By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Rwanda’s digital public
services platform Irembo has hosted Bill Gates and a delegation from the Gates
Foundation for discussions on expanding digital infrastructure, artificial
intelligence and digital health solutions to support inclusive service delivery.
The visit brought together
leaders from Rwanda’s digital ecosystem, including representatives from the
Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), Rwanda Information Society Authority
(RISA), National Identification Agency (NIDA), BK Techouse, RSwitch, National
Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution (C4IR).
During the engagement at
Irembo Campus, the platform demonstrated how it is developing citizen-centred
digital public infrastructure by combining accessible services, technology and
insights from communities to improve everyday interactions with government
services.
The delegation observed live
demonstrations of digital service journeys while discussions focused on the
role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in
enhancing public service delivery.
Key areas explored included
the development of Kinyarwanda large language models, AI-enabled public
services and opportunities to create more connected and personalised digital
experiences for citizens across Africa.
Irembo said the next phase
of its partnership with the Gates Foundation will focus on strengthening its
artificial intelligence capabilities and advancing digital health solutions.
The collaboration is
expected to support Rwanda’s efforts to develop scalable and inclusive digital
solutions while sharing lessons from the country’s digital transformation
journey with other markets across the continent.
