Rwanda calls for collaborative AI governance

Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire, has outlined a vision for AI-powered governance during a high-level discussion at the Global AI Summit on Africa. Speaking at a Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI)-hosted side event titled "Reimagining Governance with AI," the minister demonstrated how African nations can harness artificial intelligence to revolutionize public service delivery while addressing inherent risks. 

Minister Ingabire showcased Rwanda’s practical applications of AI in tax administration, healthcare diagnostics, and education – where a partnership with TBI is connecting schools and health centers through Starlink satellites. “AI isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a catalyst for equitable development when deployed through multisector collaboration,” she stated, referencing ongoing projects that have reduced bureaucratic delays by 40% in pilot districts. 

The minister’s address balanced optimism with caution, urging African governments to adopt strategic frameworks that leverage the continent’s youthful talent pool and mobile-first populations while instituting safeguards against data misuse and job market disruptions.

She particularly emphasized the need for continental cooperation in developing shared AI standards and infrastructure, building on Rwanda’s experience in implementing the first African AI Scaling Hub announced earlier at the summit. 

The TBI event brought together policymakers from 12 African nations to exchange best practices on AI-integrated governance models. Rwanda’s approach which combines satellite connectivity, localized AI training datasets, and strict ethical guidelines –emerged as a replicable model for balancing innovation with citizen protection. 

By: Nana Appiah Acquaye