Definition of Data

Facts translated into a form that is more convenient to move or process

Main Focus of Document

The SMART Rwanda Master Plan, 2015-2020 describes how priorities and environmental factors will shape the country's ICT services. It also outlines Rwanda's major ICT prioities for the five-year period from 2015 to 2020.

Target Beneficiaries or Sector

citizens, government, international audience

Key Elements

The key deliverables of the SMART Rwanda Master Plan are:
• 24-hour self-service government – All govt. services will be online by 2018;
• Cashless and paperless government – All government financial transactions will be made electronically and via mobile by 2018;
• Over US$50 million saved through efficiency gains – savings through outsourcing and reduction of future wage bill by foregoing recruitment of additional Government of Rwanda ICT staff;
• Almost US$1 billion in value of opportunities for the private sector – This is the approximate value of projects to be implemented by SRMP, mostly through the PPP model;
• SMART Rwanda to contribute 10% to GDP – Broadband access and other ICT infrastructure projects offer a platform for economic growth;
• Close to 100,000 jobs to be created directly by investment based on the SMART Rwanda Master Plan – foster an enabling environment for private investments to drive job creation, productivity and competitiveness supported by technology and innovation.

The major benefits that will come as a result of improved connectivity:
• Improved quality and access of healthcare services will reinforce the use of advanced medical applications like telemedicine, the management and exchange of patients’ electronic records information, across Rwanda.
• Improved government service delivery will greatly enhance the government’s capability to communicate within government institutions, and with its citizens. Online services will be provided for informational and transactional purposes, which will drive down the cost to government of service delivery.
• Improved quality of education by enabling delivery of digital content for instruction, irrespective of location. It will also facilitate relationships between institutions.
• Arts, culture and entertainment: citizens will experience an evolution in the entertainment scene: this will play a role in improving and expanding channels of knowledge dissemination.
• Reduced cost of communications and improved marketability for investment will create an environment that stimulates economic growth due to the lower cost of communications that attracts businesses to all parts of the country, and the streamlined distribution of products and services to all corners of the nation. With the improved access to the rest of the country and the world through broadband, all areas of the country will be able to increase their marketability, and therefore attract more investment.

Cyber Security Policy Orientation
Objectives
• Enhance the security and resilience of critical ICT infrastructure
• Increase efforts to promote the adoption of appropriate ICT security measures among individuals and businesses
• Grow Rwanda’s pool of IT security experts

e-Waste Policy Orientation
In Rwanda, there are growing numbers of personal computers and other electronic and electrical tools in institutions, households and business facilities. Besides, with the growth of the telecommunication sector, the number of citizens subscribing to mobile networks is steadily increasing. Thus, the resulting electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) waste generated constitutes a serious threat to human lives and the environment. To manage this issue, an E-Waste Management Policy and Bill governing electronic and electric waste management has been developed.

Objectives
Proper management of EEE waste will yield the following main benefits for the country:
i) The promotion of sustainable e-waste management processes and systems
ii) Development of SMEs and job creation through investment in the area of e-waste management
iii) Protection of the environment from e-waste pollution and hazardous materials by the establishment of an adequate e-waste legal and regulatory framework
iv) The development of a skilled workforce in the area of e-waste management

Open Data Policy Orientation
Context
The policy recognises that the role played by data in the economy and society is changing. The growth of the internet and the rise of ‘Big Data’ mean that access to large data sources in a usable form is an increasingly important feature in open and competitive economies. Innovators and entrepreneurs are using these large data sets to design new kinds of products, enhance their competitiveness, build social capital and engage in civic life.

Objectives
1. Establish and incrementally populate a single online open data portal for information and data generated by the government that is free and accessible to members of the public.
2. Assist citizen engagement with the central and local government by making it easier for members of the public to access data. Enhancing transparency will empower citizens to hold the city government to account.
3. Make available information that is useful and empowering for citizens (for example, for information technology entrepreneurs, property developers or social organisations).

Policy/Regulation Mirrors

n/a