enabling seamless services across sectors, making it easier for citizens to access government programs, financial services and digital platforms.
Participants emphasized that digital identity and electronic payment systems are particularly important in expanding economic participation. When citizens can verify their identity digitally and transact online, they gain faster access to banking, government services and digital commerce.
Yves N. Iradukunda, Rwanda’s Minister of State at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, stressed that collaboration is essential in building strong digital ecosystems. Governments alone cannot develop these systems, he said; they require partnerships with technology providers, financial institutions and innovators.
“Our goal is to build infrastructure that is open, secure and designed around the needs of citizens,” Iradukunda said. “This requires cooperation across sectors and a shared commitment to digital inclusion.”
Jean Bosco Iyacu, Chief Executive Officer of Access to Finance Rwanda, echoed that message. He highlighted how cross-sector partnerships are helping create resilient digital systems that support entrepreneurship and financial access.
Strong digital infrastructure, he noted, enables startups and innovators to build new solutions on top of existing platforms. This approach lowers the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs while expanding access to financial tools for communities across the country.
Rwanda’s digital transformation strategy places technology at the center of economic growth. Investments in broadband connectivity, digital identity platforms and e-government services are helping build an ecosystem where businesses can innovate and citizens can access services more efficiently.
As discussions at the event made clear, digital public infrastructure is becoming a key pillar of Africa’s next phase of development.
By strengthening collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society, Rwanda is building digital systems designed to serve both today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities—ensuring that innovation, connectivity and inclusion move forward together.
