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Rwanda appoints the leadership team of its National Artificial Intelligence Agency

1 min read

An empty open-plan tech office with laptops and large windows overlooking Kigali Tech and AI
An empty open-plan tech office with laptops and large windows overlooking Kigali

Three chief officers will run operations, delivery and partnerships at the agency approved by Cabinet in June to coordinate AI development and adoption.

President Paul Kagame appointed three senior officials to the National Artificial Intelligence Agency on 27 October 2026, The New Times reported. The Cabinet approved the creation of the agency on 8 June to coordinate the development and adoption of artificial intelligence in Rwanda.

Olivier Twagirayezu becomes chief operations officer. He has led the Rwanda AI Scaling Hub since 2025 and previously spent five years at Smart Africa. Jessica Ingabire, who holds a master's degree in technology and policy from MIT and worked as an analyst in the Office of the President, becomes chief delivery officer. Robert Kayinamura is chief strategy and partnerships officer.

The agency's mandate covers government transformation, research, skills, AI ethics and safety, industry development, commercialisation and international partnerships. It is expected to coordinate AI initiatives, improve access to AI-ready data and computing infrastructure, develop local talent and support Rwanda's AI industry.

The agency builds on the National AI Policy adopted in 2023 and on existing programmes of the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, including the Rwanda AI Scaling Hub.

For technology companies, the agency is the new point of contact for AI partnerships, data access and public-sector AI projects in Rwanda. The ICT and Digital sector guide on this site lists the main programmes and incentives.

Sources