Rwanda is urging greater investment in artificial intelligence skills and capacity development as African countries seek to move beyond experimenting with AI and deploy solutions that can address challenges at scale. Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire emphasized that Africa's ability to benefit from AI depends not only on access to technology but also on having the people and institutions capable of developing, adapting, and deploying solutions that respond to local needs.
Ingabire made these remarks during a World Economic Forum Centre for AI Excellence session on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. She drew on Rwanda's experience in building its technology ecosystem and urged a shift away from isolated AI pilots towards solutions that can be expanded across sectors and countries. This shift is crucial as AI increasingly becomes part of discussions around economic transformation, public-service delivery, and Africa's digital development.
Rwanda's National AI Policy identifies 21st-century skills and AI literacy as one of the key foundations for responsible AI adoption. The policy also focuses on infrastructure, public-sector transformation, private-sector adoption, and ethical safeguards. The government is turning AI into a practical tool for sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, education, and public administration. This approach aims to make AI a driver of economic growth and development in Rwanda.
The establishment of a dedicated Rwanda Artificial Intelligence Agency is underway, with responsibilities expected to include talent development, ecosystem growth, investment, and the deployment of AI solutions at scale. This agency will play a crucial role in implementing Rwanda's AI strategy and ensuring that the country has a skilled workforce capable of building and adapting AI locally.
Ingabire's message emphasizes the importance of capacity building in Africa's AI ambitions. Without a skilled workforce, many African countries risk remaining consumers of technologies developed elsewhere rather than becoming active participants in the AI economy. This push aligns with wider international discussions about making AI development more inclusive.
The President of the 81st UN General Assembly has called for greater access to AI capacity, infrastructure, data, and skills, while stressing that developing countries should have a voice in shaping how the technology evolves. Rwanda's challenge ahead is to move beyond proof-of-concept projects and build AI systems capable of operating reliably at national and regional scale, ensuring that the benefits reach citizens and businesses across the continent.
Rwanda's efforts to develop its AI ecosystem have been boosted by partnerships with other countries. For instance, Rwanda and Cyprus recently signed an air services deal to boost connectivity and bilateral cooperation. As Rwanda continues to push for AI skills and scalable solutions, it is likely to remain at the forefront of Africa's AI ambitions.
Key points
- Rwanda is calling for greater investment in AI skills and capacity development to deploy solutions that address challenges at scale in Africa.
- The country's National AI Policy focuses on 21st-century skills, AI literacy, infrastructure, public-sector transformation, private-sector adoption, and ethical safeguards.
- Rwanda is establishing a dedicated AI agency to drive talent development, ecosystem growth, investment, and the deployment of AI solutions at scale.
