Rwanda’s Parliament has ratified €17 million in funding, equivalent to approximately $19 million, granted by the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project (RDAP).
Rwanda continues to invest in digital technology. On Thursday, October 8, the Ministry of Finance announced parliamentary ratification of additional funding to support the implementation of the Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project, a program dedicated to expanding Internet access and developing digital public services.
This new funding is intended to contribute to the rollout of a smart digital identity, the development of the government Data Hub, and the strengthening of cybersecurity and data protection mechanisms. These infrastructures are expected to facilitate the interconnection of public systems and improve citizens’ access to online administrative services.
Coordinated with the support of the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), the RDAP is a five-year program co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Approved in 2021, the project initially received $100 million from the IDA, supplemented by an equivalent amount of funding from the AIIB. It aims to expand broadband coverage, modernize public services, and promote innovation and technological entrepreneurship.
In 2026, the World Bank also approved an additional $20 million to partially offset funding canceled in 2024 and allow planned activities to continue. The program’s completion date has been extended to June 2028.
This new phase places significant emphasis on a unique digital identity, e-government, information systems security, and improved public data management.
The results achieved demonstrate progress across several components of the program. By December 2025, approximately 258 public services had been introduced or improved under the project.
In terms of infrastructure, 3,054 public sites had been connected to broadband, against a target of 5,000 sites. These connections are expected to facilitate access to digital tools within government departments and improve the availability of online services.
The Digital Ambassadors program, for its part, has provided digital skills training to approximately 2.5 million people. This initiative aims to strengthen citizens’ ability to use technologies and digital services.
These achievements are part of a broader strategy to expand digital inclusion and reduce barriers to the use of online administrative services.
Priority Given to the Data Hub and Cybersecurity
Despite the progress achieved, some essential infrastructure is still under development.
In early 2026, the World Bank indicated that the implementation of the government Data Hub was subject to a new call for tenders. Several activities related to cybersecurity and data protection were also still at the procurement stage.
The new funding is intended to help advance these projects, which are essential for interconnecting government departments and securing public information.
Through the RDAP, Rwanda therefore intends to continue modernizing its administration, expanding access to digital services, and strengthening the infrastructure needed for its digital economy. The main challenge now will be to complete ongoing projects and turn the investments made into accessible, reliable, and secure services for citizens and businesses.