By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Singapore Cooperation
Enterprise (SCE) has conducted the Smart Africa Capacity Building Programme on
Digitalisation and Smart Nation Readiness in Rwanda, bringing together
participants from Smart Africa Alliance member countries to exchange
experiences on how digitalisation, trusted data and digital public
infrastructure can support inclusive and sustainable development.
The programme featured
discussions on key elements of digital transformation, including national data
management, trusted data-sharing approaches, cross-border interoperability and
digital identity.
A key highlight was a
presentation by Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry on TradeTrust,
Singapore’s digital trade facilitation framework. The framework was presented
as an example of how trusted digital infrastructure can support more seamless
and secure cross-border transactions.
Participants also visited
Irembo in Kigali, where they gained insights into Rwanda’s digital government
journey and the role of digital platforms in strengthening public service
delivery.
SCE’s digital transformation
expert, Mr Kim Leng Tan, also shared Singapore’s Smart Nation journey and
practical insights on national data management and data-sharing policies,
trusted data-sharing approaches, data and cross-border interoperability frameworks,
and Singapore’s National Digital ID journey, including Singpass.
The programme provided a
platform for Singapore and African countries to exchange experiences and
perspectives on digital transformation.
While acknowledging that
each country’s digitalisation journey is unique, the discussions highlighted
common considerations around trusted data, interoperability and digital
identity in building effective and sustainable digital ecosystems.