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Rwanda, Israel strengthen ties in ICT sector

Xinhua, February 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Rwanda is looking to make Israel boost her potential in Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, says a top official of the country's ministry of youth and ICT.

Didier Nkurikiyimfura, director general in charge of ICT at the ministry of youth and ICT told local reporters on Tuesday that Israel is advanced in terms of technology and Rwanda is looking forward to learn from the Middle East nation.

"Recently our ICT companies visited Israel to learn from various digital opportunities that will help improve ICT environment in Rwanda," he said.

Nkurikiyimfura stated that the visit also provided for cooperation between the two governments on ICT development and serves as a basis for promoting trade relations through information exchange on ICT products, capacity building, and market and business opportunities.

"Rwandan ICT companies have the potential to be at the centre stage of regional and global players in terms of digital development. Engineers from Rwanda and Israel will be working together to create solutions to be used across the globe," he explained.

In 2013, Rwanda and ITU co-hosted the Transform Africa Summit, which saw the birth of Smart Africa Alliance, a platform that is quickly shaping the future of ICT adoption on the continent.

Rwanda plans to set up an ICT park that will host a collection of technological investments including training, industries, research and development that will be located at the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ).

Yariv Cohen, chairman of Kaenaat, an Israel based IT firm said: "Rwanda like Israel is a small country, it was important for us to share what Israel has done to succeed with only a tiny local market."

He noted that Israel was willing to support Rwanda ICT sector to reach at a certain level of development.

The World Economic Forum (Wef) and European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), 2013 report ranked Rwanda among the top 10 countries in Africa that are in a good position to benefit from new information and communication technologies.

In June last year Rwanda signed a partnership agreement with Israel that established a forum for consultations between the two countries.

The two countries also signed a Declaration of Intent, aimed at forging closer relations, and a memorandum of understanding on consultations which serves as a mechanism for promotion of cooperation in various areas, including education, health, energy and technology transfer. Endi