ICT and the Digital Economy in Rwanda
Connectivity
| Indicator | Second quarter of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mobile subscriptions | 14,501,766 (+9.1% in a year) |
| Internet subscriptions | 11,193,584 |
| Of which mobile internet | 11,109,432 |
| Of which fixed broadband | 84,152 |
| Internet subscriptions per 100 people | 77.6 |
Fixed broadband makes up less than 1% of internet subscriptions, so most consumer services are built for mobile phones.
The sector in the economy
Information and communication added RWF 448 billion in 2025, 1.9% of GDP. The sector covers telecoms, software, data services, publishing and broadcasting.
Targets to 2029
The ICT Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, part of the national strategy NST2, sets these goals:
- 1 million people trained in basic coding.
- 500,000 people trained in advanced ICT skills.
- 50,000 new digital jobs.
- 100% of government services online.
Where investors fit in
- Business process outsourcing and customer service centres for English- and French-speaking markets.
- Software, fintech and e-commerce for Rwanda and the East African region.
- Data centres, cloud services and fibre networks.
- Digital skills training and coding schools.
Early-stage tech firms can seek funding from the Rwanda Innovation Fund and from angel investors, who can benefit from a capital gains tax exemption. Telecom and internet licences are issued by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is ICT growing in Rwanda?
Information and communication grew 15% in 2025 and 29% in the second quarter of 2026.
How do people get online?
Almost all by mobile. There were 14.5 million mobile and 11.2 million internet subscriptions in mid-2026, and fixed broadband is less than 1% of internet subscriptions.
What does the ICT Sector Strategic Plan aim for?
By 2029: 1 million people trained in basic coding, 50,000 digital jobs and all government services online.
Who issues telecom licences?
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
Sources
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026, tables
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026
- Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority: ICT sector statistics, second quarter of 2026
- Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning: ICT Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, abridged
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts 2025
- Ministry of ICT and Innovation: Investment criteria for the Rwanda Innovation Fund
- Rwanda Revenue Authority: Investment incentives for registered investors, August 2023
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
