Rwanda

Summary
Through a slight decrease in Rwanda’s DDI value from 0.84 in 2010 to 0.78 in 2023, the country has moved into the medium-dependency tier from its previous high-dependency status. Decreasing dependency on foreign ICT services stands out as the main contributor to this shift, as the dimension sees its value dropping from 0.51 to 0.43. To a lesser extent, the country has also reduced dependence on foreign ICT goods from 0.99 in 2010 to 0.91 in 2023 as well as platforms, from 0.98 to 0.95. Rwanda remained completely dependent on both American and Chinese ICT goods in bilateral digital trade, with a recorded value of 1.00 for all years.

Policies
Rwanda wants to become a regional digital leader. Two policies launched in 2024 illustrate this: Firstly, the “National Cybersecurity Strategy 2024–2029”. It aims to improve the country’s capabilities in cyber security and resilience. Secondly, the “ICT Sector Strategic Plan” that sets the target to accelerate the country’s transition into a digital economy by 2029.