WEF 2025: Rwanda ICT Minister says AI to contribute 6% to GDP

Rwanda is making significant strides in positioning itself as a leading hub for information and communication technology (ICT), with a strong focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its economy. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the country's ICT Minister Paula Ingabire shared insights on the potential impact of AI on Rwanda's GDP. According to forecasts, the strategic deployment of AI technologies could lead to a noteworthy 6 per cent contribution to the nation's GDP by 2025. In her address, Minister Ingabire highlighted the outcomes of a comprehensive study conducted to assess the influence of AI in Rwanda. Even with the implementation of basic AI use cases, the country stands to benefit significantly, with the potential to drive substantial growth in various sectors of the economy. One prominent area identified for AI application is the enhancement of early warning systems for farmers, a vital demographic that forms a significant portion of Rwanda's population. Minister Ingabire emphasized that similar trends are observed across the continent, underscoring the broad relevance of AI-driven solutions for agriculture. Furthermore, the Minister elaborated on the importance of leveraging AI in public administration processes, such as tax systems and social security claims. By optimizing these operations with AI tools, Rwanda aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. Minister Ingabire emphasized the seamless integration of AI initiatives with the existing digital transformation initiatives in the country, signaling a cohesive approach towards technological advancement. Addressing the digital divide within the population, Minister Ingabire acknowledged the need to ensure widespread connectivity and digital literacy among Rwandans. While the country boasts a commendable 93 per cent population coverage in terms of connectivity, challenges persist in promoting extensive utilization of digital resources. Factors like limited digital skills, access to affordable devices, and internet connectivity hinder full participation in the digital landscape. To address these barriers, Rwanda is not only focusing on enhancing digital access but also on improving energy infrastructure to support the anticipated demands generated by AI applications. Remarkably, Rwanda currently enjoys an 81 per cent household access to electricity, a crucial factor in enabling the successful deployment of AI technologies. The Minister emphasized the importance of aligning energy provisions with the evolving needs of AI-driven solutions, underscoring the holistic approach adopted by Rwanda in its technological evolution. By building upon existing foundations and addressing critical gaps in digital infrastructure, Rwanda aims to propel its AI journey while minimizing the risk of falling behind in the global technological landscape. As Rwanda progresses towards harnessing the potential of AI for economic advancement, Minister Ingabire's strategic vision underscores the country's commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. Through a comprehensive roadmap that integrates AI into various sectors, Rwanda is poised to emerge as a frontrunner in the digital revolution, setting a precedent for other nations to follow suit.