By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Rwanda has reiterated its
ambition to develop an advanced artificial intelligence ecosystem as
policymakers, businesses and technology stakeholders from Rwanda and Germany
explored opportunities to turn the country’s AI policies, infrastructure and
technology capabilities into practical solutions and investable businesses.
The discussions took place
during an AI Lunch hosted at the Digital Transformation Center Rwanda as part
of the Invest East Africa forum, held during a visit by a business delegation
from the German State of Hesse led by Minister Manfred Pentz.
Yves N. Iradukunda, Minister
of State at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, said Rwanda aims to become
one of the most advanced AI societies on the continent. He said technology
should contribute to improved public services while supporting key sectors
including agriculture, health and education.
Participants identified
access to affordable computing, trusted data and reliable energy as important
requirements for moving AI initiatives from policy and pilot projects to wider
deployment. They also highlighted the need for specialised skills, financing
for innovators and clear processes that can support cross-border businesses.
Private-sector
representatives shared examples of existing technology cooperation between
Rwanda and Germany. Alexis Kabeja, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Rwanda, highlighted opportunities in local computing and data-centre
infrastructure, while Fanny Colombe Ndamukunda, COO of Ojemba Rwanda, pointed
to collaboration between Rwandan developers, German teams and European clients.
Dagmar von Bohnstein,
Delegate for Eastern Africa at AHK, said investors consider factors beyond the
current size of a market, including political commitment, access to talent,
institutional quality and the potential to develop solutions that can expand into
other markets.
Olivier S. Gakwaya, Project
Manager for Emerging Technologies at Smart Africa, highlighted the importance
of regional coordination, particularly in aligning policies, data requirements
and market conditions so that solutions developed and tested in Rwanda can be
adapted and deployed elsewhere in Africa.
Minister Pentz said
cooperation between East Africa and Hesse could combine the region’s scale,
talent, technology and growth prospects with Hesse’s industrial capabilities,
research, capital and access to European markets.
