Internet Governance Framework in Rwanda

Building Rwanda's Digital Future, Together

What We Do

Rwanda's Internet Governance Forum (RWIGF) is where government officials, tech entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, academics, and everyday citizens come together to shape how the internet works in our country. We believe that big decisions about digital policy shouldn't be made behind closed doors—they should involve everyone affected by them.

Our Role

We're not here to impose rules or tell anyone what to do. Instead, RWIGF brings diverse voices to the table to tackle real challenges: how do we make internet access affordable for rural communities? How do we protect people's data while supporting innovation? How do we keep our digital infrastructure safe? These conversations lead to practical policies that actually work for Rwanda.

How We Operate

  • Everyone's voice matters—from government to grassroots
  • Decisions come from the ground up, not top down
  • We work toward solutions everyone can agree on
  • We keep things open and honest
  • We always ask: what's best for Rwanda?

RWIGF Thematic Areas (Recent Years)

Evolution of focus areas across RWIGF forums

2024

Building our Multi-stakeholder Digital Future

Exploring the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and Rwanda's digital transformation, with emphasis on responsible AI development and trusted digital systems.

Key Tracks:

  • AI Ethics and Governance – Exploring the ethical implications of AI, addressing moral and societal implications of AI development and deployment
  • Data Governance and Privacy – Addressing personal data privacy and localization within Rwanda's regulatory framework
  • Cybersecurity and Digital Trust – Highlighting cybersecurity's essential role in Rwanda's digital transformation and national security

Balancing innovation with privacy, security, and societal values

View Document
2023

The Internet We Want - Empowering all People

Serving into the global philosophy of Internet governance, mainstreaming thought processes aligned with Rwanda's digital empowerment priorities and emerging technological challenges.

Main Discussion Topics:

  • Internet Access, Affordability and Digital Services and Empowerment
  • Emerging technologies, Online safety and security
  • AI Policy for Rwanda
  • Data Protection Law in Rwanda

Empowering all Rwandans through inclusive digital governance

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2022

Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future

Rwanda IGF aligned to the global IGF narrative in shaping the local context of a resilient Internet for the future of all Rwandans, addressing key governance challenges.

Main Specific Topics:

  • Connecting People and access to information – Rwanda's journey of connecting people and enabling access to information
  • Data Governance – Addressing the challenges of the rise of Big, Open and Linked Data and Big Data Algorithmic Systems
  • Mitigating Internet Fragmentation
  • Digital Transformation: Promise and Pitfalls

Building a resilient and unified internet for all Rwandans

View Document

RWIGF Framework

Our governance structure and operational principles

Core Mission

RWIGF operates as a neutral, inclusive platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on internet governance in Rwanda. We facilitate consensus-building, knowledge sharing, and policy development through collaborative processes that respect diverse perspectives and interests.

Founding Principles

Inclusivity

We welcome all stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, academia, and technical community—ensuring diverse voices shape our agenda.

Neutrality

RWIGF operates as a neutral platform without bias toward any stakeholder, promoting fair and balanced discussions on all topics.

Transparency

Our operations, decisions, and processes are transparent, with open communication and public access to relevant information.

Multi-stakeholder

We bring together diverse perspectives to create consensus-based recommendations that benefit Rwanda's digital ecosystem.

Evidence-Based

Our policy recommendations are grounded in research, data, and expert analysis rather than ideology or special interests.

Action-Oriented

We move from dialogue to actionable outcomes that drive positive change in Rwanda's internet governance landscape.

Governance Structure

RWIGF operates through a structured governance framework:

  • Steering Committee: Strategic oversight and decision-making authority representing key stakeholder groups
  • Secretariat: Administrative and operational management, coordination of activities
  • Working Groups: Thematic teams focused on specific internet governance issues (cybersecurity, digital rights, infrastructure, etc.)
  • General Assembly: Annual gathering of all members for strategic planning and major decisions
  • Public Forums: Open events for stakeholder engagement and community participation

Key Focus Areas

  • Cybersecurity: Strengthening internet security policies and critical infrastructure protection
  • Digital Rights: Protecting privacy, freedom of expression, and digital inclusivity
  • Infrastructure & Access: Expanding broadband connectivity and digital accessibility
  • Digital Economy: Promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology sector growth
  • Capacity Building: Training and development for digital stakeholders
  • Policy Development: Crafting evidence-based policy recommendations for government

Alignment with Global IGF

RWIGF adheres to the principles and processes of the global Internet Governance Forum, established by the United Nations. We participate in international discussions, contribute to global policy dialogues, and bring Rwanda's perspective to the worldwide internet governance community while maintaining focus on local needs and priorities.

Get Involved

Want to participate in RWIGF and help shape Rwanda's internet governance agenda? Join us or explore our working groups.

Join the Conversation

Rwanda's internet is shaped by people like you

Become a Member

Whether you work in tech, government, civil society, or just care about Rwanda's digital future, we have a place for you. Members actively shape our discussions and work on solutions.

Get Involved

Come to Our Events

From town halls to workshops to our annual forum—these are where real conversations happen. You'll meet the people building Rwanda's digital infrastructure and influencing policy.

See Upcoming Events

Learn & Share Knowledge

Dive into our research, policy papers, and technical resources. Learn what's being debated. Share your own insights and expertise with the community.

Access Resources